Trading 03 in for 06

[SBashaw]

I am looking a trading my 03 in for an 06 same as my sig. So what are the high and low points of the 2006's vs the 2003 Cummins besides more power, fuel milage? any TSB's any problems with the newer models? Don't be shy, let'er rip!

 

[JCleary]

I drove a SLT QC 4x4 Sport last week. Auto w/3. 73's.



The newer SLT interior looks a bit cheap compared to my Laramie, but boy is that truck nice!



It's so quiet, it rides nice, and the sunroof is the best! The sliding rear window is a killer option, too.



I reset the overhead, and after 18 miles of mixed driving it read in the mid 16mpg range. Better than I expected.



The only thing that stopped me was the payment, about $600/mo and it wasn't even a Laramie.



I'll be ordering an '07 Laramie with a 5. 9 in October or November, whatever it takes to get one of the last 5. 9's.



Enjoy your new purchase.

 

[JERRYKAM]

Can't say much about the O3 Ram however, I recently traded my 2004 Ford F150 for a Laramie CTD. While I had the F150 I considered it the cats meow. I also have "Ford" tattooed on my forehead (just kidding). I did purchase my first truck in 1964 and have been a Ford guy ever since. However, the F150 was a bit limited in the towing department and the towing gas mileage was abysmal. I tow a relatively light TT (6000lb loaded). I also live in CO and do most of my towing in the mountains generally at or above 8000ft. Gas engines have a devil of a time towing at altitude. The trade off is getting a big block gasser (V10 etc) and tow with ease but pay the price at the gas pump.



My 2500 CTD is a completely different story from a couple of perspectives. First and foremost it is a beast in the towing department. Hauls my TT with authority. It gets great fuel mileage compared to the F150, on average 6-8 MPG better. This is especially encouraging considering the CTD is not even broken in (3300miles). Its also a beast in the "sound" department. Inside the cab with the windows closed its pretty damm quiet. However outside you definitely know there is a beast under the hood attempting to get out. The 4" exhaust system lets the CTD breath with authority.



Inside the cab, the seats are far more comfortable than my F150, I have buckets seats and the center console is huge, can just about carry a fully equipped tool box in the console. Perhaps a bit of an exageration but its huge never-the-less. NAV, Sirius radio, and Uconnect are also great. Electronic 4x4 is a plus but I had it on all my 4x4 vehicles that offered this option.



Overall the ride surprised me the most. Just as smooth as my F150 on the highway and only a bit more "rough" on secondary gravel roads. On really washboard gravel roads you definitely know its a 2500.



A few short comings that bug me... No auto headlights (my biggest issue), Followed closely by No daylight running rights, Manual Heating and AC controls are a distant third. The 4 speed auto also has its limitations. The new 2007s with the 6. 7 CTD will have a 6 speed. Goes without saying that Dodge recognisees the 4 speed limitations based on its decision to go with a 6 speed in the new model.



Overall ONE GREAT TRUCK!

 

[troll3193]

I just went from an 04 quad cab to an 06 Megacab. .



I had the Laramie and went to an SLT... i think the seats in the new one fit my 40 year old rear end better than the leather ones in the 04 laramie. .



The dash does look cheaper... I do like the aux input jack on the front of the radio for my MP3 player. .



Biggest diff I see if the behavior of the auto transmission... Will let you go into OD when in Tow/Haul now, 04 would not.



Also downshifts to help slow you down. . Also the fact that I could have an exhaust brake now. .



I am working to get used to the extended length of the Megacab, but that will come in time and is worth the extra space.



Bryan

 

[gonzo2]

JERRYKAM you can get the daytime running lights switched on at the dealer if you wish.



SBashaw I would have no reservations at all about picking up an '06.

 

[hearingyourlies]

I have an all new 06. Just go for it. No reservations.

 

[JThiessen]

I traded my 03 2500 SLT QC Long bed for an 06 3500 QC Long bed Laramie.

So far, I'm very happy with the trade.

Things I've noticed so far:

1) The 3500 rides empty just like a 2500

2) Loaded, the 3500 is a rough riding SOB.

3) The stereo in the new one pales in comparison with the 03

4) My MPG commuting to work is running about 17+ so far. Got @ 16 with the 03. Towing the 03 ran about 12, the 06 runs about 11.

5) Low end grunt is better with the 06. This may be due to better transmission programming. I can go up hills without it downshifting in the 06. Same hills got the rpms up over 2300 in the 03, or it down shifted.

6) Not as much space in the engine compartment. They narrowed up the nose a bit.

7) Fold flat is now plastic, and doesnt operate quite as easily. The old one, you could put it down one handed, and in one motion. The new one requires you to fold out the leg.

8) Its much quieter than the 03 was.

9) The truck in gear-door open-horn blow crap, well, it blows... ...





more to come... .

 

[phloop]

7) Fold flat is now plastic, and doesnt operate quite as easily. The old one, you could put it down one handed, and in one motion. The new one requires you to fold out the leg.

That is the reason I did not let the fold flat floor go with my 04. 5 when I traded it.



JT, I did finally get my truck. Picked it up at the rail yard last Thursday. Dang that Inferno red looks good with a lot of SS/chrome goodies on it.

 

[JThiessen]

PHloop! Thought maybe you'd run off the road on your trip back!



I washed mine for the first time this morning. While I was still drying it off, the DW decided that two Rhodies needed to come completely out. Needless to say, its dirty again... ... ... ... ... ... .

 

[Jeremiah]

I wouldn't trade my '03 for TWO '06s. In fact, I'm thinking about being buried in my truck. Not knockin' '06s, just saying I'm pleased with what I have. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. 65,000 miles and rockin'!

 

[SBashaw]

Thanks for all the replys! I went ahead and got the 06. Just wanted to get away from the SO motor and into the HO (I live in CA), otherwise its just about the same awsome truck. what made the deal was when some one offered me $30,000 for my 03. That put the iceing on the cake!

 

[Jeremiah]

Aha! I understand now, SBashaw, you have the SO. No wonder. I have an '03 HO w/6-speed, which makes a huge difference. Good luck with your '06!

 

[SBashaw]

If I would have had to HO, I wouldn't even have intertained the idea of selling. But I did go to the 3500.

 

[Spooled-up]

some one offered me $30,000 for my 03.

Are you serious?? What did you do to your truck besides what's in your sig to make someone pay that much for it? That's impressive.

 

[mattymac]

Are you serious?? What did you do to your truck besides what's in your sig to make someone pay that much for it? That's impressive.

Thats what Im thinking! Sbashaw Where in cali are you from? Ill sell my 04. 5 easily for that because I was looking into an 06 as well.

 

[SBashaw]

Well the main reasons was it still looked like it just come off the lot, second, it only had 31000 miles on the ticker. the guy that bought it knows me pretty well and knows that I take good care of my rigs. I wasn't in the market to sell, just couldn't pass up the offer