Vehicle Research

[RUSSELL5000]

I don't know which forum this really belongs in, but landed here.

I expect we will be purchasing a vehicle in 2016. We have not ruled out another truck. So, I went to builder website to gain an understanding of relative costs.

Ram 1500 V6 Ecodiesel 8 Speed Auto 4x4 Crew Short Box Tradesman Trim: $42,200

Ram 3500 SRW Cummins 6.7L 68rfe Crew Cab Long Box Tradesman Trim $48,400

Ram 3500 SRW 6.4L Hemi 66rfe Crew Cab Long Box Tradesman Trim $35,700

Nissan Titan 4x4 Crew Cummins 5.0L 6 Speed Auto Crew Cab XD Trim $45,300

I would have to look long and hard at the Titan versus Ram 1500.


On the other hand, I am disappointed to see the price gap between the gas 3500 and diesel 1500. I was kind of hoping to go the diesel 1500, but does not seem to swing that way for a grocery-getter.

 

[SnoKing]

Confused why you have two 3500's up against two grocery getters. Two groups of truck for completely different uses. If you really do not need a heavy duty truck, why not a little more up scale 2500 with air suspension and Hemi? SNOKING

 

[Newsa]

In my vehicle shopping over the years, i have learned that the more expensive vehicles have slightly more price mark-up built into their sticker. Although you will pay more for the more expensive vehicle, sometimes the price difference will be 1000$- $2000 less than what you see on the lot. The diesel 1500 will retain higher resale value than the hemi. And will get way better fuel mileage. Sticker on my diesel tradesman was $49k. I paid $40k. I doubt you will talk down a hemi $9-10k unless it is a top trim

 

[Jim W]

Russell,

If this vehicle is going to be a grocery-getter than a gas engine vehicle may work out for you. Or a small diesel engine car could work also, such as a BMW, Mercedes-Benz or a Chevy Cruze Diesel, or a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I would look into them also. I would have recommend the VW line of diesel but the tree huggers have nailed them really good.

My wife loves her Jetta TDI but VW can't sell them right now.

Jim

 

[RUSSELL5000]

Thanks, buys. I am exploring now, and trying to see the relative values. From what I have seen on here with the revised DEF/SCR emissions systems, there is no need to be as leery of shorter trips with diesel than is the case for my 2012. Also, I'd rather pay $40K on a diesel 2500 or 3500 with a Cummins than a ecodiesel 1500.

I think we are open to a smaller diesel vehicle. My initial reaction is that BMW and Mercedes are more than I want to spend, but I'll look. I'll do a build and price on a Cruz and Jeep.

I did a build and price on a GM Colorado with a 4 cyl DuraMax. Don't know anything about, but cam in at the same price as the Ram 1500 Ecodiesel. I realize it all changes at the dealer, but initially does not look like n alternative.

I drive a 2008 Jeep Patriot back and forth to work. I am in it by myself 90% of the time and the 4WD is just the thing for the icy roads around here (that and four studded snow tires). If a small diesel was offered in a vehicle like that then I would be all set.

My wife was all set on a VW Passat TDI. I think if VW would go the DEF/SCR route then they would have no problem meeting the US emissions standards and we'd go that route. Or maybe I can buy a low mileage used one.

 

[kthaxton]

I'm with Snoking.....confused why you are only looking at the two extremes (so to speak) and not the middle (2500)? Or was that a typo?

 

[Ram4Sam]

Thanks, buys. I am exploring now, and trying to see the relative values. From what I have seen on here with the revised DEF/SCR emissions systems, there is no need to be as leery of shorter trips with diesel than is the case for my 2012. Also, I'd rather pay $40K on a diesel 2500 or 3500 with a Cummins than a ecodiesel 1500.

I think we are open to a smaller diesel vehicle. My initial reaction is that BMW and Mercedes are more than I want to spend, but I'll look. I'll do a build and price on a Cruz and Jeep.

I did a build and price on a GM Colorado with a 4 cyl DuraMax. Don't know anything about, but cam in at the same price as the Ram 1500 Ecodiesel. I realize it all changes at the dealer, but initially does not look like n alternative.

I drive a 2008 Jeep Patriot back and forth to work. I am in it by myself 90% of the time and the 4WD is just the thing for the icy roads around here (that and four studded snow tires). If a small diesel was offered in a vehicle like that then I would be all set.

My wife was all set on a VW Passat TDI. I think if VW would go the DEF/SCR route then they would have no problem meeting the US emissions standards and we'd go that route. Or maybe I can buy a low mileage used one.

The TDI Passatt got def/scr in 2012, the Jetta got it in late 2014.........

Sam

 

[Bill Stockard]

Since I no longer own a RV and don't plan to buy another one, I've been thinking about a Ram 1500 Hemi for grocery getter, but after listening to a Cummins diesel and enjoying the low speed torque for over 20 years, I think I would really miss it. I am leaning more and more to paying extra for a nicely equipped 2500 CTD. I don't think the Eco-Diesel is a match for Cummins quality, durability, and long term reliability. Also, a Crew Cab with real 8' bed is not available in a 1500.

Bill

 

[NIsaacs]

Dang Bill, looking at your sig. you must be walking or driving one of your tractors!:-laf

Nick

 

[RUSSELL5000]

I was not ruling out 2500 - just that there is not that significant a price difference, so thought I would do the comparison at the top end.

Did a website build on the Jeep Grand Cherokee: $44,200 with the Ecodiesel. A little more than the Ram 1500 with the Ecodiesel. But, for a couple thousand more could have the 2500 with the Cummins and an eight foot box. Seems like no contest to me, although I have a feeling my wife would see it different (she may want more of a "car" feel - although she sure climbs behind the wheel of the truck in a flash now if I am a step slow).

Did a website build on Chevy Cruze diesel: $25,500. Don't know what kind of deal one could get, and have never seen one. Looks to be the size of a Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, etc.

Looks to me like the choices are very limited for diesel other than pickups with VW out of the game.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Dang Bill, looking at your sig. you must be walking or driving one of your tractors!:-laf

Nick

Yep, my air conditioned cab Kubota is a nice ride, but would take a lot of time to get to a destination. It ain't fun with only my wife's Honda minivan or walking. I miss the sound of a Cummins...

Bill

 

[Newsa]

I miss the sound of a Cummins...

Bill

Yeah. The powerstroke is too noisy and that turbo always sounds weazy/(like it is hissing) even under slight boost. And the duramax is too quiet. I have really grown to like the low rpm grunt and sound of the Cummins.