Was looking at a new truck tonight--need opinions.

[Boost]

I'll put in my 2 cents. It has been my experience that stripped trucks seem to depreciate faster than non-stripped trucks. The Slt's cost a little more to buy but it seems that you get your money back when you sell or trade them later. Plus you get to use all the goodies while you own it. I think the dealers find it alot easier to sell a Slt then a St and would rather have them on there lot. And it seems that the difference they pay is more than the cost of the package in the beginning. But that said, I own an St cause alot less "things" to go wrong after the 3-36 runs out. Just something to think about.



Rob

 

[Dean Upson]

I agree with DBVZ, wait and get just what you want. You will be saying "shudda got that" with a stripped down truck.



Dean

 

[MO'Donnell]

If you have a family, you will DEFINITELY want the 3rd gen quad cab. Our kids (13 & 15) were starting to get squashed in the back of my 2nd gen, but are quite comfy in the back of the new one.



I will agree with what the others have said regarding the "stripper" trucks - see if you can figure out a way to work an SLT in your budget. My friends had an '01 ST with nothing but A/C and the SO CTD. They realized well after the fact they SHOULD have got the SLT, and a few months ago they traded up to a loaded 02 - and found out the hard way how big the depreciation difference was between "stripped" and "equipped"



If you are in my neck of the woods, PM me, I have "friends in the business" and may be able to help you out.

 

[zari]

Maybe too late by now...

... <b>but</b> I cannot over emphasize you do your homework and look up (at a minimum) invoice for this truck.



As an example, my '03 3500 SLT listed (MSRP) with (additional non-SLT) options $42,500+. I 'offered' $36,500 firm (Edmunds' 'TMV') and got it for that, plus mud flaps, and a Line-X spray-in bed-liner - and that did <em>not</em> include the incentives at the time (0% for 36, 1. 9% for 48 or 2. 9% for 60 months, or $2,500 cash back). Since I had very good loan conditions lined up before I went to the dealer through my credit union, I took the $2,500 cash back, and in effect got my 3500 for $34,000. Not a bad deal, I think (especially, since the RV dealer threw in the 5th wheel hitch with my Montana purchase ).



Since the '04s are ready to come out, you should be able to get an even better deal.



Alain

 

[silverram03]

Hmmmm. Stripped out 2003 2wd or Loaded 2002 4wd Dark Granite 2500 Sport ram. If it was based on options I would definitely go with the 2002. Looks mean a lot to me. And I have both years trucks at my house. Love them both. I'm only paying about $560 for 60 mnths on my 03. Go with the 02 Sport nice looking truck and very Bombible.

 

[JSmith]

Zackv please do this

To put you at ease;



Go to Davesmithmotors.com

They sell at invoice only, and there are used trucks on the

lot.



Go to Carsdirect.com



Here you can build the truck that you like and watch the

price as you build.







Hey, it won`t hurt. It just takes a little time. At the least

you will learn about prices. They do vary.

 

[zachv]

EDIT: Here is what I finally decided to do!!



Thanks for all of your help.