You are being used...what's in it for you?

[rroudy 98]

We love our Dodge diesels and post many thousands of posts, ideas, comments, polls, pictures etc...



Dodge and Cummins monitor this site as what is called a "listening post" to the product design world. We are effectively providing Dodge and Cummins with many thousands of dollars worth of customer input. How else would they get such feedback? surveys, experiments, user panels... all of those cost money!



What do you have to show? Granted this site is great for meeting people who have common interests, learning from others and getting help, but what about repayment from Dodge and Cummins.



I read these posts everyday and I am just in awe of the knowledge and power of this user forum, yet I see many posts of dealerships that treat people badly, of unfair price gouging, of bad service, cancelled orders, dealer damaged vehicles... on and on!



When are we going to use this forum to make our presence as true diesel fanatics known? Examples:

Special models/features/pricing for TDR members? or how about a "Name and Shame" section for idiot dealers and their stupid tricks? I would even settle being treated like a human being!



We are helping ourselves, Dodge and Cummins are reaping benefit from this site and paying nothing (not even a nod) in return!!

 

[skillsaw]

Can I get a Hell Yeah!!!!



you got that right Roudy!

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

Well they figured out what we wanted and that makes me happy in itself.

I think with all of our bombing that we are real world test subjects figuring out what works and what doesnt and where the weak links are. This in return has put them at the head of the pack. You cant tell me they didnt take cues from dtt or figure out that the 6 speed will handle whatever they can throw at it. Or that the engine will last 100s of thousands of miles even with over 600 lb ft.

 

[KMeek]

The "What's in it for me" attitude is part of what is destroying this country. Given your fear that someone might benefit from knowing what you think (for free) and given that it is hard to disagree with the Golden Rule I am sure you will understand that from now on TDR members will respond to your inquiries only if you pay them--I am sure you would not want them to do anything for you unless there is something "in it for them". That will be a dollar please (or a "nod" if you prefer).

 

[Butch Brandt]

KMeek,



Amen!

 

[skillsaw]

Fair enough... ... Very well put. Can I retract my last statement!!



Can I get a Hell Yeah KMeek!!

 

[Forrest Nearing]

uhh... they're taking raw unbiased information and using it to make their trucks better... better for US... if they used focus groups or surveys, the numbers would be skewed IMHO.



the more attractive they make their trucks to loyal CTD owners, the more 2nd gen 12v trucks that get handed down to me!



Forrest

 

[opjohnny]

Sound like they are watching, I think the "J" package is proof.

 

[y-knot]

I will agree that it is differently RAW..... But unbiased??? I don't think so.

 

[Ncostello]

Here's what you get for them listening in... . 325HP and 600 ft-lbs of diesel power in a pickup. Ford and GM are still scratching their heads over this one for sure.



Maybe International and Isuzu should join TDR! Learn a thing or two!

 

[Forrest Nearing]

Originally posted by y-knot

I will agree that it is differently RAW..... But unbiased??? I don't think so.

unbiased in the sense that there isn't any potential subconcious inclination to tell them what they want to hear... I've been a part of many focus groups, and I've seen lots of marketing companies get hosed because their sample groups were sheep.



just saying that we're just a bunch of guys talking about our trucks... it doesn't get much more raw/unbiased than that IMHO.



Forrest

 

[rroudy 98]

Kmeek,



I am assuming you did not intentionally insult my patriotism by that "part of what is wrong with America" remark.



If you read my post thouroughly, I freely share whatever info. I have as well I have given some things away on the "Pay it forward" message board, so I expect nothing from the TDR members. What is more American and neighborly than that?



What I was trying to get at is that I have bought two 2003 Dodge Rams this year, and despite wanting to share with Dodge the issues and opinions I have, they refuse to listen. The only help I have gotten is from TDR members from the most part.



The Dodge dealer is still treating me poorly, example... they lost a keyfob during a service visit and refused to replace, they left the diff plug out and refused to drain and replace fluid, the promised 2 years of free oil changes when I bought the diesel in September and still have not mailed to me, cup holders that rattle, side window air noise. . etc... the dealer is at least consistent, we can't help you sir!



I don't think I am alone as I read these posts, and I am saying if we wanted we could make a difference. I am an engineer by trade and not one for confrontation, I didn't even haggle on the price on either truck!



If you are apathetic enough to continue going like sheep and spending you hard earned dough buying these trucks at a dealer and company that could care less... than go do it. I have done it twice within the last 6 months and will not do it again.



It would have helped my whole diesel experience if I would have know if there was a dealer out there who truly believesin customer service instead of pre-sales handholding, perhaps in a forum on this site. I thought enhancing the diesel experience is what this site was all about?

 

[bighammer]

I think all TDR members should be entered in a drawing for a new truck. That would be a good PR move.

 

[TFlower]

Just make sure the new truck comes with a cow catcher!

 

[FATCAT]

If they are listening then .....

I will NOT ACCEPT anything less than a



5500 4-door 4X4; straight rail Chassie Cab; 25,995 GVW, 500hp - 1,850 ft. lb. ISX 7 or 9 speed Eaton



oh yeah I almost forgot



AND MAKE IF SNAPPY ... I WANT IT NOW!!!!

 

[CATCRACKER]

if they are listening then here ya go want to dominate the truck market keep the solid front axle, offer more options for interior like halrley davidson etc, keep the engine, give us a bigger back seat option, the exterior looks good, give us an options for an eaton 7speed or auto. oh yea advertise the cummins

 

[Ncostello]

Ford, GM, Dodge... very very poor customer treatment is rampant throughout the ranks. Its no longer the exception its the rule. I've been insulted by all three brands after buying new cars from them. My very good friend went through a buyback from GM last month and it almost caused a divorce as his wife had to drive their daughter to doctor visits using her dads 78 GMC pickup. They were without a vehicle for three months. The SUV sat for 27 days and they didn't even look at it. He just bought her an 04 Durango after the buyback... so thats soothed out. But he got a bad deal in my opinion. They left him with no choices.



I had a 97 Chevy for work. For 36000 miles they claimed the engine problems were normal and offered no fix for the burning oil and severe detonation in the #1 cyl. At 37000 they offered a cyl head replacement... of course we had to pay then.



Same with a new 97 Ford F-150. I had some serious transmission issues. They refused to fix it and actually scheduled me a Saturday appointment to get it looked at. I drove one hour only to find they were not open on Saturdays. It was traded in for a GMC monday morning.



Finding a bad dealership isn't difficult. In fact its quite easy. I now buy used and fix them myself or take them elsewhere. Warranties mean nothing to me anymore. Nothing at all. I know how you feel.

 

[MABurns]

If you are apathetic enough to continue going like sheep and spending you hard earned dough buying these trucks at a dealer and company that could care less... than go do it.

I didn't even haggle on the price on either truck!

I would say that if you didn't learn from your bad experience the first time (with that dealer) then you are the one "going like sheep". As far as being confrontational-- from my dealers initial offer to what they ultimately sold my truck for was a difference of $2500. I am glad I was "confrontational". And they still made money--both parties are happy!

 

[RBrunson]

roudy, post them rascals on this web site to let other know to avoid them.

http://dodgeram.info/survey_dealer/Dealers.htm

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Perhaps Cummins Engine Co. could issue each TDR member a $50 off voucher towards a new "600"?