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Comments
Mark
There'll be alot of pissed off Ram owners if that's the case.
Anyway, I'm still considering buying one, even before the 5.7 comes out. 2 months left on my F150 lease and I want to try something different. Local dealer is offering $4500 off sticker ($32600), 3.9% for 60months, 7/100 warranty. Doesn't seem too bad, and I think the payoff after 2/3 years will be low enough to trade in on an '04 if I still like it and want the 5.7. I figure I will give the 5.7 a year or two to work out the bugs...
The new Ram is a much better truck than the old Ram. When it is time for me to trade - the Ram will be on my short list.
I purchased it from Herbee Dodge, in West Islip NY. As a member of Costco, I automatically got the vehicle for $200.00 over invoice. But after a minimum of haggling, I walked out of the dealership with the truck for invoice, plus $300.00 off for having a commercial drivers license, and the bonus of the 7 years / 100,000 mile on the power train. The added bonus is that when I picked up the truck on 1/18/02, my dealer informed me about another $1,500.00 rebate. Talk about a homerun. I can’t say enough about Dodge, or the dealership. As far as the truck, it drives like a dream. The only thing that I kick myself for, is that I did not order it with the 20 inch wheels, but with the extra $1500.00 burning a hole in my pocket, the first time a tire even looks dirty its off to the local truck shop and order larger tires and rims.
Also....did you get auto or manual trans? I'm looking for more feedback on the manual. Is yours an SLT?
And...what's with the $300 discount for the CDL? I might go take the test for that.
Bottom line from my experience is that Chrysler really has its act together on its engines....they know how to build them to last right out of the chute. I would expect no less on this 5.7L V-8.
As far as the truck itself is concerned, I am extremely pleased with it. I only have 155 miles on it so far, but it drives like a dream. Since getting my drivers license over twenty years ago, I have owned pick-up trucks. Even when I purchased my Durango in 2000, I still kept my Chevy 2500 4wd, just in case. But when I saw the “Mayor” it was time the Durango slide over to the wife’s side of the driveway and time to fork over some cash.
I ordered the truck with the following: Ram 1500 SLT 4wd short bed, 4.7 motor, automatic, 4 wheel anti-lock brakes, side air bags, fog lights, Infinity radio with cd/cassette, steering wheel mounted audio controls, two tone paint (Patriot Blue with silver bottom), limited slip rear axle, skid plates, and upgraded the tires to the outlined white letter & on/off road. The truck is a definite head turner.
I will write back once I put some more miles on it.
Has anyone driven the 20" wheel and 17" wheel models back to back? Is the 20" too harsh? What are your impressions on improved handling with the bigger wheels?
We're coming out of a '98 BMW 540i sport, and hoping to keep a little touch of handling prowess. The Bimmer is just too "high maintenance", attracts too much "redneck road rage" , and I'm tired of just waiting to come out of a local store one day and find it keyed. The wife has had 3 incidents of guys in beater trucks causing problems out here in the country in the last month. One on Christmas day, no less! I live in a county where the KKK still marches on MLK day, if that's a clue as to the envious and inbred nature of some of the more educationally and career-challenged (they work at the chicken processing plant) yokels in the area. I suppose they can't stand the idea of someone having something better than a rusted out '88 GM product. I'm a Georgia native, myself, so spare me the "you're a Yankee carpetbagger" flames, guys. Basically, she's just tired of the attitudes towards her car out there. The last incident required dialing 911...this guy kept following her and trying to run her off the road. (She was in traffic and couldn't just accelerate away, the obvious solution)
We just wanted something good looking, very safe, roomy, and fun to drive. It'd have been an American sedan except.....wait...they don't make anything like that anymore! Nice trucks, but the cars all seem to either be very boring or have other flaws.
Besides, in Atlanta traffic much of its potential is wasted anyway. The 3 grand or so I'll save each year operating a pickup instead doesn't hurt either. I'm looking forward to the Ram. If it corrects the flaws of my last one ('97), it'll be in my garage a long time.
I think that the only way to make a decision on the 20 inch wheels and 4x4 versus 2wd issue is to actually drive these models back to back at a dealer. I would also compare the 17 inch wheel option back to back with the 20 inch wheels. The 20 inchers look great, but for my money and everyday use in commuting, the 17 inchers are the best answer from all aspects - including ride comfort - which would be a top consideration as a daily commuter. My $.02
Bruce: Will you marry me? I can choose between my 540i sport and a brand new RAM with whatever I want on it?
Barto-I agree with you that its just too much chrome. The only one that really pleases my eye is the Sport monochromatic treatment. To deliver that big chrome bumper with empty fog lamp holes further offends the eye. I suspect you'll find it tough to get them to accept a custom order with a non-standard combination of grill and bumper.
I've changed my mind again. I prefer the sport's body colored grill. It de-emphasises the slightly over-large grill, especially in black. I will likely order a Ram reg cab slt with
4.7 v8, auto, side airbags, 20" wheels, sport appearance pkg, 3.92axle(included in pkg) limited slip diff, bedliner, slider, power pedals.
Another reminder that if you are a farm bureau member for 30 days, you can get a $500 rebate on dodge trucks other than 4 cylinder.
Does anyone have a suggestion for best brand and typical price for those chrome lower side rails with the little steps whatcha call em?
PW-Here in the Great Hinterland, MT 1500's are in stock on dealer lots but usually they're lower end trim and option levels. It seems that whoever fills out the order sheets puts an auto on nearly all the V-8's. After all, they're going to charge nearly $1K for it, so it increases their profits.
As far as what to pay, never, ever pay more than invoice for a domestic vehicle. During this rebate period that means invoice less $1500. So, on the deal you mention above, the dealer is actually selling you at $300 over invoice. Not a bad deal, but, he'll move $2-300 if he has to. Even at invoice, the dealer still makes his 3% holdback plus whatever dealer incentives the manufacturer may have. Most dealers view the holdback as the minimum profit they are willing to take on a deal, so it's off limits for the sales force. Just be a serious buyer and be ready to sign on the dotted line when you get them there.
Sunroof: I'm trying to decide between the Ram and the Screw, but there are a few things that are tipping the scales pro Screw. One, the above mentioned lack of headrests on the rear seats, and the lack of even offering a sunroof!! This truck would look great with a sunroof, but they don't even offer it!! I talked to the dealer and they will do it aftermarket for "$2000!!!!!!!" Ford basically gives it away for $800 compared to Dodge. Anyone got one?? For how much???
http://www.picturetrail.com
He's seen the RAM line-up for 2002 and 2003. According to him, there is a new diesel and three new ultra-heavy transmissions being introduced between the summer of 2002 and new product release of 2003s. On another Web site I did see a reference to a new "459RFE" transmission.
With respect to the discussion about the RAM Quad Cab's lack of head rests and thin seats, I agree. I've sat in them but not while the truck has been in motion. I'm curious, too, about the potential of injury of rear seat passengers. However, would that alone cause me to scratch the RAM. I don't know.
We are starting to see 2002 RAMs around here on a regular basis. There are now six in the main parking lot at work. The owners are reporting fuel mileage as high as 20 mpg on the highway with the 4.7, lowest is 13.7 brand new. So far the popular opinion is that the 4.7 takes a little longer to break in. One person with 7200 miles is reporting a steady 17.6 mpg on his 18 mile trip to work.
Dusty
P.S. Oh yes. When I stopped by my local Chevrolet dealer two weeks ago to get another power window switch for our '90 G20, I noticed 15 warranty replacement engine blocks sitting on the service dept. floor ready to go back to the factory. There were also 30 or so "tagged" torque converters stacked behind the parts counter. It looks like since 1990 (like ours) Chevy still is having problems with torque converters. We've had two replaced.
that 459rfe doesn't make any sense. the current 45rfe nomenclature means 4 speeds, 5 is the relative torque rating and the rfe means rear wheel drive fully electronic. understand what i'm saying??
btw, the auto behind the new cummins is supposed to be the current tranny (47re) but with some beefing up of the electronics (not sure what that means unless they are able to employ some sort of electronic torque management).
>>The 545FRE five-speed automatic will be used with the 5.7 HEMI. This is a variation of the 45 RFE transmission used in the 2002 Ram 1500 and the Grand Cherokee. The only difference is the fact that fifth gear has a ratio of 0.67 to 1 which reduces rpm by 16% from the fourth gear. The result is better fuel economy and quieter highway operation.<<
You can find this at - http://www.car-truck.com/chryed/buzz/b121701.htm
This article also mentions a new 48RE for the diesel. I heard that this will also be an optional transmission on some gas engines.
I understand the nomenclature system that Dodge uses for its transmissions. In the old days everything was simple, Chrysler transmissions always started with "A," even the manuals.
The "F" in 45RFE appears to indicate Chrysler's newer "multispeed" design that incorporates two second gear ratios, an extra clutch pack, a different valve body and electronic management system.
Dusty
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/hdlaunch/04_Specifications.pdf
Thanks in advance,
Jim
I like the Rhino too, but I like plastic better because stuff slides better on it. I'm constantly sliding boards, posts, bags of shavings, etc. in and the spray-in's are bit too grippy and stuff hangs up on them. Good if you don't want stuff sliding around, bad if you want to slide stuff in. My $.02 and it didn't cost you a thing, what a bargain.
You'll notice a big difference in 4X4 vs the LS8. My wife really wanted one but we get alot of snow and my buddies sits in the garage thanksgiving through easter. He thought he could get by with traction control, but hence he had to buy a winter vehicle too. Nice car though, we've clipped off a couple trips averaging very high speeds like nothing.