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Comments
Scott
I hate car salespeople, and I probably didn't get as good a deal as I could have, but after an hour and a half I wanted out of there. Settled on $600 over invoice, talked down from $1,200 over.
Ended up with a 4x4 4.7 auto 2tone forest green QC SLT Plus with towing and overhead power conv., split rear window, 6x9 folding mirrors, and fog lights
The vehicle still had rail dust on it. I pick it up tomorrow after they dealer prep it.
Thanks for all the help everyone has provided.
(BTW in the beginning I was looking at the F-150, and I can say that the Dakota groups are very civil and kind compared to some of the other town halls on this bulletin board.)
I agree 100% with your statement in regards to the people on this Forum. Lots of helpful information being exchanged between some very nice people, most of whom share the love of the QC. I have less than a 100 miles on mine but am going to wait until 500 miles before I post any further impressions. Well, perhaps a one word summary now......OUTSTANDING!
kirk
When I went to test drive and order my QC, the salesman (an Autobytel guy) led me to believe that the seats were buckets. I liked the seats and ordered bucket seats. Well, I later came to find out that I, in fact, had driven in the 40/20/40 split bench. I contacted the salesman and asked him to change the order because I wasn't getting what i thought i wanted. I also wanted to add the limited-slip diff.
He didn't move on the order change when we were in BG status and supposedly had to try to get changes done by the district rep. in D status.
My QC was shipped on May 19 and it still has the bucket seats and they managed to add the LSD. My question is why should I have to pay for these seats when I was misled by the salesman? Additionally, we agreed on $350 over invoice and he just so happened to write on my order that it would be $400 over. I know that in total we are only talking about $220, but that could go toward my Rhino liner.
Any suggestions on how I should proceed? Sorry for the book and thanks for your help.
Question # 1. Maybe it is me, but I would like to know: Is there anyone out there that would take this vehicle with the blemishes and hope that Chrysler get's the repaint right? Your comments are welcome. Looking for a resolution.
Bookitty, you are the resident expert on patience here what do you think?
I`m sure you will be happy with it,as we all are.
I think you did a smart thing checking the dipstick and using my "engineered fix". The noise
you talk about I beleive is nothing to worry
about.Mine seems to do the same thing. I have
5200 miles on mine! Good Luck with yours.
Johnboy9
Iowabigguy...thank you very much, I bookmarked their site am going to peruse it in the morning.
JoyJr...I feel your pain! In my opinion, you lose leverage with the dealer once you have signed the papers. I don't think its possible to "buff out" runs in the paint, that calls for sanding and repainting. Your truck is the worst color for showing scratches and any imperfections under the paint is magnified as well. I would not want a buffer used on my brand new black truck. I've seen too many black vehicles with swirls and buffer marks.
Personally, I would not take the vehicle in hopes that Chrysler would take care of it afterwards. And this scenario the salesman has come up with is a complete laugher, he is trying to pressure you into taking the truck before its repaired. I only wish there was complete disclosure on what damage a vehicle has sustained while being built and transported to the dealer, it would probably scare the heck out of a us! New cars that were damaged and repaired between birth and sale are purchased every day in this country by unsuspecting buyers who are NEVER made aware of the cars history. Me? I would walk away from this one.
Take care and be safe all,
Zach
Almost all of my vehicles have been green (by choice) and my wife told me that it was time for a change. Always forget the deal, as that is past history and "it's over!" Now, it is time to thoroughly enjoy your new Quad. Good luck.
Bookitty
Whatever happens, don't let anyone pressure you into a decision until you have explored all options. If you decide to allow D/C to repaint the
doors (and I'm certain that it would be done locally as in "dealer body shop"), then you must have assurance in writing that it must be done to your satisfaction. Even then, there are folks on this forum who could offer up advice that would carry a far higher level of expertise than I could muster. Whatever path you choose, I wish you the best.
Bookitty
On the one hand, if he makes and discloses the repair, the truck will be harder to sell. If this is true, then as a practical matter it means he'll probably end up lowering the price to get it to move.
Yet, on the other hand, he thinks you, and apparently only you, should pay full price (i.e., the price you agreed to assuming an unblemished truck). HUH???????
If it were me, I wouldn't take delivery until it was fixed to my satisfaction, even if I had to wait another three months. But that's mainly because the load your dealer is shoving your way would get my back up pretty quickly.
Also, it's easy for me to say since I'm not the one who has to turn his back on his truck.
Good luck.
BUT... I stopped to refill yesterday, and was absolutely astounded by the gain mileage since the previous fill-up. The 5.9 jumped from 12.8 to 14.2 mpg! This may not sound very impressive to those of you with the 4.7, but I drove Ram 5.9 with smooth-fitting cap for 5 years, and NEVER achieved more that 13.8 mpg.
Picked up the Fold-a-Cover yesterday... Read through the iinstallation instructions, and it looks like about 8-10 hours for a proper install (how I'll spend my weekend). Hoping the tonneau will net me a fractional increase in mileage, and waiting to see the final mpg outcome after the engine's fully broken in.
STEVE234:
VERY sorry to hear of your continuing frustration and wish I could offer a solution.
If your new dealer is a Five Star store, you might suggest that you're disappointed in any failure to honor the original purchase price... and that your scoring on the CSI survey probably won't help his standings. If you really wanted to apply some non-legal leverage, you might also suggest that you will contact DC in writing to question the dealer's Five-Star status.
TEX:
Your comments concerning the Quad vs. the F350 "land barge" always draw a chuckle! I can relate! Driving the QC makes me realize just how much WORK it was to pilot the Ram!
KIRK:
Thanks for the tip on the flaps! I purchased a set from the dealership, but have not installed and may still return them without penalty since they're off-the-shelf rather than special-order. I'll check out the site, and see what they have to offer!
MISC:
-- Installed Lund bug shield with eyebrows and vent visors on all 4 doors... Wind noise at speed is slightly higher, but those visors are sure great in the rain!!!
-- Spent the week down at a Ford training center, where my QC was rather conspicuous sitting there amongst virtually every 2000 model Ford imaginable - both car and truck. We broke up on Tuesday, and a dealership General Manager (driving a Sport Trac) wandered over as I was packing my stuff up in the back seat... He was more than a bit curious about the QC... Asking lots of questions... Asked me why I didn't order a Sport Trac instead... I explained that the issues were power and garageability... He questioned the power issue until I explained that it's 360 cubes and rattled off the torque, hp, and power-to-weight ratios off to him... He walked away sort of scratching his head.
Sorry for the wordiness and regards to all!
This doesn't mean the build quality should be any different because the ordered truck was built for you. I took delivery of our new truck with the bed misaligned. The misaligned bed was somewhat fixed the following week. Somewhat fixed because they forgot to tighten 3 of the bed bolts and left the rear bumper misaligned. I have since written a letter to Bob Ferrero, the owner of the dealership. In this letter, I praised his sales staff, but attacked his body shop for the poor workmanship. Thanks to a previous forum about replacing used bed bolts, I will be getting all new bed bolts (I hope). The dealership wanted to pick my truck up from my house (20 miles away) and bring it back when the repairs were complete. I said my wife will drive it there, and wait for it to be repaired. I don't trust any body else driving it after that kid technician drove it. The kid thought I was gone so he could spin the rear tires as he left the parking lot. He did not realize that I came back outside to see if he would treat the the truck the way I asked his too (take it easy-it's new).
I have experienced some hard starting after stalling the truck in the sand-dunes. But this is normal as I was learning I need to give the truck more gas when plowing through deep sand.
Thanks in advance.
Back now, but only skimmed through the 100s of missed posts. If I missed anything directed my way I apologise, ask me again and I'll do my absolute bestest to make amends :-)
thanks-
-quark
I'm taking my time on this one! It's a beautiful day out, so I'm reserving time for the hammock!
TO ALL: Be safe, and watch out for the crazies out there this holiday weekend!
Everyone be careful this weekend. Remember the other guy might not be driving a new Quad and could be jealous. Seriously everyone be careful and have fun this weekend.
new one soon. Seriously thinking about getting QC.
Forum is very informative. Have been a Dodge truck owner for the last 22 years. All have been good to me. Present CC has been flawless since day 1.
My Specs:
Patriot Blue Quad Cab 4x4 SLT
4.7L
5-speed
3.55 Limited Slip Diff.
4-wheel ABS
SLT Plus
AM/FM/CD/Cassette
Leather Steering Wheel
Overhead Convenience Group
Fog Lights
6" x 9" Mirrors
Towing Package
HD Service Group
Power Front Driver’s Seat
I wish I knew which part is the hold-up for the restriction. Anyone have a clue? All I ever hear from the D/C customer service line is their info shows a hold on the V6 and the Tire/Handling Group. I'll follow up with more information as I get it. The dealer is now trying to locate a similar truck outside the Zone. Before I ordered, he checked the local Zone of NC, VA, MD, and WV, but couldn’t find a 4x4 4.7L with a 5-speed.
Meanwhile, my Patriot Blue Leer tonneau arrived at the truck accessory store and is waiting without a truck to put it on. Sorry for the long venting session, but I feel a little better. No, I don’t!! I want my quad now!!
We were off last Monday for old Queen Vic's birthday - she must be getting on a bit now!!
Rebate - hmm, not familiar with that term - sorry this happens sometimes, something gets lost in the English / Canadian / American translation.
Oh well, I'm sure it wasn't important.
email me jasonlester@hotmail.com
With 3300 miles on the truck (2wd, 4.7, auto, 3.92) still getting 14.0 mpg in town (semi-heavy foot) and 17.5 on highway.
Has anybody seen black "diamond tread" bed rails and tail gate protectors yet? Also looking for the same in a single lid tool box. Have checked Dee Zee among others but so far no luck.
LucasB: I was also having the stalling problem on cool mornings...truck would start, run about 5 seconds then die, problem has gone away (as so the cool weather).
Bookitty: Are you getting many compliments on your trucks color? I'm getting a lot of questions about the color, more so than about the truck itself...people love the "Amber Fire"
cowtownkid
Thanks!
Manufactured May1
Shipped May 5
arrived May 26
QCSLT 4.7 5spd 3.92 LSD HD Tow 2WD Pat Blue
Hey, I haven't picked it up yet, had a quick peek, it has a slight 1/4" tear on the front windshield moulding, same size nick on mirror. Box seemed lined up, may be a few other nicks.
Opinions are nice, but actually how fussy should I be about these little details, and if I do raise the question what can I do to apply leverage to the dealer
The dealer recieved a dozen quads and confirms - no more QC's until August
Paint Defects: My Patriot Blue quad was order (02/18) via carorder.com and delivered (05/05) through a dealer 100 miles away. As part of the delivery inspection, numerous pot marks (dirt particle under the paint), 2 scratched down to the primer, and one major paint run on the lower corner of the window on the rear driver side door were found. I called the shipping dealer who explained they would fix it or I could have a local dealer correct issue. Went to Butler-Conti Dodge and the Service Manager took one look and said, "you didn't buy it here and I won't fix it!!!" [Major Jerk!]. After calling DC, they said, "We could try and force them to fix it, but you may not be happy with their work." Needless to say I was pretty ticked-off, so I asked DC to call another Dodge dealer about 10 miles away just for luck. Lithia Dodge of Concord bent over backwards to fix the problems and work around my schedule. They repainted all the effected areas. I just got the quad back today and it looks great. I'm glad I didn’t reject the vehicle when it was delivered.
Child Seat Anchors: They are in stock and free of charge including installation. My understanding is that there is a Tech Bulletin to cover this item.
Rhino Lining: Had a black over-rail Rhino installed, looks great glad I did it.
Tom
I don't pick up on details very easily, but after getting it to work I noticed a few things while showing it to my co-workers. Front bumper or headlights are slightly off. Distance between bumper and headlight on driver's side is more than a finger's width, and less than a finger's width on the passenger side.
One black grease spot on roof interior back corner behind driver's seat. (How it got there I have no clue)
One paint imperfection in the passenger side bed rail. Looks like they got a piece of dirt in the paint.
Also the salesman clean up a bunch of dirt smudges left behind by thier (his words) "high school kids" that they have prep the cars. I found a few more smudges that he missed.
I can clean the smudges. The paint don't bother me. However, I will ask them to clean the grease spot and fix the headlight/bumer alignment. Also I noticed with other new cars I've bought I've recieved a complimentary tube of touch-up paint. I didn't this time. However, I did recieve a complimentary car care cleaning kit.
BTW: the folks at work love the truck too. Esp. after giving them a ride. I put the tallest one (over 6 feet) in the back. He was amazed by the comfort.
Oh, yeah another thing. I've got the 40-20-40 bench seat. The passenger seat appears and feels like it is narrower then the driver's side. I haven't measured it (yet) to verify. my wie noticed that.
Be wary of allowing the dealer to just 'flash' the PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) Unless it is truly an UPDATE and not a RESET to defaults, you may find the problems will persist.
(you would be starting with a 'stupid' computer that needs to start learning from scratch all over again) Do not forget that it has been reported to take up to 4000 miles for the computer(s) to re-learn the idle / shifting...etc.
The fluid leak to the right-rear of the engine is most likely CONDENSATION from the AC system.... Read your owners manual.
(themacguy) I do not blame you for getting the HD service group all of the time for Texas. Here in Vermont, may do not see temperatures that high more than a couple times a year. Nonetheless, the 4.7L has much of the HD service group ANYWAY. (including the tranny cooler for the automatic)
Be it known, if one accidentally does not close a door tight ... the battery WILL NOT be drained.
The system timer will turn off the interior lights to save your battery. (System timer is for wipers, interior lights...etc)
I cannot count how many times with my last truck that the door would not close tight in -40f degree temperatures and the interior light drained the battery overnight.... NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE DAKOTA. (Although the door seals may still get so stiff that the door does not close tight.)
Glad I got the Lt. Driftwood. You can hardly see the normal road dust / dirt. Have hard water so I try to wash it in the rain to get the big stuff off, hose it down and let the rain finish it off.
Your engine 'stumble' with the 4.7 is the very same one discussed months ago in the other Dakota forums. Ill bet it 'stumbles' only when the truck is rolling and as soon as the road-speed hits 0.0MPH the idle smoothes out. It will improve as the engine 'loosens up' and the on-board computer continues to 'learn' your habits and other variables that affect the engine operation.
I found that I was able to 'speed up' the learning process by pushing the clutch and coasting down long hills. The idle would 'hunt' for awhile then stabilize as the learning process took over. I am now at over 8000 miles and my Dakota is much less prone to stalling than it was when new.