DAA - Dealer Advertising Assessment - it's an advertising charge from DaimlerChrysler.
PPA/EB-PF - that one is nit as familiar, but is more likely a regional ad charge for your area of Florida.
Regardless, you want to zero in on your out-the-door total price. If they charge you a dollar for the truck and $33,999 for the title, it's still adds up to $34,000 regardless of how they came up with it... yes that's a gross exaggeration, but you get the idea
Well, that's $3845 difference from list. Is that the out-the-door price (tax, licenses, etc.)?
I would think you could do a little better than that, of course in my experience special ordered vehicles don't get as good a deal as to taking one off the lot. Maybe more so with a diesel.
An ordered vehicle should be cheaper than one off the lot, though it doesn't mean that it will be.
The lot vehicle has costs to the dealer associated with it, which go on increasing every day it sits there. The longer it sits there the more expensive it becomes for the dealer, and the more sense it makes for the dealer to sell you that one rather than order one for you.
However, if you make it clear that you will only order (or buy elsewhere), you should be able to negotiate a better deal. A special order is gravy for the dealer. It's a guaranteed sale with virtually no associated costs. It's an added number for that month, and it doesn't eat into the holdback or floorplan.
The dealer might say they'll give you a better deal on a vehicle off the lot, but the figures say otherwise. If he doesn't offer a better deal on the ordered vehicle it's because he chooses not to (to pressure you to buy one from the lot), not because he can't!
Got a price of $35,600 for a new 2004 ram 3500 SLT quad cab diesel 4x4 with a long bed. Of course it has the towing package, but other than that, I think it's just your standard SLT. The price is after rebates, etc. with no trade in. The MSRP is $42,700. IS this a good deal?? thanks.
Then you're right around invoice minus $2500 rebate. If it meets your needs, grab it - that's a good deal for a truck that usually sells out.
I ordered my '96 3500 dually and I'll likely order my 2005 this fall. But for the most part, trucks in dealer stock of that class are almost always set to tow; it's the interior options and colors that would make the difference.
Anyhow, I took delivery of a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Reg Cab 4x4 LWB. Laramie trim, H package, Protection group, side curtain airbags, heated seats, Hemi V8, anti-spin axle, rear window defroster and heavy duty engine cooling.
I special ordered the truck on April 2, 2004. I used the Friends and Family of Chrysler program. I was originally quoted EP (Employee Price), of $29,828. However, when I took delivery of the truck on May 22, the dealer tried to charge me 1% under invoice for the truck, which was slightly above $31,000. There is a price at the bottom of the internal pricing printout that dealers get that is called "FFP" but my dealer kept explaining that I dont' get that price. A quick call to my uncle, and he told me I was supposed to get FFP price. My dealer did not him on this either. I ended up having to call the Chrysler zone office on this, and they straightened it out, and my deal was rewritten for FFP price, which was $580 lower than 1% under invoice. I did get all rebates taken out from those prices ($4500). My final price was somewhere around $27,500.
This dealer was Waldorf Dodge in Waldorf MD. I was pretty unhappy with the buying expirence, considering they either 1) Tried to take me for a fool on that $580 or 2) Are completely in the dark on how the FFP program works. Also, they made me sign an arbitration agreement in order to take delivery of the vehicle. If I had known I could have walked from the deal and got my $1500 deposit I put down on the truck when I ordered it, I would have just gone to another dealer and had it exchanged.
Besides the not so hot dealership expirence, I am pretty happy with the truck. I seem to be getting about 14 MPG without having a toneau cover on the bed. I am calling around for a price on having UConnect and a toneau cover added (the UConnect was on restriction when I ordered the truck, and I have decided after I ordered the truck to get the soft cover put on.). I had a spray in bed liner put on though the dealer at a cost of $450, which was over the rail and included the tailgate. Calling around before I took delivery of the truck, to be armed with numbers, I found that price to be pretty reasonable for a 8' bed. This truck can be driven with a light foot or with a lead foot equally as easy, because of the electronic throttle. It handles pretty well for a truck, the ride is bouncy, but that's not a bad thing, I don't want to forget I am in something that is less forgiving in the handling department. The build quality is solid, though there was a minor paint issue on the passanger side door (fixed by the dealer with no questions asked). The Infinity stereo is much better than the JBL system in the 2000 Camry I drove reguarly for the past 4.5 years and is light years ahead of the still stock system in the 1990 Ford Econoline 250 I drive for work on certain days. I have put 1100 miles on the truck in about three weeks (including a 500 mile road trip though the NE part of Maryland). I get looks wherever I drive this truck, because it is one of the few Laramie regular cab long wheelbase trucks out there without the sport package. Being Flame Red probably helps draw attention too.
There are a few changes I would bring to this great truck. The first is I would like to see the overhead console from the 2003-2004 Jeep Liberty, 1999-2004 Grand Cherokee make it back to the Ram (it was on the 2002 early build Laramies, but was removed abruptly in the middle of the 2002 model year). Second, on the Laramie quad cab, there is a six way power Passanger seat. On Laramie single cabs, it is manual. Can we get a power seat on the Passanger side on a regular cab too? I also would love to see the dual zone A/C system be automatic, like in the Fords, GMs and Nissans. A factory spray in bed liner, like in the Nissan would be a good idea too. I also would steal the power rear window from the Tundra. I would move the cruise controls to a mini stalk, like in the Galant (DC owns a stake in Mitsu) or in the Tundra, but keep the current stereo controls on the rear of the steering wheel spokes. Also, the addition of an extended, club cab, model would be useful, and at the same time, make the quad cab a little larger. I would have liked to have a club cab truck with a eight foot bed, but since I could only go single or quad, and I use the 8' bed to the max pretty often, I went with a single cab (easier to park). Though most people can get by with a 6.25' bed.
EP pricing on the invoice for my '04 1500 Ram truck was much better than the FFP. About a $1000 better. Both the EP & FFP price are stated on the dealer's invoice.
I am in the market for a new 2004 Ram 2500 4X4 with a cummins 600 and a 6 speed manual. From everything that I can find the sticker with the options I want is around 39,000 - 41,000. I didn't pay too much attention to that. The invoice price is 34,900. I have access to the Friends and Family pricing which will get me I think about another 1,500 off, If anyone has experience with this I would appreciate it. And currently dodge has a 2,500 rebate. So In the end I would think I should be able to get it around 31,000. I figure that this is a pretty good deal. Any input would be appreciated.
I have noticed that there has not been a lot of posting in here. Anyway I just got a 2004 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4 in Graphite with the following options: 5.7 Hemi Engine Tow Package 20x9 Polished wheels Fog Lights Quad Cab Value Package Sticker was $34,941 and I paid $27500 including 6.7% taxes. First Ram, or truck for that matter, 25 miles and loving it.
I am looking to upgrade from my 98 Ram 1500 with a 318 V8 (I'm from the old school!) to a Ram 2500 with either a Hemi or Diesel. I plan to also purchase a travel trailer (weight unknown right now) and do some cross-country traveling. In looking at fuel prices I see diesel is around 10 cents per gallon cheaper than regular unleaded and almost 20 cents than premium (this varies from state to state). Also, in reading some of the forums in here, I see the diesel gets around 20 mpg while the hemi is around 14 or so (unloaded). I am also reading that the hemi works best if using Premium gas. So even without towing or hauling, it seems the diesel is the way to go. But I want some other owner opinions. Thanks.
My apologies if this is not the correct forum to discuss this. Currently, I have been looking for a decent used truck. My 1st preference is a dodge 1500 club cab 4x4, then ford F150 ext cab 4x4 or f250 ext cab 4x4. Info that I've gathered so far is dodge: transmissions have a bad rep for failure if not maintained; usually go for a lower price compared to the fords, higher insurance cost(haven't figure out why yet). What I would like to know is what else to look for besides the basics. I'm only interested in the '98-'99 model years because it generally falls within my price range. I do run the vin # as well as going over any very carefully for anything questionable. Any extra tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
This is certainly the place to look. I am sure you will find some helpful information. Have you also tried the tabs at top of discussion? Tips and ADVICE and Used Cars? They may also be helpful? Goodluck.
After '98 all Dodge auto transmissions received changes that addressed marginal lubrication issues under extreme temperature conditions, as well as a new designed solenoid shift pack and more reliable electrical connectors in the transmission circuit. Still the vast majority of Dodge truck owners DID NOT experience premature problems or failures. I've seen many go 150,000 miles and more and never been touched. There is another problem that doesn't show up in the statistics: using Dexron-Mercon ATF in a Dodge will cause a number of performance problems and eventual failure. Unfortunately, Dexron-Mercon was used in a large number of these reported "failure" cases.
I ran the following type of truck in through the Kelly online book:
1999 1/2 ton chassis Club or Extended Cab small V8 auto transmission 4x4 top trim line 60,000 miles good condition air, PS, PB, PW, PDL, tilt, cruise, AM/FM/Cassette/CD, dual front air bags, sliding rear window, towing pkg, premium wheels
Here is are the Kelly trade-in values for my area (northeast):
Chevrolet - 11,150 Dodge - 9,540 Ford - 10,425
In 1999 the F150 Lariat cost approx. $1600 more than the Dodge SLT
In 1999 the Chevrolet cost approx. $3100 more than the Dodge SLT
In real terms, all other things being equal, the Dodge retained its value better.
hey- I am about to Lease a new 2004 1500 Quad - the dealer told me that because I am leasing there is only a $4,000 rebate not $4,500?? Is that true??- thanks
I am considering an o4 Ram 2500 Diesel. Would the 6 spd manual would be better than the automatic tranny? I think the Jake Brake can only be installed on the manual. Any opinions?
I'm sure a jake-brake can be installed on an automatic version, it just wouldn't be very effective since on decceleration there is so much uncoupling in the drive line.
For a lot of reasons a manual six-speed makes more sense on a diesel light-duty pick-up, especially if one makes the assumption that the truck's use will justify the cost-up of the diesel package. A manual allows better maximization of the power and torque of the engine, as well as the economy and reliability potential.
Interesting to note, though, that the six-speed New Venture manual is heavier than the automatic transmissions.
2005 pricing will be released to the public in a week or two. Only real changes to the 05s are trim specs and the new power moonroof. New "models" are the Quad Cab version of the SRT-10 and the Power Wagon 4x4.
Let me start off by saying my dream that I have had since I have been 12. Wake up look out the window and see my Blue `94-`97 now `01 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 1/2 ton Slt Extended cab with cream interior with 2 inch custom lift. *options* Grill Guard, Nerf Bars, Fog Lights. Then in the back of the truck my 4 wheeler, I wake up with the piercing sound of someone yelling "when you win the lotto!" lol Well Anyway I just turned 18 and finally have $3000 saved up and im out on the prowl To find my Dream or something close to it. If anyone has any suggestions on if I can even pull that off with $3 grand (just the truck)and what other alternatives are out there. I applogize if I posted in the wrong section. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Feel Free to reply... -Future Ram Owner
I have a 04 QUAD 4.7L 5spd auto. Big Horn edition. Listed for $30,000. Bought as a demo with 4,500 miles for $19,550. I heard this engine was made by Mercedes. Does anyone no anything about that? Also I had a 5spd TRANS option of over 1000.00. How old is this trans and are old problems suppose to be fixed it? This is the trans you have to have with the hemi but I have with 4.7l..Thanks for any info...
First, who ever told you this is someone to completely avoid in the future for credible information.
The 287 CI engine (4.7) was designed by Chrysler engineers and is currently manufactured at Chrysler foundries in the U.S. and Mexico. It was not a Mercedes design and is not manufactured anywhere else in the world.
The transmission you are referring to is the 545RFE. It is a pure Chrysler design, is fully electronic, fully adaptive, and has six distinct forward speeds. This transmission was first used in '99 on the Jeep Grand Cherokee behind the 4.7 engine. It has since migrated to Dodge trucks where it has proven to be an extremely solid and robust design. It has no known inherent design defects. Since it's introduction there have been only two component quality problems, both transducers, and had affected a very small population of 2002 versions. There has been one shift program update (PCM) on Dakota and one on RAM. These corrections resolved a quirky cruise control/shift quality issue, nothing debilitating. There have been only a hand full of reports of catastrophic failures within a short period of time after vehicle delivery, indicating an assembly problem. Problem and especially failures since are extremely low. I have talked to three transmission rebuilders who stated they have never had one apart!!
In short the 545RFE is probably one of the best and most reliable transmissions currently available in an American designed light-duty pick-up truck.
Thanks Dusty, Was taking engine news with a grain of salt. That is the correct transmission but didn't realize it has been around that long. Love the truck but the trans was the only issue I was worried about. Your report is good news though. Thanks Steve
Just in case you weren't aware, your 4.7 motor incorporates a polyspherical cylinder head design. Also known as a "semi-hemi," it is a hemispherical combustion chamber with one flat bulkhead. Chrysler has used the polyhead chamber before, as far back as 1954.
This chamber shape can nearly match the hemis one horsepower per cubic inch in normally asperated, moderate cam timing form. It is notably resistant to detonation, highly tolerant of low-grade fuels, and will actually produce slightly more torque per cubic inch at lower RPM than a hemi of the same configuration.
I don't know what you've been use to driving in the past, but I wonder if you feel that the little 4.7 has a lot of low-end power for an engine it's size. The polyhead is noted for producing a fairly broad and smooth torque curve, mostly because volumetric efficiency is generally higher than a hemi and a pure wedge chamber design at lower induction flows.
List $45400.00 Paid $37000.00 out the door, received military rebate, 2.9% finance 60 mth. Titled in Virginia
Purchased at Waldorf Dodge in MD, do be careful, they are a tricky lot (but nice and polite). Tried to get me to take the $2500 rebate instead of financing. Total interest paid would have been $6800.00 as opposed to $2800.00. Interest offset rebate. If you have a trade worth anything...cash out and invest the money or just put it back in the bank. Don't roll it in to something that depreciates...like a vehicle. Unless you don't qualify for the best interest rates. Goodluck.
Looks like you got a bargan I am intrested in an 04-Ram-3500 Quad Cab Dually Diesel 2 wheel drive Leather package Lariat, Stickers at $42K and some change. Can I get a better deal after the 05's come out on the 04 model and can I get 18.5 % off sticker like you did. I usually finance through my bank so I can go in and deal w/ cash. How can I find out what incentives are availble and when is the best time of the year to buy. My 1998 Dodge 12 valve cummings has nearly 200,000 miles and I am readdy for a new one. Any insite is appreciated. Thank you,
I don't really have any insight. I just happened to start negotiating and they came down on the price. Find a number of dealers and start competing them off of each other. If you are in a larger city where there are more dealerships that will help. The longer you wait the easier is will be to get a larger discount on an 04.
Hey, II've been out on short term disability for several weeks now. Finally going back to work and ex part time town hall lurker. Update on the Ram Quad..I bought my SLT QUAD HEMI in march. 20 inch wheels, 3.92 LSD and Big Horn edition. During my time unable to drive, ( wife drove me)I came to the conclusion I didnt like the ride with the big wheels, and lack of some options were noticeably missing on longer ridesso it was worth loking to upgrade to a Laramie. Yesterday With added incentives and good negotiations I traded in for a fully loaded, all the electronics, leather Laramie, graphite monochrome, and step bars included. 5.7, 17 inch wheels, aluminum aloy rims towing and LSD. MUCH happier with the ride and interior options. I commute ALOT and the extra Infinity stereo, wheel cntrols and dual climate make all the difference. LOVE the Hemi and RAM. R/Bill
Bill, That's an expensive way to customize. I hope you kept your CD changer for the new truck.
I have a friend of a friend who just bought a 2004 Ram 3500 Cummins/6speed Dually. He is wanting to upgrade his speakers like you did. When you installed the tweeters in your dash was the wiring harness there or did you have to wire them into the radio? Good luck with the new ride. Rick
Hey Rick, It would have been expensive, but I got extra (EOM) cash back from the dealer and free nerf step bars as well, so all I paid was the difference in a car note back to them for the overlap month and 500 cash; no other out of pocked expense. The ride on the 17 wheels and 3.55 LSD rear end is SO much better as well, definitely worth the upgrade. Oh yeah,, Sport appearance package, so it has the matching body color painted trim, billet grille, tow hooks among other features. Quite a good look! The tweeters went in so easy (refer to the upper dash removal you sent me, and I just needed the dash head unit wiring kit (Best Buy) to tap into the speaker wires easily. I DID use the resistors to filter out the low end (Crutchfield sells tweeters already filtered of course. They mounted right to the existing openings and the system sounds much better when fired up. And YES I used the changer in the Laramie.. the LCD display is quite different to operate but with the steering wheel controls, I am already wondering how I drove WITHOUT them in the past .. 350 miles and very happy (wife is too with the dual AC... and heated leather come cooler weather <G>) Bill
Make sure you get everything completed before you take delivery or it becomes their way or the highway. I regret making the purchase through this dealership. The finance people are very difficult to work with and it will take a lot for me to go back...my advise, shop else where, or get everything completed up front. Companies need to be accountable for their actions and one thing consumers can do is not do business with them.
I'm looking to buy a Dodge Ram 1500. Found a used 2003, 23700 miles, 4 door, slt. How much should I anticipate paying for this or similar trucks found at a dealer?
I'm looking at a new 2004 1500 4x4 QC Laramie. Laramie Preferred package ($4845), Sport appearance ($395), Trailer Tow, Heated Front seats, 5-speed ($1170), Full-time shift on the fly, anti spin, Hemi, tow mirrors, On/Off road tires. MSRP is $38405. Dealer is offering to sell at $30000. This includes rebates and is $150 below their public invoice. I don't think this is a good price. Pittsburgh area. Comment??
Wow! From an invoice perspective I thinks that's a heck of a bargain. I'm not familiar with the current RAM rebate offers, but if you could buy that truck for $30,000, I'd say that's more than a fair deal.
At the moment high-end RAMs are in short supply around here. There are quite a few entry-level models and a number with manual transmission. I was at my dealer's this past week and there was not one '04 RAM 4x4 on his lot. Nor a diesel.
There may be more to squeeze out of that RAM with rebates, I don't know. Good luck on your quest. It sounds like an exceptionally nice truck you've got your eye on.
2500 primary rebate 1000 Bonus Cash 500 Military rebate 500 Farm Bureau (if member)
Average difference between MSRP and invoice on a loaded Ram is around $5000. So ten big bills is not out of the realm of possibility - one just has to remember this is discount from full MSRP.
I guess with the '05s just about a month away most dearlers are probably in a bargaining mood!
My dealer is not particularly large -- about 1600-1800 units a year, but his current stock of RAMs is pretty pitiful even for him. I think I saw eight on the lot last week and they were all plain-Jane versions.
In my area, Dodge is advertising up to $8100 off MSRP. I was wondering if anyone knew how that broke down? I know that ~$1500 of it is if you fincance through Chrysler.
Hi aggiemph1, In order to get specifics on the rebates & incentives offered in your area, you need to have more info - like year, ZIP code, and which Ram you're shopping for. Rather than try and get all of those details, I'm going to refer you to our Incentives & Rebates page, where you can check the offers in your area for the models you like.
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For questions not related to the actual purchase process, you should visit one of our other discussions on this pickup. Just use the search features at the left, or use the "browse by message board" drop-down menu and select the pickups board.
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I paid $27650 for my new 2004 2500 4X4SLT SB quad cab 5.7L. (No trades) I'm very please with the deal I got, and was surprised the dealer actually did make a mistake on the rebates! They gave me a rebate that was not intended for the 2500... supposed to be for the 1500. Oh well... to bad for them. My truck has all the goodies. Now at, 150 miles, I'm very pleased with the truck!!
I'm also in the UK and a sucker for American iron! I've got a black 2004 Ram 1500 SLT 'Hemi Sport' on order (will arrive in 5 weeks!).
I've test driven a Hemi Ram before but wondered what your experience has been regarding living with one of these beasts in the UK (left hand drive, the physical size, 14 MPG!? etc).
I'd be using mine as a daily driver and will be up and down the highways and byways quite a bit (I do about 15k miles per year) and really want to know whether I'm doing the right thing or whether I should be signing up for a BMW 3-series company car!?
Any thoughts and opinions for all would be most appreciated.
I'm not Steve but I'll give you a little input from practical experience.
LHD: You get used to it very quickly. So used to it that if you take it to Europe, you'll feel as though you're on the wrong side of the road!
Size: You get used to it very quickly! If you've ever hired a non-HGV type lorry/truck to move house you'll know what I mean. By the time you take it back, you're driving it like a car.
MPG: You get used to it very quickly!! (i) You have no choice. (ii) 14 MPG (US gallons) translates to 16.8 MPG (UK gallons) which makes it easier to bear.
Comments
DAA - Dealer Advertising Assessment - it's an advertising charge from DaimlerChrysler.
PPA/EB-PF - that one is nit as familiar, but is more likely a regional ad charge for your area of Florida.
Regardless, you want to zero in on your out-the-door total price. If they charge you a dollar for the truck and $33,999 for the title, it's still adds up to $34,000 regardless of how they came up with it... yes that's a gross exaggeration, but you get the idea
kcram
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I would think you could do a little better than that, of course in my experience special ordered vehicles don't get as good a deal as to taking one off the lot. Maybe more so with a diesel.
Best regards,
Dusty
The lot vehicle has costs to the dealer associated with it, which go on increasing every day it sits there. The longer it sits there the more expensive it becomes for the dealer, and the more sense it makes for the dealer to sell you that one rather than order one for you.
However, if you make it clear that you will only order (or buy elsewhere), you should be able to negotiate a better deal. A special order is gravy for the dealer. It's a guaranteed sale with virtually no associated costs. It's an added number for that month, and it doesn't eat into the holdback or floorplan.
The dealer might say they'll give you a better deal on a vehicle off the lot, but the figures say otherwise. If he doesn't offer a better deal on the ordered vehicle it's because he chooses not to (to pressure you to buy one from the lot), not because he can't!
:--)
kcram
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It's a dually 3500 SLT.
thanks
I ordered my '96 3500 dually and I'll likely order my 2005 this fall. But for the most part, trucks in dealer stock of that class are almost always set to tow; it's the interior options and colors that would make the difference.
kcram
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Premium cloth power seat, etc.
Light group
Aluminum wheels
265R/70 17 OWL tires
Fog lights
Automatic Trans
4.7 liter Magnum
The MSRP was right at $30,000. Got is for $21,000 plus tax and title. This was with rebate and EP pricing. EP was about $1400 below invoice.
I special ordered the truck on April 2, 2004. I used the Friends and Family of Chrysler program. I was originally quoted EP (Employee Price), of $29,828. However, when I took delivery of the truck on May 22, the dealer tried to charge me 1% under invoice for the truck, which was slightly above $31,000. There is a price at the bottom of the internal pricing printout that dealers get that is called "FFP" but my dealer kept explaining that I dont' get that price. A quick call to my uncle, and he told me I was supposed to get FFP price. My dealer did not him on this either. I ended up having to call the Chrysler zone office on this, and they straightened it out, and my deal was rewritten for FFP price, which was $580 lower than 1% under invoice. I did get all rebates taken out from those prices ($4500). My final price was somewhere around $27,500.
This dealer was Waldorf Dodge in Waldorf MD. I was pretty unhappy with the buying expirence, considering they either 1) Tried to take me for a fool on that $580 or 2) Are completely in the dark on how the FFP program works. Also, they made me sign an arbitration agreement in order to take delivery of the vehicle. If I had known I could have walked from the deal and got my $1500 deposit I put down on the truck when I ordered it, I would have just gone to another dealer and had it exchanged.
Besides the not so hot dealership expirence, I am pretty happy with the truck. I seem to be getting about 14 MPG without having a toneau cover on the bed. I am calling around for a price on having UConnect and a toneau cover added (the UConnect was on restriction when I ordered the truck, and I have decided after I ordered the truck to get the soft cover put on.). I had a spray in bed liner put on though the dealer at a cost of $450, which was over the rail and included the tailgate. Calling around before I took delivery of the truck, to be armed with numbers, I found that price to be pretty reasonable for a 8' bed. This truck can be driven with a light foot or with a lead foot equally as easy, because of the electronic throttle. It handles pretty well for a truck, the ride is bouncy, but that's not a bad thing, I don't want to forget I am in something that is less forgiving in the handling department. The build quality is solid, though there was a minor paint issue on the passanger side door (fixed by the dealer with no questions asked). The Infinity stereo is much better than the JBL system in the 2000 Camry I drove reguarly for the past 4.5 years and is light years ahead of the still stock system in the 1990 Ford Econoline 250 I drive for work on certain days. I have put 1100 miles on the truck in about three weeks (including a 500 mile road trip though the NE part of Maryland). I get looks wherever I drive this truck, because it is one of the few Laramie regular cab long wheelbase trucks out there without the sport package. Being Flame Red probably helps draw attention too.
There are a few changes I would bring to this great truck. The first is I would like to see the overhead console from the 2003-2004 Jeep Liberty, 1999-2004 Grand Cherokee make it back to the Ram (it was on the 2002 early build Laramies, but was removed abruptly in the middle of the 2002 model year). Second, on the Laramie quad cab, there is a six way power Passanger seat. On Laramie single cabs, it is manual. Can we get a power seat on the Passanger side on a regular cab too? I also would love to see the dual zone A/C system be automatic, like in the Fords, GMs and Nissans. A factory spray in bed liner, like in the Nissan would be a good idea too. I also would steal the power rear window from the Tundra. I would move the cruise controls to a mini stalk, like in the Galant (DC owns a stake in Mitsu) or in the Tundra, but keep the current stereo controls on the rear of the steering wheel spokes. Also, the addition of an extended, club cab, model would be useful, and at the same time, make the quad cab a little larger. I would have liked to have a club cab truck with a eight foot bed, but since I could only go single or quad, and I use the 8' bed to the max pretty often, I went with a single cab (easier to park). Though most people can get by with a 6.25' bed.
5.7 Hemi Engine
Tow Package
20x9 Polished wheels
Fog Lights
Quad Cab Value Package
Sticker was $34,941 and I paid $27500 including 6.7% taxes.
First Ram, or truck for that matter, 25 miles and loving it.
After '98 all Dodge auto transmissions received changes that addressed marginal lubrication issues under extreme temperature conditions, as well as a new designed solenoid shift pack and more reliable electrical connectors in the transmission circuit. Still the vast majority of Dodge truck owners DID NOT experience premature problems or failures. I've seen many go 150,000 miles and more and never been touched. There is another problem that doesn't show up in the statistics: using Dexron-Mercon ATF in a Dodge will cause a number of performance problems and eventual failure. Unfortunately, Dexron-Mercon was used in a large number of these reported "failure" cases.
I ran the following type of truck in through the Kelly online book:
1999 1/2 ton chassis
Club or Extended Cab
small V8
auto transmission
4x4
top trim line
60,000 miles
good condition
air, PS, PB, PW, PDL, tilt, cruise, AM/FM/Cassette/CD, dual front air bags, sliding rear window, towing pkg, premium wheels
Here is are the Kelly trade-in values for my area (northeast):
Chevrolet - 11,150
Dodge - 9,540
Ford - 10,425
In 1999 the F150 Lariat cost approx. $1600 more than the Dodge SLT
In 1999 the Chevrolet cost approx. $3100 more than the Dodge SLT
In real terms, all other things being equal, the Dodge retained its value better.
Regards,
Dusty
Is that true??- thanks
I'm sure a jake-brake can be installed on an automatic version, it just wouldn't be very effective since on decceleration there is so much uncoupling in the drive line.
For a lot of reasons a manual six-speed makes more sense on a diesel light-duty pick-up, especially if one makes the assumption that the truck's use will justify the cost-up of the diesel package. A manual allows better maximization of the power and torque of the engine, as well as the economy and reliability potential.
Interesting to note, though, that the six-speed New Venture manual is heavier than the automatic transmissions.
Best regards,
Dusty
kcram
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Smart Shopper and Wagons Message Boards
Let me start off by saying my dream that I have had since I have been 12. Wake up look out the window and see my Blue `94-`97 now `01 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 1/2 ton Slt Extended cab with cream interior with 2 inch custom lift. *options* Grill Guard, Nerf Bars, Fog Lights. Then in the back of the truck my 4 wheeler, I wake up with the piercing sound of someone yelling "when you win the lotto!" lol Well Anyway I just turned 18 and finally have $3000 saved up and im out on the prowl To find my Dream or something close to it. If anyone has any suggestions on if I can even pull that off with $3 grand (just the truck)and what other alternatives are out there. I applogize if I posted in the wrong section. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Feel Free to reply...
-Future Ram Owner
The 287 CI engine (4.7) was designed by Chrysler engineers and is currently manufactured at Chrysler foundries in the U.S. and Mexico. It was not a Mercedes design and is not manufactured anywhere else in the world.
The transmission you are referring to is the 545RFE. It is a pure Chrysler design, is fully electronic, fully adaptive, and has six distinct forward speeds. This transmission was first used in '99 on the Jeep Grand Cherokee behind the 4.7 engine. It has since migrated to Dodge trucks where it has proven to be an extremely solid and robust design. It has no known inherent design defects. Since it's introduction there have been only two component quality problems, both transducers, and had affected a very small population of 2002 versions. There has been one shift program update (PCM) on Dakota and one on RAM. These corrections resolved a quirky cruise control/shift quality issue, nothing debilitating. There have been only a hand full of reports of catastrophic failures within a short period of time after vehicle delivery, indicating an assembly problem. Problem and especially failures since are extremely low. I have talked to three transmission rebuilders who stated they have never had one apart!!
In short the 545RFE is probably one of the best and most reliable transmissions currently available in an American designed light-duty pick-up truck.
Regards,
Dusty
Steve
Just in case you weren't aware, your 4.7 motor incorporates a polyspherical cylinder head design. Also known as a "semi-hemi," it is a hemispherical combustion chamber with one flat bulkhead. Chrysler has used the polyhead chamber before, as far back as 1954.
This chamber shape can nearly match the hemis one horsepower per cubic inch in normally asperated, moderate cam timing form. It is notably resistant to detonation, highly tolerant of low-grade fuels, and will actually produce slightly more torque per cubic inch at lower RPM than a hemi of the same configuration.
I don't know what you've been use to driving in the past, but I wonder if you feel that the little 4.7 has a lot of low-end power for an engine it's size. The polyhead is noted for producing a fairly broad and smooth torque curve, mostly because volumetric efficiency is generally higher than a hemi and a pure wedge chamber design at lower induction flows.
Bests,
Dusty
Paid $37000.00 out the door, received military rebate, 2.9% finance 60 mth. Titled in Virginia
Purchased at Waldorf Dodge in MD, do be careful, they are a tricky lot (but nice and polite). Tried to get me to take the $2500 rebate instead of financing. Total interest paid would have been $6800.00 as opposed to $2800.00. Interest offset rebate. If you have a trade worth anything...cash out and invest the money or just put it back in the bank. Don't roll it in to something that depreciates...like a vehicle. Unless you don't qualify for the best interest rates. Goodluck.
II've been out on short term disability for several weeks now. Finally going back to work and ex part time town hall lurker. Update on the Ram Quad..I bought my SLT QUAD HEMI in march. 20 inch wheels, 3.92 LSD and Big Horn edition. During my time unable to drive, ( wife drove me)I came to the conclusion I didnt like the ride with the big wheels, and lack of some options were noticeably missing on longer ridesso it was worth loking to upgrade to a Laramie. Yesterday With added incentives and good negotiations I traded in for a fully loaded, all the electronics, leather Laramie, graphite monochrome, and step bars included. 5.7, 17 inch wheels, aluminum aloy rims towing and LSD. MUCH happier with the ride and interior options. I commute ALOT and the extra Infinity stereo, wheel cntrols and dual climate make all the difference. LOVE the Hemi and RAM.
R/Bill
I have a friend of a friend who just bought a 2004 Ram 3500 Cummins/6speed Dually. He is wanting to upgrade his speakers like you did. When you installed the tweeters in your dash was the wiring harness there or did you have to wire them into the radio? Good luck with the new ride. Rick
It would have been expensive, but I got extra (EOM) cash back from the dealer and free nerf step bars as well, so all I paid was the difference in a car note back to them for the overlap month and 500 cash; no other out of pocked expense. The ride on the 17 wheels and 3.55 LSD rear end is SO much better as well, definitely worth the upgrade. Oh yeah,, Sport appearance package, so it has the matching body color painted trim, billet grille, tow hooks among other features. Quite a good look!
The tweeters went in so easy (refer to the upper dash removal you sent me, and I just needed the dash head unit wiring kit (Best Buy) to tap into the speaker wires easily. I DID use the resistors to filter out the low end (Crutchfield sells tweeters already filtered of course. They mounted right to the existing openings and the system sounds much better when fired up. And YES I used the changer in the Laramie.. the LCD display is quite different to operate but with the steering wheel controls, I am already wondering how I drove WITHOUT them in the past ..
350 miles and very happy (wife is too with the dual AC... and heated leather come cooler weather <G>)
Bill
At the moment high-end RAMs are in short supply around here. There are quite a few entry-level models and a number with manual transmission. I was at my dealer's this past week and there was not one '04 RAM 4x4 on his lot. Nor a diesel.
There may be more to squeeze out of that RAM with rebates, I don't know. Good luck on your quest. It sounds like an exceptionally nice truck you've got your eye on.
Best regards,
Dusty
2500 primary rebate
1000 Bonus Cash
500 Military rebate
500 Farm Bureau (if member)
Average difference between MSRP and invoice on a loaded Ram is around $5000. So ten big bills is not out of the realm of possibility - one just has to remember this is discount from full MSRP.
kcram
Host
Smart Shopper and Wagons Message Boards
I guess with the '05s just about a month away most dearlers are probably in a bargaining mood!
My dealer is not particularly large -- about 1600-1800 units a year, but his current stock of RAMs is pretty pitiful even for him. I think I saw eight on the lot last week and they were all plain-Jane versions.
Bests,
Dusty
Thanks
CT
In order to get specifics on the rebates & incentives offered in your area, you need to have more info - like year, ZIP code, and which Ram you're shopping for. Rather than try and get all of those details, I'm going to refer you to our Incentives & Rebates page, where you can check the offers in your area for the models you like.
kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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Is there any difference in the 2004 Cummins HO Turbo Diesel or the 2005 Cummins 600 Turbo Diesel?
Thanks,
Scott
kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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Now at, 150 miles, I'm very pleased with the truck!!
I'm also in the UK and a sucker for American iron! I've got a black 2004 Ram 1500 SLT 'Hemi Sport' on order (will arrive in 5 weeks!).
I've test driven a Hemi Ram before but wondered what your experience has been regarding living with one of these beasts in the UK (left hand drive, the physical size, 14 MPG!? etc).
I'd be using mine as a daily driver and will be up and down the highways and byways quite a bit (I do about 15k miles per year) and really want to know whether I'm doing the right thing or whether I should be signing up for a BMW 3-series company car!?
Any thoughts and opinions for all would be most appreciated.
Cheers,
James.
LHD: You get used to it very quickly. So used to it that if you take it to Europe, you'll feel as though you're on the wrong side of the road!
Size: You get used to it very quickly! If you've ever hired a non-HGV type lorry/truck to move house you'll know what I mean. By the time you take it back, you're driving it like a car.
MPG: You get used to it very quickly!! (i) You have no choice. (ii) 14 MPG (US gallons) translates to 16.8 MPG (UK gallons) which makes it easier to bear.
BMW as 2nd car: Depends on your finances I guess.
Whatever, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!