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Dodge Dakota - IV

1356710

Comments

  • johnboy9johnboy9 Member Posts: 35
    Thanks for your input guys . I brought the truck in this morning to another dealer.They didn`t have
    anything good to say about the first mechanic at the other dealer that looked at it.For my own satisfaction I checked the fluid level before
    bringing it in today,it was a quart low ! The first mechanic said he added fluid....BS
    As suggested,I had already checked the fill tube
    where it goes into the tranny.It was not lose and
    there was no fluid around it.I`m waiting for a
    call from the{second} dealer.
    I agree there are good mechanics out there,I just
    have trouble finding them .It would be nice if they let you go and talk to the mechanics at the
    dealership,however you can`t because of "insurance". If I still have the problem after this I will take it to a specialist.
    I`ll keep you guys posted. Johnboy9
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    You can't talk to the mechanic. I haven't encountered that here - maybe it is because we aren't quite such a litigious society yet.

    It probably also depends on the dealer I guess - my Jaguar shop is only to enthusiastic for me to sit down and have tea and biscuits with my mechanic - gotta justify the costs I guess.

    More seriously I am really surprised that you can't talk to the mechanics - whilst I am no expert, I always feel a lot more comfortable working with the mechanic to diagnose the problem and then let him or her take over to actually put it right.
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    johnboy9; if they do not allow you to talk to the mechanic and they are bad mouthing your old mechanic before they tell you what the problem is, I would be real leery of them. I chuck the dealer I bought my F150 from and found a great dealership. They don't bad mouth and I chat with the mechanic while he works on the truck. And I always get the same mechanic. They may have regs about customers wandering in the bays, but a good mechanic wants input. Good luck and happy trails.
  • johnboy9johnboy9 Member Posts: 35
    Well,I got a call late yesterday afternoon and was told the tranny pump seal went out.Now they have to pull the tranny,which I did`nt want to happen.It looks like I`m the first one on this
    on this web site with a tranny problem....just
    my luck !
    I feel exactly the same way about talking to the
    mechanic ,you can help him diagnos the problem
    when you tell him the symtoms.I guess I`ll just
    have to see what happens. The good news is I get
    a rental car because I bought the extended warranty. I`m thinking of extending it to 75,000
    miles instead of 50,0000.I love this truck but my
    comfort level has dropped.This is my firstDodge.I had a 90&96 Chevy before this and never had it to the dealer one time.I`m catching flack from my friends now .Wish me Luck boys ,keep you posted. Johnboy9
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    Sorry to hear about your problems.

    The last Chrysler product I had was a 1971 Plymouth Valiant with the slant six. Even an idiot like me could work on it. And it just wouldn't die no matter how much abuse I heaped on it (although my girl friend's mother at the time did manage to put it down in pretty short order after I gave it to her in a misplaced fit of generosity).

    The QC is just what I need in terms of design, a fact that the posts in this forum have confirmed. The ONLY reason I haven't ordered one is because I am worried about it falling apart. My wife keeps saying just order the damn thing and if it breaks get it fixed. Easy for her.

    Anyway, I do hope things turn out well for you. If the mechanics are competent, they should be able to put it right and get you up and Quadding.
  • johnboy9johnboy9 Member Posts: 35
    I think you are waiting to see what kind of problems crop up on the Quads.I must admit I like
    this truck better than any other I`ve owned.I like
    the power ,the ride,the four doors,the look and
    the size of the truck. I have never liked Dodges
    but I`m impressed with this one.Like I mentioned
    before I just don`t have the comfort level as far
    as dependability.I sure don`t like the dealers
    and the service. My truck sat at the dealer from
    8:00 am yesterday and was never looked at till today sometime. I asked to speak to the mechanic
    and was told to call back in a couple hours it
    was`nt in the shop yet.Thats not good service !!!!
    Meanwhile I have a 2000 Dakota Sport loaner,so I
    can`t complain.Keep you posted. Johnboy9
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    Johnboy9, I know what you mean about service and switching to Dodge. I am a diehard Ford(rules)fan. Heck, I got a better relationship with my F150 than my wife(that opens up a lot of joke possibilities). The Dakota Quad is just a perfect vehicle for my current needs and I think (hope)the Dodge quality is getting better. I went through several Ford dealerships before I found one I trusted and it's 130 miles away. The local Ford dealer couldn't do an oil change on the day they promised and never did the job to my satisfaction. Of course, being a college town, I have not found any dealership here trustworthy. The Chevy and GMC dealers have even worse reps. Keep looking tho, good dealerships do exist and are as precious as gold.
  • raptor01raptor01 Member Posts: 45
    John, e-mail me on the side and I'll give you the details on my trans leak and how I resolved it with DC.
  • mailman54mailman54 Member Posts: 111
    Took my 00 Dakota 4.7 auto in for my first service and free oil change last weekend. Had the clicking noise TSB done, although I couldn't hear any noise but my wife did. I'm deaf, what can I tell you! Also had some minor paint touch ups done. Had them check my auto shift lever because it wouldn't drop into drive without downward pressure. Seemed to be hanging up just above the slot until you pressed it down manually. I may have created the problem myself since the shift lever sits very close to my right knee. I'm 6'6" in a R/C without tilt steering. I also have a 91 R/C Dakota auto that does not have this problem. Told them about a hesitation in hooking up I get when flooring it (feels like turbo lag). They hooked it up to the computer and it said the gear range sensor was bad. They ordered the part and said that it might also help the hesitation I'm getting, but I'm doubtful about that. Can anyone with a technical manual please check to see what the purpose of the gear range sensor is other than telling the computer when it's in gear? I would appreciate getting the skinny on this. When finished with the service, I started home. While driving down the freeway, I noticed the hood was bouncing up and down. Since I have had a hood come up on me once before, I knew what it was. I made a bee-line for the side of the road and stopped. Sure enough, they forgot to latch the hood. Luckily, the safety latch was on but they can still come up if it bounces around too much. You got to love it! I told them I would have to hold off on their survey until I had a little more experience with them. Forgot the first rule of taking a vehicle in for service. Always go over a routine checklist before leaving the dealership.
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    Keep us up to date on the K&N and Flowmaster combo. I've seen a lot of K&N's posted here but was wondering if they are in a housing that draws the air from the fender hole. If not, are there other units that do and does it really make a difference?

    Interesting place, crawling around under a clean truck finally seeing how its all laid out. Oil filter changes look like they'll be interesting.

    bookitty and tmiller1 any good news yet?
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Spike, Tim and I continue to portray the role of "Quadwaiters." We were wondering how you got your truck before we got ours. At first we thought that it was because you and Ernie share the same surname. Ernie said it had nothing to do with that, it was the large sum of cash and the promotion that you wrangled for him. I guess Tim and I are in the same boat. Waiting for truck transport. I think it may still be this week. At least I hope. Thanks for thinking of us.

    Bookitty
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    Just when I thought it was safe, I subscribed to the Dakota Mailing List.

    I was thinking that one way to avoid some potential problems with the Quad was to get the 5-speed instead of the new auto.

    However, from what I can gather from the DML, the NV-3500, which is what DC is using in the Quad, has been a problem.

    One guy said he was aware of at least four of his friends having the tranny replaced with less than 20,000 miles. Another guy, having confirmed that it was indeed the NV-3500 in his Dakota, said he had decided to buy the 100,000 mile warranty, apparently with the expectation that his tranny wouldn't last that long.

    Don't want to make too much of this, but does anyone know anything more about the NV-3500's history? Thanks in advance.
  • devil1devil1 Member Posts: 74
    I am looking for a crew cab pickup and the Dakota's are pretty nice (looking at least). I want to test drive one but no dealer seems to have many of the 4x4's. If they do they are all the 5.9 auto. I really want the 4.7 mated with a 5-speed because I think their funner to drive. However, I keep seeing in different reviews (including consumer reports) that the Dakotas have been slipping in the past coouple years for reliability. I don't want to spend 25-30K for a junker.
    My other choice when it comes out in October is the Tacoma Double Cab. I like the looks at least as much as the dodge, and Toyota is better quality (I'm sure that some will argue that, but it's a fact). I just wish Toyota has those engine choices.


    My Question since I haven't test driven the Quad Cab:

    What does the engine sound like (4.7)? Does it have the burbly deep sound??
  • hillflahillfla Member Posts: 90
    Guess what I discovered this past weekend while driving downhill on the I-75 freeway in GA? Yup - the fact that although my 4.7 auto Quad Cab speedometer is marked up to 120 MPH, it only lets you get to 100 MPH! (honestly - I was just trying to see how fast it could go - I don't usually drive that fast!!) And it really lets you know too - it almost feels like it puts on the brakes as well as cut off the gas. I did it twice just to make sure I was not mistaken - and I wasn't. But hey - 100 MPH is fast enough for me. Scared the heck out of me the first time though - its a pretty big jerk!

    Also - had Mopar fog lights installed today. They did a real good job and it looks like they came from the factory. For the switch - all they did was replace my exisitng headlight knob with a new one that pulls out to turn on the fog lights. The front looks so much better now!

    My QC was pulling to the right so I had the dealer check the alignment - it was within specs. They cross-rotated the front tires but that did not fix the pulling. He then told me about something called "radial pull" which is a problem inside the tires and now I have to go to a Goodyear dealer to get them checked out since Dodge does not warranty the tires. Has anyone else heard of this or have any advice for me?

    Thanks
  • zonkzonk Member Posts: 208
    Don't know if this is relevant, but here goes. My current truck is a Toyota Tacoma ext cab (I know-what am I doing on this thread? My next truck will be a QC.) Anyway, my truck pulls right also and has had two alignments (both within specs, they tell me), but the pull is there and tire wear has reared its ugly head. But here is the common denominator - I have Goodyear tires, too. I was told radial pull also. Had to get my tires adjusted by the Goodyear and the guy said it was critical to keep rotating. I had been doing this anyway. I am not too fond of goodyear. By the way, the new tires are beginning to wear. Good luck!
  • themeatmanthemeatman Member Posts: 2
    Looking to order a 2000 (if I still can) or the
    2001 Dak with 4.7 Auto V8, 3.92 -LSD rear axle,
    HD Payload, SLT Package, RED,and was wondering
    what anyone thoughts were on the 4 wheel ABS as
    opposed to the standard rear wheel ABS...I live in
    South Florida where it rains alot and roads get
    slick.

    I'll be carrying a heavy load -1500 lbs of
    steak/seafood in a mini refridgerated truck (a
    conversion co will take the bed off the Dak and put
    a fibergalss mini reefer on the back
    to hold product- any input on the 4 wheel ABS
    would be appreciated! Anyone have it and why did
    you get it?

    DJ
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    Devil1, another thing to consider when you're thinking Double Cab v. Quad Cab: As I understand it, the Double Cab will NOT have a 5 speed- only an auto.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    So much juicy stuff to get my teeth into today.

    First off - Tacoma - just go look at the side impact rating on every Tacoma ever made - www.nhtsa.gov I have no intention of turning this into a Toyota bashing session - just look, it really isn't pretty.

    5 speed tranny problems - first I heard. Trawling the memory banks and I think that the tranny for the 4.7 is new - may have been in the Grand Cherokee last year, but pretty sure it's new in Dakota (the 3.9 5 speed isn't new). I suspect that you could do a lot of damage with this tranny - it will pull in 5th from 25mph, and will red line in first, second or third with no effort at all (fourth needs a little effort).

    Speed limiter - yep, its there - on US spec anyway, not sure about mine - haven't been there. But at the risk of sounding like a broken record (again) your tires aren't rated for those kind of speeds, and this is a truck. Lets be sensible out there!!!

    Goodyear rubber - yes, well. You won't find many driving enthusiasts of any sort who like Goodyear. It doesn't matter if you are off roading, circuit racing or anything in between, they just can't cut it. Balancing, rotating etc will help, but sooner or later you are gonna want a new set of boots.

    4 wheel abs - my views are well known and were expressed (again) on one of the Dakota topics a few days ago. There is also a fairly new topic in this conference on 4 wheel vs. 2 wheel abs. I haven't gone into it again here to try and save some posting space.

    Consumer Reports - yeah, great - nuff said.

    Dakota quality - well I would say that the views and experiences of people here is one of the better guides.

    Think that's it for now - did I miss anything?
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    From what I've been reading, it appears that the Chrysler automatic transmission gremlin has reared its ugly head again with the 4.7 in the Dak. While I believe that DC has a very well engineered vehicle in the Dakota, I continue to be skeptical of Chrysler's ability to select a good transmission.

    I took delivery of a 2000 Quad Cab (5.9/auto) on Saturday. I desperately wanted to order the 4.7 for its obvious technical superiority and mileage advantage, but chickened out and ordered the 5.9.

    Why? The transmission.

    I tow a rather heavy trailer, and have been driving a Ram pickup (5.9/auto) for five years. It's performed flawlessly.

    Now comes the 4.7 with the "trick" tranny... Very tempting! But in retrospect, I'm not sorry for sacrificing the gas mileage for an engine/trans combo that I think I can trust (knock on wood).

    No "moral" here... Except to suggest that those who do a considerable amount of towing might consider going with the 5.9/auto.

    Nuff said... And good luck to all!
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    Thanks for your thoughts on the manual tranny. I wasn't sure what you meant, however, when you said you could do a lot of damage with it. Did you mean "with it" or "to it"? If "with it", how?

    Also, and I hope you don't mind my picking your brain, would you say that there was a better choice in rear ends (3.92 v 3.55) to extend the life of the manual?

    Thanks for any input.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    Dodge and bad trannys has been a recurring theme over the last few years. Whilst a lot of the problems have been overrated there have undoubtedly been some serious problems.

    The tranny for the 4.7 is a new evolution of an existing tranny that debuted in the Grand Cherokee for 99. Theoretically it should be more reliable than the tranny that's mated to the 5.9 because its newer. In practice I dunno.

    I do know that DC has put together an extremely high level task force to address the issue. They have been tasked to produce a new generation of transmissions, the first of which is to be used in the restyled Ram (2002). Their only instruction was that they had to start with a blank piece of paper (or is that computer terminal) - they were not allowed to use an existing transmission as a starting point.

    As far as my comment on the manual - well I actually meant both. Running at high or low revs puts additional strain on a number of components within a vehicle - engine and transmission are the obvious ones. The ability of the vehicle to pull at virtually any speed in any gear combined with 'bad' manual drivers (none of us here, obviously) will, over time, cause excess wear on the transmission, then engine and many other parts (I won't get into all of the technical issues, but we can get into stresses on the block, mounts and a multitude of other things).

    I know how easy it is to red line this truck, and I know how well the vehicle pulls if you hit 5th when aiming for 3rd.

    3.92 vs 3.55 - well I guess that I would say that the 3.55 is the 'safer' choice because of less intense acceleration (though that's relative), however by the same token the 3.92 would be more forgiving if you tend to drive in too high a gear as it generally revs higher for the same speed.

    Practically, if you drive sensibly, it doesn't matter. The old rule always used to be (for prolonged running) to keep the engine revving above 2000, and 1500 to 2000 below redline. I think that is a little outdated, but I would still be wary of running the engine at revs below around 1700 - 1800.
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Andy,
    Have to commend you on your comments regarding the 4.7L engine/transmission combo! So often we think simply of "hp & torque" without regard to how power is being transmitted!

    Yes... DC has much to learn in the area of powertrain design. I opted for the 5.9 (in great anguish over fuel consumption) specifically because I distrusted the new transmission mated to the 4.7. Perhaps I was wrong, but I'm hoping the the transmission that served me so well in the '95 Ram will do the same in the 2000 QC.

    Your comments regarding a "clean slate" approach to transmission selection in the 2002 Ram were encouraging. About 5 months ago, I was involved in some training development on the 2001 Chevy Silverado, and they took that same approach. They had on their hands a diesel engine that produces an honest 300 hp... Looking for a suitable transmission, they selected an Allison unit capable of about 20% more torque than the engine could produce.

    The jury's still out, since the truck won't hit the market until June. Yet, the philosophy of carefully selecting transmission components to match engine output is encouraging!

    Aren't trucks fun!!??
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    I'm hoping you and Tim get your's soon. I'm starting to get a little upset when I have to drive one of the other "family" cars. The Quad is different and fun. The 5 speed isn't a problem.

    That was certaining a surprise to both Ernie and I when we identified ourselves in that first phone call. After giving him some background on this "branch" of the family, I am surprised that Ernie didn't send me into the D/C black-hole. But things did work out.
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    I'm hoping you and Tim get your's soon. I'm starting to get a little upset when I have to drive one of the other "family" cars. The Quad is different and fun. The 5 speed isn't a problem.

    That was certaining a surprise to both Ernie and I when we identified ourselves in that first phone call. After giving him some background on this "branch" of the family, I am surprised that Ernie didn't send me into the D/C black-hole. But things did work out.
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    Thanks for the useful insights. Appreciate it.
  • haddonhaddon Member Posts: 26
    I haven't posted in a while but still read everyones posts. Well called cs today and truck should be at the dealers in a few days. I ordered on 11/22/99. What a wait I hope it will be worth it. (red,4.7-auto-4x4-loaded). I am worried about the auto tranny, I guess I should consider the ext.warranty. This is really a great site. If all goes well I will post again after taking delivery.
  • ozarkozark Member Posts: 124
    andy jordan, I also appreciate your comments on the dodge transmission problems and solutions. I particularly like your notion of sensible driving and its positive effect on the running gear.

    For those considering warranty protection let me recommend this site once again
    www.chryslerwarranty.com
    Even if you don't buy from these folks it is well worthwhile to check out the various options that are available based on your miles per year. Usually when the finance guy at the dealer tries to sell you extended coverage he is not anxious to tell you all the options. For example a 7 year 100,000 warranty is not worth more to me than a 3 year 100,000 warranty because I will probably have that many miles in the shorter period. This site lets you tailor your anticipated mileage per year and level of coverage you want and then provides you with a genuine MOPAR warranty. Since a lot of us may feel more comfortable with the dealer doing the work, this seems like a good approach.
  • hillflahillfla Member Posts: 90
    thanks for the advice on the tires. i am out of town this week and next but once i get home i plan on going to the goodyear dealer. i'll send an update as to what happens.
  • crazycanuckcrazycanuck Member Posts: 43
    Sorry if I am changing topic......No, not DRL's.

    My question(s) is this:

    How good are the stock Dakota "fog lamps"?

    Are they for fog conditions or more for Low visibility driving conditions?

    I am considering a grill guard and adding lights
    to it, should I consider yellow lamps rather than the stock dodge one's?

    I am most interested in lighting up more roadway in normal conditions because of the rural nature of the area that I drive in. The high beams of the quad and low as well, are only satisfactory.

    If the stock Dakota fog lamps will do for driving lights....I will put fog lamps on the grill guard.

    Anyway...now that I have confused you all....

    Fire those opinions at me!!!!!!!!

    Thanks.

    R.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    The fog lights are adequate, but I wouldn't say they were any better than that.

    The problem with fog lights in trucks is their position relative to the driver and so they always end up being most effective at short range. Grille guard mounted lights on the other hand automatically have a better range because of their higher mounting position - not always that useful in fog because of the bounce back effect.

    My personal choice would not be to use grille guard mounted lights for road use because of the need to angle them down to meet regulations - blinding a police car coming the other way isn't that great an idea.

    I will mount lights if I have an off road need, and then I will get a set of serious Hella lights - you know the 2 mile range type. Probably what will happen is that I will end up with winch mounted as I don't want to mess around swapping winch and lights - and slinging the lights below the winch would kind of defeat the height advantage.
  • johnandkalenjohnandkalen Member Posts: 4
    I am in the market for a Q/C and the lowest dealer price I have found is 500 dollars over invoice. Is this a good deal? Has anyone bought one for invoice or less? If so, any special bargaining method?
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    crazycanuck; You might look at replacing you existing halogen headlights with xenon bulbs. $15 each, but 30% more illumination ability. Not real cheap, but they are supposed to last longer. You have to make sure your headlights are properly aimed, of course.
  • iowabigguyiowabigguy Member Posts: 552
    It probably depends on what part of the country you live and the demand. I ordered mine in Omaha Nebraska and after the dealing was done my price was about $160 under invoice. Rick
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    I have a dealer willing to sell me one at invoice. His price matches up exactly with the Edumnds invoice price, except that he is adding a $390 ad fee.

    So the bottom line is he's willing to sell at "true" invoice (i.e., no ad fee), plus $390, plus tax and license-- no other fees like "dealer conveyance", etc.

    Normally, I would have objected to the ad fee, but this guy (the sales manager) was very straightforward.

    We got on the phone. I asked him what he would charge me for the truck I'm interested in. He said $200 over invoice. I asked whether invoice included any ad or other fees, and whether there would be any add ons to the price besides tax and license to get to the out-the-door price.

    He said his invoice did include ad fees, and that the only additional charges would be tax and license. Then I offered him true invoice, i.e., his price minus the $200 markup and minus the $390 ad fees. He said how about giving me the $390, and I said fine.

    I know I could have gotten more off, but I didn't see the point. This guy was honest and easy to deal with, and the price seemed reasonable.

    If, in your case, invoice doesn't include ad fees, and there won't be anything additional besides tax and license, I think you've done pretty well. You could probably grind your way to a better deal, but you have to ask yourself whether it's worth the time and effort.

    You also need to consider whether you want to establish a long-term relationship with the dealer. If you really grind them, you might get things off on the wrong foot. On the other hand, given the lousy stories I've been reading here about DC dealer service, maybe that doesn't make a wit of difference.
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    Iowabigguy makes a good point. Here in the Northeast, everthing is more expensive (or at least it seems to be). Doubt I could have gotten below true invoice.
  • tpmiller1tpmiller1 Member Posts: 165
    Are you familiar with the Farm Bureau $500.00 discount? From reports here, available if you become a member in all states but Oklahoma. I used this discount to get true dealer invoice. I used one of the on-line services and got a quote from a dodge dealer in Aberdeen Maryland which included the 500 discount, then faxed it around and found a more local dealer to match. E-mail me if you want to know more about the Farm Bureau, can't talk about the Quad, appears to be permanently at ease at railhead.
  • tpmiller1tpmiller1 Member Posts: 165
    on me moments ago. Appears they're clearing them out of Twin Oaks and managed to get one to Shamokin. All I know is they said my truck has arrived. I think I should have asked at what dealership. Might be a Silverado with three inches of pollen on it. I'm not gettin excited till I see, touch and check out. I know your an old hand at this, but I can barely remember ordering it. Think they'll have Mr. Big call you this time? Will you have time to take the call?
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Honestly Tim, never heard a thing. If you get your truck,that means I'm out here solo. Hope that you do. Maybe we should have stayed in Sunbury.

    Bookitty
  • crazycanuckcrazycanuck Member Posts: 43
    Thanks for the input on the lights.

    I guess I will settle for the stock lights and see
    if I want to supplement them. Also the xenon bulb
    sounds like a good way to go.

    Are the Quads headlights adjustable as far as angle of light etc...like normal lights I have seen? I couldn't see the adjustment screws to raise/lower etc the beam angle.

    Thanks.

    R.

    (ps. Andy, about the police car bit, I hear ya. That's why we shut off the wig wags after every stop.)
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    crazycanuck - I'm looking at a pair of Catz MSC's Gold Lens that are 3.55" in diameter to mount at the same position the factory fogs would be. Still have to drill out recesses in the apron. I'll try it with a hole saw. They'll be on a separate switch so I can have them on as day-time running lights if I want. I do live in and around wet and low areas so periodically I have fog to deal with.
  • hillflahillfla Member Posts: 90
    For a good price, check out carorder.com. This is not like the other web sites - in this one you specify all of the options you want and it tallys up the price for you and shows you what you will pay if you order through them. They also show MSRP and invoice right beside their price. They then quote you a price for EXACTLY the quad you want with tax, title and all included! That is the price you will pay. If you place an order through them they will look around for one that you want and if they cannot find it they will order it from the manufacter for you and deliver it to a local dealer or even to your house on a flatbed if you want.
    I might sound like I ordered my quad this way but alas - I found out about carorder.com about a week after I bought my quad off the lot and had to compromise on options. I priced my quad on carorder.com and I would have saved $200 more and got all of the options I wanted! For more info - Edmunds has a whole topic on carorder.com.

    Just a suggestion - I know that some folks have had trouble with carorder - that's why you should read the Edmunds postings.
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    My computer is acting up so did I miss something about your orders? Getting them or not getting them? Same dealer or different one?

    I'm hoping it works out for both of you soon.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Spike, it looks like Tim's is in, and mine is expected to offload tomorrow. In any event, I cannot pick it up until Monday. I hope that Tim and I have good luck and will be driving our respective trucks next week. I saw a red sport quad with MI plates today on Street Road (132) in Bensalem, PA today. Color matched grille guard, nerf bars and fiberglass folding cover. Sharp vehicle. Thanks for your kind thoughts.

    Bookitty
  • ozarkozark Member Posts: 124
    I know that everyone like to get a good deal but in your fervor to wring the last dollar out of the deal don't lose sight of the big picture. It seems that when buying a vehicle that cost between $20,000 and $30,000 that you may have to live with for several years the difference of a few hundreds dollars should not be the only determining factor in choosing a dealer. I paid $300 over invoice but could have bought at invoice at another dealer. My final decision factored in customer service, dealer allocation, service after the sale and word of mouth reputation. Just a thought.

    If you are hesitating on buying the Quad. After almost 6,000 miles I would buy another one in a New York minute as they say here in the South. I know GM, Ford, and even Toyota are scambling to make something for this market niche, but they will be hard pressed to beat the Quad for performance and price. Go ahead and buy one, you won't be sorry.
  • guannerguanner Member Posts: 31
    tpmiller 1, bookitty. glad to know that the two of you will be driving your new quads in the next couple of days.. still waitin for mine hopefully the second week in june.. bookitty here is to hope-in for the right rearend..

    Scott
  • crazycanuckcrazycanuck Member Posts: 43
    Keepin our fingers crossed for ya Tim and Bookitty....keep us informed.

    R.
  • haddonhaddon Member Posts: 26
    Dealer called yesterday with the news, this truck was delivered to Washington,PA, so you guys in PA waiting your truck may have been on the same hauler as mine. Washington is about 40 miles southwest of Pitts. Iwill pick my truck up on sat. I HOPE
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Received the long awaited call that my truck was in from the truck sales manager of the dealership.
    He is aware that I cannot continue to work with the salesman ("He who suffers fools, is himself a fool"). Made an appointment to take delivery on Monday 05/15 and under cursory inspection (just now offloaded) everything looks okay. he is also going to make me a deal for an extended warranty to salve my soul. Quad Cab 4X4 Amber Fire Pearl, 4.7, 3.55 LSD, HD Service Group, SLT, SLT Plus, Overhead Convenience Group, All Power (except seats), Skid Plates, Sliding Rear Window, Engine Block Heater, 6X9 Power Mirrors, Leather Wrapped wheel, Tire and Handling Package, Remote Entry, Trailer Tow Group and that...that...that...that's
    all ffffolks!

    Bookitty
  • tpmiller1tpmiller1 Member Posts: 165
    haddon-bookitty and me within 24 hours. Thanks to themacguy for pointing one of them trainloads northeast!
    Haddon-I think bookitty ought to get us central and western PA boys 2 additional cheap extended warranties.
  • bobsyveebobsyvee Member Posts: 63
    Friday, March 17: Log into Autobytel, fill out the online form and submit. As I am typing in Autoadvantage.com, the phone rings. It's from the area dealer that has the agreement with Autobytel. I'm told that by going through the internet, I can get the vehicle at invoice. Since I'm already armed with all of the pricing info gleaned from various websites, I tell the salesman I'll see him at 2 the next day.

    I gave him the list with the specific options, and he comes back with his "invoice" price. Hmm, it's $470 more than mine.
    ! Added advertising fees !
    But he did explain it to me. No pressure, no hassle, and no "You really should get the fabric protection at only a gazillion $$ more."
    So I ordered my Amber Fire / Lt.Driftwood satin QC, 4.7, auto, SLT+, etc.
    Of course I was told that it was ordered by the dealer on Monday the 20th, and of course after finding these topics I called DC the first week of April to hear the dealer actually ordered the truck on the 30th. Now I'm leery.
    Anyway, the truck is built and waiting for a full load to be put together, to ship. It's only 7 hours to the dealer on the truck.(Lucky for me no rail dust) I can't wait!!!
    I've written down all the problems listed in the topics, so I'll know what to look for.
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