I've heard it both ways: that there is a dealer incentive now on 2001 QCs and that there isn't. Edmunds shows one, but my dealer claimed not to know about it.
If there is one and you didn't negotiate it as part of your original deal, your dealer probably won't give it up (or even share it) willingly. But it can't hurt to ask.
I received a $500 dealer incentive with my 2001 Quad Cab. Try telling them you know there is one and with all the money you're plopping down, I would be mighty nice of them to pass that on. Heck, might even get you to send more business their way! lmeyer1's probably right though....
Their worst answer would be NO and you'd get your awesome Quad anyway!!!
fat_fenders
PS. Make sure you get pics posted when you get a chance.
I have seen the pictures referenced about the bronze quad. It looks quite dark, but am not sure and I am trying to really see what one looks like. There has been a coppery colored regular cab around my area, and I didn't really care for that shade. So, if you can post some pictures, would appreciate it.
I bought a 2000 QC Sport in April. Last night, after I turned off the ignition, it sounded like some kind of fan motor or something kept running. I checked under the hood but apparently I did not shut off all night. When I went out and checked, the battery was dead. Any one have a similar experience?
Asta, I got the dealer incentive on mine ($500). It is there policy to pass those things on. When the deal was done it was not on there so I asked and the said "oh the finance manager says he forgot" I think they were waiting to see if I would ask about it.
Zonk I think that the Bronze is a cross between brown and copper. It is not so orange as copper and not so dark as brown.
I'm assuming that a number of you out there also have the overhead computer thing with compass, temp, trip odometer, immediate mileage readout, elapsed time driving, miles remaining on tankfull, average mileage, moon phase, daily horoscope, egg timer, etc., etc., etc.
Question: Does the "avergage mileage" readout on your computer come anywhere NEAR the actual mileage as measured when you top the tank off (trip miles divided by gallons pumped)?
The electronic brain (used LOOSELY) in my QC with 5.9 & auto invariably gives me an everage mileage reading of 11.9 - 12.3 mpg. Actual is 13.3 - 13.5 mpg.
There are postings regarding incentive money. Does anyone know specifically the dates covered by the incentives? I ordered a QC last Saturday(9/23/00)
I also have a question regarding the mileage estimates of the 4.7 / Auto 3.55 rear ratio versus the 4.7 / Auto / 3.92 rear ratio. The towing capacity varies greatly. Does the mileage, too?
I alway write down my trip miles and gallons to check mileage. I'm consistantly averaging around 16.5 with my 01 4X4 Quad Cab, 4.7/auto. My trip computer tells me a right around 17.7 mpg. Close enough? I think it should be right on, after all it is a computer. ;-)
It would be nice if there was a way to calibrate the overhead so it's more accurate. Anyone have any info from BOB on that?
fat_fenders
PS. One other minor gripe about the OH trip computer. I would prefer to be able to reset the trip computer or ET or avg mpg separately without resetting everthing or nothing. My wife's '97 LHS has that option. Did I miss something on resetting it?
Motor Trend reports 0-60 time for 2000 Quad with 4.7 and auto tran @ 7.4 seconds. Als reports 1999 5.9 and auto tran R/T (not Quad) @ 7.7 seconds.
This seems to make the Quad the second fastest truck tested by Motor Trend (most, if not all, seem to be listed. Only the Ford Lighting @ 5.5 seconds is shown as faster. Against all tested SUV's only the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the same 4.7 V8 engine and auto tranny was faster @ 7.2 seconds
Thought I bought a truck, really got a sports car.
My 2001 Quad's trip computer seems to also be off. It usually shows an average 17 to 18 mpg for each tank, versus an actual 16 to 16.5 mpg. I've gone 3300 miles in the two months I've had her. Seems to be pretty consistent. All heavy big city driving here in Dallas-Ft Worth area.
INTERESTING that your Avg. Mileage readout runs close to 1 mpg higher than actual, while mine runs about 1 mpg lower than actual.
I'm far from a "programmer"... But it seems to me that you should be able to recalibrate the Avg. mpg to reflect "reality."
As an aside, when I first got my QC and still had my '95 Ram, I noted that the temp. readout on the two vehicles varied consistently by about 5 degrees.
Ahh well... If nothing else, the computer provides a bit of entertainment while you're sitting in traffic!!!
My OVHD CMPTR is reading out 1.5 to 2.5 MPG more than actual on mine. I guess it's time to find out how to calibrate this if possible. Maybe it to learns according to how your driving, and then again maybe it's only a calculation adjusting to how your currently driving. I noticed my DTE recalculates at the beginning of each tank on mine. OK fellow Sherlocks let get an answer to this one.
However I must admit it makes me feel pretty good when it's displaying 20 MPG.
My OVHD CMPTR is reading out 1.5 to 2.5 MPG more than actual on mine. I guess it's time to find out how to calibrate this if possible. Maybe it to learns according to how your driving, and then again maybe it's only a calculation adjusting to how your currently driving. I noticed my DTE recalculates at the beginning of each tank on mine. OK fellow Sherlocks let get an answer to this one.
However I must admit it makes me feel pretty good when it's displaying 20 MPG.
I just recently purchased a 20001 Dakota Quad Cab and the salesman at the after-market truck accessory store advised me to get a bedrug bedliner instead of the spray on because I am going to be carrying my dogs in the cab. Has anyone ever put had a bedrug installed and have you had any problems with it. Would like to know the pros and cons of them if possible.
I installed mine in about 1.5 hours. Got it from JC Whitney for $289. Real easy to install, only thing needed is patience. I keep mine under a Mopar Gull wing Tonneau so I can't tell you how it holds up to the elements but it's suppose to be everything proof. A few picks can be seen here:
I believe you sent me a picture of your truck. Thanks a lot! I downloaded it to view it. Now if I only knew how to view it, I'd be all set. My 4 1/2 year old grandson will be over shortly. He probably knows how. It's amazing, he can't read yet, butalready can do so much with a computer, it's scary. BTW, I saw a bronze RAM today, great color! Thanks again.
Steve, my computer MPG and calculated MPG are essentially the same if I stop fueling when the pump handle kicks off. If I top it off (and I do mean top it off) it goes astray. That's because there is more fuel than the tank holds according to the computer. When I purchase fuel in NJ, they pump it and stop when the pump kicks off, only rounding the numbers to even change. Then the computer output and my arithmetic agree with one another.
(aturserviss) You may get a better response over in the Maintenance topic...
Quick answer... Have not heard of this problem on ANY Dakotas... but suspect that the electric fan relay is just sticking. Depending on your (or your dealers) Skills, this problem is simple to troubleshoot and FIX. (No guessing required!!)
Norm -- Sounds to me as though you just got "one of the good ones"... I also stop pumping when the nozzle clicks every time. GAQUAD suggested that the computer memory is limited to the last 100 miles... My driving patterns are very consistent, and I figure mileage (numerically) at each fillup as well as carrying an average for the last 3 fillups... At least the computer average is CONSISTENTLY low!
Finally have it rigged properly for towing and will be doing 250 miles with a 5,000# load next week... Anxious to compare how the QC mileage stacks up against the '95 Ram!
I agree with your analysis on the fill amount. I too have noticed that if you stuff the tank after the first click off that the next reading will be 1/2 to 1 mile to the gallon off from my calculation. Its never been over 1 mpg off tough , at least on my truck. Also, if you leave the key on while fueling you will see the DTE count up as the fuel gage indicator rises.
victx, could you please give me the link to your web site to for the stereo installation. i lost the post number for it and my placemarks got all screwed up. i found out that i can't put a 1.5 DIN in a 01. Thank you, Evan.
Does anyone make a bedliner for the QC that is an under the rail type? I have yet to find a bedliner that fits the bed rails well enough. I really would like to find and under rail bedliner and put bed rail protectors on that have great fit and finins but I cant find the under rail bed liner. Anyone?
just got my 01 q/c and had the under the rail mopar bedliner installed looks and fits great. can.t find part # right now but price is about $250.00 + install $30.00 call your local dodge parts dept or cust servi and req a mopar accessory catalog... if i find the art i'll post it later fo ya
picked truck up fri evening the 29sep00,ordered ont eh 28 aug dealer says record time for a ordered dakota! i can't complain either i knew prior to purchasing from demo drives i loved this truck but until i had it for a few days no 100 + miles took delivery with 6 miles how great thei truck is . it handles and rides so smooth you'd swear u were in a camry. quiet inside the infid sound system is awsome! hope to post pics soon 01 4x2 sport white got the flairs,slash guards,under rail bedliner, every opt in the book except opt ax ratio,radio controls on wheel. i love this truck! i hope i can now speak from experience with any others ? on pre purchases or compare with other real owners.....
I can get a nice spray in liner (line-x or similar) for $275 which includes over the top of bed rails and tailgate in black which should match my Sport QC quite nicely. I didnt know those plastic liners were that much $$$$$$$$$$.
before u spray it find someone thats had one done from the location you are going to use ask for ref there was a bad story posted here a few weeks ago regarding a messing job and peeling liner... my 2 cnts i would spend the extra or acually form the prices you mention less and get the mopar plasic liner i think looks nicer and protects the bed better from potental dents to me the spray on liners look unfinshed like primer....
Steve, I had a Tuffline under the rail model installed in my Quad for well under $200.00. It has pockets that accept 2X whatever boards. I used notched 2X12's and made three separate compartments (perfect for my needs) and enclosed the bed with an A.R.E. LSII fiber glass tonneau painted to match. I am very happy with the Tuffliner. Hope this helps.
As this topic has been coming up at least as frequently as any other, I couldn't resist adding my $.02 on bedliners. I've been driving pickups for 14 years for both work vehicles and my personal transportation, and the liner you choose is much more a matter of how you want it to look than one of function. I've installed a couple of plastic liners, both under rails, and yes they protect from dents, but they clearly contribute to rust. I don't know about the spray-ins, they mostly seem good for looks, good against scratches, a little harder to clean, and damn expensive. My work trucks (3) and my personal truck (quad), as well as my last 2 other personal trucks, and many of my employees own trucks all have the same bedliner right now - an indoor/outdoor carpet remnant trimmed to fit. It does a good job of keeping scratches off, from everything from Simpson hardware, to plywood, to pallets of masonry, and its breatheable so if I do get a scratch, its much less likely to rust. I wash it with the pressure washer just like the spray-ins. Anything that would jump around back there and ding or scratch the walls, should get tied down anyway. Unless I'm hauling gravel from a front loader, its all I need (and the '83 F250 diesel gets dispatched to those). Best of all, I have always found a complimentary color, and haven't paid for one yet. Just another option...
Hi. I'm trying to decide whether to buy a '01 QC 4.7 4WD with auto transmission or a '01 Explorer Sport Trac and was wondering whether any one else on this list had also considered the Sport Trac b/4 buying the QC, and if so, why. I like the QC's engine, transmission, full time 4wd capabilities and the lower price. But the Sport Trac seems like a very nice vehicle too. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I read on Autoweb that the '01 QC's auto transmission has a "real time adaptive shifting feature." Can any one who owns a '01 tell me if this is similar to the manual shifting feature found on other Chrysler products (ie. a separate gate on the auto trans. to manually control upshifts and downshifts) or if this is some type of computer program that learns your driving pattern? Thanks and sorry for the long post.
This is a marketing buzzword for the special 4speed automatic that comes with the 4.7L. It learns your driving habits and customizes its shifting patterns accordingly.
This Xmission has been available on the 4.7L HEMI engine since its debut on the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee... Nothing special on the '01 QC's.
on my brand new 01 qc I picked up yesterday, the only glitch was a "shimmy" or "surging" feeling when I was accelerating from around 10-15mph. From a dead stop off the line or moving. When I punched it off the line I didn't feel this shimmy. It's fairly pronounced, like it's "hunting" for a gear perhaps. Never on a downshift, always on the up-pedal? Rrep said it takes to "learn" my habits. Said to call him back if I still feel it in a week or so. Any thoughts??? FYI: it's a 4-wheel drive, and at first I thought I was just humping over a speed bump or our notoriously "well-maintained" california roads. But, happened on smooth surface several tims, so not just "bounciness" to 4x4. definite shimmy, almost a bump.
I have to agree with Slick and Bookitty. The drop in under the rail is great. If you talk to your dealer they SHOULD give you a 10-15% price break. I got mine for $200.00 and change and looks awesome. Then I went on and put the bed rails on It really tricks it out. Another thing to keep in mind, sprayins are FOREVER! To keep mine from moving around. At all!! I just put a few strips of foam one sided tape across the bed floor..Worked great. If you are worried about rust (I'm not) pop it out at the end of the year,whipe it down..No big deal. I can pull my liner out in 3 minutes real easy. Plus in the future sprayins will be there. But you won't need one. My $.02 Allen-
Sorry, I have no specific thoughts an the technical reasons your truck 'shimmies'. In my years of research on this (4.7L auto) I have not come across anyone with this specific complaint.
Are you SURE it is the xmission? Have you tried starting off in another gear. (This forces the xmission to follow a different shift pattern... per BOB)
Your best bet is to MAKE SURE that the dealer has officially LOGGED this as a problem in the computer. (From your very first complaint.) It MAY go away... but it may not.
Personal opinions -- The Sport Trac is rather trendy looking, though I prefer the classier lines of the QC.
I read an MT test just the other day on the Sport Track... If I'm not mistaken, it can be had only with a V-6 (acceleration numbers were less than impressive). Moreover, it fell well short of the QC on lateral G limits in handling tests.
I WILL concede that the composite box is a winner! I'll assume that Dodge will pick up on that quickly... And will also be looking forward to roundabout '03 when the QC (or derivitive) should be packing a 5.7-liter OHC hemi (derived from the '02 Jeep)... Speculation, but interesting nonetheless!!
Just imagine the Dakota with the, non-supercharged version, 325 hp, 425 ft-lb, Hemi! (or by then it could have the 350 hp, 450 ft-lb, version of the 6.1 liter Hemi)!
Does anyone have inputs as to the validity of the so called advertising charges.
I read somewhere that the dealer has no right (ethicaly) to charge for advertising . . . it is part of their regular business expenses, and if they are trying to charge you for their advertising, they are ripping you off . . .
Is this true ?
Inputs ?
I'll be picking up my 01 Bright Silver 5-speed 4.7 quad 4x4 as soon as it gets off of the train !
I would love to have some responses to this before I go into the dealer . . . in California . . .
I wrote the "proud papa" post. The dealer I bought from (in Tustin, CA) showed me his invoice from Daimler-Chrysler and the ad charges were on the invoice. They were there before the bottom line price of the total invoice, so according to him, and assuming the invoice was legit, D/C charged the dealer these costs. His exact quote was: "D/C charges you the customer for all those great TV commercials, especially since California is the largest market in the country and has the largest ratio of ad dollars spent. I could have fought with him all night, but he had a 500 deposit of mine and the truck was waiting outside, which I special ordered and had to wait 4 weeks to get. Not exactly a really strong bargaining postion on my part. So, I bit and paid those charges. I have no idea what the legal ramifications of those ad charges are. But then we're talking the car industry - it's like the wild west of retail selling compared to most other industries. good luck knocking down that ad charge. let me know if you pull it off.
It is rather amusing to imagine what the makers will cook up next!
Can't decide between the '03 version of Fire Amber Pearl or Patriot Blue? No problem! Pop for the electrochromatic paint option and flip a toggle switch to change colors!
well, i guess I'll throw my opinion in the ring. I have had experience with both a slide in liner and spray-in. While prepping my Ram to sell when my QC arrived, I checked under the hard liner I put in cuz I couldn't afford a spray in. I quickly put it back as there were numerous rubspots down to bare (now heavily rusted) metal and a build up of dirt, muck, ect. The liner itself shows alot of wear and visual defects from average-to near heavy use. The Jeep Commanche I had prior to the Ram, was fitted with a Rhino Linings spray in. My cousin was getting ready to sell the truck (almost 180K mi. darn good running truck)and I quizzed him about the liner. He sent pictures of the bed. After about 10 years after I originally had the liner installed, The bed was rusting out around it. It was still in good shape The only major defect in the liner was where an engine block was dropped on it and cut it. I would imagine a Hard liner would also suffer under that. The decision for me is simple. A spray in it is. The only problem is now which one. When I did the Jeep, Rhino was it, now there are several competitors that have to be researched. I'm currently leaning towards a Arma Coating as they have a little harder mix and I have seen this installer's work. Hope this rambling helps.
If anyone wants the Changer w/ cassette radio, I plan on upgrading mine and will have a head unit for sale sometime soon. Let me know if anyone wants a 2001 (yes, they're different) changer control unit.
I also was real interested for a while in the Sport Trac, but ultimately decided on the Quad Cab. I liked the ST's shorter length (9"), the moon-roof/power rear window combo, built-in "bedliner" and a few other things.
However, we decided on the QC because it is not TOO much longer (215" vs 206"); it has a V-8 as well as a manual transmission; it is quicker/more powerful; gas mileage is close to the same (looks like a slight edge to the ST); longer bed will be useful at times; it looks better (my 14-year-old son prefers the looks of the ST, though). Plus, it looked like the ST would be at least $1000 more, even after you got a liner and Tonneau for the QC.
Perhaps a minor factor--I suspect that if a QC and a ST pull up to a light at the same time, it would be the QC's driver who would have the moral and horsepower high ground (kind of like when a Camaro meets a Mustang). Past posts sort of attest to this.
Finally, it seemed to me that ST owners were slightly more plagued by annoyances with their vehicles/dealer/manufacturer. (Subjective opinion only, as both groups of owners seem very happy overall).
Either vehicle would be a great choice. Good luck with your selection.
I've never done anything with the carpet other than trim it to fit within 1/4" or so all around. I have a shell on the QC but take it off about 25% of the time and the carpet stays put fine. My F250 and 2 F150's have carpets and cross bed tool boxes (which rest on the rails, not the carpet) and nothing moves there either. If I carry long lumber over the tailgate or 10' pipes poked up into the cab of my QC through the slider and inside the gate, or anything over the rails, I just keep a couple towels in the truck to wrap anything that might scratch. The towels are there anyway as I have kids and a dog...
Have had my 4.7, 5-sp, 4x4, LSD, bronze QC for a week now and truly like it. I live out in the sticks off a gravel road. This morning, pre-dawn, I was greeted with a very flat rear tire. Ok, let's see how the factory jack, etc. work. Well, I did NOT use the fac jack as it was a pain. Lowering the spare was worse. Oh, it came down fine, just like my big Chev K2400. BUT, the retainer on the Dodge spare is too large (or the hub hole is too small) to reach in and angle it sideways then haul it out of the wheel hub from the top. I had to lift one edge of the tire and reach UNDER it back and THEN get the retainer thingy up through the hub! This was much too difficult as those 16in wheels/tires are damned heavy. Can't imagine doing all this at night, on the shoulder, in mud, etc. Of course, I'm hoping I don't have to change tires often but, in the last 4 years, with 4 vehicles, we have had over 30 flats. Some have been due to construction of the house and the carelessness of the builders leaving nails all around and some due to cuts from gravel. Even had an M-16 round (blank but fully loaded) penetrate one of the wife's car's tires. The primer was in it and sticking out into the road so a small rock hitting it just perfect would have blown the wheel right off! One of the joys of living next to the world's largest Army installation (Ft. Hood, TX). Have several times run over smoke grenade canisters and, once, at night, smashed a web-belt with cantine.
But, so far, the QC is a delight (just don't have a flat!).
Thanks everyone for your input to my post. I find myself in the same boat as Dragonhawk did prior to his purchase -- my heart likes some of the features not found on the QC like the moonroof, power backwindow, etc. My head (and probably my right foot and the seat of my pants) really loves the QC's acceleration and handling ratings, not to mention the larger gas tank, full time 4wd option, heated mirrors and rear window, and lower cost.
I'm still riding on the fence but I think the decision may ultimately come down to which vehicle will be more reliable long term. I've read about a few quality problems that seem common to all ST's, but nothing I'd consider major. It seems that most of the QC owners have experienced the annoying condensation problem (dripping onto exhaust) and some vibration issues. But I also noticed that there seems to be issues concerning the onboard computer programming causing near stalls or other such problems (I believe I read that some computers had to be replaced). I haven't seen this type of problem posted on the ST.
I've owned Ford cars and trucks in the past and have had good luck with them. I've had horrible luck with GMC trucks. My current 94 Mitsubishi Montero SR has been the most reliable auto I've owned, but has lately begun to run into problems (I have nearly 120k miles on it). I've never owned a Dodge but have heard mixed things about their reliability.
Dragonhawk, can you or anyone else comment on your experience with your QC so far in this regard? Do you feel the QC will serve you well past the 36k warranty period and beyond?
I really do appreciate all of the feedback that everyone has provided as I plan to purchase one of these vehicles within the next month or so.
Comments
If there is one and you didn't negotiate it as part of your original deal, your dealer probably won't give it up (or even share it) willingly. But it can't hurt to ask.
Their worst answer would be NO and you'd get your awesome Quad anyway!!!
fat_fenders
PS. Make sure you get pics posted when you get a chance.
Zonk I think that the Bronze is a cross between brown and copper. It is not so orange as copper and not so dark as brown.
Question: Does the "avergage mileage" readout on your computer come anywhere NEAR the actual mileage as measured when you top the tank off (trip miles divided by gallons pumped)?
The electronic brain (used LOOSELY) in my QC with 5.9 & auto invariably gives me an everage mileage reading of 11.9 - 12.3 mpg. Actual is 13.3 - 13.5 mpg.
No big deal... Just curious!!!
I also have a question regarding the mileage estimates of the 4.7 / Auto 3.55 rear ratio versus the 4.7 / Auto / 3.92 rear ratio. The towing capacity varies greatly. Does the mileage, too?
It would be nice if there was a way to calibrate the overhead so it's more accurate. Anyone have any info from BOB on that?
fat_fenders
PS. One other minor gripe about the OH trip computer. I would prefer to be able to reset the trip computer or ET or avg mpg separately without resetting everthing or nothing. My wife's '97 LHS has that option. Did I miss something on resetting it?
This seems to make the Quad the second fastest truck tested by Motor Trend (most, if not all, seem to be listed. Only the Ford Lighting @ 5.5 seconds is shown as faster. Against all tested SUV's only the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the same 4.7 V8 engine and auto tranny was faster @ 7.2 seconds
Thought I bought a truck, really got a sports car.
Hope this helps
Rhys
Rhys
I'm far from a "programmer"... But it seems to me that you should be able to recalibrate the Avg. mpg to reflect "reality."
As an aside, when I first got my QC and still had my '95 Ram, I noted that the temp. readout on the two vehicles varied consistently by about 5 degrees.
Ahh well... If nothing else, the computer provides a bit of entertainment while you're sitting in traffic!!!
However I must admit it makes me feel pretty good when it's displaying 20 MPG.
However I must admit it makes me feel pretty good when it's displaying 20 MPG.
http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/Incentives.html
(It is way down the page.)
I actually pinted it out and took it to the dealer with me. Looks like it runs until October 2, 2000.
http://www.geocities.com/bobbyt876/index.html
Bookitty
Quick answer... Have not heard of this problem on ANY Dakotas... but suspect that the electric fan relay is just sticking. Depending on your (or your dealers) Skills, this problem is simple to troubleshoot and FIX. (No guessing required!!)
Finally have it rigged properly for towing and will be doing 250 miles with a 5,000# load next week... Anxious to compare how the QC mileage stacks up against the '95 Ram!
DIN in a 01. Thank you, Evan.
Bookitty
Just another option...
Ben
Also, I read on Autoweb that the '01 QC's auto transmission has a "real time adaptive shifting feature." Can any one who owns a '01 tell me if this is similar to the manual shifting feature found on other Chrysler products (ie. a separate gate on the auto trans. to manually control upshifts and downshifts) or if this is some type of computer program that learns your driving pattern? Thanks and sorry for the long post.
This Xmission has been available on the 4.7L HEMI engine since its debut on the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee... Nothing special on the '01 QC's.
dave.
Another thing to keep in mind, sprayins are FOREVER!
To keep mine from moving around. At all!! I just put a few strips of foam one sided tape across the bed floor..Worked great. If you are worried about rust (I'm not) pop it out at the end of the year,whipe it down..No big deal. I can pull my liner out in 3 minutes real easy. Plus in the future sprayins will be there. But you won't need one.
My $.02
Allen-
Allen-
I still recall the days if 3-speed manuals on trucks.... and I am not THAT old.
Are you SURE it is the xmission? Have you tried starting off in another gear. (This forces the xmission to follow a different shift pattern... per BOB)
Your best bet is to MAKE SURE that the dealer has officially LOGGED this as a problem in the computer. (From your very first complaint.) It MAY go away... but it may not.
I read an MT test just the other day on the Sport Track... If I'm not mistaken, it can be had only with a V-6 (acceleration numbers were less than impressive). Moreover, it fell well short of the QC on lateral G limits in handling tests.
I WILL concede that the composite box is a winner! I'll assume that Dodge will pick up on that quickly... And will also be looking forward to roundabout '03 when the QC (or derivitive) should be packing a 5.7-liter OHC hemi (derived from the '02 Jeep)... Speculation, but interesting nonetheless!!
Does anyone have inputs as to the validity of
the so called advertising charges.
I read somewhere that the dealer has no right
(ethicaly) to charge for advertising . . . it is part of their regular business expenses, and if they are trying to charge you for their advertising, they are ripping you off . . .
Is this true ?
Inputs ?
I'll be picking up my 01 Bright Silver 5-speed
4.7 quad 4x4 as soon as it gets off of the train !
I would love to have some responses to this before
I go into the dealer . . . in California . . .
Thank You All !
Can't decide between the '03 version of Fire Amber Pearl or Patriot Blue? No problem! Pop for the electrochromatic paint option and flip a toggle switch to change colors!
Rick (aturserviss)
However, we decided on the QC because it is not TOO much longer (215" vs 206"); it has a V-8 as well as a manual transmission; it is quicker/more powerful; gas mileage is close to the same (looks like a slight edge to the ST); longer bed will be useful at times; it looks better (my 14-year-old son prefers the looks of the ST, though). Plus, it looked like the ST would be at least $1000 more, even after you got a liner and Tonneau for the QC.
Perhaps a minor factor--I suspect that if a QC and a ST pull up to a light at the same time, it would be the QC's driver who would have the moral and horsepower high ground (kind of like when a Camaro meets a Mustang). Past posts sort of attest to this.
Finally, it seemed to me that ST owners were slightly more plagued by annoyances with their vehicles/dealer/manufacturer. (Subjective opinion only, as both groups of owners seem very happy overall).
Either vehicle would be a great choice. Good luck with your selection.
Ben
But, so far, the QC is a delight (just don't have a flat!).
ChiefDoc
Thanks everyone for your input to my post. I find myself in the same boat as Dragonhawk did prior to his purchase -- my heart likes some of the features not found on the QC like the moonroof, power backwindow, etc. My head (and probably my right foot and the seat of my pants) really loves the QC's acceleration and handling ratings, not to mention the larger gas tank, full time 4wd option, heated mirrors and rear window, and lower cost.
I'm still riding on the fence but I think the decision may ultimately come down to which vehicle will be more reliable long term. I've read about a few quality problems that seem common to all ST's, but nothing I'd consider major. It seems that most of the QC owners have experienced the annoying condensation problem (dripping onto exhaust) and some vibration issues. But I also noticed that there seems to be issues concerning the onboard computer programming causing near stalls or other such problems (I believe I read that some computers had to be replaced). I haven't seen this type of problem posted on the ST.
I've owned Ford cars and trucks in the past and have had good luck with them. I've had horrible luck with GMC trucks. My current 94 Mitsubishi Montero SR has been the most reliable auto I've owned, but has lately begun to run into problems (I have nearly 120k miles on it). I've never owned a Dodge but have heard mixed things about their reliability.
Dragonhawk, can you or anyone else comment on your experience with your QC so far in this regard? Do you feel the QC will serve you well past the 36k warranty period and beyond?
I really do appreciate all of the feedback that everyone has provided as I plan to purchase one of these vehicles within the next month or so.