F-150 vs. Ram vs. Silverado

[Fitz73Chrgr]

I'm in the beginning stages of looking for a new truck.  Likely going to buy an extended cab, 2wd.  I like the Ford and I like the fact that the company managed its finances well enough to not need a government bailout.  I'm considering all 3 models though.

Who has late model versions of these trucks and how do you like them?

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Thanks!

[bill440rt]

I own a '11 Ram 1500 4x4, and have owned one of each of the previous generation Rams ('07 & a '98, both 2500 4x4 quad cabs). All were Laramie's. My current one is a crew cab Laramie, loaded. I opted for the shorter bed for more back seat space in the cab, my kids are getting bigger so I needed the interior room more so than the bigger bed.
I am very pleased with it, by far the best Ram I've owned. It has nearly the exact same towing capacity as my last '07 2500 (50 lbs less), with a better ride. The incentives were much better at the time with the 1500's vs the 2500's, & I really didn't need the extra capacity. It tows an enclosed trailer very nicely, same as my last heavy duty.
The positives for me are the comfort, towing capacity, & extra rear cab room. Only negative is I wish it had a little more payload capacity, but I have a weight distribution setup for the trailer so that helps out a lot. Others have installed rear airbags to help with payload. And, now available on the '13's, is rear airbag assist suspension! 
Can't share any experiences with the F-150 or the Silverado, sorry.   

[68X426]

2013 Ram: Truck of the Year

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,97187.0.html

Everyone I know with Chevy suffers dependability problems, in warranty and then after. My experience with Chevy is that I'll never go there again, I'd consider Ram and Ford as equals.

[odcics2]

Since this is a MoPar forum, the only answer is Ram...   

[chargerboy69]

Since this is a MoPar forum, the only answer is Ram...   

    Well, at least the OP knows your fair and impartial.


My daily driver trucks have been GM, I still have one, and they work just fine.  If you just plan to drive it and not haul or pull anything, a GMC would be fine.  If you like the truck to spend time in the service department, go with a Ram.  If you plan to pull a trailer or haul anything, go with the Ford.

The truck I use for my business is a newer Ford, I would not trade it for anything.  I went with the Ford because it has a FULL four doors ( without ordering MegaCab).  The cab is very spacious and the King Ranch seats are like your home recliner.   Another plus, was the Fords are not plagued with issues like the Ram.  Every friend I have with a Ram is on their second or third rebuilt front end and have had at least one new transmission. Another reason I went with Ford is when I attend the auto auctions, you line up a equally optioned GMC, Ford and a Ram, the Ram always brings the least amount of money out of the big three, all the dealers can not be wrong.  And last, Ford did not take any bail out money.

The Ram is a sharp looking truck, they really are.  I just feel they are not as well made compared to the other two, just my opinion.

Good luck in your purchase. 

[bakerhillpins]

Don't own any of the a fore mentioned vehicles just wanted to bring up the following since it seems to be a selling point between the 3.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/joannmuller/2011/09/19/ford-looks-hypocritical-in-new-anti-bailout-commercial/

But wait a minute. OK, Ford didn't file bankruptcy or get bailed out by Uncle Sam, but didn't it receive $5.9 billion in low-cost government loans in 2009 to overhaul its factories and bring out more fuel-efficient technology? What would have happened to Ford if Congress hadn't authorized taxpayer money to fund that $25 billion Energy Department program during a moment of crisis for the industry?

It's hard to say, of course, but the fact is, with the aid of that taxpayer loan and a well-timed bank loan of $23 billion, Ford managed to tiptoe past the graveyard and avoid bankruptcy. Since then, it has run its business well and reduced its debt from $33.6 billion to $12.2 billion.

Neighbor owns his own excavation company, has many GMCs,  Their latest (2500,  Acadia) are both on their 2nd transmissions and the 2500 just bit into $2300 in repairs. He works the 2500 hard on site and as a plow truck but his wife drives the Acadia around. Granted this is me relaying the info to you so take it for what it's worth. My experience with the bowie was never good but that was the 80s and we never looked back.

YMMV.  

[chargerboy69]

Don't own any of the a fore mentioned vehicles just wanted to bring up the following since it seems to be a selling point between the 3.

If I remember correctly this plan passed Congress in 2007 and was offered to all car companies to develop "green" cars.  When the time came out to hand out the funds GM and Chrysler were not eligible because they had already taken $75 billion in taxpayer money. Did Ford take 5 billion, yep they sure did.  But it was not "bailout" money.  This was for "green" car development passed a year before the crash. 

[GOTWING]

Being a Mopar guy, there is no option for me. It's RAM or nothing.

If i had to i would buy a Ford over a Chevy.

[bakerhillpins]

If I remember correctly this plan passed Congress in 2007 and was offered to all car companies to develop "green" cars.  When the time came out to hand out the funds GM and Chrysler were not eligible because they had already taken $75 billion in taxpayer money. Did Ford take 5 billion, yep they sure did.  But it was not "bailout" money.  This was for "green" car development passed a year before the crash. 

I hear ya!  I guess my point was more one of they all have gotten taxpayer money at one time or another to "bail them out" of some crisis so I don't think they should ding one maker over another for it.

[Todd Wilson]

I got 4 Dodge trucks and they are all running and driving just fine...................


Todd

[4cruzin]

Well I don't want my name disclosed but I do own a new Ferd truck and I bought the platinum series which I think is the top of the line in the truck series.  I also got the extended bed and it comes standard with the extended cab.  I had to order it to get the Eco-boost engine and for as large as this truck is . ... It hauls ass!  It is probably a good 2 ft longer than my suburban . . . .

I have no complaints at this time . . .

[BB1]

It's sacrilegious even to walk into a GM or Furd dealership.
I did it once because my friend had me pick him up at hu Furd place. I felt dirty the rest of the week.

It's RAM or nothing.

[ACUDANUT]

Fords, F-150..Motor Trends Truck of the year, 2012...I love mine.
Dodge/Ram's have the lowest resale value, and I bet my Ford doesn't see a Dealership for 10 years at least.

[Cooter]

Fords, F-150..Motor Trends Truck of the year, 2012...I love mine.
Dodge/Ram's have the lowest resale value, and I bet my Ford doesn't see a Dealership for 10 years at least.

Wouldn't be too sure...Do a Google search on how FORD expects to solve the "Death wobble" that almost ALL of their trucks seem to have...
I think you'll be surprized at what Ford calls/dismisses as a "fix"...We have figured it out at the shop, but customers tend to think after hearing what is wrong that Ford will "Warranty" it as it seems to be a design flaw.

[1BAD68]

I wouldn't even consider a ram. Ford is priced higher than the rest but is a nice truck.
My work truck is a 04 GMC 2500 and has been trouble free except for a alternator and now it needs brakes at 140,000 miles, still runs perfect and has plenty of power.
Looking forward to maybe getting one of these someday...

[Cooter]

I'd hate to put tires on that thing...

[odcics2]

Since this is a MoPar forum, the only answer is Ram...   

    Well, at least the OP knows your fair and impartial.

You forgot: loyal.    Most folks don't know what that means any more.   Sad, indeed...

[ACUDANUT]

Cooter .."Wouldn't be too sure...Do a Google search on how FORD expects to solve the "Death wobble" that almost ALL of their trucks seem to have...
I think you'll be surprized at what Ford calls/dismisses as a "fix"...We have figured it out at the shop, but customers tend to think after hearing what is wrong that Ford will "Warranty" it as it seems to be a design flaw. "

Want ot take any bets. My buddy bought his '11 Ram new with the big horn package. It has left him on the highway, and our working parking lots 6 times. That 6 tows and months with out his truck, because the dealership did not know what was wrong.

[ACUDANUT]

Oh I forgot. Fiat owns 50 percent of Chrysler. 

[69rtse4spd]

Cooter .."Wouldn't be too sure...Do a Google search on how FORD expects to solve the "Death wobble" that almost ALL of their trucks seem to have...
I think you'll be surprized at what Ford calls/dismisses as a "fix"...We have figured it out at the shop, but customers tend to think after hearing what is wrong that Ford will "Warranty" it as it seems to be a design flaw. "

Want ot take any bets. My buddy bought his '11 Ram new with the big horn package. It has left him on the highway, and our working parking lots 6 times. That 6 tows and months with out his truck, because the dealership did not know what was wrong.

That could just be the guys working there. The guys at the dealership here in town are sharp. 

[69rtse4spd]

I'd hate to put tires on that thing...

Anything with 17 inch or bigger will cost, but that is what you are stuck with. And with the price of oil everthing cost.

[Silver R/T]

If 1/2 ton I'd go with F150. 3/4 ton I'll take Dodge w/Cummins.

[bill440rt]

Cooter .."Wouldn't be too sure...Do a Google search on how FORD expects to solve the "Death wobble" that almost ALL of their trucks seem to have...
I think you'll be surprized at what Ford calls/dismisses as a "fix"...We have figured it out at the shop, but customers tend to think after hearing what is wrong that Ford will "Warranty" it as it seems to be a design flaw. "

Want ot take any bets. My buddy bought his '11 Ram new with the big horn package. It has left him on the highway, and our working parking lots 6 times. That 6 tows and months with out his truck, because the dealership did not know what was wrong.

That could just be the guys working there. The guys at the dealership here in town are sharp. 

I will say this, the guys at the dealership where I bought my '07 from were completely incompetent.
I had my '98 Ram 2500 for 10 years, not one problem at all. Decided to trade it in for a new one (at the time, '07). While the '07 had nice appointments and it towed very well, it was plagued with electrical problems since day one. It was in the service bay more than in my driveway. I finally had to file a claim following the NJ Lemon Law to get rid of it. Took about a year, glad I did it.
The new one has been fantastic.   

[dstryr]

I went through the buying experience at the end of December and ended up with a RAM 1500.  My '01 2wd supercrew F150 went 202,830 miles and never left me hanging so I seriously considered both the '13 F150 and '13 RAM.  When it came right down to it, it was hard to not pick another F150 because my first one was so reliable.  The '13 is quite a bit upgraded in the XLT package over 12 yrs but the feel was very similar.  Engine performance, ride, layout, all felt familiar.  I know a couple of people with eco-boost supercrews and the mileage isn't what Ford advertised and while I was confident in the motor's ability to last a long time(I drive my stuff til its worn out) decided to go with the V8 and get virtually the same or better gas mileage.  

The RAM is great after 2 months and 4500 miles.  I've towed my flat car trailer unloaded, partially, and fully loaded and the 5.7l has no trouble keeping up.  The electronics in the dash and information center are cool and easy to figure out and my only concern is if they will still be working in 6-8 years and 150,000 miles.  The ride is quiet and smooth, shifting is great and the Multi-Displacement System really saves fuel.  

I didn't consider a Chevy/GMC because of a couple of reasons- the exterior styling doesn't suit me(subjective & personal opinion only) and after the quality issues I've had with my '08 G6 I may not ever buy another GM vehicle.  The front fenders look to me like the designers gave it shoulder pads to look aggressive...doesn't work for me.    

My F150 was a 2wd SuperCrew and outside of regular maintenance only needed front lower ball joints, rear axle seals, one coil pack, and one full set of spark plugs.  I did not have the spark plug issue where the threads tear out of the head, thank God.   The new F150s have great styling with a sharp, classy look.  The RAM did, too, and I have second-guessed myself a few times wondering if I picked the right truck.  Bottom line is I did, but they were that close each other that I could have gone either way.

FS  


BTW, looks like you're from Missouri.  I found the truck with the options I wanted at Don Vance Chrysler in Marshfield.  It was a road trip to go there for a truck but the local central Iowa dealers and one northeast Nebraska dealer I talked to were only coming down a few thousand from MSRP and rock-bottom priced my trade-in.  Don Vance had better pricing online than one local dealer gave me-AFTER including 3k for my F150.  

:2thumbs:Don Vance   Made a deal over the phone in under 45 minutes and got great treatment once I arrived at the dealership.

[Scaregrabber]

My work truck is an F150. I wouldn't buy one if it was the only thing available.
Squeeks and rattles, howling rearend, trouble with the heater, needed a frontend alignment at 30,000 miles with light use, awkward brake and accel pedals and on and on. Think a Ford is a quality truck? Open the tailgate to feel how heavy it is and then do the same to a Ram, the Ram is probably twice the weight. Touch the bodysides on the Ford box, see how easily they push in and then leave a mark where your finger was? Won't happen with a Ram. Junk, don't even consider a Ford. I would consider a gasser GM but no way a Ford, I've had to live with this POS for 3 years, I just wish someone would steal it or total it for me. It doesn't even have 50,000 miles on it yet.

Sheldon

[dstryr]

I just wish someone would steal it or total it for me.
Sheldon

  That's how I feel about my G6.  My old F150, no squeaks, never any trouble.  Doesn't make sense sometimes...

[NHCharger]

Interesting read. My Dad and I share a 02 Chevy 2500 HD 4WD. Only has 57k on it. Looking to sell it and buy something new that gets better than 8.5 mpg when towing. I've had nothing but great luck with my Chevy vans for work but have heard some grumblings about the new Chevy trucks. Plus my Dad will not buy a vehicle from Government Motors. So it's either a Dodge or a Ford.

[ACUDANUT]

 Did you forget Chrysler took the bail-out too, and they are 50 percent owned by another country.

[1BAD68]

To be honest, I'll never get a new truck. I just can't swallow spending 30k-50k on a vehicle.
I heard on the radio the other day how new vehicle costs have exceeded what the majority can afford. I'll just stick with used stuff that I can pay cash for.
Just think of what you could do with an old truck and 400-500 bucks a month to buy accessories for.

[chargerboy69]

Cooter .."Wouldn't be too sure...Do a Google search on how FORD expects to solve the "Death wobble" that almost ALL of their trucks seem to have...
I think you'll be surprized at what Ford calls/dismisses as a "fix"...We have figured it out at the shop, but customers tend to think after hearing what is wrong that Ford will "Warranty" it as it seems to be a design flaw. "

Want ot take any bets. My buddy bought his '11 Ram new with the big horn package. It has left him on the highway, and our working parking lots 6 times. That 6 tows and months with out his truck, because the dealership did not know what was wrong.

That could just be the guys working there. The guys at the dealership here in town are sharp. 

I hope you are talking about the guys at Hiday.  I would not take my Schwinn to the complete dipsh!ts at Glennbrook Dodge.

[odcics2]

Did you forget Chrysler took the bail-out too, and they are 50 percent owned by another country.

Paid back... 

But, yes, AGAIN owned by a foreign company....         Better than NOT existing at all, IMO.   

[ACUDANUT]

1Bad68

I have a 77 Power Wagon also. It gets 7-8 MPG.

[mauve66]

To be honest, I'll never get a new truck. I just can't swallow spending 30k-50k on a vehicle.
I heard on the radio the other day how new vehicle costs have exceeded what the majority can afford. I'll just stick with used stuff that I can pay cash for.
Just think of what you could do with an old truck and 400-500 bucks a month to buy accessories for.

sweet truck, everything i see around here is clapped out or GREEN, inside and out

[Cooter]

I'd hate to put tires on that thing...

Anything with 17 inch or bigger will cost, but that is what you are stuck with. And with the price of oil everthing cost.

Uh nope...Think again....My TRUCK has 15-16" tires. I refuse to pay $300/each for tires. I see these types that buy these trucks new and the first set of tires being replaced are coming in the shop here for me to mount from a damn junkyard...Try again..

[twodko]

I bought a new half ton 2011 extend cab Silverado LT short bed, it just turned over 8k miles..........taking care of my wife has kept the mileage down. The truck has everything I needed except nav (I can read a map), leather or DVD.
I would like to trade it for a quad cab despite the shorty bed. My folks are 88 & 92 respectively so a quad cab is what I need now.
I'd love to trade it straight across to a private party for a similar truck. Maybe I'll test the waters on that with a CL ad. I sure as hell won't buy new again.

[Silver R/T]

I wouldn't buy new truck, they cost too much and depreciate way too fast. I get 17.5mpg with my 01 diesel that's all stock. It should last me a lifetime if I take care of it.

[Tilar]

I'm in the beginning stages of looking for a new truck.  Likely going to buy an extended cab, 2wd.  I like the Ford and I like the fact that the company managed its finances well enough to not need a government bailout.  

Well I'm not planning on buying a new anything in the forseeable future, but if I were it would definitely be a Ford. You couldn't run fast enough to sell me anything new from GM and probably not Dodge either.

[moparjohn]

I just picked up a gently used 09 Ram Crew Bighorn, and I love it in every way, I now am enjoying features that I would have downplayed a year ago. 10k miles on it by me, just oil changes. I got it with 66k on it, it's a sweet truck, ALOT has changed in 15 years. John

[hatersaurusrex]

I don't know how far back you're going, but I'd stay clear of any of the 04/05 F150's (I have an 04) especially with the 5.4.   Some of the castings dynamically blow the #8 plug and Ford is no longer covering replacements.   Also those same years, the cam phasers wear themselves out, and stick at full advance, meaning your gas mileage never goes above 11.   Had mine replaced for 1800 bucks, and six months later they wore out again.   in the late 2000's they corrected those problems but no warranty love.

Also the brakes on the 04 are horrible.   All four of mine wore prematurely out because the rotors themselves are made of basically pot metal.  I've done a full replacement twice on mine because they can't be turned after one set of pads.   The second time I put upgraded rotors from a 3rd party on there.

Lastly, the window regulator will fail on you because the cable binds up and snaps.  I've replaced 3 of them.   Ford again refuses to warranty this part and called it a 'wear item'.  Ironically, the replacement regulators are the exact same design, just like the cam phasers and brakes.   So you pay a fortune to fix a part that is guaranteed to fail and they don't even bother to give you a fixed design, let alone a warranty replacement.     I love everything about the style and fit/finish of the truck, and if Ford had stepped up and replaced those parts under warranty or a discount, I'd stay loyal.  As it is, I'm doubting I'll buy another F150 ever again because I feel like they gave owners the finger on problems that stem from their poor engineering.

I had a 91 Ranger for 10 years that ran on anything I'd pump into it and was still going strong when I traded it.   Based on the reliability of that truck I bought my F150 after my 99 Dakota finally crapped the bed (a totally different story, but that thing was a POS too).   My next full size rig will be a Chevy or GMC unless Ford or Dodge pull their heads out of their asses.      If that doesn't pan out I'll buy an old truck and restomod the crap out of it

[Fitz73Chrgr]

I don't know how far back you're going, but I'd stay clear of any of the 04/05 F150's

I'll probably go for a 2010 or newer.  Based on this tread, it seems a 2010-2011 F150 may be my best bet.

[ACUDANUT]

 ...The resale value is high, but they hold their value.

[Fitz73Chrgr]

Couldn't find exactly what I wanted used, so I decided to buy new:



STX Super Cab, 5.0L.  I love it.

[ACUDANUT]

Great choice, NICE Truck.

[1970Moparmann]

Congrats!  I have a 2010 and it has really surprised me in terms of what it can handle.  I towed a 24' enclosed trailer loaded with a car for 900 miles and it reacted great.  I have the active suspension system which helped a lot.

[chargerboy69]

Nice truck. . great choice buying a Ford. 

[redmist]

Add me to the new ford crowd as well... Awesome truck!

[1BAD68]

Nice looking F-150 

I just picked up a gently used 09 Ram Crew Bighorn, and I love it in every way, I now am enjoying features that I would have downplayed a year ago. 10k miles on it by me, just oil changes. I got it with 66k on it, it's a sweet truck, ALOT has changed in 15 years. John

I just bought a used Silverado 1500 and agree, all the creature comforts I used to think were over the top I now really enjoy.
Heated seats, Bose sound system, power everything. This truck drives like a car but can tow my Charger. I really like driving to work now.

[bull]

I've never owned any of the three full size trucks (unless you count my 1985 Ram) so I can't speak to it directly but I do know two guys from work, neither of which are Dodge loyalists, who have chosen Dodge. Their reasoning was that when you look at the three choices side by side there is very little quality/features difference other than the price. Basically what Dodge offers matches the others but it the price is quite a bit lower.

[Troy]

Basically what Dodge offers matches the others but it the price is quite a bit lower.

And the resale value BLOWS! I hear they are nice trucks but I refuse to purchase anything from Dodge. Honestly, I'm trying to find a 2012 Certified Used F150 (to save a little money AND get more warranty time) but they don't last long.

That white FX4 looks loaded! I have too many toys to take on something that expensive.

Troy

[PocketThunder]

Basically what Dodge offers matches the others but it the price is quite a bit lower.

And the resale value BLOWS! I hear they are nice trucks but I refuse to purchase anything from Dodge. Honestly, I'm trying to find a 2012 Certified Used F150 (to save a little money AND get more warranty time) but they don't last long.

That white FX4 looks loaded! I have too many toys to take on something that expensive.

Troy

Here you go Troy, a little fresh water never hurt anybody.....  http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ctd/3651855969.html

[Troy]

Basically what Dodge offers matches the others but it the price is quite a bit lower.

And the resale value BLOWS! I hear they are nice trucks but I refuse to purchase anything from Dodge. Honestly, I'm trying to find a 2012 Certified Used F150 (to save a little money AND get more warranty time) but they don't last long.

That white FX4 looks loaded! I have too many toys to take on something that expensive.

Troy

Here you go Troy, a little fresh water never hurt anybody.....  http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ctd/3651855969.html

Nice looking truck! Unfortunately, in Ohio that would be called a "salvage" vehicle and loan terms are ridiculous (if you can even get one).

Troy

[1970Moparmann]

Basically what Dodge offers matches the others but it the price is quite a bit lower.

And the resale value BLOWS! I hear they are nice trucks but I refuse to purchase anything from Dodge. Honestly, I'm trying to find a 2012 Certified Used F150 (to save a little money AND get more warranty time) but they don't last long.

That white FX4 looks loaded! I have too many toys to take on something that expensive.

Troy

Troy, I was in the same boat a few years ago.  I wound up getting my XLT 4 x 4 for $28k and thought that was a good deal.  All the used F150's that were a few years old were going for a mint. 

Dodge trucks resale value is the worst of the three...  Also, I have a friend who just did a "restoration" on a 2003 2500 Dodge Diesel due to all the rot it had - WTF.  He had to replace the bed, inner and outer rockers, patches in the front fenders.  WTF....  Not saying there are other factors to rust, but come on.

[moparstuart]

Basically what Dodge offers matches the others but it the price is quite a bit lower.

And the resale value BLOWS! I hear they are nice trucks but I refuse to purchase anything from Dodge. Honestly, I'm trying to find a 2012 Certified Used F150 (to save a little money AND get more warranty time) but they don't last long.

That white FX4 looks loaded! I have too many toys to take on something that expensive.

Troy

Here you go Troy, a little fresh water never hurt anybody.....  http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ctd/3651855969.html

  can you say wiring nightmare down the road

[PocketThunder]

Basically what Dodge offers matches the others but it the price is quite a bit lower.

And the resale value BLOWS! I hear they are nice trucks but I refuse to purchase anything from Dodge. Honestly, I'm trying to find a 2012 Certified Used F150 (to save a little money AND get more warranty time) but they don't last long.

That white FX4 looks loaded! I have too many toys to take on something that expensive.

Troy

Here you go Troy, a little fresh water never hurt anybody.....  http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ctd/3651855969.html

  can you say wiring nightmare down the road

My guess is they went ice fishing and got a little too close to the fish.    

[Fitz73Chrgr]

Add me to the new ford crowd as well... Awesome truck!

Eco-boost, and are those the HID headlights?

VERY nice truck!

[stripedelete]

Nice looking F-150 

I just picked up a gently used 09 Ram Crew Bighorn, and I love it in every way, I now am enjoying features that I would have downplayed a year ago. 10k miles on it by me, just oil changes. I got it with 66k on it, it's a sweet truck, ALOT has changed in 15 years. John

I just bought a used Silverado 1500 and agree, all the creature comforts I used to think were over the top I now really enjoy.
Heated seats, Bose sound system, power everything. This truck drives like a car but can tow my Charger. I really like driving to work now.

Good looking truck.  You won't be disappointed.   My 2001 Silverado has done everything I've asked it to do and with 285K it still rides like a car. 

[duanesterrr]

I went to the auto show and sat in all three trucks a couple months back.  I wasn't impressed with any of them after I looked at the sticker price.  I don't know who can afford these trucks anymore b/c it sure is not me 

Even if I did have the 50k+ needed to buy one I would buy 1) a restored 68 R/T for 45k 2) a truck for 2.5k for the home depot run and 3) a car for 2.5k for the back and forth to work.

[GOTWING]

I work with a fella that just told me the payments on a new Rapter with $6,000 down would still be around $900 per month. I was like think hard about that one dude. I love my 04 hemi ram sport crew 4x4. 119k trouble free miles.

[ACUDANUT]

Don't look at prices at a autoshow.  You can get a Ford F-150 4x4 for 30k. Chevy too. Ram at 22k. Trust me I just bought a F-150 6 months ago and did my homework....At least 3-4 months of watching ad's and looking at the paper.

[dyslexic teddybear]

I went to the auto show and sat in all three trucks a couple months back.  I wasn't impressed with any of them after I looked at the sticker price.  I don't know who can afford these trucks anymore b/c it sure is not me 

Even if I did have the 50k+ needed to buy one I would buy 1) a restored 68 R/T for 45k 2) a truck for 2.5k for the home depot run and 3) a car for 2.5k for the back and forth to work.

Kinda my philosophy too.

I really do not see anything new that would overcome my payment allergy.

A 1st thru 3rd gen R/T......that's something that would make me think about it.

[flyinlow]

My 2004 Hemi Ram Quad cab 1500 4X4  list $36.600 paid $26.200 (sep 04)

12k miles power steering problem . Dealer replaced, rack,ps pump ,hoses.  Allways start with the most expensive part. Think it was the pump.  Warrentee
22K reflash computer so it would back up when cold. 3 trips to dealer to fix.
87K hub bearing went bad with less then 100 miles of warning  (1000 miles from home) replaced other bearing when I got home. They where noise free and tight when I left home.
96K speed sensor broke off and went thru the ring and pinion. did emergency roadside repair 400 miles from home with a trailer full of motorcycle's. Rode Honda Valkyrie 20 miles thru snow showers to get parts. Rear axle cleaned out ,and noisy but made it 1600 miles to bike week and home.
Both my son's '03 and my '04 Rams have rusted thru over the rear wheels(common)

I like the way the truck drives and looks. It does everything I ask, up to pulling a 8000# bobcat /attachments/trailer occasionally. Not sure I would feel comfortable taking it out of the state again. Might put a hitch on the Charger and pull the motorcycles to Florida with a dependable 40 year old car.

[redmist]

Add me to the new ford crowd as well... Awesome truck!

Eco-boost, and are those the HID headlights?

VERY nice truck!

Yes HID's... they are amazing, and have an almost perfect white color when lit up instead of that blue commonly seen with HIDS.

Something to keep in mind folks. The APR on new car loans is LESS THAN the inflation rate on the US$. Financing a new truck out to 72 months or longer at 1.9% would be better in the long run, as you could take your money in pocket and invest it in something that earns money. Use someone else's money to finance your truck, at a rate that is less than the US$ is worth over that extended payment period. You could take your cash that you would have put down on a truck to lower the payment, and put it into something that earns money.

Financing a new truck right now is a smarter move than getting into a used one at a larger interest rate regardless of loan amount or payment.

[1BAD68]

Thats true but even a basic 36k truck at 1.99% is over 500 a month, add some options and your at 40k easy.
I just can't wrap my head around that size payment for 6 years.
I have a $300 payment for 48 months on my Silverado, not as nice a truck as the new ones but I'm comfortable with that payment.

[ACUDANUT]

I should start a business here. Show me a 36K truck and I bet I can find the same thing around me for 30K (20 percent less). You have to shop around and wait for the deals to emerge/surface.

[Hard Charger]

05 Ram Quad 4x4 with 233k, no warranty repairs needed and only regular maint. and consumable repaired.
02 Silverado to 98k several trips to dealer for warranty repairs.
92 GMC to 86k several trips to dealer for warranty repairs.
2- 84 f150 bought used and ran reliably.

89 Berreta GT to 20k, warranty repairs
97 Venture mini van to 80k, many warranty repairs.
01 Venture mini van to 50k, many warranty repairs.
05 Durango 130k has been a great vehicle. very little in way of repairs.

looks like Dodge wins in my house. i thought that the Chevy's were just poorly engineered. the F-150's were bought used and were flawless for 8 years between them.
i don't baby vehicles. i change the oil at about 5500 miles or when i remember. i just give them what they need.

i am in the market for a new truck and would consider a Dodge or a Chevy. only criteria with me is price, i have liked all my trucks. Ford is more money and a bit to sophisticated. at work a Ford F150 is the majority and always getting what i would term as premature repairs.

My favorite truck was the 84 F-150, 300ci, 4 speed, 2x4, 8' bed. but is got difficult to shift with 2 baby seats.

[bill440rt]

Don't look at prices at a autoshow.  You can get a Ford F-150 4x4 for 30k. Chevy too. Ram at 22k. Trust me I just bought a F-150 6 months ago and did my homework....At least 3-4 months of watching ad's and looking at the paper.

After haggling with the dealer, they knocked just about $10K off the sticker price off my '11 Ram. This was on the last day of the month, 2-1/2hrs before closing time. It so happens the truck was sitting on their lot, EXACTLY what I was going to order anyway. Options, color, everything. Last thing I did was have them throw in a Ram accessory BedRug, at cost. Then I signed. (He was about to throw me out at that point!) 
0% financing, too. 

[NHCharger]

Stopped by the Ford dealership today. Told the salesman I was looking for a 4x4, kingcab that could tow 10k, and get more than 8.5 MPG. He said no problem, plenty of trucks to choose from. Then mentioned I needed a snow plow package, his head dropped. In order to get a snow plow I need to go to the heavy duty rating with the 6.2. He said my mpg's towing wouldn't be much better than what I get now. Said if I got the plow elsewhere it would void the warranty. Said they have lost a lot of sales the past few years because of this. I was kind of in shock that a car salesman was being so honest.

[Cooter]

Stopped by the Ford dealership today. Told the salesman I was looking for a 4x4, kingcab that could tow 10k, and get more than 8.5 MPG. He said no problem, plenty of trucks to choose from. Then mentioned I needed a snow plow package, his head dropped. In order to get a snow plow I need to go to the heavy duty rating with the 6.2. He said my mpg's towing wouldn't be much better than what I get now. Said if I got the plow elsewhere it would void the warranty. Said they have lost a lot of sales the past few years because of this. I was kind of in shock that a car salesman was being so honest.

That's because most people are actually stupid enough to install a snow plow, try and tow 10-20K LBs, AND want to do it all with 40 MPG in a 1/2 ton truck...
Got a 1500 Chevy in the shop right now that the owner tried this with back in the winter. Blew the front suspension out, Trans is slipping/burnt up.
I asked him WTF would he put a snow plow in  1/2 ton truck. Reply? "I got a good deal on it".


So, Ford,Dodge,And GM all decided if people are actually this ignorant(Afterall, the salesman could care less if it breaks AFTER he/she's promised you the world and you sign on the line.), then they will FORCE them to get the HD truck that is designed for this type thing instead of overloading/working a 1/2 ton because they get that extra 5 MPG more. It never fails, guys will come in the shop and 'Demand' that I explain to them why NOBODY offers a truck that only costs $25K New, Will get 30 plus MPG, Has over 1000 Ft. Lbs of torque and 650 HP, Will tow 25K Lbs while plowing snow, will last for life with minimal repairs/maint; and basically, do anything they ask of it even if it's considered 'abuse'...

[NHCharger]

Cooter-I hear you on the 1/2 tons for plowing. My company truck (08 Silverado 1/2 ton) has a plow set up. I would never plow with it. Feels like a toy compared to my 03 Silverado 2500HD. looks like I'll have to sacrifice some mpg's for a plow set up.