I have an 04 1500 Quadcab SLT4x4 4.7 with 20000 milesand so far I really like it. In todays local paper 2 dealers have 08 Ram 1500 SXT 4x4'sfor about23000. I went and looked at them. First thing I notice (in my opinion) is that the front headlights of the new Ram are as freakin ugly up close as I was afraid of,especially with my just cleaned 04 right next to the new 08's. YUCKKK. The tailights are equally horrible with the 2 missle looking things, what is it supposed to be a 50's eraEldorado??. Okay lets assume you'll learn to live with them- I guess?? The interior fabric even on an SLT or STXis very cheap looking and totally non plush relative to what Dodge was putting out in 04. The 08 fabric reminds me of the horrible easily water stained seats in my 06 F150. To make it worse all the ones on the lot are in light gray which looks like it'll be dirty and worn looking in a year or so. Dark gray would be much better wearing and richer looking even if it is el cheapo fabricoand hide the Ralston Purina picnic tablecloth look of the 08 fabric pattern. Whats with the checkerboard look? I didn't drive one yet but I am pretty sure that even with the upgrades to the new 4.7(which is what I have now and would be getting as a replacemant- dare I say upgrade) the total package is likely going to make me pass on an 08 even if 0% is available for 60 months. But I am going to drive one Monday. Plus I hate to lose my power seat and 6 disc cd, fog lights should be able to be installed, my power sliding rear window, 2 tone paint. I know the lifetime warranty sound great but you have to follow and retain maintainancereciepts for everything but moreso than that what am I going to have the truck until I'm in my 90's?

 

I must say I used to hate the headligths too but as time passes by, I don't mind them as much, I also have the 08 2500. In the 1500 class I find the 04 way nicer to look at than the07+.
I owned a 1500 QC 04 and the 08's interior is much nicer. Now your not giving the 08 a chance since you only see what the dealer has available. Why choose what the dealer has when they just arrived on the market. Just get the config that you want.

 

I dont want leather so it guess I'm limited to the fabric I dont initially like. But I am going to anothee Dodge dealer tommorow to lot browse while they are closed and see if something, perhaps in a different interior color, appeals more to me. Truth is I am really happy with this 04 but these are some really good deals on brand new 08's until Monday so they can close out the end of the year withhigher numbers-hence the killer discounts.

 

I looked on the Dodge site and the 4.7 is still rated at 235 hp/300 tq. I thought power was up for 07/08?

 

If i'm not mistaken the 4.7 is now at 310 hp and 330 tq

 

hmmm.... Well, the seats have an anti-stain fabric on them, that I will say have been put to the test in my Ram, a full botle of cranberry juice spilled on the passenger seat, nothing to wipe it up, had to sit there until I got home about 10 minutes later, wiped right up with a rag, seat still looks brand new. As far as comfort, I was at first worried b/c I spend a LOT of time in my truck, and I was coming from Bucket plush seats from my 02 GMC Sierra. Now after a couple of 8 - 10 hour road trips in the truck, I think my seats in the Ram are twice as comfortable as my Sierra.

I have the power seats and fog lights, so I'm sure you can find a Ram there with the Thunder Road package to give you that. I opted for the cheap stereo as I had plans to change it as soon as I drove it off the lot, the best factory system can't touch a mediocore aftermarket system. As far as the headlights and taillights, that's personal preference.

With 20,000 miles on your truck, why would you be looking to trade already? You haven't even broken your truck in. lol, I got my truck in October and just turned over 10,000, so obviously the lifetime warranty looked good to me, but as I can see, you don't put that many miles on your truck, and the lifetime warranty probably wouldn't appeal to you too much.

I can't say anything to prior Ram's. This is my first Dodge. So far I'm very happy with my decision, however this isn't the first post talking about how Dodge has cheapened the inside of the Ram, but as a new owner, it has everything I want for a truck. My wife has the Navigator for luxury, the Ram's there for work...

 

Tell me about it...only 2,000 miles on my RCSB and the rear panel (with the bag holder things)along withsome other trimis popping out already. First the extreme clattering...then the spewing gas out of the filler...mix in some crappy ride and interior falling apart just for ****s and giggles. I love the way the truck looks but i've thought of getting rid of it a few times already...it would just be sooo nice if you could buy a new truck and not have it live in the shop.

 

I agree the interior took a step back in 06. Both the seats and dash are better in the early Gen 3s. I have also heard reports (have not see it for myself) that the leather in the Laramie is also better quality in early Gen 3s. Even the 06 SRT is not as good and 04/05.

 

i bought a 08 in dec ,,,i hate it many many problems ...... my 04 was way better ,,,,better looking and never seen a mechanic in her life ........ the 08 has been in the service dept 2 going on 3 times now sputters vibrations interior lights not working and now the headliners drooping ?????????? yeah dodge really CHEAPENED thr ram ...i have a1500 big horn hemi quad 20 inch wheels leather power ,,,,my 04 hemi 1500 2o inch got stolen and totalled ,wish they'd come back and get this one