All,

I am looking to buy a full-size truck. Obviously I'm insane, as gas prices are ridiculous, and I mostly drive city roads (like 90%). Anyway, I have loved the Ram styling ever since Gen2, and the Gen3 just look awesome. I am between buying a silverado and a Ram. Most of the reviews of the Dodge's make them look like they are crap and have loads of problems. I want to hear from owners of them.

While I do prefer the looks of the Ram, and the power of the Hemi, I also want a reliable vehicle. I'm looking at buying a 2006+ quad cab 4x4.

Do all 2006+ Hemi's come with MDS, or is it an option? If it is an option, how do you tell if the truck is MDS equipped? I know that MDS probably won't buy me anything, but if I'm going to buy a truck, I like the idea of it.

What should I look for in a used Ram (problem areas)? I assume tranny is one, since that seems to be the weak link. I just want to do my homework and not get burned. I own a 2005 Chrysler T&C minivan, and a '98 Dodge Durango w/ the 5.2L. The D has several issues, and it's time to retire it. I also have a motorcycle that gets the majority of my summer mileage. I am looking for a truck to haul a trailer w/ 2 bikes on it or a trailer hauling a 3000lb car.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

joe

 

MDS is standard on the Hemi. It actually does help under light load conditions, such as highway driving, but only up to a certain speed from what I gather. So far I have 9,840 trouble free miles on my '07, but it's not a Hemi, just the 4.7.

 

all 2006+ HEMI's have the MDS. now, if youre looking to buy, go new. they have lifetime warranties. and if you think you can wait a few more months, why not get the 2009? it has way more power and is supposed to be more powerful and quicker than the tundra. plus, it looks awesome! to me at least we have a 2007, no problems. mpg isnt too shabby anymore since i added a cold air intake. i live in cali so ive got plenty of hills to climb. other than that, its a fine truck! good luck!

 

All 2006+ 1500s with a Hemi have MDS. The Mega cabs and the 2500s don't have MDS. I have a 2007 QC Hemi and its been great so far. The Chevy's might get a little better mileage but they cost a lot more. I like the Hemi engine, very smooth and nice power.

Rick

 

I don't think I can afford a brand new truck, nor do I need a brand new one. A solid used truck will be just fine, although I do know someone who retired from Chrysler, so perhaps I should check out that avenue.

Anyway, you guys already answered one of my questions, thanks! That was extremely quick!

joe

 

All '06+ 1500 Hemi's (except MegaCabs) have MDS, 2500 series Hemi's do not.

I've had one Ford,Two Chevy and Two Dodge full size 4x4 trucks all purchased new. I will say the following without bias.

The '97 Ford was pure crap. Nothing but problems including a cracked piston with only 14k miles on it. The warranty repair was a nightmare, basically fighting me because I had a cat-back dual exhaust that they claimed was a modification thus voiding my warranty. Kicker is, I had the dealer install it at the time of purchase. It still took me 28 days to get the truck back, after which I promptly traded it in on a brand new '98 Dodge 1500. I'll never again own another Ford. Anybody can get a lemon, but the company really left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

My Chevy's were good vehicles, a '92 with the 350, and an '02 Z71 with the 5.3L V8. I had a few minor issues with the '92 and at about five years old, with 75k miles on it, I started having bigger issues, so I traded it on the Ford. The '02 was a nice truck although I didn't have it long enough for any long term assessment, the only issue I had was it dropped a quart of oil every 1500 miles, so I'd have to add a quart midway between every oil change. Never found a leak or a drop of oil anywhere, the dealer looked into it twice before finally saying "all the 5.3's do that". Traded it on my current Hemi with 29k on it.

My '98 Dodge served me well. I too, fell for the look of the 2nd gen! Had it just under five years and traded it on that '02 Chevy Z71 with 68k miles on it. Only negative about it is the 5.9L engine drank gas like nobody's business. Lifted, with 35" tires, I only saw double figure mpg's on the highway and ONLY if I kept it under 70 mph. On the plus side, it NEVER had an issue other than a blown shock replaced under warranty. I did however trade it in when I did because a few buddies of mine had 2nd gen Dodge's who had to replace/repair their trannies starting at about 70k miles. So I figured to unload it while the getting was good and it was still mint.
My '04 has been the best and most enjoyable truck I've ever owned. Not an issue to date. Has NEVER been to the dealer for a single issue at close to four years old, through 40k miles! Plus the Hemi has so much untapped power that if you are into modding, you can build amonster truck fairly easily with just bolt ons.

It is my firm opinion that Chrysler builds the best engines on the planet, but at the same time, builds the worst trannies, not that they are total junk, just not as reliable over the long haul as GM or Toyota's.GM trucks are pretty much middle of the road, nothing spectacular, but no glaring weaknesses either. That's not to say you won't get a lemon, though.
Every maker has their good points and bad points. You just have to weigh them against each other and pick the one that suits your needs best.

 

put the word "truck" before the word engines, and i completely agree. if you're hauling all the time or doing major off-roading, I wouldn't worry too much about the trans. the gen 3 trans are significanly better than the gen 2. again, minor chance you might catch a lemon, but i really think you'll like the dodge.

 

I thought it was a given that we are discussing trucks only here! Besides junior, don't give me no crap, I saw your pic in the sticky up top and can safely say I can squash you like a bug!!!

 

Hammer,

That's exactly the sort of insight I'm looking for. The Silverado seems to be a solid truck. Nothing special, but no major issues either. My wife prefers the look of the Ram too. We went to Carmax last weekend, and we both kept gravitating towards the Rams. The only thing keeping me making a choice is the reliability. Consumer Reports seems to hate them.

joe

 

buy a srt10rM QC cant go wrong, got towing power, looks and POWER to take to the track!