Does anyone know what rebates are going to be coming out in February 06 for the RAM? The current ones expire as of 1/31 according to the DC web site.

I am looking at trading in my 04 1500 QC Hemi 4x2 (as seen in avatar) for a 06 2500 QC CTD 4x4. I'd just like to know if I should pick it up now or wait until the new incentives\rebates come out.

Thanks!

Mike

 

I was afraid nobody would know... Probably a closely guarded secret. [:-]

Mike

 

Just FYI, bigger rebates will drive down the value of your trade. I thought about doing the same thing as you - moving up to a 2500 CTD. I was looking when they were doing the employee pricing. 3 or 4 dealers told me the same thing - the rebates hurt my trade in value because they can sell a new one for almost the same price as my truck. You'd be better off selling to a private party and using the cash for the CTD.

 

I world normally agree and you still may be right. However, I have already had my truck in for a trade-in appraisal and we ran the numbers on everything. I can get the truck for 1% under factory invoice with my corporate discount (not a DC employee here, but our company gets similar discounts). So if the factory discounts increase, it's more money for me to put towards the new truck.

Good point though, thanks!

Mike

 

Then go for it! The CTD is a good motor, I fell in love with it during the test drive. I am curious to what Dodge will do powerwise this year. The 06 Duramax is getting beefed up with HP and torque, and I'd expect Dodge to up the ratings on the CTD to remain the most powerful truck on the market. I checked out an 06 Silverado 2500 HD with a new HO Duramax. Had 350 hp and 660 lbs torque. I think Chevy's suck, but that truck hauled ***. There is a good thread on the "news and rumors" section on DF about Dodge switching to a Mercedes diesel. If I was in your position, I'd wait till next fall to see what the 07 CTD's have. If nothing changes, you can get an 06 (because they will be clearing them out) cheaper than you can right now. But whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll be happy. Good luck.

 

Thanks and great feedback, SDH. I haven't driven the CTD yet simply because I know I'll fall in love with the truck.

I've heard rumors that DC is considering a Mercedes diesel as well. Personally I'd like to see them stay with the Cummins but there may be some advantages to going with the Mercedes. I will probably take a wait and see approach and see what plays out. I also expect the incentives to bump up a little (I hope) to make getting into one of these a little easier.

One last note, my good friend works at the plant in Indiana that makes the Powerstroke and Duramax diesels. He told me that they've been having problems with the heads for the past 2 years but *thinks* they have them worked out in 2005.5 and 2006. We'll see.
Thanks again!

Mike

 

Trust me, don't test drive the CTD unless you are ready to buy something! It puts a Hemi to shame. I wasn't as smart as you . . . I test drove it, fell in love, then had to tell myself "no."

As for the Powerstroke and Duramax, I'm always weary of anything made by GM and Ford. That just my bias, but if they have it worked out, great. Competition is what brought the Hemi back, made the MegaCab possible, etc, and I'm sure it will continue to push Dodge in the right direction.