I drive about 40,000 miles per yr. I use mine for work. Commerical/industrial insulation
I'm the safety and job coordinator for Dallas and San Antionio in Texas.
I bought the Max Care Warranty over 8,000 items covered LIVE TIME
All that would matter is if you are paying for gas?

 

I would look into getting 3.55's if you are on the highway a lot. It will give you better mileage than the 3.92's.

 

yes. i am on the hwy mostly. about 70/30.

and i wont be towing hardly/if ever.

 

there is no magic pot where if i dont spend it, i get it back.

its just a gas card. use it when needed. no kickbacks from that or anything.

im in sales for a large company so all salesmen have gas cards

 

I said get a car or a minivan because it's much more practical for that situation. Yes, your company is paying for gas, but do you honestly think they will look the other way if your gas card bills are so much higher than everyone else's? Why are they dropping company cars? Probably cutting down frozen capital and long term commitments like everyone else is because money is tight right now. I know what our salesman drive, and how the accountants are watching every penny. If one of them was running something like our trucks, I can guarantee they would either be looking for a new vehicle, or we'd be looking for a new salesman.

Plus, maintenance will come out of your pocket. How many sets of tires will you go through, and how much more will they cost for a ram compared to something more practical? How much more will all of those oil, spark plug, tranny/transfer case fluid, and brake changes cost at a shot and in greater frequency compared to something more economical? How much more will it cost to insure a truck with that type and amount of use a year? Will your warranty even apply to a vehicle used for that purpose? If you depend on being on the road that much for your livelihood, is a first year re-design a smart choice?

As just a daily driver, it costs a whole lot more to run a truck like this. I can only imagine what that difference would be with this kind of use. If you NEED a truck for what you do, that's one thing, but if you did, you'd be in one now.

I didn't suggest a car or minivan just to be a stick in the mud-- we all love our trucks here, but honestly, they aren't the best thing for every circumstance. For some, they're one of the worst.

 

i am currently the only salesman in my region that doesnt already take an allowance over a company car(that is why they are taking it away..well, the main reason--bc of the maint. programs and insurance and all, just for my one vehicle.) every other salesman drives a truck. we are in industrial/construction sales. i dont HAVE to have one as my Ford Escape get me by, but i have been told since they are taking away my car, i could get a truck or SUV, since its more on me now.

you are right about the maint. costs going forward. that is why i worry that a truck would a worse decision, but then i compare the positives of space and everything else, and i say, whats the worst that can happen? i dont make a truck payment and the only thing out of my pocket is 2 sets of tires/year and oil changes (before stuff starts falling apart of course )

it is my office, so what i get needs to be something i dont mind being in....a lot.

i "want" a ram ofrG8 GT. obviously vastly different vehicles.

i had a camry before my escape (company cars) and it wasnt large enough. if i go car route, it may be something like a Taurus or something...but i just wont enjoy it as much

 

I would say get something you'll be happy with. When I was driving 200 miles/day (about 55k mi/yr) I could have gotten a Kia Rio or Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris, something with a great warranty or reliability that was very fuel efficient, etc., but since I was going to be spending 4 hours a day in it, I also wanted something that was rather fun and comfortable to drive, so I bought a Mazda6.

If they're paying for the gas and all you have to pay for is maintenance, get what makes you happiest. I always tell people that reading reviews is great and all, but you're never going to agree with the people writing the review. Who cares if you have the most practical car when you don't like driving it and you're in it 4 hours/day? When you spend that much time in a vehicle it's important to enjoy that time.

So, with that in mind, I say get the Ram.

 

Ok, well that makes the situation a lot clearer and wouldn't be as bad IMO. It's still gonna cost you extra for your preference and comfort, whether that's worth it to you only you can answer. I work in the same industry, and it's tough right now, I don't envy the sales guys. If I was in your same boat, I'd still avoid a first model year truck though.

 

If your not going to be towing much at all like once a year. To gain more in your pocket just go straight with the 3.21 gearing. If you will be towing, 3.55 will then be your next option. They all are pretty well close in mileage, but 3.21 gearing would be the best for sure.

 

In Texas, some of those underpasses can get pretty deep in the rainy season. As gas cost is no concern, I'd go with a Ram 4x4. Especially if you have to drive any dirt FM's.