thinking of jumping ship!
Professional
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 184
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From: Colorado
I have the TRX 4 4x4 with 3.92 gears and the hemi. almost 40,000 miles on it from Jan 09 when I bought it
city/highway is 14.5/17.8
no rusting problems here in florida
rides better than most vehicles and ALL trucks/SUVs I've been in. friends say the same to me all the time.
the ONLY thing that has broke was the windshield wiper fluid pump and was fixed with no problems
my dealer has been great in all aspects of service and pricing and the full lifetime warranty is second to none
more power than all trucks, except the LTZ chevy optional v8, and pulls hard no matter what I've put behind it.
key fob has been a pain at times but thats why there is a little key in it. a minor inconvienience.
I LOVE this truck!!!!
city/highway is 14.5/17.8
no rusting problems here in florida
rides better than most vehicles and ALL trucks/SUVs I've been in. friends say the same to me all the time.
the ONLY thing that has broke was the windshield wiper fluid pump and was fixed with no problems
my dealer has been great in all aspects of service and pricing and the full lifetime warranty is second to none
more power than all trucks, except the LTZ chevy optional v8, and pulls hard no matter what I've put behind it.
key fob has been a pain at times but thats why there is a little key in it. a minor inconvienience.
I LOVE this truck!!!!
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Joined: Mar 2010
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All very good and valid points. I am aware of fuel economy ratings and no truck gets close to epa ratings, the closet I think is the General, they sure know how to make an efficient engine.
I just got back from the stealership (poor guys working Sunday now). Took out 2010 slt (no floor shifter as I don't like it), I enjoyed the truck.
A quick list of my thoughts:
My Dodge pros are:
-very nice and simple interior layout
-very comfy seats
-power was good, about par or just under what I expected, could of rev'd higher for my liking
-the meanest looking exterior hands down, and the best proportioned
Cons:
-rocker and body panels still seem thin and cheap
-worried about early rust as previous models
-the silver paint looked a little faded from a sharp angle, the black looks nice (can't do black though, too dirty for Ontario)lol
-worried about resale value in 5-7 years
Cost basis on all three are close, very close. The three are giving big discounts and it would seem at first that there is a big difference in pricing, but once you factor in financing and if you term it out to the end there is only about 2k between them. Cash price is a little better with the Dodge.
I would say as of now my ranking is as follows.
GMC 5.3 and Dodge close tie for first
Ford a close third
Gm still ranks high because there would be no suprises as I have owned many of them.
I have one more truck to try and its the mighty 6.2 GMC Sierra. I have a feeling its going to tear my heart out
lots to think about, but its fun. In the end I don't think it would be a bad choice if I buy either or, pros and cons a plenty between the three I tried and dealer experience and relationship has a small part in it also.
I just got back from the stealership (poor guys working Sunday now). Took out 2010 slt (no floor shifter as I don't like it), I enjoyed the truck.
A quick list of my thoughts:
My Dodge pros are:
-very nice and simple interior layout
-very comfy seats
-power was good, about par or just under what I expected, could of rev'd higher for my liking
-the meanest looking exterior hands down, and the best proportioned
Cons:
-rocker and body panels still seem thin and cheap
-worried about early rust as previous models
-the silver paint looked a little faded from a sharp angle, the black looks nice (can't do black though, too dirty for Ontario)lol
-worried about resale value in 5-7 years
Cost basis on all three are close, very close. The three are giving big discounts and it would seem at first that there is a big difference in pricing, but once you factor in financing and if you term it out to the end there is only about 2k between them. Cash price is a little better with the Dodge.
I would say as of now my ranking is as follows.
GMC 5.3 and Dodge close tie for first
Ford a close third
Gm still ranks high because there would be no suprises as I have owned many of them.
I have one more truck to try and its the mighty 6.2 GMC Sierra. I have a feeling its going to tear my heart out
lots to think about, but its fun. In the end I don't think it would be a bad choice if I buy either or, pros and cons a plenty between the three I tried and dealer experience and relationship has a small part in it also.
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Joined: Mar 2010
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15 in the city? How? I can only get 11 in town. On the highway I can get 20.3, then as soon as a grade comes up it's down to about 15.5.
You will always have problems with any vehicle, I don't care what you have, but some have more problems than others. This is my first Dodge and my last. I have a recurring problem that sounds like there is something in my bed rolling around sometimes when I take off and sometimes when I stop. I took it to the dealership and according to Chrysler - It's okay for it to make that noise. WTF? Well, what is it? They either don't know what it is or they won't tell me.
I also have shifting problems, but it only happens after cruising at highway speeds for a while. If I go to downshift as to pass someone or go up a grade, there is a pause (a brief one), then the trans bangs into gear, like a tranny slam. The problem is, Dodge can't recreate the problem.
It's these two issues that keep me from towing 5000 lbs of boat and trailer behind my truck through 200 miles of desert. I bought a truck and can't (or better yet, afraid to) use it for what I bought it for.
My driver's bottom seat cushion is tearing at the perforations, the seat cover has been on order since August of 2009.
The Bluetooth module in the radio works intermittently. There is no module to replace - the whole radio needs to come out so I will lose all the songs on my harddrive.
I have a recurring engine light that always has no codes stored in the computer when I bring it in for service - It always seems to happen when I'm away from home.
I have a leaky headlight that always fills with water when it rains, but they won't warranty it because I am running HID lights and "using them has caused the light to leak".
The factory tires suck - they slip in any damp condition and wear like crazy.
The seatbelts don't tuck themselves back between the seat cushion and the pillar and rattle like crazy - you have to put the seat back past the pillar to avoid this rattling. This kills the rear seat leg room.
I can't figure out the traction control - sometimes the tire (no limited slip in the 3.55 axle), until I lift off the gas and other times it'll kill the power until no more slippage occurs.
As mentioned - no limited slip with 3.55 axle ratios or less.
Whenever the steering wheel is in a comfortable position you block the top of the gauges.
The auto climate control doesn't wait until the engine warms up before blowing cold air at full speed (My 07 GMC waited until the engine warmed up before blowing air).
The leather buckets are hard in the Dodge in comparison to my the leather buckets in my 07 GMC.
The wheels on the Sport models are plastic - on a $40,000 truck.
Sport models don't come with a color matching grille, but you can buy one.
The damn chrome trim ring on the console shifter will blind you when the sun reflects off of it.
The good points are:
The Hemi engine - it runs like a champ.
The RER DVD/Nav stereo with the 30 gig harddrive - no need to hook up an iPod.
The lifetime drivetrain warranty on the 2009 models - I know I won't be using that warranty.
The exhaust note on the Sport model is pretty good for a stock set-up.
With the coil spring rear end it does ride very well, but is quick to sag when anything is hitched to it.
Some people love these trucks, some don't. I'm one of the ones who don't. I knew after about 2 weeks that I made a big mistake buying this truck. If you really want a Dodge truck, then do a real comparison - spend some time, not 15 minutes (like me), but some real time, even if it means renting a truck to see if you really like it and compare it with the GM and Ford counterparts.
Dodge has a good start, they just need to follow through and complete the building process. There is a wealth of info on this website, you would think that this would be a good source for Dodge to peruse through to see what they need to do to improve their vehicles and dealer practices.
You will always have problems with any vehicle, I don't care what you have, but some have more problems than others. This is my first Dodge and my last. I have a recurring problem that sounds like there is something in my bed rolling around sometimes when I take off and sometimes when I stop. I took it to the dealership and according to Chrysler - It's okay for it to make that noise. WTF? Well, what is it? They either don't know what it is or they won't tell me.
I also have shifting problems, but it only happens after cruising at highway speeds for a while. If I go to downshift as to pass someone or go up a grade, there is a pause (a brief one), then the trans bangs into gear, like a tranny slam. The problem is, Dodge can't recreate the problem.
It's these two issues that keep me from towing 5000 lbs of boat and trailer behind my truck through 200 miles of desert. I bought a truck and can't (or better yet, afraid to) use it for what I bought it for.
My driver's bottom seat cushion is tearing at the perforations, the seat cover has been on order since August of 2009.
The Bluetooth module in the radio works intermittently. There is no module to replace - the whole radio needs to come out so I will lose all the songs on my harddrive.
I have a recurring engine light that always has no codes stored in the computer when I bring it in for service - It always seems to happen when I'm away from home.
I have a leaky headlight that always fills with water when it rains, but they won't warranty it because I am running HID lights and "using them has caused the light to leak".
The factory tires suck - they slip in any damp condition and wear like crazy.
The seatbelts don't tuck themselves back between the seat cushion and the pillar and rattle like crazy - you have to put the seat back past the pillar to avoid this rattling. This kills the rear seat leg room.
I can't figure out the traction control - sometimes the tire (no limited slip in the 3.55 axle), until I lift off the gas and other times it'll kill the power until no more slippage occurs.
As mentioned - no limited slip with 3.55 axle ratios or less.
Whenever the steering wheel is in a comfortable position you block the top of the gauges.
The auto climate control doesn't wait until the engine warms up before blowing cold air at full speed (My 07 GMC waited until the engine warmed up before blowing air).
The leather buckets are hard in the Dodge in comparison to my the leather buckets in my 07 GMC.
The wheels on the Sport models are plastic - on a $40,000 truck.
Sport models don't come with a color matching grille, but you can buy one.
The damn chrome trim ring on the console shifter will blind you when the sun reflects off of it.
The good points are:
The Hemi engine - it runs like a champ.
The RER DVD/Nav stereo with the 30 gig harddrive - no need to hook up an iPod.
The lifetime drivetrain warranty on the 2009 models - I know I won't be using that warranty.
The exhaust note on the Sport model is pretty good for a stock set-up.
With the coil spring rear end it does ride very well, but is quick to sag when anything is hitched to it.
Some people love these trucks, some don't. I'm one of the ones who don't. I knew after about 2 weeks that I made a big mistake buying this truck. If you really want a Dodge truck, then do a real comparison - spend some time, not 15 minutes (like me), but some real time, even if it means renting a truck to see if you really like it and compare it with the GM and Ford counterparts.
Dodge has a good start, they just need to follow through and complete the building process. There is a wealth of info on this website, you would think that this would be a good source for Dodge to peruse through to see what they need to do to improve their vehicles and dealer practices.
Good to see all the replies so far.
I should look into renting one for a couple days, good idea!
Champion
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,563
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From: Ontario, Canada
The HEMI 5.7 V8 has 16 spark plugs! 16. Manual recommends replacement at 30,000 miles with copper plugs. Every truck I have ever owned had platinum good for 100,000 miles.
Also, the first oil change warning came on at 2500 miles and the second warning at 5400 miles. I am at 8500 with no warning yet.
Also, Doge recommends mid grade gasoline not regular. If you are concerned about gas prices this could be an issue.
Tap on the rims and you will see they are plastic not chrome or alloy. Its a plastic cover.
The FOB has always had intermittent problems. If you don't mind being locked out of your truck for a few minutes then you should have no concern. I have yet to understand what the hell the valet key is for except to turn on the alarm in a parking lot with everyone watching. Funny for the onlookers, not so funny when you are standing next to a brand new vehicle.
Try to get the dealer to give you two free years on the satellite radio. I just got my bill a few weeks ago and when you call Sirius it goes from $142 to $179. I am now without satellite radio.
Get as many free oil changes in writing from the dealer as you can. The truck takes 7 quarts. If you do your own oil changes then no worry.
Get free undercoating from the dealer before you take it home. I have rust underneath, and mine only has 8500 miles on it.
Don't belive it on the gas mileage. I only get 15 MPG and I drive it like an old lady most of the time.
Other than that, its a great truck and rides like a car.
Also, the first oil change warning came on at 2500 miles and the second warning at 5400 miles. I am at 8500 with no warning yet.
Also, Doge recommends mid grade gasoline not regular. If you are concerned about gas prices this could be an issue.
Tap on the rims and you will see they are plastic not chrome or alloy. Its a plastic cover.
The FOB has always had intermittent problems. If you don't mind being locked out of your truck for a few minutes then you should have no concern. I have yet to understand what the hell the valet key is for except to turn on the alarm in a parking lot with everyone watching. Funny for the onlookers, not so funny when you are standing next to a brand new vehicle.
Try to get the dealer to give you two free years on the satellite radio. I just got my bill a few weeks ago and when you call Sirius it goes from $142 to $179. I am now without satellite radio.
Get as many free oil changes in writing from the dealer as you can. The truck takes 7 quarts. If you do your own oil changes then no worry.
Get free undercoating from the dealer before you take it home. I have rust underneath, and mine only has 8500 miles on it.
Don't belive it on the gas mileage. I only get 15 MPG and I drive it like an old lady most of the time.
Other than that, its a great truck and rides like a car.
The oil change notification has a few things that cause it to go off at different times. Highway driving, more city, dusty roads all kinds of things. Mine has never come on I have had to get oil changes dues to time so I get them every 3 months even though not required for 6 months which I believe is okay if you put synthetic.
Drive one man you will love it, make you best deal and then go try to get one like that at Ford or GM.
And ya make sure you get free tinted windows, and paint protection and rust proofing , undercoating for free they almost all give that..cheap effective
You will love the truck man. Now if you are towing order the towing brake controller in your order or you will have a hard time get it later. Also get the radio you want and uconnect and satellite and even Nav if you want it in your order. PIA after the fact. If you are lucky it can be a bit cheaper but you risk buying defective equipment.
For sure get the sport if you are get hemi and get the crew cab worth the extra money.
Come on man I was a chevy man even after I started in 85 i bought a brand new 3/4 ton gmc plow truck, then an 88 chevy 4x4 and then a 91 caprice classic cuz we started popping kids out. Then we decided fuel mileage etc. I bought a used chevy pickup and a new NEON in 95 said wow these dodges are cool. So then we got a 98 Dakota with a 318 I was hooked on pickups again so we decided in 2000 we were ok so were traded it all in for a new 2001 Neon for my wife stick sunroof, and I got a dakota quad cab 4x4 SLT loaded, then I got sick and became paralyzed had to get rid of one or both we wound up getting rid of both a few years later and got a 2003 Durango R/T. Gas sucked and we decided to go back to leasing..started with a 08 Sebring LTD loaded, 3.5 HO it flew...kid wrote it off, not his fault. So we got an 08 Charger we only made 2 payments on the Sebring, 9 months later the dealer took over my lease and we took home our lovely rocket ship Crew Cab Sport
Professional
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 150
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From: Medicine Hat, Alberta
don't buy any truck if you are worried about the resale value. sticker on my 2010 was 44k, resale value of an 09 is 27k.
food for thought.
food for thought.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 13
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From: CT
Get the Dodge. w/ Hemi
Test drove all 3 (4th: Toyota = not worth the $ to me)
Synopsis from my view point:
Chevy: GREAT truck with the 6.2 liter. OK with the 5.3 liter. Interior : ehh. no big wowzers from me. Very subjective anyway.
Exterior: Ugly. Again, subjective.
Price: Too high versus a similar optioned Ram.
Ford: Ok to look at but come on HENRY! Where's the ponies in the 5.4l You can do better than that! After test driving a couple I just couldn't justify the cost with the low power and poor mpg. I even went into buying a new truck with all the intention of purchasing the Ford because I as a tax payer wasn't already forced to own a piece of the company.
Dodge: Bought it.
I'm tickled with this truck. Have previously owned a 97 Ram 1500, 98 Ram 1500, 02 Ram 2500, 02 F250. Have wanted a GM in the past but they always seem way too expensive and I just can't figure out why.
Test drove all 3 (4th: Toyota = not worth the $ to me)
Synopsis from my view point:
Chevy: GREAT truck with the 6.2 liter. OK with the 5.3 liter. Interior : ehh. no big wowzers from me. Very subjective anyway.
Exterior: Ugly. Again, subjective.
Price: Too high versus a similar optioned Ram.
Ford: Ok to look at but come on HENRY! Where's the ponies in the 5.4l You can do better than that! After test driving a couple I just couldn't justify the cost with the low power and poor mpg. I even went into buying a new truck with all the intention of purchasing the Ford because I as a tax payer wasn't already forced to own a piece of the company.
Dodge: Bought it.
I'm tickled with this truck. Have previously owned a 97 Ram 1500, 98 Ram 1500, 02 Ram 2500, 02 F250. Have wanted a GM in the past but they always seem way too expensive and I just can't figure out why.
Champion
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,563
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Worth close to what you paid for it right? Food for Thought.
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Joined: Mar 2010
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I don't know about that, trucks hold their value better than anything else out there. I do not dwell on resale value but its a concern if you tend to change trucks every 3-5 years. The difference in 15 years is a decent downer on a new truck.
Professional
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 150
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From: Medicine Hat, Alberta
15 years, sure. 3-5 would hurt though, I figure people that worry about resale are the same that change trucks/cars every 3-5. Just my two cents. I know my truck isnt worth what I paid anymore, but I washed and polished her today and love all the more.