Well, after spending the last week scouring usenet and various diesel
forums on the web, I am much more informed but would still like to hear
from some Cummins owners.

1. Is it true that the 04.5 models are reporting decreased fuel mileage
over previous models?

2. Is the 48RE the answer for someone who wants auto, or is it just a
quick and dirty hack to the 47RE and still bound to fail prematurely?

3. I run 104 miles a day commuting to and from work, 90% highway miles
at 65-70 MPH. Am I apt to see good mileage and long engine life with my
usage?

4. Is it worth the extra money for me to go diesel over a 1/2 ton gasser?
My logic is that as many miles as I put on it the diesel will pay off in
terms of better fuel economy and longer engine life. The only towing I
will be doing is hauling a boat to the lake on weekends.

5. How big are the discounts on last year's models when the new models
hit the lots? I intend to wait until the 05's come out. Will I be able
to get a deep discount on an 04 this fall, or will the difference be
negligible and I shuld opt for an 05 with whatever improvements that
entails over the 04's?

I'm sure I will think of more questions, but in the meantime thanks to
any and all who throw in their $.02.

 

Yes, expect 2-3mpg decrease with 04.5 due to new EPA emissions laws that took affect in January.

The 48RE is a 47RE that has been beefed up for the increased torque of the HPCR engines.

Yes, if you keep it below 2000rpm you will get great fuel economy after the powertrain is broken in.

I will never buy a gas motored truck (or RV for that matter) again. You could do the math, but if you keep your truck for over 100K miles I bet it would be worth it, especially if your boat with trailer weighs over 5k lbs.

I doubt you will find big discounts on 2004's. Everyone is buying them so that they don't have to worry about problems related to emissions. Just add a chip and you have more power, better fuel economy, and no emissions issues. Its like when the HD trucking industry saw a massive surge in new engine orders just before the EPA forced EGR on everyone. 3rd qtr of 2002 saw the most revenue ever for new engines in HD trucks. 1st qtr 2003 was one of the worst. However, rebates and discounts on new vehicles are at an all time high.

 

Yes, expect 2-3mpg decrease with 04.5 due to new EPA emissions laws that took affect in January

BigBlock, you're associated with either DCX or Cummins, right?

I've been trying to dig through the forms on this issue. Some say they get good mileage with the "600" others not. Much of this seems to be opinion.

Can I take your statement as more fact than opinion?

 

Re:Price discounts on 2004.My 2004 truck had a MSRP of $52,000.00 canadian and I
got the truck for $45,000 cash price/finance price was $47,000 canadian.I had gotten quotes from 5 different dealers and did alot of research before buying my truck,so it pays to shop around.


2004.5 3500 SRW Quad Cab 4x4 Cummins '600' 3.73 LSD 6sp Standard Atlantic Blue
No extras yet.Lots to come.......