I currently drive a 94 Suburban...no problems...love this vehicle.
To pull my TT, I need more power and after reading posts on this site and test driving the DC Ram 2500 thought this is the truck for me. Smiled all weekend after test driving it.
After reading all the problems guys are having with their 2004.5, am starting to wonder if a 2004 might be better. With a chip, I can get the extra HP and torque.
Then I am wondering, are you guys crazy? If you are not having problems with the engine, you're having problems with the Dodge guys. Is it difficult to get a reliable diesel with great service?
Or, maybe it is just that guys with problems are posting messages.
What do you think?

 

If you look at the number of "problems" that guys are having with their CTD"s vs the number of CTD's sold, it is a very small number. A lot less then other makes and brands are having.

Dealers are the same story no matter what brand they are selling.

For anyone who is needing a truck to pull with, I don't think you can do better then with the CTD.

For service, you have the same choice that everybody else has. Go with a dealer for warranty work, or go to an independant service center. After the warranty period, its the same choice.

I say, get the truck that will pull like you want it too, and enjoy it!!

 

You tend to find more posts about problems then praise. This is common for most all internet chat forums about vehicles. It can be helpful to know about some common problems just to get fixes. But I think every vehicle has issues.

The only big issue I've seen with the '04.5 "600" is the hesitation issue which is supposed to be fixed in early March, which is only a week or two away.

If you *need* the extra power, keep in mind that the chip might cause you warranty issues. Better IMHO to have it from the factory. Also if you go automatic then the newer trucks are supposed to get certified for an exhaust brake in the nearer future. Trucks built before January might not be approved.

I don't agree that all dealers are the same. We've got a really bad brand-G dealer and a really good brand-F dealer.

 

"Dealers are the same story no matter what brand they are selling."


Let me clarify that statement. What I meant was that you will find good dealers and bad dealers no matter what brand they are selling.

Bad dealers are the ones that get talked about most of the time.

 

Anytime your dealing with computers and changing programing there will always be bugs anyone who tells you otherwise is full of it. Wait until these bugs get fixed and you'll be fine or just buy a 2004 off the lot you will get a better deal and you can start enjoying it right now.

 

I am looking to buy a CTD, and have recently driven a 2003 with the auto trans. Iwas sort of impressed. Today I drove a 2004.5 HO with the new automatic and was totally impressed. It shifts so much smoother than the 03. The 04.5 had more torque and the power seemed to come on smoothly and with abundance.However, you nedd to realize that the only other CTD I've ever driven was the 92 bone stock truck that I sold last year.

 

My 2004.5 has 800 miles on it with no problems.

 

I don't know what size trailer you have, but the HO, which I guess is standard now, is no sloutch by any means and it's a proven engine.

CR

 

I say go for it. Mines's good to go

 

I have an HO the biggest thing when i bought my truck was the 48re tranny, i got lucky my truck had one, now they are standard. they are supposed to be way better, so i say go ahead, it could be your last chance to buy a HO with out alot of emmision stuff on it.

 

If I had the resources, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the 04.5. And has been stated, a person who gets good service tells 3 people, a person who gets bad service tells 100 people. I have a good dealership here in Traverse City, MI. They have provided great warranty service for my truck, and I didn't even buy it there.

Go for it!

DeWain