ernest

Im selling my 05 PDS King Ranch and looking to get a Dodge W/6spd.
I am thinking the 04 from reading some of the other posts on the same subject. The prices for a clean 04 loaded is around 30k,for 6k more I can get a new one. Is there any reason to not get the 06 over the 04 or wait for the 07? I an also concerned with the new 6spd and fuel mileage.

Thanks for the ideas.

SOhappy

Best Year: '03

Why: Because mine is an '03.

(plus it gets pretty durned good fuel mileage)

Buffalo

Ernest,

For what it's worth, in the Phoenix, AZ newspaper, there was an ad from PowerDealers.com (a local Dodge dealer) for a "brand new 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT Quad Cab, Heavy-duty Diesel, 5.9 HD Turbo diesel, Big Horn Pkg., Trailer mirrors, & more" & a "brand new 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 4X4, Heavy-duty Diesel, Auto, Cruise, Folding Trailer Mirrors, CD." Both of these trucks were on sale for $29,998.

Some say that the '03-'04, HO, NV-5600(6-sp.) were the best. In my opinion, they had the least amount of EPA related emissions equipment, on them. They were simpler. However, some folks that have the later models seem to be very happy with them. They all have their plusses & minusses. I know the reason I purchased my '03 was that there was the threat of having an EGR put on the '04's. That never happened but, I was scared into a premature purchase (which, I don't regret).

If you choose a new truck, do some serious shopping. $30,000 for a used '04 seems to be high, to me. Do your homework.

Joe F.(Buffalo)

8mpg

Im just gonna say dont get an 07...emissions standards are going to go way up and bombing these trucks and passing emissions is gonna be hell.

I like the 04.5+ trucks myself, the 600 responds really well with programmers/boxes.

D.Wiggs

I have had a 2003 3500 Quadcab Dually Laramie Sport 4x4 6-Speed and now own a 2006 3500 Megacab Dually Laramie 4x4 6-Speed and I LOVE the '06 MUCH more. I understand some of the complaints, but for me, the '06 is a much better truck. First of all the Megacab is simply amazing as far as room and comfort go. Secondly, the engine is like 75% quieter than my '03 and I LOVE the much shorter and precise shift throws. Just my .02, but I would get the '06 all day; especially with all of the dealer incentives going on right now you could get an '06 megacab 3500 loaded to the gills for like $40K; I paid $41K and change and I have every option on their but an Auto ( )!

Buffalo

8mpg,

I know what you're saying.

I recently attended a seminar given by Mr. Dennis Hurst, the top man (engineer) at the Cummins Mid-Range Engine Plant in Columbus, IN. As I recall, he said that Cummins was trying to make these engines as "bomb-proof" as possible. They don't want us messing around with them.

I, also, remember back in '94, when they came out with the new engine incorporating the P-7100 pumps. At that time, they were saying that there was no way you could "tamper" with that pump to make more power. It was supposed to be a factory sealed system. Shortly after its introduction, "bombers" were figuring it out & it turned out to be one of the most "bomb-friendly" pumps that we ever had.

However, these new engines with EGR's, Cat's, & Particulate Traps, along with other more complicated systems may prove to be a bit more difficult to bomb.

This past year, tremendous advancements have been made in bombing 3rd Gens. At last years May Madness, I believe the 600 HP area was as far as some of us had gone. This year, one truck hit 893 HP, with others in the 800 HP range. Quite an increase!!!

Joe F.(Buffalo)

ernest

30k for a 04 sounds high to me also. I was thinking around 20- 25 for a clean SLT. Thanks for the info. I'm going to keep looking. At the price of a new 06 SLT it is about $600 more than a Loaded d-max.

C Schomer

I wanted an 03-04.4 305/555 6 spd for the better mpg and to get to a price I didn't mind paying. I've bought several new trucks but decided to try used again. I found my loaded 03 with 25k miles for 27500. I'm getting 21+ (even with a 4.10) and very happy. It's a much improved truck compared to my 97 but not as solid. It's still a keeper! Craig

tomm

Personally I like the 04.5 .
1.) Last year of 7/70 mi warranty.
2.)Reports indicate the later models are getting less fuel mileage.
3.)Was first year HO available here in CA.
4.)07's need to conform to a new set of pollutant regulations.

You can't go wrong with any year Dodge Ram Cummins, JMHO.

RC51

Early 05 cause you get the awsome plastic sided aftercooler!

Easily replaced however then you have the following advantages over the 06's:

Better fuel mileage
7/70 vs. 3/36
NV5600 vs. G56
All metal tubes from aftercooler to the intake horn vs. plastic
Better cup holders!

PEAKSTRYDE

DITTO

See my sig.

05mxdiesel

I was one of the lucky ones as well. Did anyone notice that the tanks are plastic on the radiator as well.

Fisherguy

Good luck finding a used truck with a six speed. I was looking for a quad cab long box on singles, all I could find were short boxes or dually's, 6 spds are slim up here.
I ender up geting a brand new 06, like the new front end and I got 0% financing which was pretty cool.
So far I love it!!
Good luck
Will

SSminnow

Funny you say that, all I could find down here was 6 speed's, no auto's

ernest

Good info. I can get a 06 for $600 under invoice plus $3500 discount. I am also looking at The D-Max I didn't think it would be less than the Dodge.