I would suggest do some extended road tests with the Ford and the Uglyamax. I would stay away from Ford just for the problems they are having (having said this I have a 2004 Powerstroke 6spd coming end of the month) I couldn't take driving something as ugly as the Chev, even if the automatic is outstanding. I think the Cummins 6 spd is the best package. Buy what you want, and what makes you happy. If tranny shifting is your #1 priority, better get the allison. Or learn to talk and shift at the same time.... ;D

 

it is not that tranny shifting is my priority, I just want the truck to work like it is supposed to! I guess I will be test driving around this weekend. So far I have not heard too much bad about the Chevy, the question is, is it worth the extra 4-6k that you have to pay for it!

 

Oh yeah, I also have a new shell and nerf bars sitting in my garage right now that fit a Dodge!

 

Extra???? Wow you need to look into autobytel or something. Mine was 2,000 cheaper than a dodge. Plus I have way more options.

The diesels are all good, you will find quirks in all. So I guess you need to drive 4 or 5 of each brand and compare them. :P

 

I took the prices off of the Kelly Blue Book invoice price. I guesss I plugged in the options wrong. I have found a dealer in Co that will give the Dodge to me for $300 below invoice and then minus the incentives, so right now it would be $2800 below invoice. I am pretty sure that is a good deal, basically a slt with everything but leather for 34k, out the door. What can you get a Chevy for?

 

I priced a loaded Dodge and a loaded Chevy and with the discount that I get from my Uncle from the Chevy it is the same price almost the Chevy is actually 500 bucks more
DM01

 

If you don't like the looks of the Chevy get a GMC. No weird looking frontend.

John

 

Is he selling the Dodge or Chevy for that? They both come in 3500 and 2500, either truck, that is a very good deal! Only problem is I can buy one out of state in Colorado because I have a friend there, but a good point to tell the other dealers about other prices!

 

When looking at trucks, I have found that loaded dosent mean anything. I bought my 99 dodge new and it was an slt and supposed to have everything. Well a buddy did the same and he had steering wheel radio controls. Same base package.

Plus no company offers the same thing. I like all diesels, especially when you have a dyno day like what we had here a while back. We saw all types of diesels lay down impressive numbers, and some you thought wow what the heck is wrong with that truck. So drive them all, and buy one that you like. I get alot of ribbing for switching to a Chevy, but once they drive it or pull it they are saying WOW! ;D

I loved my Cummins, but I wanted something different and an Auto. Allison is the only auto out there that is holding up besides the Ford tranny. Plus look at Tow/Haul mode. Dodge has it, and it is nothing like an Allison option. They should rename it to nothing mode since you cant feel much when pulling one or stopping in it. BUt Dodge is working on this factor. You know they cant wait much longer! They cant afford to.

 

HG,
All I can say is watch (and smell) your oil level real closely once you get over the 50,000 mile mark..

 

Oh believe me. I check everything. It would be nice if all the diesel companies would just study one before rushing into production. I hear that Ford has eliminated all rebates due to overstock of 03 models.

 

Ford holding back rebates?? Man, how many trucks are they churning out.

I think its robbery to let this kind of stuff out knowing its a problem and letting warrenty take care of it. The same thing with the transfer case. My buddies Dmax keeps giving a light Service 4WD, that is an early indicator of the that dreaded solenoid failure that dumps you into 4lo at highway speed. The dealer said, no code - no fixie.. Ya, I'll wheel up in my wheel chair when it fails to have it fixed..

 

I agree with the earlier statement. Drive them all and buy what makes you happy. The only question I have is what will the aluminum heads be worth after 10yrs of service?

 

My 03 has been a nightmare ,dodge is buying it back.I went and drove the dmax and the the pstroke.I ordered an 04 dodge cummins despite all the trouble i have had .I will agree that the ally is nice but a fully loaded dmax lt is alot more money for a lot less truck and ifs front ends wear out pretty quik if you drive it off road much. my 00 chev needed an idler arm and balljoints at 35k. The pstroke i test drove stalled twice we had to walk back to the dealer, and what was funny was the salesman wasnt even surprised. I really think dodge trucks are alittle tougher than the rest. imho