Buying a new Truck

[TheGoose]

I do a fair amount of my own maintenance. I usually change my own oil, and have done everything from change water pumps and alternators to replacing an oil cooler on an old 1980's 6.9 IDI.

Half the problem is paying for the oil, and then getting rid of the old. I have some uses for the old oil, but one oil change a year pretty much takes care of my "used oil" inventory. I usually haul it down to the recycle place, which can be an adventure in itself. It's usually full and over-flowing.

That is the thing they need to stop doing, is putting Passenger tires in 1500 series trucks. They are worthless, handle like a wallowing pig in mud.

Oil changes on diesels are scary for sure, only a little less painful if you do them yourself.

Do you do your own maintenance?

Ram is on my list, but I've never owned one before.

According to the newest video review from PickupTrucks.com, the new 2013 RAM 1500 will be available in a Crew Cab 6.5ft layout. This huge redesign is certainly worth waiting for!
2013 Ram 1500 Walk-around Video is Up - PickupTrucks.com News

I just find it really hard to believe that TRUE invoices are what you are looking at. Oh, I know what so-and-so website says, but something in my brain tells me that my salesman's invoice has no more validity to it than my computer-printed $1,000,000 bill. I think they've done a good job of convincing the public they are really selling you the truck for $xxx over invoice. Also, the dealer doesn't pay invoice, they pay "floor plan"....and I also know a little about "hold-back".

I am not sure why you don't believe invoice price. I print all invoices and go into the dealer and they always match. You cannot use a simple figure like so much off sticker because each truck has different options that all go into that figure. I just purchased a new ecoboost crew cab for $500 under invoice and kept all rebates. Go see what options you want, go to edmunds.com and get the invoice, go back and buy under invoice. Carrying in the paperwork shows the salesman you already know what you are willing to pay. All salesman have access to the invoice price on their computer. They still make the dealer holdback and all are happy. Since you're not in a hurry, do like I did and order it. You get only everything you want and know it has never been test driven. No extra cost to order plus the anticipation is fun.
Jeff

At freeway speeds (60-80 mph) a diesel rides very well.

I have to agree with you on the ride of a 3/4 ton or 1 ton truck. I just bought a 3/4 ton and as a rule it rides rougher. In some ways it tends to skip less over bumps than the 1/2 ton I traded in, but a lot of the ride quality is the tires. They carry more air and are a stiffer tire.

 

[toppop52]

Remember when you buy the only numbers that matter are the totals of down payment plus total of monthly payments. That's how much it cost. All this trade allowance interest rates hoopla is designed to get your eye off the real number.

 

[Dmace]

Ram is on my list, but I've never owned one before.

Wait til you drive one, the coil over rear suspension rides so much better than my 03 RAM with leaf springs and any of the other leaf spring trucks. I will be at my dealer as soon as the 2013 model hits the floors. 8 speed HEMI Crew Cab 4x4 rated at 10k towing and I'll be happy!

 

[TheGoose]

Meh....I am really un-moved by these "8" speed transmissions.

I would bet dollars to donuts that first gear and 8th gear have almost the same final drive as a 4 or 5 speed tranny. So I doubt it would help much on the highway.

I do find the start-stop technology interesting.

As far as the coil-springs...I think my Z71 has a great ride...with leaf's. What I really need is to be able to tow 6-8K on a semi-regular basis, get great mileage on the hwy, and be reliable.

 

[TheGoose]

I know how to play the game.

First thing I tell the salesmen when working a deal is that I deal in "drive out price only"....not Price+Fees. They they start blabbering about % this and inventory taxes that....I tell 'em however they need to work it. Drive out price only. I have a number I want for my trade. I don't care about the payments....only what the numbers add up to.

Remember when you buy the only numbers that matter are the totals of down payment plus total of monthly payments. That's how much it cost. All this trade allowance interest rates hoopla is designed to get your eye off the real number.

 

[jejeosborne]

Meh....I am really un-moved by these "8" speed transmissions.

I would bet dollars to donuts that first gear and 8th gear have almost the same final drive as a 4 or 5 speed tranny. So I doubt it would help much on the highway.

I

I am the first in line for the free donuts or do I get a dollar? Better check before you bet. My six speed ford is a huge improvement over my 5 speed dodge. Extra gears is great if you tow often. This 8 speed will be awesome if it turns out to be solid and reliable.

The 45RFE later became the 5-speed 545RFE.

Gear Ratios:
1st 3.00:1
2nd 1.67:1
2nd Prime 1.50:1
3rd 1.00:1
4th 0.75:1
Reverse 3.00:1
545RFE only:
5th 0.67:1

65RFE 6-speed

1st 3.00:1
2nd 1.67:1
3rd 1.50:1
4th 1.00:1
5th 0.75:1
6th 0.67:1
Reverse 3.00:1

The new 8HP45 and 8HP70 transmissions have twice as many gears, and the bandwidth is impressive: 4.71:1, 3.14:1, 2.10:1, 1.67:1, 1.29:1, 1.00:1 0.84:1 and 0.67:1. Reverse is 3.30:1

 

[Dmace]

Meh....I am really un-moved by these "8" speed transmissions.I would bet dollars to donuts that first gear and 8th gear have almost the same final drive as a 4 or 5 speed tranny. So I doubt it would help much on the highway.

The first three gears are much lower and 4-8 are about the same. The top gear is the same BUT because of the different lower gears they can run a taller rear end axle ratio so while that top gear is the same, it's overall ratio to the tires is much different. Like running a 3.00 rear end vs a 3.55 or 3.73.
For example:
The current RAM 6 speed 1st-6th (66RFE)
1st 3.231:1
2nd 1.837:1
3rd 1.410:1
4th 1.000:1
5th 0.816:1
6th 0.625:1
The new RAM 8 speed:
1st 4.71:1
2nd 3.14:1
3rd 2.10:1
4th 1.67:1
5th 1.29:1
6th 1.00:1
7th 0.84:1
8th 0.61:1
With a 3.06 rear end, a Dodge Charger HEMI 8 speed is at just 1400 rpms at 75 mph.

Edit, looks like jejeosbourne beat me too it but didn't show the current RAM's 6 speed (66RFE).

 

[jejeosborne]

The first three gears are much lower and 4-8 are about the same. The top gear is the same BUT because of the different lower gears they can run a taller rear end axle ratio so while that top gear is the same, it's overall ratio to the tires is much different. Like running a 3.00 rear end vs a 3.55 or 3.73.
For example:
The current RAM 6 speed 1st-6th (66RFE)
1st 3.231:1
2nd 1.837:1
3rd 1.410:1
4th 1.000:1
5th 0.816:1
6th 0.625:1
The new RAM 8 speed:
1st 4.71:1
2nd 3.14:1
3rd 2.10:1
4th 1.67:1
5th 1.29:1
6th 1.00:1
7th 0.84:1
8th 0.61:1
With a 3.06 rear end, a Dodge Charger HEMI 8 speed is at just 1400 rpms at 75 mph.

The donuts are gone. I am still waiting for them though.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I am the first in line for the free donuts or do I get a dollar? Better check before you bet. My six speed ford is a huge improvement over my 5 speed dodge. Extra gears is great if you tow often. This 8 speed will be awesome if it turns out to be solid and reliable.

The 45RFE later became the 5-speed 545RFE.

Gear Ratios:
1st 3.00:1
2nd 1.67:1
2nd Prime 1.50:1
3rd 1.00:1
4th 0.75:1
Reverse 3.00:1
545RFE only:
5th 0.67:1

65RFE 6-speed

1st 3.00:1
2nd 1.67:1
3rd 1.50:1
4th 1.00:1
5th 0.75:1
6th 0.67:1
Reverse 3.00:1

The new 8HP45 and 8HP70 transmissions have twice as many gears, and the bandwidth is impressive: 4.71:1, 3.14:1, 2.10:1, 1.67:1, 1.29:1, 1.00:1 0.84:1 and 0.67:1. Reverse is 3.30:1

That 4.71 first gear will really make the motor look good. Keeping it in its power band will make it a nice puller.

Chris

 

[Patches]

Whether it be 6 speed or 8 speed, I want a transmission that is slower on the down shifts. My 6 speed Tundra with 4:30 gears will give me 19 MPG on the interstate, empty, and will readily, and easily tow 10/12,000 pounds. If only you were able to open the throttle to even 1/2 throttle before the thing down shifts, you could more readily use the torque available. This has long been a gripe of mine concerning automatic transmissions, especially when towing. You have a selector to limit upshifts, but are at the mercy of the transmission(ECU to be specific) on downshifts; really limits your ability to use the torque available, effectively.