RLL2015
Junior Member
Hi everyone. I've been lurking here for a while and figured it was about time I joined. My current rig is a 2009 Ford F-250 4X4 Harley Davidson Edition. Crew cab, 6.5 bed, loaded, and a V-10 gas engine. She only has 27K on her and I've owned her since 5K. A truly outstanding truck in every way. I get more compliments on this truck. So I've been wanting to downsize because I don't need such a big truck, I don't tow any more, and plus, this baby is very THIRSTY! So I decided I was going to downsize to a 1500. I have owned and been happy with trucks from all 3 of the big guys. My last Dodge was a 2003 Ram 2500 I bought new. That was a good truck. Anyways, it was time to do some shopping. I haven't had a reason to test drive a new vehicle in a while so I was looking forward to seeing what everyone had to offer. I had a fully open mind because I don't have any really strong brand loyalty (accept for Harley Davidson motorcycles) and I'm sure I would be happy with any of them. With that in mind it was time for some hands-on research.
I went to the local drive event for the all-new 2015 F-150. If I were to buy one it would be a 5.0 Limited. Unfortunately, there was only 2.7L and 3.5L Eco-boosts there. It was a Lariat and nicely equipped. I'm sure it's a fine engine but I prefer an 8 cyl. I took the opportunity to drive the truck though. It was nice and drove fine. It just didn't knock my socks off. That coupled with the newness of the all aluminum body they are going to use would probably make me hold off until there was some history with this new model. If I were going to go the Ford route, I would probably buy a 2014 leftover to take advantage of the savings.
Next up was a GMC Denali 1500. It had the 6.2 and a 6-speed auto. There is an 8 speed auto available now, but I don't think anyone has them yet. That was a really nice truck and they really did an amazing job redoing the interior. It drove really nice and it had plenty of balls as you can imagine. This really was sweet. I would wait for the 8-speed and the magnetic ride suspension if I were going to buy one. I could see myself owning one of these.
Finally I drove a 2014 Longhorn Limited CC with 5.7 engine. Looks-wise this was my favorite. The Denali was a close second though. The interior was incredible. I mean it was really "luxury car" quality. I think it's equal to my wife's Cadillac Escalade Platinum Edition. I was really blown away. I loved the way it drove too. I think they really knocked it out of the park with this model.
So after a lot of thought and research I ordered a 2015 4X4 Ram Longhorn Limited crew-cab with the short bed. Every available option besides the tow mirrors. I got the Hemi, 3.92 gears, forged wheels, rambox, moonroof, etc. I chose the Granite Crystal color.
I felt that for my needs the Ram represented the best value and "complete package". It seemed to be everything I was looking for. I'll find out if I was right in 6-8 weeks...
I went to the local drive event for the all-new 2015 F-150. If I were to buy one it would be a 5.0 Limited. Unfortunately, there was only 2.7L and 3.5L Eco-boosts there. It was a Lariat and nicely equipped. I'm sure it's a fine engine but I prefer an 8 cyl. I took the opportunity to drive the truck though. It was nice and drove fine. It just didn't knock my socks off. That coupled with the newness of the all aluminum body they are going to use would probably make me hold off until there was some history with this new model. If I were going to go the Ford route, I would probably buy a 2014 leftover to take advantage of the savings.
Next up was a GMC Denali 1500. It had the 6.2 and a 6-speed auto. There is an 8 speed auto available now, but I don't think anyone has them yet. That was a really nice truck and they really did an amazing job redoing the interior. It drove really nice and it had plenty of balls as you can imagine. This really was sweet. I would wait for the 8-speed and the magnetic ride suspension if I were going to buy one. I could see myself owning one of these.
Finally I drove a 2014 Longhorn Limited CC with 5.7 engine. Looks-wise this was my favorite. The Denali was a close second though. The interior was incredible. I mean it was really "luxury car" quality. I think it's equal to my wife's Cadillac Escalade Platinum Edition. I was really blown away. I loved the way it drove too. I think they really knocked it out of the park with this model.
So after a lot of thought and research I ordered a 2015 4X4 Ram Longhorn Limited crew-cab with the short bed. Every available option besides the tow mirrors. I got the Hemi, 3.92 gears, forged wheels, rambox, moonroof, etc. I chose the Granite Crystal color.
I felt that for my needs the Ram represented the best value and "complete package". It seemed to be everything I was looking for. I'll find out if I was right in 6-8 weeks...
