First time going to buy truck . need guidance

[parm]

Hello guys.
This is my very first time posting here.
I am interested in buying a dodge truck. But I have little to no information actually.
I was wondering if u guys could help me select me dodge truck according to my needs.
I live in canada , (new here , moved a year and half ago)so I need a 4 wheel drive for sure.
I don't have anything to tow,
i have no idea about engines , after lurking on here for few days, I think I am pretty much sure i will go for a gas powered track ( though I love diesel trucks so much but they are outta my league budget wise)
So guys please suggest me which truck should I go for ?
Thank you very much.

 

[toofart]

If you're not going to tow anything heavy, I suggest the 4x4 w/ 3.55 gears and the Pentastar v6. It will have plenty of power to tow small trailers and boats even if you decide to do that in the future, and will be cheaper on gas (and purchase price) than the Hemi.

 

[parm]

If you're not going to tow anything heavy, I suggest the 4x4 w/ 3.55 gears and the Pentastar v6. It will have plenty of power to tow small trailers and boats even if you decide to do that in the future, and will be cheaper on gas (and purchase price) than the Hemi.

Thank you very much for replying.
but as I said I have no knowledge about axle ratios and stuff..
so when I read your reply , I am clueless.
so are you suggesting me Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SLT SB .
actually it would be great if you aware me on models and their specifications or post a link where I can study that.
Thanks once again bud.

 

[Gardenfan]

Your budget will be the deciding factor. Figure out what you can put down and about what you can afford a month, etc. Insurance is usually higher as well for a pickup over a car, so you need to budget that as well. You can get an sxt with a v6 and 3.55 rear end gears in a quad cab or reg cab for a lower price, but depending on where you live the dealerships might not have any. You almost have to special order the cheaper trucks.

I paid 32k plus tax for a nicely optioned 2012 sxt with ramboxes and 3.92 rears, limited slip, tow package, etc 4x4 hemi. Incentives this time of year are good so it is a good time to buy.

 

[Etroze86]

I would start reading on ram's website for sure. For right now we know you can get away with a Reg cab with a v6 but that might not fit your needs since you didn't mention if you need to haul people or dogs on the inside or if you like the extra room, some people do and some don't. I got everything I wanted in an express package ram where you might want a big horn with all the bells and whistle. After you pin down what you want and have an idea of a buget go talk to a salesman and see what they have. This doesn't mean you need to buy anything just go look, touch, and drive find out what your tastes are. We can for sure narrow down what you want after that and help you make an informed purchase.

 

[parm]

Thank you very much guys. I have been reading about trucks online. ActuallyI am willing to spend 35 k or so.
Need a crew cab and I am from Saskatchewan , so canadian brahs are aware of 8 months of extreme snow and winter we get here.
I need a truck solely to commute to work and nearby places.
The only reason I haven't visited dealer yet is that I have no idea what to ask for, like no engine knowledge and stuff. I a m pretty much sure if I go there I'll be like kid in a candy shop.lol. I don't want get into salesperson's talks and get convinced to buy what i regret later.

 

[Gardenfan]

You can get a decent truck for 35k. A crew cab will cost you a few options over the same truck in a quad cab, so you should decide which of the two you want. You probably will not get into anything with auto 4x4, so you will have to select it whenever you think you will need it, which isn't a big deal, but it is a nice luxury.

 

[danmp]

If you are not selective on the look of your truck , first I will go with a sxt which is nicely equipped.

The upper model is the slt which upgrade few thing that is in my mind useless ( dual tone dash and doors ) upper bumper matched to the truck paint.

With the sxt you can get the uconnect 5.0 radio which I really love ( 5" touchscreen , usb and good sound system )

It came stock with the hemi 5.7L and the v6 as an option ( around 1500 $ ) I tried the v6 and I found it too rubbish.

Too me the sxt is the best bang for your bucks between all the model.

I get a fully 2014 loaded sxt 4x4 quad cab ( power door, window, back up cam, cruise, Bluetooth, tow package with integrated electric control, "skid plate" for the transmision, tinted Windows, fog, 3.92 diff with limited slip, tow Mirror and additionnal set of winter Wheel and studded tire, spray in bed liner ) for a all included total of 35000 $

For the crew cab add around 3000$ of that price

 

[Gardenfan]

I specced out a crew cab sxt with hemi, 4x4, 121 L tank, limited slip, very little else and it came in just a bit over 35k before tax. The same specs on quad cab are about 3k cheaper, so you can get a bit more truck with a quad cab. This is of course before any haggling at the dealership, but does consider the current incentives. I would recommend going to a dealership and checking out both cabs, and deciding first which cab size will meet your needs, if you are always going to have rear passengers, get the crew cab. If it is not always used for passengers, most likely groceries etc, get the quad cab and step up to something with a few more options you would be interested in.

 

[Gardenfan]

Looks like Dan and I were both on the ram website doing the same thing, and came to the same conclusion lol.

 

[parm]

Thanks guys for valuable information.

Now I have some idea what I want. Wil go to dealership soon and report back what the offer me.
It's gonna be tough to make dealers reduce price. Any tips and tricks on that?
Please and thank you.

 

[MiRamDriver]

Thanks guys for valuable information.

Now I have some idea what I want. Wil go to dealership soon and report back what the offer me.
It's gonna be tough to make dealers reduce price. Any tips and tricks on that?
Please and thank you.

Go at the end of the month, be prepared to walk out at least once, know what invoice is on your truck and negotiate DOWN from there. Most of all, stand your ground - do not be intimidated. Both new trucks that I've purchased I've gotten over $10k off of MSRP ($11k & $13K).

 

[Andy578]

Thank you very much guys. I have been reading about trucks online. ActuallyI am willing to spend 35 k or so.
Need a crew cab and I am from Saskatchewan , so canadian brahs are aware of 8 months of extreme snow and winter we get here.
I need a truck solely to commute to work and nearby places.
The only reason I haven't visited dealer yet is that I have no idea what to ask for, like no engine knowledge and stuff. I a m pretty much sure if I go there I'll be like kid in a candy shop.lol. I don't want get into salesperson's talks and get convinced to buy what i regret later.

2 must have features you're gonna want is 4wd and the limited slip diff. those are 2 things i refuse to be without during the winter and i'm in Ontario and i know you're winters are usually worse so i'd start with those requirements

you'll have to figure out what box size you want. personally i started thinking about how much i'd actually carry large cargo which is only a few times a year so i went short box since they are a bit easier to manoeuvre while parking and such and if i run into something i can't fit i can always use a trailer

since you don't know a lot about it make sure you find a dealer that does, tell him your needs and have him explain every single option in detail till you understand it. don't worry about being a pain this is your money after all and you should know what you're getting

when it comes to price you need to be kinda firm. dealers can and will move but it takes some doing. they will often say you're already getting however much from the manufacture and they can't really move from that. they will also say they are going to check with the boss and will disappear for 15-20 min then come back saying sorry it took so long and that he was busy arguing with the manager(bs) then he'll take like $500 off. as others have said go at the end of the month which is usually when they are trying to make quotas so will be willing to drop more. also when you think you've got him down as much as you're going to start asking for things like a full tank of gas when you pick it up and some free oil changes. i just bought a outdoorsman with a price of just under 39k(including the 8500 manufactures discount) but i got him down to 35k plus a tank of gas and 6 oil changes

[edit]another thing that can help with the price is to look at other dealers websites within about an hour or 2 from you. look for trucks close to you budget and with features you'd want then print it off and take that with you

 

[toofart]

The only reason I haven't visited dealer yet is that I have no idea what to ask for, like no engine knowledge and stuff.

You are smarter than 99% of the idiots who just go to the dealership and buy something shiny. Knowledge is power.

I suggest the v6 since it's a good engine which is cheaper on gas and purchase. The Hemi is obviously more powerful, but for what you seem to want, the v6 would serve you well.

The 3.55 axle ratio will give your v6 a bit more "umph" instead of the standard 3.21. Think of a 10 speed bike, putting a bigger front sprocket (3.21) makes each of the 10 gears "longer" but a bit more difficult to pedal. A smaller sproket (3.55) will help you accelerate faster but the engine will turn marginally faster on the highway. Not a lot.

Nothing wrong with the v6 8 speed transmission with 3.21 gears. But do 3.55s if you can order them.

Spend some time on the ram Build & Price tool and get to know the models, the options an what's available.