*Nikki*

Ok I am trading in the 03' Mustang and buying a truck.

I have my heart set on a Dodge Ram or a GMC Sanoma.

I don't know much about either other and would like to hear from someone who owns one or knows about them.

Any advice guys??

ltdaywalker

Why trading in the Mustang?? Anyways, I personally love big and powerful trucks, how about the Ram 1500, or maybe one of them that has a Hemi, sweet engine. Personally I like Ford F-250/350. I dunno thats my take on trucks. All i know is that I hate trucks that are small, whats the point of owning a truck if its small?

Jeff

Why a truck? Unless you actually plan on doing a lot of hauling, I'd stick with the Mustang or just a different car.

__________________
For those who believe in God, most of the big questions are answered. But for those of us who can't readily accept the God formula, the big answers don't remain stone-written. We adjust to new conditions and discoveries. We are pliable. Love need not be a command or faith a dictum. I am my own God. We are here to unlearn the teachings of the church, state, and our educational system. We are here to drink beer. We are here to kill war. We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us.
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urbandev

id sell it and buy an older chevy for like $400 and put the excess into the engine, tranny, and chassis :x

__________________
Raoul Duke:
"I wouldn't dare go to sleep with you wandering around with a head full of acid, wanting to slice me up with that goddamn knife."
Dr. Gonzo:
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m0j0

best way to choose is to test drive both and see which one really fits you and your needs.

Ashton

Buy a Chevy Nikki..... They're the best!

*Nikki*

I have to trade the Mustang. The payment and insurance have become more then I can afford.

I can't think of another car that I want. But I have always wanted a big truck for some reason.

Ashton

BoCo

*Nikki*, I'd suggest a Dodge RAM. I have a friend at work who bought a brand new Chevy a couple years back and it's already been back to the shop more than 30 times for various problems.

Plus, if you're going for looks, the RAM trucks just look way better in my opinion.

__________________
Activism is a way for useless people to feel important.

*Nikki*

Damn BoCo that is Sweet!!!!!

That is the color I wanted too!!

candyman

I disagree, but I believe it is preference. I have a '02 Chevrolet 2500 HD Crew (with 6.0 V-8 and LS trim) and we have a couple '02 Dodge Ram's (both V-8) here at the office. The Chevy just feels like a tank! Very good handling and more than enough power. Where as the Dodge's performance feels very loose...

Also, I have had my Chevy for just over a year and I have never had it back to the dealer (beside for an oil change) and BOTH Dodges have been back three times each!

Here's a pic (only mine is pewter):


I suggest test driving them... I believe most dealers let you test drive for 100 miles (or, 24hrs.) now?

Good luck!

__________________
"I am the writing on the wall, the whisper in the classroom. Without these things, I am nothing."

billege

The only thing more dangerous than a woman in a truck, is a woman in a Saturn. This is an odd theory, but the worst drivers on the road are women in Saturns, also white late model imports, but the Saturns are worst. Try it, it's true!

If you MUST get a truck I'd go with the GMC. I love Dodge and all that, but I find their build quality is still lacking. I had a GMC for a few years, I beat the shit out of it. But that damn thing kept on keeping on, nothing seemed to phase it. My truck was an 87, I imagine they've gotten better, so they should be really good.

I once read that women tend to overestimate the size of their vehicles, and men underestimate. Thus the guy hittin' shit, while the chick takes 5 days to park the damn thing.

Nothing brings out that "I can drive over you" attitude like a chick in a truck, please don't run me and my normal sized car over!
Or, I'll go get my 90 crown vic, and we'll tussel.


I've been reading a little about the new GMCs, here's the story and the link


***************************************************
2004 Chevrolet Colorado




By Michelle Krebs

On Sale: January 2004
Expected Pricing: $15,000-$25,000?

General Motors is launching an all-new line of mid-size pickup trunks at the beginning of next year (2004). The upcoming 2004 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon replace the Chevy S-10 and GMC Sonoma compact pickups.

But the Colorado and Canyon are much larger and are better equipped with amenities than the S-10 and Sonoma. One reason for the new formula: Sales of small trucks are sagging. Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon will go head-to-head with the Dodge Dakota.

Chevrolet Colorado, on sale early next year as a 2004 model, is aimed at young single people, couples, and families who want a truck bigger and roomier than Chevrolet's current S-10 but not as big as a full-size pickup, like the Silverado.

Like all Chevrolet trucks, sport-utilities, and upcoming cars, the Colorado sports the distinctive chrome bar across its grille. Inside, its interior is more spacious and upscale than the smaller S-10.


Based on a new truck architecture developed with Isuzu, the Colorado features a ladder-type frame, independent front suspension and a live rear axle. Four-wheel-drive models come with a torsion-bar suspension.

Chevy Colorado comes in a variety of configurations: three cab styles (crew cab, extended cab, and regular cab); two engines; two- or four-wheel drive; and three suspension packages (standard, sport, and off-road).

The crew cab, which accounts for about a third of all midsize pickups, has a 60/40 split folding rear seat to accommodate three adults. The extended-cab model comes standard with four doors. The regular cab features 60/40 bench seats, in cloth or vinyl, with bucket seats available.

Two engines are available. The base engine is a 175-horsepower 2.8-liter Vortec inline four, which Chevrolet claims is the highest horsepower of any base engine in its class. It is rated at 185 pounds-feet of torque. Optional is a Vortec five-cylinder engine derived from the inline six-cylinder Vortec 4200 engine in the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. The five-cylinder engine is rated 220 hp and 225 lbs.-ft.

Colorado offers various traction assistance options. The shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system is activated with a dash-mounted switch. A locking differential is available on rear- and four-wheel drive models with either the four- or five-cylinder engine or traction control is optional on rear-wheel-drive models.

Anti-lock brakes, designed for heavy-duty service, are standard as are 15-inch wheels and tires, rack-and-pinion steering.

Dual-stage front airbags are standard. On the regular-cab model, the passenger-side air bag can be disabled. Also standard is a battery saver system.

Among the options are side roof-mounted airbags, uncommon in the segment. Also optional are: heated seats; remote locking; an in-dash six-CD changer; XM Satellite Radio; GM's OnStar; and a driver information system including an oil life monitor.

**************************************************

I'd go for the Colorado with the five cylinder, that'd take care of everything you'd want, without being a huge wasteful tank.

Have fun shopping, don't take any shit from guy dealers. The car, and especially truck market is in a slump. YOU GET WHAT YOU WANT!! If the dealer isn't being exceptionally good, there are 10 other dealerships that need the sale. DON'T TAKE SHIT from them!


The Chevrolet Colorado will reach dealerships in October 2003.

Google "chevy colorado" or "gmc canyon" and plenty of reviews come up.

__________________
I can sum up the clash of religion in one sentence:
"My Invisible Friend is better than your Invisible Friend."

YELLOW450

I would lean away from the new model Dodges until they get any kinks worked out of it, especially the hemi. They do look awesome but the build quality is not that of a GMC or Chevy. A Ford is just out of the question IMO. I have driven alot of Dodges and not one single one has had the engine performance and deffinitely not the handling of all the GM trucks i've driven. Above all of that what really sells me on a truck is the interior and all you have to do is look at and sit in a Dodge or a Ford and then sit in a Chevy, its like day and night. The GM trucks have the most ergonomic interior of any of the trucks, test drive a Chevy, you won't be disappointed.

thadon

Go for the Dodge Dakota ... I have a 2003 Quad Cab Dakota w/ the 4.7L V8 and I love it. I have had it for 5 months and already have 13K miles on it. Before the '03 Dakota I had a 2000 Dakota Club Cab ... it too was sweet but the '03 is more refined ... I was blown away by the differnce between the two trucks. The '03 is a lot quietier and all the controls function a little smoother.

The Dakota is bigger than a Sonoma but not as big as a RAM or Silverado and is not as expensive adn is better on gas mileage than a full size ... that is my opinion

strife

I personally would go with a SVT lightning, but that wouldn't really be of any help to you, seeing as how the mustang and insurance payments were too much But, you could at least check them out.

__________________
You are what you love, not what loves you.

strife

focalevo

My brother just got a new Ram with the Hemi in it, and it is awesome! Just the sound rumbling out of it is an immediate attention getter, and the size of them is just huge. Plus you can get them with the factory 20" wheels, very sharp. I'd love to see a chic with a Hemi Ram rolling on 20's go flying by me on the interstate!!
It also has all the other top features. Dual zone climate, embroidered leather seating, and his has 4 real doors.

To sum up, the new Ram is a great pic, just do be sure to drive one for yourself.

__________________
'middle finger is the flag that I waive when I am silenced' -Mudvayne

440sixpack

I like my Hemi Ram very much. I think the newer chevies and fords are terrible looking (personal preference I realize), plus the equivalent Dodge was a lot cheaper. GMC's are pretty nice but the equivalent to what I got was thousands of dollars more. You might say you get what you pay for... well I don't know but no problems yet. I preferred the Dodge interior (although bucket seats would be nice), and for me the exterior styling wins hands down. No one will ever mistake that massive grille as anything other than a Ram.

Oh, and note the picture of the Ram posted above is the SRT-10, the hi-po version with the Viper engine coming out next year, for big bucks. Regular Rams don't have those hoods or wheels (from the factory anyway).

If there's anything else specific I can answer for you, please feel free to PM me.

Edit: let's add a pic or two:

__________________
Be a victor, or be a victim - David Vincent

My Toys:
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440SIXPACK
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT QuadCab 4x4 5.7L Hemi Magnum

HeAtHeN

This truck is fooking amazing. Get the Nissan...

__________________

urbandev

ew..those nissan trucks just look gay...

__________________
Raoul Duke:
"I wouldn't dare go to sleep with you wandering around with a head full of acid, wanting to slice me up with that goddamn knife."
Dr. Gonzo:
"Who said anything about slicing you up, man. I just wanted to cut a little Z in your forehead."

Ashton

nash

The GMC Sonoma and Dodge Ram are in different size classes; the Dodge Dakota is comparable in size to the Sonoma. It really depends on what you're going to be using the truck for. Hauling and towing and how often and how long the trips are going to be should be taken into consideration. Seating capacity as well. And fuel efficiency if you're concerned about that stuff. Let us know what you need and we can make suggestions.

Glory's Sun

tsk tsk tis a sad day when a stang is traded.. alas I have been in your shoes before.. I'll never forget her *tear*

Anyway.. as far as trucks go I had a Z-71 and I enjoyed it but they seem to take on quite a few problems as they age. I like the Ford F-250's the best and Ford's motors IMO are better as they age. The F-150's are ok but in that class I'd have to go with the Chevy. I don't really like the looks of the new Chevy but I'll take it over a dodge any day.. Ok I guess I wasn't much help so good luck in your choice.. you'll look good in either one

duckduck

Honestly, unless you're doing some heavy hauling, just get the one you can best afford. But in my personal opinion, if you're having problems affording the 'stang, affording a big truck will be just as difficult.

__________________
Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way!

*Nikki*

Actually the trucks are about 10,000 less then I paid for my stang'. Not to mention the insurance is cheaper.

For some reason they don't think I will go quite as fast in my truck!

billege

No, but you can haul it's empty bed around 90% of the time, and take it off road "just in case." All while burning more gas than you need to, paying to replace four big huge tires, and seating 2 in relative comfort.

If all the tuck companies strive to make trucks more "carlike" why the hell not just get a car?

You can also wear a cowboy hat, or put soccer mommy stickers on it, either way...it's a totally different costume than the mustwang.

I don't get truck people, so you'll have to excuse me. I just don't get it. I DID have a leetle S-15 for a while, it was cheap, and I needed a car. Tough little fucker, it was.

I'm pouty you're losing the "firechicken chaser," I'd hoped to show you what fast is. Now I'll never have the chance to show you what the back wheel of my bike looks like! Well, I could put the bike in the back of your truck pointing out...then you could see the back wheel, but it wouldn't be the same.

I suppose life goes on.

__________________
I can sum up the clash of religion in one sentence:
"My Invisible Friend is better than your Invisible Friend."

440sixpack

Well, I guess I'll post why I like my truck. It's my first, I've always owned cars up until this point. I ordered it last November and it arrived in early January.

It's big and roomy, I've got more interior room than any of the cars I've owned, including tanks like a 1972 Ford LTD and a 1979 Oldsmobile Delta 88. The view of the road is superior to any car I've been in, apart from the large A-columns that do get in the way for a couple angles. With the quad cab, I have comfortably sat 5 people in it, although I probably wouldn't want to be in the backseat for a really long trip. With the fold up back seat I have a nice interior hauling space for things too fragile/expensive/whatever for the bed. And I have used that bed, now with a nice Line-X bedliner, to haul furniture, firewood and a whole video store's worth of DVD's.

The 4x4 was amazing in the snowstorms we had this winter. It was like night and day compared to the cars I've owned. Haven't done much off-roading yet but I do like the option of it being there.

The power of the hemi is something, this thing accelerates smoothly and is as fast if not faster (or maybe I should say quicker) than any car I've owned. Mileage is not great, but it has improved as the engine breaks in and the weather gets warmer. I accept that a higher gas bill is the price I pay for all the other advantages it gives me.

A truck has character. To me, almost all cars on the road now look the same, with few differentiating details. A body line here, a curve there, a clear taillight... bah they all bore me. But there is absolutely no mistaking that big ass chrome grill coming up behind you. A Ram will never be mistaken for another vehicle.

Anyway it all comes down to personal preference. To me, a truck gives you a lot of versatility in a single vehicle, and looks good (to me) to boot. Sure, I wouldn't want one as a daily driver if I actually lived in a cramped city like Boston where parking something of its size can be a nightmare, or had a daily 250 mile commute, but overall, after having one I think I'm hooked, I always see myself buying trucks in the future.

__________________
Be a victor, or be a victim - David Vincent

My Toys:
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440SIXPACK
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT QuadCab 4x4 5.7L Hemi Magnum

duckduck

Living on a farm, trucks are a given.

Anyhoo, I can't comment on the insurance in your situation (though, I imagine it would be cheaper), but a truck is still rather expensive IMHO.

Prices taken from http://www.carprices.com :


2003 Ranger Regular Cab
$13,645.00-$20,010.00

2003 F-150 Regular Cab
$19,125.00-$26,055.00

2003 SVT F-150 Regular Cab (**drool**.....would give your 'stang a run for it's money )
$32,515.00-$32,515.00

2003 Super Duty F-250 Regular Cab
$21,640.00-$28,035.00

2003 Super Duty F-350 Regular Cab
$22,095.00-$28,845.00

2003 Sierra 1500 Regular Cab
$19,100.00-$28,340.00

2003 Sierra 2500 HD Regular Cab
$23,800.00-$29,500.00

2003 Sierra 3500 Regular Cab
$28,662.00-$30,680.00

2003 Sonoma
$14,720.00-$24,620.00

2003 1500 Ram Regular Cab 4x2
$18,735.00-$22,325.00

2003 2500 Ram Regular Cab 4x2
$23,420.00-$25,075.00

2003 3500 Ram Quad Cab 4x2
$28,480.00-$32,820.00

2003 Dakota Regular Cab 4x2
$16,845.00-$24,150.00


For comparison:

2003 Mustang
$17,720.00-$29,215.00

2003 SVT Mustang Cobra
$33,460.00-$39,275.00

I can't comment on the prices quoted to you, but I feel this is a decent comparison. Obviously, crew cabs and 4-doors will be more expensive. I, personally, wouldn't even consider the 4X2's as you then lose one of the key benefits of trucks--the all wheel traction when you need it. The sonomas, rangers, and (to an extent) dakotas seem more like cars with a box to me rather than actual trucks. We can justify the cost of one due to the fact that it's a working vehicle (seed corn hauling, cords of wood, trailer pulling, etc.). If you don't think you'll have a lot of those instances, you may want to reconsider a truck. A pragmatist to the dying day, but for your average joe/jane in the city (I won't comment on your current situation because I don't know enough to make an informed comment on it), your sedan, wagon, or van is the way to go.

But 440sixpack got this right: trucks have more character. You're gonna have to ask yourself if you want something sensible..........or something sexy (asking *Nikki* this may seem odd, but applicable here )

__________________
Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way!

MSD

Old El Camino!

Atomic Pinkie

im with destruct on that one...you'll save money..and look classy at the same time

__________________
Where dem bitches at?

GoldenOuroboros

Aww mate, I wish we got trucks like that over here.. *drools slightly* Cost to much to import them tho Ahh well.. stick with my holden rodeo When I get it that is..

__________________
Can you see me grin grin grrriiiiinnnning?!

DEI37

Yeah, somebody read my mind. Get an El Camino. Those things are just cool. Plus, building a 454 for 'em would be a ton of fun, too!

__________________
Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.

mciprepaid

GET A NISSAN TITAN!