Interesting day tire kicking...
12-01-2012, 11:13 PM
#1
Flatlander
Thread Starter
Interesting day tire kicking...
Sometimes when I get bored, I get dangerous. So, today I decided I was going to jump through dealerships and test drive some trucks. What the heck, right? I've been thinking of upgrading my XLT if the price is right.
I made a buzz to GM first (follow along- you'll understand why) so I could take out their offering first. Basically, I wanted to compare the others to see what I like and dislike the most about my F150 and the other offerings- and go from there. Buying a GM is not even on my radar, but sometimes you have to look over the fence to see why their lawn is greener in some areas.
The Sierra stalled at the on ramp to the highway. We got it running again briefly, and stalled half way back to the dealership. Every light imaginable was lit up. Dealer called a tow truck, I was within walking distance so I went and picked my truck up. No further testing needed. Result? I like the fact that my F150 starts and runs and goes
Next stop was the local Dodge dealership. Before I get jumped on, I have always been an old Mopar guy. Love those old Dodges, but recent events (QC, service and innovation) kept me clear of them. I talked to the sales rep, explained what I want- every creature comfort except a sun roof. I want to tow a trailer and have a respectable payload and I don't want to be modifying anything to get the goodies I want. He put me in the seat of a '12 Laramie (not the Longhorn) and let me have at it. Impressions? In town and puttering around, the Hemi didn't seem any sportier than my 5.4. It is mated to a 6-speed with select shift like the Ford, but really likes to wind that 1st and second gear out. Not bad though. Smooth acceleration and great sound. On the highway, it really woke up- nobody can deny that one I don't care how brand loyal you are. The Laramie had the 3.92 gear package and I was really impressed with how it picked up and took off, but it sure like the RPM's. Guess I am used to by 5.4L. The ride was a bit harsher than I expected. Likely due to the 20" wheels, but it was a little more pleasant than my F-150. I chalk that up to the fact that I put in an AAL- so that is kind of a wash. Contrary to what a lot of people seem to "know for a fact", the fit and finish in the Laramie was very well done. Everything was well placed, and snug. No rattles at all (although I know they will develop) and plenty of room. One other feature I found really intriguing was the 4hi, 4auto, 4lo, 2hi transfer case. I also commented on the fact that it had the ability to switch to neutral. Sales said it was so it could be towed all 4 flat. I asked if this was a feature that was required often? No answer. End result? The Dodge is not a rattle-trap, cheaply built truck as a lot of people expect. It was really well refined and handled nice, quiet interior with a lot of comforts.
On to Ford. Took out a 2012 FX4 EB. Not looking at the '13's simply because the rebates on the '12's are crazy around here right now. No real surprises from this front. It rode the same as my stock XLT (or so I remember) and was really not any different other than the creature comforts. I have to admit- I hate the center console shift. It's completely personal preference though- there are likely more that like it than not. I suspect I would get used to it. The EB really moved, but it had a strange habit around town. It seemed to want to spool up at the most inopportune times- again something I would have to get used to. So, we went and tried a 5.0. I enjoyed driving that much better. The EB had a definite difference over my 5.4 around town and of course on the highway. Teh 5.0, not so much. Quite negligible actually. On the highway once you wound it up you could feel it a bit. Fit and finish in the Ford was definitely nice. Everything seemed to fit together well and looked like it was meant to be that way. Lots of room. I did at the end of the day though, decide I would rather a Lariat than an FX4 so we looked at one of those and drove it. Love that truck!
At the end, we started crunching numbers at the two dealers just for sake of comparison.
Interestingly- Ford was willing to give less for trade in, and wanted substantially more for a similarly equipped truck, with less room for negotiation. I won't lie, that Laramie was really nice to drive. So was the Lariat. Dodge however was willing to throw in mud guards, power side steps, folding bed cover, spray in bed liner, 2 year subscription to Sirrius and my first 3 services. Ford? Free oil change and 10% off my mud guards.
I'm not turning Judas, I just thought it would be interesting. The Ford and the Dodge are definitely the two top of the heap offerings. The Ford service I have received though will keep me in a Ford for sure, and the fact it just feels a bit stronger. End of day, I did realize an EB is not for me- not mannered for the type of driving I do, but man that thing was powerful.
This is just the end result of being bored out of my skull for a day- but it's interesting to see just how hungry the competition is getting. Dodge might be that sneaky one that comes up and bites Ford in the *** when they're least expecting it.
I made a buzz to GM first (follow along- you'll understand why) so I could take out their offering first. Basically, I wanted to compare the others to see what I like and dislike the most about my F150 and the other offerings- and go from there. Buying a GM is not even on my radar, but sometimes you have to look over the fence to see why their lawn is greener in some areas.
The Sierra stalled at the on ramp to the highway. We got it running again briefly, and stalled half way back to the dealership. Every light imaginable was lit up. Dealer called a tow truck, I was within walking distance so I went and picked my truck up. No further testing needed. Result? I like the fact that my F150 starts and runs and goes
Next stop was the local Dodge dealership. Before I get jumped on, I have always been an old Mopar guy. Love those old Dodges, but recent events (QC, service and innovation) kept me clear of them. I talked to the sales rep, explained what I want- every creature comfort except a sun roof. I want to tow a trailer and have a respectable payload and I don't want to be modifying anything to get the goodies I want. He put me in the seat of a '12 Laramie (not the Longhorn) and let me have at it. Impressions? In town and puttering around, the Hemi didn't seem any sportier than my 5.4. It is mated to a 6-speed with select shift like the Ford, but really likes to wind that 1st and second gear out. Not bad though. Smooth acceleration and great sound. On the highway, it really woke up- nobody can deny that one I don't care how brand loyal you are. The Laramie had the 3.92 gear package and I was really impressed with how it picked up and took off, but it sure like the RPM's. Guess I am used to by 5.4L. The ride was a bit harsher than I expected. Likely due to the 20" wheels, but it was a little more pleasant than my F-150. I chalk that up to the fact that I put in an AAL- so that is kind of a wash. Contrary to what a lot of people seem to "know for a fact", the fit and finish in the Laramie was very well done. Everything was well placed, and snug. No rattles at all (although I know they will develop) and plenty of room. One other feature I found really intriguing was the 4hi, 4auto, 4lo, 2hi transfer case. I also commented on the fact that it had the ability to switch to neutral. Sales said it was so it could be towed all 4 flat. I asked if this was a feature that was required often? No answer. End result? The Dodge is not a rattle-trap, cheaply built truck as a lot of people expect. It was really well refined and handled nice, quiet interior with a lot of comforts.
On to Ford. Took out a 2012 FX4 EB. Not looking at the '13's simply because the rebates on the '12's are crazy around here right now. No real surprises from this front. It rode the same as my stock XLT (or so I remember) and was really not any different other than the creature comforts. I have to admit- I hate the center console shift. It's completely personal preference though- there are likely more that like it than not. I suspect I would get used to it. The EB really moved, but it had a strange habit around town. It seemed to want to spool up at the most inopportune times- again something I would have to get used to. So, we went and tried a 5.0. I enjoyed driving that much better. The EB had a definite difference over my 5.4 around town and of course on the highway. Teh 5.0, not so much. Quite negligible actually. On the highway once you wound it up you could feel it a bit. Fit and finish in the Ford was definitely nice. Everything seemed to fit together well and looked like it was meant to be that way. Lots of room. I did at the end of the day though, decide I would rather a Lariat than an FX4 so we looked at one of those and drove it. Love that truck!
At the end, we started crunching numbers at the two dealers just for sake of comparison.
Interestingly- Ford was willing to give less for trade in, and wanted substantially more for a similarly equipped truck, with less room for negotiation. I won't lie, that Laramie was really nice to drive. So was the Lariat. Dodge however was willing to throw in mud guards, power side steps, folding bed cover, spray in bed liner, 2 year subscription to Sirrius and my first 3 services. Ford? Free oil change and 10% off my mud guards.
I'm not turning Judas, I just thought it would be interesting. The Ford and the Dodge are definitely the two top of the heap offerings. The Ford service I have received though will keep me in a Ford for sure, and the fact it just feels a bit stronger. End of day, I did realize an EB is not for me- not mannered for the type of driving I do, but man that thing was powerful.
This is just the end result of being bored out of my skull for a day- but it's interesting to see just how hungry the competition is getting. Dodge might be that sneaky one that comes up and bites Ford in the *** when they're least expecting it.
Last edited by smurfs_of_war; 12-01-2012 at 11:17 PM.
The following 3 users liked this post by smurfs_of_war:
12-01-2012, 11:24 PM
#2
Beer Gut Extraordinaire
Hmm, interesting. I found the Ram to not ride as good as I'd expect, even though the rear end didn't hop around like the Ford's. The interior was also really not too bad, but in terms of rattling, I drove one with 30k on it, plenty of little rattles to drive you nuts. My truck is the same way, though. It's just something you have to get used to. Hated the Ram's awkward center console, big awkward console shifter and the old-***** radio/nav interface (pre-2013). It is easily my #2 truck though. Especially the 2013 Sport with that incredible new touchscreen interface (blows MFT out of the water, and into space)
GM trucks are just terrible. The **** broke down on you? Imagine how embarrassing that would be for the GM rep. Knowing he lost any chance of a sale. The GM trucks have a VERY thick A-pillar and a small windshield height. Makes for a quite cramped interior feel, especially if you had that terrible mid-range dashboard. GM needs a new truck, bad.
At the end of the day, Ford and Dodge make the best truck. Dodge dealers around here don't deal though. It's the manufacturer price, with a couple accessories thrown in.
GM trucks are just terrible. The **** broke down on you? Imagine how embarrassing that would be for the GM rep. Knowing he lost any chance of a sale. The GM trucks have a VERY thick A-pillar and a small windshield height. Makes for a quite cramped interior feel, especially if you had that terrible mid-range dashboard. GM needs a new truck, bad.
At the end of the day, Ford and Dodge make the best truck. Dodge dealers around here don't deal though. It's the manufacturer price, with a couple accessories thrown in.
12-01-2012, 11:27 PM
#3
Flatlander
Thread Starter
Hmm, interesting. I found the Ram to not ride as good as I'd expect, even though the rear end didn't hop around like the Ford's. The interior was also really not too bad, but in terms of rattling, I drove one with 30k on it, plenty of little rattles to drive you nuts. My truck is the same way, though. It's just something you have to get used to. Hated the Ram's awkward center console, big awkward console shifter and the old-***** radio/nav interface (pre-2013). It is easily my #2 truck though. Especially the 2013 Sport with that incredible new touchscreen interface (blows MFT out of the water, and into space)
GM trucks are just terrible. The **** broke down on you? Imagine how embarrassing that would be for the GM rep. Knowing he lost any chance of a sale. The GM trucks have a VERY thick A-pillar and a small windshield height. Makes for a quite cramped interior feel, especially if you had that terrible mid-range dashboard. GM needs a new truck, bad.
At the end of the day, Ford and Dodge make the best truck. Dodge dealers around here don't deal though. It's the manufacturer price, with a couple accessories thrown in.
GM trucks are just terrible. The **** broke down on you? Imagine how embarrassing that would be for the GM rep. Knowing he lost any chance of a sale. The GM trucks have a VERY thick A-pillar and a small windshield height. Makes for a quite cramped interior feel, especially if you had that terrible mid-range dashboard. GM needs a new truck, bad.
At the end of the day, Ford and Dodge make the best truck. Dodge dealers around here don't deal though. It's the manufacturer price, with a couple accessories thrown in.
12-01-2012, 11:41 PM
#4
Beer Gut Extraordinaire
You could lose a B train in that pillar. Inside and out the Chevy was just old. Nothing new, innovative or even updated. It's like it was made by Lego. And yeah, it stalled. Twice. Sales guy was on the phone tearing someone a new a**hole when I decided to walk back. He called me 4 hours later and asked if I was interested in trying a different one, I told him had he called me in an hour I would have considered it, not 4 hours later.
The ONLY thing I liked about my 09 Silverado was the Rancho shocks that had a nice ride in the rear and the automatic 4wd.
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smurfs_of_war (12-02-2012)
12-02-2012, 12:50 AM
#6
Flatlander
Thread Starter
12-02-2012, 12:56 AM
#7
Senior Member
Trending Topics
12-02-2012, 01:04 AM
#8
Flatlander
Thread Starter
I have yeah, but not in a manner that I wanted to critique one. They seemed like a decent little half ton, but not for me personally. That, and we haven't a dealer here so they were off my list. I keep it local due to the business I am in. I do the IT work for 4 of the 5 dealerships here, so I like to throw a little back their way too. I support the Ford guys, my wife deals with GM, and so on. Small community- it helps to keep it local.
12-02-2012, 01:06 AM
#9
Senior Member
Good **** man. My old man just bought a 12 silveraldo and he loves it. It wikl be his second one in 14 years. Those LS motors really are diehards(atleast for my father)so much left on the table with regards to this motor.
The dodge is the second truck i want on my list. Just test drove the ford first....hahah and never looked back. The hemi in all its glory.....just dosn't seem to separate from the pack, at least from the advertised ratings. Also the payloads dont seem to be that good. But if there was a new muscle truck styling i think ram stylist hit it on the head. Great overall looking package.
All this is IMO. But never the less i would agree with the op. Good read
The dodge is the second truck i want on my list. Just test drove the ford first....hahah and never looked back. The hemi in all its glory.....just dosn't seem to separate from the pack, at least from the advertised ratings. Also the payloads dont seem to be that good. But if there was a new muscle truck styling i think ram stylist hit it on the head. Great overall looking package.
All this is IMO. But never the less i would agree with the op. Good read
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smurfs_of_war (12-02-2012)
12-02-2012, 01:58 AM
#10
Nice write up! Ram seems like its on par with the F150. Its just a matter of personal preference on which truck you want to buy. Both are good vehicles. GM is just awful.
You didn't test out nissan or toyota. I'm curious to know how they compare to the F150
You didn't test out nissan or toyota. I'm curious to know how they compare to the F150