>My '96's speedo goes to 110 MPH. I've had it up to 100 MPH on I-89 in
New
>Hampshire and the truck is rock solid. It also felt like I had plenty of
>power left to go atleast another 20 MPH.
Isn't that a great road to open 'er up? Late Friday night trips to the
Vermont ski areas find that road deserted and with many miles between exits,
it just cries for more speed. Never seen a cop on it either.
>As an aside to the V6 vs. V8 issue. The dealer I bought my truck from
tried
>to talk me out of the 3.55 rear end (part of payload package). I tow a
5000lb
>trailer, and need the 3.55 to get the tow capacity above 5000lbs. The
>salesman tried to convence me that the truck would tow fine with the stock
>rear, and he had "plenty of customers" who tow larger trailers than that
with
>that rear. Plus, you get better mileage. This particular dealer did not
have
>one V8 dakota on the lot. I wonder if Dodge is pushing the V6 and higher
>differentials to help improve corp average fuel economy numbers...
Bingo!
I had to search most of Eastern Massachusetts to test drive a V8 version.
And then it was an automatic. I actually had to test drive a new Ram to
try the NV3500. And after all that, the dealer tried everything to not
order the truck I wanted. I actually got up at one point and said
something to the effect of "Listen, if you don't want my business, just say
so, I can go somewhere else." Man, you've never seen such a turn around.
It had taken about an hour and a half to get to that point (including a
test drive) It only took a half hour after that before I signed the order,
and that included getting financing.
It was like night and day. I just said what I wanted, he checked his book
(which I had a photocopy of :-) ) to verify my codes and he wrote up the
order. When it came time for the price, I told him that too. Of course,
the dealer training kicked in and he said that he had to go check with the
boss. I then proceesed to tell him exactly what his costs were on each
item, added in the delivery charge, and tacked on $450 profit. I then
added the fact that it was a fair deal and if he didn't like it, I can
always go somewhere else. Now, chances are that this dealer got some other
price breaks because it was a larger volume dealer, so their profit was
likely higher, but I was willing to give them that.
The dealer picked up the order and very carfully said (isn't it great when
they try so hard not to say the wrong thing?) "I'll have my boss sign this
and we'll order your truck."
The best part came in dealing with the finance guy. I agreed to the 4%
financing (love Chrysler Credit!) quick enough, but then I watched him tack
on advertising, processing fees, prep and other stuff to the form. I
stopped him and told him that my price included all that. After a VERY
short exchange, I told him that the salesman and I made a deal and if that
deal wasn't going to be honored, I was leaving.
He excused himself and he, the salesman, and whom I assume was the "boss"
talked for about 2 minutes. He came back and appologized saying that he
didn't know the salesman added in all the costs. He then stated that there
was a title fee that wasn't included which was some small amount. I knew
that at least was the truth.
I love playing the game with all the aces!!!! I just wish the rules were
clearer. Then again maybe not. If someone else pays way too much, I can
get a better discount.
Christopher Siano | Work Sucks... I'm going
CSiano@Banyan.com | Camping, Mountain Biking
| Sailing, Snowboarding, Wheeling.
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