consumer reports

[mrjigger]

I am looking into buying a new/used truck. Typically I have always purchased GM vehicles. My father in-law has always purchased Dodge trucks. We were having a discussion regarding the two manuf. and he said to look at the consumer reports reliability ratings between the two. So I did. The Dodge ranks significantly higher in most categories, which surprised me. Also it seems to me that the dodge trucks are quite a bit less expensive when buying used. However, when you buy a GM certified used vehicle you get a 5yr, 100000 mile powertrain warranty included. You don't on a dodge. Originally the GM trucks were all I was looking at. The consumer reports has kind of made me look at a dodge. I guess what I am wondering is how much emphisis should I be giving the consumer reports reliability ratings? Are they accurate?

[Whoaru99]

I don't know the absolute accuracy of those surveys, but they are directly from the responses of people who have the product and participate in the survey.

Consumer Reports is what it is - another source of information, but certainly not an absolute authority. If you are an "average" consumer, then their overall ratings are probably pretty good choices. However, if you have special interests or particular needs/wants/features, then the information maybe is not so relevant.

A bigger question is, do you like Dodge trucks?

Do you like how they ride, how they handle/drive, how they look, the interior comfort and arrangment, fit and finish, etc.? The point is, if you don't like the truck, why even bother to consider the reliability?

I guess for me, actually liking and wanting the vehicle is more important than a concern over what MIGHT happen from a reliability standpoint. Don't get me wrong, reliability is important, but above all, I have to like the vehicle.

[LwnmwnMan2]

I've had a '94, '95, '96, '01, '02, '03, '05 and now (2) '06 Dodge Ram 2500s.

So far in the '95, we had to replace the tranny at 150k miles, it was a 1/2 ton used for pulling an 18' lawn service trailer in the summer, plowing snow in the winter.

The rest, the '02's and newer were all 2500 diesels. We've had a front, right u-joint go out on the '05, but it was pretty much because I was hung up plowing and beat it to get it out of the pile. With all of the trucks, I'd say there's about 500k miles on them. The '96 was sold at 22k miles because I was young (23) and got 4 tickets in 6 months, couldn't afford the insurance anymore. The '05 was traded with 25k miles on it, because I do work for the Dodge dealer and they needed some used trucks on the lot, and get rid of new inventory, so there's some underlying issues as well on that deal, off the books, so to say, with why I'd trade a truck with only 25k miles, especially when it looks good on paper, but not the greatest.

Anyways, I guess I'm saying that I'm a Dodge guy.

As far as consumer reports, I agree with Whorau, it's a place to get responses from people, and is usually a good source of info.

[mrjigger]

For the most part I do like the dodge. I guess I am not a real picky person when it comes to looks. I just want a reliable vehicle that is not going to nickle and dime me to death. thanks for the replies

[Bobby Bass]

I buy trucks like I draft a football team, best truck I can find at the time. Ran a 3/4 ton Chevy pickup for ten years and 175,000 miles went to a Ford with 50,000 miles on and drove it for ten years ( still have it) Now am driving a Dodge with 200,000 miles on it. Looking to buy another this summer but will still hold on to the Dodge. Lot of life left in it I think. So I guess I am saying it's not the brand it is the truck. Take care of them and they will last. These have all been work trucks to I might add, either pulling a work trailer or a boat, not many miles when they are not working.

[Tony Holland]

I am going to throw my 2 cents in. Consumer reports is a great source of info. I trust it more than any. It rates the tundra as one of the best trucks as far dependibility. I just bought a 2007 Tundra and am very impressed. Not telling you what to buy but I would drive them all, look at CR and deceide which is best for you.

Tony

[NEANGLER]

GM trucks hold there value much better than Dodge or Ford so that is why you see a difference. I have a 2001 Suburban that has 120,000 miles on it and all I have had to do is change the fluid and tires on it. But everybody makes lemons, best thing to do is research like you are doing for that make, yr, and model and talk to some mechanics in the area - they will tell you what they have problems with. Also NEVER buy the first year of a model change, they tend to have problems so the next couple of years after tend to be better. IE 1996 Dodge caravan was a new modle year and it was a nightmare.