Took a 2013 Ram for test drive

went up to a Ram dealer and took a test drive.

took out a 2013 crew cab 4x4 Laramie 5.7 8-speed with 3.55s

I have to say, that is one nice rig.  The 8-speed has now brought Ram transmissions up to date as far as shifting in my opinion.  Using the dial seemed odd but I like the additional space it created.  I kept finding myself looking for the shifter to rest my hand on, LOL.  

The truck was solid and rode freaking awesome, very smooth.  sifting was Very Smooth and it's doesn't gear hunt bad at all.  the interior is simply awesome and no space is unused.  Great storage everywhere (under the back seat, under the back floor.  Nice touches everywhere, light on bottom or rear seat so when you fold it up it lights up rear storage area etc.  The 8.4 inch screen is like a freaking tv in the truck.  

I absolutely love the maximum steel metallic color.  I can't get over how many nice touches and features this thing has at the laramie trim level.

ya, it's safe to say that I tried to buy one but they couldn't find a laramie, maximum steel color with ram box and bucket seats within their allowed search distance.

pretty lame since i thought they "sell so many".  Why do they have all these options if you can't find the freaking truck??

So when you get into ordering one of these things, they won't deal as much so the numbers weren't working out.

They are still working on it, and I guess I will hear something monday.  The tundra really held it's value as they are offering over 28K for it.  One thing I told them was, if I'm buying this truck the goodyears have to go, I freaking hate goodyears.

we'll see

Nice, glad you liked it. Not sure why they won't deal on orders. For the incentives, you should get whichever is better, when you place the order or when it's delivered. If you or a family member has access to Chrysler supplier affilate rewards, you can get the affiliate pricing and that's black and white.

bones wrote:

Nice, glad you liked it. Not sure why they won't deal on orders. For the incentives, you should get whichever is better, when you place the order or when it's delivered. If you or a family member has access to Chrysler supplier affilate rewards, you can get the affiliate pricing and that's black and white.

I didn't order anything as the numbers didn't work out. I sent them another truck I like better anyway. I like the sport model as it has no chrome at all and blacked out headlights. I didn't realize you can load up a sport so it has everything a laramie has with the exception of heated rear seats.

so I will probably take another cut at it and see if they can find this one.

I want a maxium steel color 2013 Ram Sport Crew 4x4 with Leather, Rambox, 3.92, 32 gallon tank, limited slip, rear window defroster, sport premium group, convenience group, remote start, 8-speed.

we'll see if anyone can find one of these. I thought it would be way easier to buy the truck you wanted when you are buying a so called "american" truck since they make so many.

I guess I was wrong. It was easier to find the tundra when I went shopping last time.

The 8-speed behind the Hemi is the issue, not huge amounts of those out there yet.

pup wrote:

The 8-speed behind the Hemi is the issue, not huge amounts of those out there yet.

The rambox was a big issue. The could not find a laramie rambox without the two-tone paint either.

I moved away from that, and I sent out another request using truecar.com for a sport loaded up the way I want.

I want the 8-speed and the rambox, no deal without those. I also really would prefer 3.92 but I could live with the 3.55 I suppose. no way on the 3.21.

Have you upgraded yet?

ok boys, ordered today

2013 Ram 1500 Crew Sport 5.7/8-speed 4x4

Maximum Steel Metallic/Black Leather interior

leather buckets
3.92 rear
32- gallon tank
remote start and alarm
sport premium package
convieniece package
anti-spin diff
rear window defroster
RAMBOX storage package
17" BFG AT KO (told them no way on the 20" goodyears)

these wheels

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/findWheelDetail.do?dVeh=dVeh&bp=&tc=MBMTKO&c=2&rcz=60174&yr=2013&pc=47291&wd=17&rw=&vid=024661&rc=ILCINT

lifetime bumper to bumper warranty (unlimited miles and years)

everything is color matched and they blacked out the headlights and taillights on the sport.

MSRP 48,250

out the door with the trade 27K and change (intrest rate should be 2.99 or below based on my excellent credit, 750+ score)

monthly payment with warranty will be between 510-525 for 63 months (depends on how many more payments i make on my truck before it gets here but max it will be the 525. i added the 3 extra to pay for the rest of the warranty which mde me feel much more comfortable leaving toyota. They even pay for your towing, food, hotel, etc if your on a trip.

so that's right where i needed to be.

can't freakin wait

Looking foreword to your extended review after you have had it for a few weeks. And of course lots of pictures when you get it.

Awesome! Congrats! Hope you like it. Did you get a timeframe for delivery?

bones wrote:

Awesome! Congrats! Hope you like it. Did you get a timeframe for delivery?

he said he tells everyone 6-8 weeks, so i guess well see

You should have bought American, you traitorous, Fiat, WOP loving bastage....lol. You sent all the profits to Rome.

How you gonna mix your paint now?

pup wrote:

You should have bought American, you traitorous, Fiat, WOP loving bastage....lol. You sent all the profits to Rome.

How you gonna mix your paint now?

kinda hard to figure out these days. my tundra is built here with 85%+ USA parts but owned by a Japanese company.

this rig was built in MI but with only 67% american parts and owned by a Italiano company

which is better, who knows....

mix my paint?

Holy Toledo you didn't mess around. Sounds like a nice rig.

I never heard of an unlimited mile/time vehicle warranty. No doubt it's a non-Ram factory warranty so there might be some pitfalls. Hopefully it's a big name insurer but even then they can and do go belly up. I hope the warranty wasn't too expensive - 3 payments is only $1500 or so.

Congrats on the new rig BB!!!

Holy crap, there's a lot of guys here buying new trucks!

Breathing Borla wrote:

mix my paint?

Paint shaker Tundra Frame.

Diseasel wrote:

Holy Toledo you didn't mess around. Sounds like a nice rig.

I never heard of an unlimited mile/time vehicle warranty. No doubt it's a non-Ram factory warranty so there might be some pitfalls. Hopefully it's a big name insurer but even then they can and do go belly up. I hope the warranty wasn't too expensive - 3 payments is only $1500 or so.

I don't think it's an aftermarket warranty. Mopar Maximum Care Warranty. The book is from Chrysler

I have the book, there is a lifetime option for the original owner with multiple deductible options, mine was $100 per visit. So if you take in in for several things it's only $100.

and the warranty was more than $1500, but for lifetime piece of mind and within my budget, I feel better. There is so much crap on this truck it will be worth it over the long haul. Way too many electronics to go wrong to not have a warranty after 36K

that also includes roadside assistance, etc.

if your on a trip they will pay your tow, hotels, meals, etc. as well.

it covers everything except wear items and clearly states as such...

honestly, coming from a bullet proof tundra to my first non-Toyota purchase, it gave me piece of mind.

he said, Chrysler is the only company to currently offer this. Probably trying to reassure people from the bad rep from the past I would guess.

pup wrote:

Breathing Borla wrote:

mix my paint?

Paint shaker Tundra Frame.

O, LOL

yea, the Ram really rides nice. Can't wait to get it.

that said, i have nothing at all but positive things to say about my tundra and I will enjoy the last couple months with it.

ggbaird wrote:

Congrats on the new rig BB!!!

Holy crap, there's a lot of guys here buying new trucks!

Thanks..

your turn Greg, LOL

http://www.dodge.com/en/service_contracts/maximum_care/

just a FYI

"Backed by Manufacturer

Mopar® Vehicle Protection has been providing peace of mind for over 30 years and is the only extended protection backed by Chrysler Group LLC. Chrysler stands behind Mopar Vehicle Protection with certified, factory-trained technicians; genuine Mopar parts and service at dealerships throughout North America. Be sure to ask for a genuine Mopar Vehicle Protection plan at your dealership. Use these links to help you identify the genuine article."

Breathing Borla wrote:

ggbaird wrote:

Congrats on the new rig BB!!!

Holy crap, there's a lot of guys here buying new trucks!

Thanks..

your turn Greg, LOL

I wish! No time soon I'm afraid. Just started work again this past Monday after being laid-off for the last three months.

That thing is as expensive as my Laramie PW! MSRP of the PW $54,835, less employee discount and incentives, $48,609. Less $39,000 for trade. Out the door I am financing $25,145. And it will be even less because of making payments on my current truck until the new one is delivered and the incentives are most certain to get better by delivery time. In fact they are already up to $1500 from $500.

Breathing Borla wrote:

http://www.dodge.com/en/service_contracts/maximum_care/

just a FYI

"Backed by Manufacturer

Mopar® Vehicle Protection has been providing peace of mind for over 30 years and is the only extended protection backed by Chrysler Group LLC. Chrysler stands behind Mopar Vehicle Protection with certified, factory-trained technicians; genuine Mopar parts and service at dealerships throughout North America. Be sure to ask for a genuine Mopar Vehicle Protection plan at your dealership. Use these links to help you identify the genuine article."

Wow, that's sounds pretty good. I'm assuming it doesn't cover normal worn parts rather just things that break or stop working?

bones wrote:

That thing is as expensive as my Laramie PW! MSRP of the PW $54,835, less employee discount and incentives, $48,609. Less $39,000 for trade. Out the door I am financing $25,145. And it will be even less because of making payments on my current truck until the new one is delivered and the incentives are most certain to get better by delivery time. In fact they are already up to $1500 from $500.

not really, MSRP was 48, that's 7K less than yours

you just had more trade than I did

none of these rigs are cheap loaded up, that's for sure.

I love the full color match of the sport and blacked out headlights and taillights. There is no chrome on this thing

Diseasel wrote:

Breathing Borla wrote:

http://www.dodge.com/en/service_contracts/maximum_care/

just a FYI

"Backed by Manufacturer

Mopar® Vehicle Protection has been providing peace of mind for over 30 years and is the only extended protection backed by Chrysler Group LLC. Chrysler stands behind Mopar Vehicle Protection with certified, factory-trained technicians; genuine Mopar parts and service at dealerships throughout North America. Be sure to ask for a genuine Mopar Vehicle Protection plan at your dealership. Use these links to help you identify the genuine article."

Wow, that's sounds pretty good. I'm assuming it doesn't cover normal worn parts rather just things that break or stop working?

it covers everything except wear items that they have spelled out on a list.

brakes, tires, belts, it's a very short list.

it's not cheap, but it's really nice to not have to think about anything going wrong and having to come out of pocket big time.

it fit within my budget, so it was a no brainer for me

Breathing Borla wrote:

ya, it's safe to say that I tried to buy one but they couldn't find a laramie, maximum steel color with ram box and bucket seats within their allowed search distance.

pretty lame since i thought they "sell so many". Why do they have all these options if you can't find the freaking truck??

In my experience it was one or two key combonations of which are odd in the way the majority of them are built, thus most dealers won't have the particular combination your looking for.

Ran into this with the F150, seems the 6.5' box and Lariat trim without the Lariat chrome package, max tow package, and 3.73's are not typically ordered stock. 98% of what it seems in the F150 are the 5.5' box configuration.

Quote :

So when you get into ordering one of these things, they won't deal as much so the numbers weren't working out.

They are still working on it, and I guess I will hear something monday. The tundra really held it's value as they are offering over 28K for it. One thing I told them was, if I'm buying this truck the goodyears have to go, I freaking hate goodyears.

we'll see

You need to find a way to locate how you can take advantage of the Chrysler "Preferred Pricing" program.

The Chrysler Group Affiliate Rewards Program, drive away with the Preferred Price* (1% below factory invoice) on the purchase or lease of most new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT vehicles. You'll find that the Preferred Price - combined with current incentives? - can be up to thousands of dollars off the MSRP.**

Here's how:
1.Visit www.chrysleraffiliates.com or call (888) 444-4321 to learn more about the program and to obtain your Control Number. You'll need Code, exampleSXXXXX
2.You'll need a Control Number, with proof of eligibility
3.Ask for a copy of the vehicle invoice and you'll see the Preferred Price (PP) clearly listed

Please visit the Affiliate Rewards Web site at www.chrysleraffiliates.com for more program information and to download the program logo.

All price and fees are fixed, thus takes the hassle out of the deal.

Places to check, with your employer, home owners insurance company, or any other places of which you have an established membership. Like Costco or the like.

For the Chrysler affiliate supplier pricing, you have to work for someone or live with someone that works for a place that provides it. Fortunately, I do, so I use it all the time. Saved me over $5000 on the one I just ordered.

Breathing Borla wrote:

ok boys, ordered today

2013 Ram 1500 Crew Sport 5.7/8-speed 4x4

Maximum Steel Metallic/Black Leather interior

leather buckets
3.92 rear
32- gallon tank
remote start and alarm
sport premium package
convieniece package
anti-spin diff
rear window defroster
RAMBOX storage package
17" BFG AT KO (told them no way on the 20" goodyears)

these wheels

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/findWheelDetail.do?dVeh=dVeh&bp=&tc=MBMTKO&c=2&rcz=60174&yr=2013&pc=47291&wd=17&rw=&vid=024661&rc=ILCINT

lifetime bumper to bumper warranty (unlimited miles and years)

everything is color matched and they blacked out the headlights and taillights on the sport.

MSRP 48,250

out the door with the trade 27K and change (intrest rate should be 2.99 or below based on my excellent credit, 750+ score)

monthly payment with warranty will be between 510-525 for 63 months (depends on how many more payments i make on my truck before it gets here but max it will be the 525. i added the 3 extra to pay for the rest of the warranty which mde me feel much more comfortable leaving toyota. They even pay for your towing, food, hotel, etc if your on a trip.

so that's right where i needed to be.

can't freakin wait

Ohhh snap, trying to get caught up here.

Seems I wasn't getting notified about posts being updated. Who runs this show here anyway?!?!?!!?

Got any pictures from another similar truck online you can share?

I had MB Motoring wheels on the Silverado. I was impressed with their quality. Less impressed how Discount Tire can take a brand new set of wheels and run the pneumatic gun with socket across the face of the wheels like it isn't nothing.

bones wrote:

For the Chrysler affiliate supplier pricing, you have to work for someone or live with someone that works for a place that provides it. Fortunately, I do, so I use it all the time. Saved me over $5000 on the one I just ordered.

I'm fortunate having an employer with access to all of the Big 3 buying programs. There are some memberships however that will occasionally have an affiliation with one or two.

My insurance company, Texas Farm Bureau has a bunch of these related like member benefit programs.

It sure makes it more pleasurable not having to do the back and forth routine with a sales guy. Coming from a sales guy, I don't operate like dealer sales people do or I wouldn't sell anything, thus keeping my New Balance for primary mode of transportation.

Its good to have. My employer has the supplier pricing for almost all major vehicle manufacturers.

joemac wrote:

I'm fortunate having an employer with access to all of the Big 3 buying programs. There are some memberships however that will occasionally have an affiliation with one or two.

My insurance company, Texas Farm Bureau has a bunch of these related like member benefit programs.

It sure makes it more pleasurable not having to do the back and forth routine with a sales guy. Coming from a sales guy, I don't operate like dealer sales people do or I wouldn't sell anything, thus keeping my New Balance for primary mode of transportation.

joemac wrote:

Ohhh snap, trying to get caught up here.

Seems I wasn't getting notified about posts being updated. Who runs this show here anyway?!?!?!!?

Got any pictures from another similar truck online you can share?

I had MB Motoring wheels on the Silverado. I was impressed with their quality. Less impressed how Discount Tire can take a brand new set of wheels and run the pneumatic gun with socket across the face of the wheels like it isn't nothing.

There really isn't a good pic of one that I can find. the color on the Ram website isn't even close to the actual color.

This seems to be about the only thing I can find. I guess this is a new color for 2013



Here is another one but smaller cab

http://gtcarlot.com/colors/car/76332782.html



now, imagine those black 17" MB Wheels with black wall 32" BFG AT KO

that will be it.


There is just no way i wanted 20" chrome wheels on a dark color matched truck. but that's just what I like.

i love they blacked out the headlights and taillights too.