Need help with a descision

[ChrisR]

Need some advice / help with making a important decision.

You guy's all pretty much know that I am without my Jeep due to the thing being a piece of crap :D

Anyway seriously though I have a decision to make. Should I offload my Jeep and get something else? Right now I have the use of a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 5.7l Hemi. This truck is actually pretty nice. It has 15,000 less K than my Jeep currently, as well it pulls my trailer way nicer than the Jeep does. The fuel mileage seams pretty good with this truck too. It has a very nice load. Power everything, lots of room in the back for the kids. It would need some better rubber etc.. which is no big deal. Plus I would want them to take my radios out of the Jeep and few other goodies I have in there.

One other advantage is I could really use a pickup. While I won't have the wheeling capability of the Rubi. I would still be able to explore the back country with it. I don't know what to do. I like this truck but is it the right thing to do?

Man this sucks! Going to the dealership tomorrow to raise some **** about getting mine fixed in a more timely fashion. Wish me luck!

Feedback is welcome and wanted :)

[AxelR]

Well you're mostly a web wheeler anyway so you should be fine with the dodge. Why do you want to trade one piece of crap for another though. Haha.

[Lone Ranger]

Having two isn't realistic eh? ie. an old 1/2 ton Chev or Ford for $500 as a put around work vehicle?

Honestly, if you need a truck that badly them buy a utility trailer IMO. Its not the same but you can pull a fair bit with the Jeep if need be. Light, nimble and fairly economical when you don't need a truck.. LR

[bcghosttowns]

08 rams are nice,they turned to crap in 2010.They seem to hold up well and they got the hemi figured out so the mileage is finally alright.
My opinion: You dont seem to be a hardcore wheeler so the ram should be more than enough to get you where you want to go.More comfort,more room and the extra payload are nice pluses.Not to mention the Jeep will always be problematic.Its a Jeep thing i hear.
I had to make the same decision when it came to my new truck and i realised i dont wheel as much as i explore and i am very happy with my choice.
Turn it in to a money equation,value of each machine.The Ram will probly hold its value better so if you choose Ram and change your mind down the road it should be easy enough to get back in a Jeep.Just my 2cents :cheers:

[bcghosttowns]

Having two isn't realistic eh? ie. an old 1/2 ton Chev or Ford for $500 as a put around work vehicle?

Honestly, if you need a truck that badly them buy a utility trailer IMO. Its not the same but you can pull a fair bit with the Jeep if need be. Light, nimble and fairly economical when you don't need a truck.. LR

If he has the utility trailer he cant get all the toys to camp.

[AxelR]

I can find you real nice 100 series down here bro.

[Squiggy]

I say take the pick up, and find a cheap exploring vehicle. Something like this......


http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww74/Squiggy89/DSCN1402.jpg


http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww74/Squiggy89/DSCN1401.jpg


Was working in Mackenzie a few weeks back and this was parcked in front of Kal Tire.

Brad

[TheOtherSide]

You've been nothing but happy with your Jeep until this motor problem. Never heard you needing a truck etc... so based on that I'd say keep your Jeep.

But if your needs have changed... then it's time for a change.

However... if you're just itching and scratching because your Jeep is taking forever... then I'd say stick with the Jeep as making a change cuz of being impatient can end up with you regretting it later.

Just my 3 thoughts...

[Jeremy]

I can find you real nice 100 series down here bro.

That's the way to go right there....:D

Lexus luxury, Toyota Reliability, V8 power for towing and still good off road (with a small lift and tires). Not to mention they are very reasonably priced.

[Jeremy]

I say take the pick up, and find a cheap exploring vehicle. Something like this......


http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww74/Squiggy89/DSCN1402.jpg


http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww74/Squiggy89/DSCN1401.jpg


Was working in Mackenzie a few weeks back and this was parcked in front of Kal Tire.

Brad

Awesome!!

[Lone Ranger]

Now thats just cool! I'd rock it for sure. LR

[ChrisR]

I still love my Jeep. I am just looking at it from a perspective of reliability. My Jeep has been plaged with little issues which seem to land it in the shop every other week. I Bought a brand new 40k car so iI wouldn't have to deal with these issues. I am frankly just getting tired of it. I need a reliable car as it is our only car. With school starting and the wife driving kids here there and everywhere, I can't keep getting calls saying the Jeep is F_cked again.

A truck would suit my towing needs now with the new trailer as well as uses for around my property. Yes I could still get a Utility trailer etc... but a truck is just plain handy.

Someone said that I was a web wheeler anyway (won't say who) Well I actually am not just a web wheeler, I like getting out there and checking things out. Do I need a Rubicon for the stuff I do? Probably not. Truck with some decent 33's/35's and a bit of a lift and viola! I have a good setup.

Like I said, I have to make some decisions. I have one trip with the Jeep planned this summer yet and after that is done I may have to do a lot more serious thinking about the truck thing.

I sure do appreciate your input ALL!!!

P.S. Motor came out of the Jeep today and they are saying I should have it back by next week midweek. We will see :)

[Reaper]

just have the stealership put the hemi in the jeep all problems solved :party:

[highwaystar]

what about something small? like a ranger or pre 05 tacoma?

[ChrisR]

Have considered the Taco many times. Just a bit small for a dude my size :) Same thing with a Ranger. Never really been a fan of the Fords anyway.

Think full size pickup is the way to go if I decide to do so.

[bcghosttowns]

what about something small? like a ranger or pre 05 tacoma?

Neither is ideal for small children.

[AxelR]

You seemed to fit fine in the 100.

[BigWhiteFord]

I'd say let them fix the Jeep, then decide when you're not as agitated. I'm going through the same thing myself, contemplating selling my SuperDuty to get something that is a little more fun offroad (ride is way too stiff for exploring).

[Jeremy]

You seemed to fit fine in the 100.

Should listen to this guy.....:D

[Jeremy]

I'd say let them fix the Jeep, then decide when you're not as agitated. I'm going through the same thing myself, contemplating selling my SuperDuty to get something that is a little more fun offroad (ride is way too stiff for exploring).

Mike have you looked into changing the spring on the super duty? Maybe something a bit softer and that will flex and ride better? Its an awesome truck that has a lot of potential.

[BigWhiteFord]

Mike have you looked into changing the spring on the super duty? Maybe something a bit softer and that will flex and ride better? Its an awesome truck that has a lot of potential.

That's not a bad idea. I never load it up to it's potential anyways, and I don't tow anything super heavy. Maybe some flexier springs and swap the 35's for 38's ? It would need a winch too, none of you guys are heavy enough to pull me, with the exception maybe of Jordy :woot:

[Jeremy]

That's not a bad idea. I never load it up to it's potential anyways, and I don't tow anything super heavy. Maybe some flexier springs and swap the 35's for 38's ? It would need a winch too, none of you guys are heavy enough to pull me, with the exception maybe of Jordy :woot:

Yeah that's kind of what I was thinking, I have never herd of you towing a lot or loading it down so there really is no need for the punishing ride. I would run the 35's and see how they do once you get it flexing a bit better.

I have seen lots of M12000 coming up on BC4x4 over the last couple of years, just keep your eye out. I'm sure you can built a bumper to go along with it too.

[highwaystar]

Neither is ideal for small children.

:confused: I thought they go in a kennel in the bed?

i have much to learn

[Derekj]

Another factor you need to look at is what will this swap cost you. What is the Jeep worth on trade in against a new car versus what you still owe on it(if you are making payments). You don't want to be backwards in the vehicles value and roll that into a new loan payment. Have seen it done before in the past(been in the car business 20 years) and it is a good way to dig your self into debt. Something to consider.....

Derek

[Jeremy]

Another factor you need to look at is what will this swap cost you. What is the Jeep worth on trade in against a new car versus what you still owe on it(if you are making payments). You don't want to be backwards in the vehicles value and roll that into a new loan payment. Have seen it done before in the past(been in the car business 20 years) and it is a good way to dig your self into debt. Something to consider.....

Derek

That is a very good point, I also was in the car business for years and have seen some people get very backwards on car loans. I.E. get to 4 years and still owe more than the car was worth rolling off the lot.

Remember most times the dealer will not care how far back it will make you they want to see a sale no mater what. You dealer is probably licking there chops at the chance to get you out of your Rubicon and push that payment into a used truck. The Rubicon in reality in this market is worth what? $25K -28K used? I'll bet there is still more than that owing on it. (disclaimer I did not research the value of a Rubicon like yours used).

Good Luck with what ever you end up with but do not jump on the first thing that comes along and do not let the Dealer do there magic math trying to make you do something right away. Get the numbers and run them your self.

[ChrisR]

These are all factors I am seriously considering. 1 of the main reasons that I did not jump on the new Rubi. They wanted 2 more years of Payments. No way! I am way closer to owning my Jeep than that.

Dealer ain't gonna push me into some stupid decisions. :D

[Cody1771]

from what i understand, the cost of the rubi, compaired to kitting it out yourself isnt worth it. ive always been a fan of the extra room, and payload capacity of a full size. i have a friend with a 01 F350 extended cab short box who swapped the springs and put some 35's on it and it made a huge difference. and if you really want something for wheeling get a quad hehe