Never Again!!!!

[82ndShooter]

I will never purchase another Chrysler producr EVER AGAIN!!!! In the last six months I've had the following replaced on my 09' Ram 1500 w/ only 67K miles on it.

Fuel Injectors
Coil
Coil springs
ABS Computer Module
Lifters
Camshaft
And just this week, the Valve-intake Short Running Valve and its sister components.

To make matters worse, I've driven it a total of 5 miles since I got it back this week before my trip to AZ. I take it out this afternoon and the damn thing started shaking/vibrating and shut off and left the entire family stranded at the Olive Garden.

Good thing I have the lifetime powertrain warranty and lifetime extended warranty, roadside assistance came and towed the POS back to the dealership.

Chrysler either needs to replace the entire engine at this point or buy this damn problem child back from me and we can part ways!!!

The kicker.....in all of the confusion I lost my damn Debit Card :-/

[BushMasterBoy]

Automatic transmissions need good size coolers in front of the radiator. My book on my chevy says change the fluid every 100,000 miles. I'm gonna change it next week at 22k miles. I went and bought a transmission pan and had a drain plug fitting welded in. 2 months ago the body control module died. It was cold and the battery got low, low battery killed it. Installed a Optima advanced glass matte battery. These newer technology trucks suck. So finicky! I keep an eye on the truck forums, as these guys are very good at fixing the vehicles and doing preventative modifications. Some of the shittiest engineering I have ever seen...

[Cylinder Head]

GM products in general are pretty awful nowadays, with a few exceptions. The Corvette is solid and Cadillac should be viewed as a separate entity. Get a Ford.

[82ndShooter]

I want to get either and F-150 or an F-250. I need to find a great deal though since my truck is paid off and I'm not looking forward to a new car payment, especially with another child on the way come August.

[Dryfli]

I love my f350 20 mpg and endless power. Pulls a 10000+ lb trailer like its not there and will break the tires loose in second gear

[wrestler034]

The definition of Dodge is literally... To Avoid.

[JMBD2112]

I'm not trying to start an argument......but I work on more Fords than anything.....I hardly ever work on a Chevy, I worked for GM for 8 years before I went to an independent shop. Get a Duramax and be done with it.

[dwalker460]

Going to agree, my GMC with 290k on it felt better than Fords and Dodges with 100k on them. My 99 Tahoe was stone reliable.

[ben4372]

The definition of Dodge is literally... To Avoid.
They officially changed there name to Ram. That'll fix it. In all seriousness, we are all beta testers for everything. Nothing is ever engineered and tested to the point of getting the bugs out. That's our job as consumers now.

[Bailey Guns]

I don't have any complaints about my recent Ford or Chevy trucks with one exception. My 02 F250 7.3L went through alternators like they were free. Was on #5 after less than 2 years, always replaced under warranty, no questions asked, but always replaced with the same chickenshit alternator. I finally got a local shop to install a real heavy duty alternator and drove it another 6 years without an issue. My current Chevy 2500HD has had zero issues. And I have a 94 F350 7.3L with 213k on the odo and a 96 Bronco with 165k. I'd drive them anywhere.

I think modern vehicles in general are far more reliable today than ever. I've never owned a Dodge. They always just seemed cheap to me. Personal opinion only.

[brutal]

Other than a momentary death wobble that got sorted out going back to proper E rated tires and maxed out Positive Caster, I have had zero problems with my 2004.5 Ram Cummins.

Go figure.

[Rabid]

When i worked at a Ford and Dodge dealership the head tech said ram stood for "random arse malfunction". It sounds like it is time to start calling corporate with what is going on with your truck. Did you buy it new? Does anyone know if this might be covered under lemon laws?

[Graves]

GM products in general are pretty awful nowadays, with a few exceptions. The Corvette is solid and Cadillac should be viewed as a separate entity. Get a Ford.

Why is that?

[Mazin]

That's how I feel about Mazda. I Love my F150 though.


Sent from my Otterbox Defended Tactical iPhone using High Capacity "Clips".

[82ndShooter]

I bought it brand new in March 09'. I guess it's time to call Chrysler.

[losttrail]

Based on our family's experiences with GM products, Chrysler products, Toyota, Kia, Honda, Ford......

We are becoming an all Ford family as soon as we can purge the rest. Wish I could tradr my '08 F150 Lariat Crew Cab for an F250, but the F150 is paid off so that's VERY nice. I just love Super Duty's. The two I've had in the past were built like tanks and never failed. Fuel, oil and tires was all I ever put in/on them and both had over 120k when I got rid of them. One gas, one diesel. Both Expeditions my wife had were awesome. Both F150's Ive had have been great, Explorer my daughters had was great even with 103k when we bought it.

'12 Toyota Highlander my wife has now makes her want an Explorer. Each time I drive the Highlander, I like it less.

[Hound]

My nieghbor across the street had a Dodge Ram, bought it with less than 50 miles on it. That thing was in the shop at least once a month. Battery issues, fuel issues, etc. I can say that Jeep is technically a "Chrysler" but it has been great. I have an 08JK, love it. I do all the maintenance myself. The only issue I have had with it was the horn sounded like it was off a kids bike when I bought it. No power, could hardly hear it. I took it back in, they replaced it, been all love since then.

[Aloha_Shooter]

My '99 Chrysler Sebring convertible was pretty good but I wouldn't buy one now and refuse to do business with Government Motors on general principle. I'm very happy with the 2009 Ford Expedition except for the gas mileage but I knew that was horrid before I got into it. I only use the Expedition for camping, bad weather or when I need to haul a lot of cargo so the gas mileage doesn't bug me that much but I sure wish Ford had done what Chevy had with only using half the cylinders when you don't need full power.

[losttrail]

I think Chrysler and Fiat are both owned by Hasbro/Playskool.

[ray1970]

Everything mechanical is prone to fail at any time, no matter what name they put on the grill. I hate Fords but one of the most trouble free trucks I have ever driven was a 2001 F250. Got out of it with 130K miles and never did anything other than routine maintenance. Got a 2008 Chevy next and that thing has been in and out of the shop for one thing or another pretty much since day one. Hasn't stranded me just yet. Just little problems. My 1993 GMC is solid. Only left me stranded once when the alternator seized up. 175K miles and still going strong.

[Cylinder Head]

Why is that?

Caddy does a LOT of their own R&D, they aren't just a rebadged GM (see: Dodge and Chrysler). Their designs are mostly their own from the ground up.

The problem I see in this thread is you have a lot of people saying "we'll my '99 was solid" or "my '02 was a POS". We are in a different WORLD in the automotive landscape right now, especially post-2008. GM has been on a downward spiral and Ford has been bringing in a lot of European talent (their overseas entity is hugely successful and talented, the Mondeo is a car that is of legend in England).

[HoneyBadger]

My '01 Silverado 4x4 is at 110k and only thing I've replaced was the power steering gearbox, which I'm pretty sure was my own fault. I think I would like to get an f-150 next, but that won't be until the silverado dies. Hopefully I can post an update to this thread in 4 or 5 years that my silverado is still healthy and strong! It's paid for, gets me around, is reasonably safe, and can still pull 7000lbs without too much trouble. As an added bonus, I don't have to worry about little dents, dings, and scratches like I do with a new car.

[Chad4000]

and left the entire family stranded at the Olive Garden.





"got a nice little afternoon planned,, we're going to the olive garden, and then if theres time, maybe home depot"

lol... had too..

but that sucks about the Ram. my father had a durango that EVERYTHING went out on.. trans, computer, door locks window motors, etc.... ugh

[82ndShooter]

"got a nice little afternoon planned,, we're going to the olive garden, and then if theres time, maybe home depot"

lol... had too..

but that sucks about the Ram. my father had a durango that EVERYTHING went out on.. trans, computer, door locks window motors, etc.... ugh

That's perfect....lmao!!!! Thanks for the chuckle!!!!!

[JMBD2112]

Why is that?


Caddy does a LOT of their own R&D, they aren't just a rebadged GM (see: Dodge and Chrysler). Their designs are mostly their own from the ground up.

The problem I see in this thread is you have a lot of people saying "we'll my '99 was solid" or "my '02 was a POS". We are in a different WORLD in the automotive landscape right now, especially post-2008. GM has been on a downward spiral and Ford has been bringing in a lot of European talent (their overseas entity is hugely successful and talented, the Mondeo is a car that is of legend in England).

I'm assuming you wrench?

[Cylinder Head]

I'm assuming you wrench?

Used to in College, then dad told me I needed to make a lot of money to buy the cars I wanted, so I took a different path. Still follow the industry very closely.

One of my old toys, and probably the scariest car I've ever owned.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d82/youreallclones/IMG_0269.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d82/youreallclones/photo-27.jpg

[speedysst]

The definition of Dodge is literally... To Avoid. I love my 2000 Dakota with 163,000 miles on it! Yeah the paint is fading and the body damage was from 1) Girl in red car that turned into the rear quarterpanel last year, 2) Big F'in rock or something on US 36 and front end damage thanks to a hit and run driver while I was sleeping peacefully 2 months ago. I replaced an exhaust manifold, rear pinion gear seal and tranny fluid (I did everything I could to destroy my transmission a couple years ago and it still shifts fine). I haven't even had to replace a single light bulb yet. Im keeping my fingers crossed since this thing has to last 3 more years...

[Kraven251]

Not had any problems with my '08 Charger, just the normal maintenance shocks/struts etc, but I also have the lifetime powertrain warranty. I have just enough of a tinfoil hat that I won't own any thing past an '05 from Chevy, f'ing On-Star. I have seen what can be done with that and I'll pass on having that in my vehicle all day every day.

[CroiDhubh]

My last Mustang lasted from March 2003 until November 2012 and probably would have lasted longer, but I traded it in for a more fuel efficient car.


Used to in College, then dad told me I needed to make a lot of money to buy the cars I wanted, so I took a different path. Still follow the industry very closely.

One of my old toys, and probably the scariest car I've ever owned.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d82/youreallclones/IMG_0269.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d82/youreallclones/photo-27.jpg

Went the ricer route, eh?

[hatidua]

I will never purchase another Chrysler producr EVER AGAIN!!!!


GM products in general are pretty awful nowadays, with a few exceptions. ..........Get a Ford.


I'm not trying to start an argument......but I work on more Fords than anything.....I hardly ever work on a Chevy


The definition of Dodge is literally... To Avoid.


Based on our family's experiences with GM products, Chrysler products, Toyota, Kia, Honda, Ford......

We are becoming an all Ford family as soon as we can purge the rest.


I love my 2000 Dakota with 163,000 miles on it!


Not had any problems with my '08 Charger, just the normal maintenance shocks/struts etc, but I also have the lifetime powertrain warranty. I have just enough of a tinfoil hat that I won't own any thing past an '05 from Chevy, f'ing On-Star.


Everything mechanical is prone to fail at any time, no matter what name they put on the grill.


Car threads are always fun - for every lemon, there's a guy with the same vehicle with over 200K miles on it.

[UncleDave]

Speaking as a second generation Master Tech, Dodge sucks. The only part well made on them in the last 20 years is the ones they don't make! My father manged a Chrysler, Ram, Jeep dealer for about 10 months before he couldn't take it anymore. The factory is awful about covering anything, and getting lemon law in Colorado forget it! Dump that turd and get a Ford, the last 3 trucks that I have had have been bullet proof! I keep mine for 8-10 years on average. If I could find another nice Bronco with a 351, I'd buy it in a flash.

[CroiDhubh]

Well, yeah...there's a reason why Ford was able to get out of their financial problems without taking the government hand outs.

[Cylinder Head]

Went the ricer route, eh?

No, I went the abusive amounts of horsepower route. [AR15]
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d82/youreallclones/photo-29.jpg

[Mtn.man]

I get about 12 gallons per 1/4. On my BBC

27077

[T-Giv]

Car threads are always fun - for every lemon, there's a guy with the same vehicle with over 200K miles on it.

Ain't that the truth.

[JMBD2112]

I'll just leave this here...HAHA [LOL]

27107

[wadero]

Owned all makes, Ford was the most all around reliable truck. However the '98 ZR2 Blazer was the best, referred to it as my Wednesday truck. Running joke that my buddies POS Chevy must have been built late Friday afternoon, while mine was built on a Wednesday.

[bowhunter]

My brother is going through the same problems with his dodge pick up. Last year it was engine problems. Finally the shop got it running and now this year they can't make it pass emissions. His plates are now overdue and he can't afford to get something else because he spent all his money trying to polish a turd.

[wctriumph]

Chrysler and Dodge, keep 'em. I'll take a Ford any day. I have had them all and I will go with Ford.

[TAR31]

Well, yeah...there's a reason why Ford was able to get out of their financial problems without taking the government hand outs.

You do know they took billions in low interest loans from the gov right?

[Hunter12]

I LOVE my Ram. It does everything I need and then some. Its got character and the dash is cracked (anyone who owns a 2002 gets that) and its PAID OFF!
I can't complain it gets the job done. With little to no problems over the last 10 years. I just can't stand cherry creeks customer service.
Hell, I get oil changes for life free! "Part of the deal when I bought the truck."
However, I must admit the new F350 that Dryfli is talking about is from the future!!!
If I were ever in the mood to go back into any kind of money pit? Because we all really are BETA users...
I would strongly consider one of those f350s.

[dwalker460]

We tried tyo work with Dodge last year on the Challenger Fiat 500 and Dodge Dart (Alfa Romeo in disguise) and they did not follow through on a single promise and as a manufacturer goes, they are probably the most disorganized and hard to deal with from a motorsports angle. I deal with Mazda almost daily and they are bad, but not near as bad as Dodge. GM, Ford, Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes are all cool to deal with as long as you know what to expect going in. My experience with manufacturers is from a motorsports/marketing perspective, I have not bought a new car since 1996 and have no interest in doing so anytime in the future. When I look to buy a truck I am literally counting on it to NOT break down at any time, because if it does its costs much more than a repair bill. All of the three ton trucks are fine, but I would choose GM over Dodge or Ford at this point.

[BushMasterBoy]

Yeah get a new GM truck with its 37 computers...truck even has its own telephone number! Last time it died in the driveway...I used OnStar to have it towed to the dealer...eff any of the new trucks. I am looking forward to a good used 70's model with no computers...

[car-15]

I LOVE my Ram. It does everything I need and then some. Its got character and the dash is cracked (anyone who owns a 2002 gets that) and its PAID OFF!
I can't complain it gets the job done. With little to no problems over the last 10 years. I just can't stand cherry creeks customer service.
Hell, I get oil changes for life free! "Part of the deal when I bought the truck."
However, I must admit the new F350 that Dryfli is talking about is from the future!!!
If I were ever in the mood to go back into any kind of money pit? Because we all really are BETA users...
I would strongly consider one of those f350s.
just wait till the f350 needs motor work, they have to lift the body off of it to do most anything $800.00 labor before they even start fixing the problem. go gm or dodge imho if you need 3/4 ton or larger.

[82ndShooter]

Latest Update....Chrysler is actually doing me right and replacing the entire engine, brand new!!!!

[losttrail]

Car threads are always fun - for every lemon, there's a guy with the same vehicle with over 200K miles on it.

Agreed. But when you give a certain brand more than one opportunity and continue to receive less that satifactory results each time, at some point it seems to be a trend.

I can site multiple models of GM products, Chrysler products, Toyota products that have given us problems. And not just little things either. Little annoyances I can live with.

I'm talking a bout things like windshields shooting across the hood when having to brake hard; bumper falling off leaving the dealership on a new S-10 because the one bolt holding on fell out; a paint sheet roughly 30" in diameter flying off the hood; injector computer failing at 38,000 miles on a 36,000 mile warranty on a '94 Dodge Ram.

I could give more examples but you get the idea.

[Gman]

Latest Update....Chrysler is actually doing me right and replacing the entire engine, brand new!!!!
So....how do you feel about them now? [panic]

Let us know how the next chapter goes.

[82ndShooter]

So....how do you feel about them now? [panic]

Let us know how the next chapter goes.

I still feel that my truck was subpar and that will not change.

I am extremely happy that they recognize the fact it was subpar and are willing to correct the overall problem. I will give them the credit for doing the right thing.

[sabot_round]

DODGE is an acronym; Drive Over to the Dealer and Get Even.

[Devistator]

I don't have a truck (yet), but my 01 stratus R/T has been extremely reliable. I have over 165K miles on it right now. Granted it does have a Mitsubishi motor and transmission... My dad has a 04 Dakota and it has been pretty good, but it appears to have a problem with the fuel pump. Although it sat for around a year while he was overseas.

[losttrail]

DODGE is an acronym; Drive Over to the Dealer and Get Even.

Hmm.... I thought it was...

Drive Over the Dealer and Get Even

[soldier-of-the-apocalypse]

One word CUMMINS I have over 350,000 miles on mine and I love every mile I put on it oh yeah and it gets 20 mpg

[KevDen2005]

One word CUMMINS I have over 350,000 miles on mine and I love every mile I put on it oh yeah and it gets 20 mpg

Not a huge Dodge fan, but I do think Cummins diesels are awesome.

[UncleDave]

One word CUMMINS I have over 350,000 miles on mine and I love every mile I put on it oh yeah and it gets 20 mpg

See my earlier comment, Cummins is not made by Dodge. The engine is the only part of those trucks worth a damn!

[streetglideok]

In all honesty, its a crap shoot with all american vehicles, and in reality, you can have issues with every brand out there, bar none. Our shop makes a killing on euro brands, BMW, MB, VW/Audi, Jag, etc. Lots of little things go bad once they get a little age on them, and its not cheap. I've seen some bonehead design moves by all the makers out there, not just Chrysler. To the OP, it sounds more to me like a problem in the repair bay, and the service dept. may not be finding the true cause for your problems. They hire too many brainless mechanics these days at lower wages, that merely follow a flow chart. Call Chrysler, and arrange to use a different dealer.

[Ronin13]

Car threads are always fun - for every lemon, there's a guy with the same vehicle with over 200K miles on it.
So true!

No, I went the abusive amounts of horsepower route. [AR15]
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d82/youreallclones/photo-29.jpg
Ah, Japanese and German... I like your style.
That said, I have an '05 Dodge Ram 1500, that thing won't quit. Worst issue we've had thus far is that the radio went out at around 90K and caused some problems with the ignition system. Now fixed. Other than that, solid truck, and if I'm gonna go domestic, I go with Dodge. [Beer]

[O2HeN2]

'94 F-150, Standard maintenance plus various small stuff like water pump and alternator and tensioner pulleys, all I did myself. Love it.

Also love my Honda Ridgeline.

O2

[82ndShooter]

Update...30 days after having it towed to the dealership, I got her back with a new engine. 400 miles later and no issues at all as of yet. We'll see how she does after another 400 miles.

[T-Giv]

At least they took care of it finally!

[wctriumph]

I have had three Dodges. One was acquired as I needed transportation and it was there, burned a valve and spun a bearing, next was a pickup that was purchased cheap, had front end problems that even a dealer could not get right, third was a pickup and I knew that it would be my last, ever. I have had Dodge, Chevy, GMC and Ford vehicles, the Chevy's and Fords were the best and I will stick with Ford trucks and cars from now on. Never a Chrysler/Dodge ever again.

[KS63]

We made quite a few custom billet stroker cranks for the Cummins. I never saw the reasoning for doing them with the exception of the longer stroke. The engine and rearend/axles are solid. The rest of the truck not so much.

[Zundfolge]

Last two cars I've owned were Chryslers. The 1993 Dodge Intrepid was an excellent car, well built, lasted forever without any major problems (biggest problem I had was a leak in the AC system). Now we have a 2002 PT Cruiser ... this will be my last Chrysler too ... at 80000 it's falling apart.

[brutal]

[beatdeadhorse]

Let's try something different.

Sig Sauer is the best gun ever built now and forever, all other guns before, during, and after, are poop.

[jerrymrc]

[beatdeadhorse]

Let's try something different.

Sig Sauer is the best gun ever built now and forever, all other guns before, during, and after, are poop.

Stop that. [Flower] Just like many have said for every bad one..... My 98 Dodge has had about $400 and two items replaced in the 175K miles it has on it. The outlaws have our old Astro van. one water pump, one tune up and it is still going @ 200K.

[cofi]

what happned to cause the engine to blow?

[82ndShooter]

what happned to cause the engine to blow?

Originally, 4 months ago I took it into the dealership because it was running really rough. During this visit, they diagnosed it as having issues with the lifters AND there was damage to the spark plugs that required they be replaced too. This trip cost me $400 for the plug replacement and the lifters were replaced under the warranty.

Apparently, when this maintenance was performed, they failed to remove all of the debris from the engine. The following six times I had taken it in within the past 4 months was related to this "oversight" on their part. On the eighth return visit, they finally realized what the issue was and at this point, cylinders 5, 6, and 8 were destroyed. This IS why they replaced the engine and is why I'll never take my truck to this shop for service ever again.

[speedysst]

I love my 2000 Dakota with 163,000 miles on it! Yeah the paint is fading and the body damage was from 1) Girl in red car that turned into the rear quarterpanel last year, 2) Big F'in rock or something on US 36 and front end damage thanks to a hit and run driver while I was sleeping peacefully 2 months ago. I replaced an exhaust manifold, rear pinion gear seal and tranny fluid (I did everything I could to destroy my transmission a couple years ago and it still shifts fine). I haven't even had to replace a single light bulb yet. Im keeping my fingers crossed since this thing has to last 3 more years...

Funny thing, a month after posting this I had to replace my ball joints. I guess 165000 miles was enough to finally kill them. Then I go to Big O and they tell me I cant get an alignment because the locking nuts on the tie rod ends wont move without destroying the tie rods. Yeah I'll replace those myself.

[rondog]

As the saying goes....."if it's got tits or wheels, it'll give you problems".

[brianakell]

This stuff is real easy to me
cars, all of them are junk
1/2tons are a little better than cars
8lug is better than 1/2ton by significant margin

All these kinds of threads, always 1/2ton and cars. buy something built to work and 9/10 is a much btter built and designed vehicle. Dont want to pay the price for one, want the comfy ride, quiet car, then you pay to have the car in failed parts.

[MarkCO]

All makes and models have bad years, components, etc. The big 3 pretty much source major assemblies from about 6 major suppliers, and there can be crossover. While I do not like Ford's marketing nor their defense tactics, I won't say "never" cause things can change (ie S&W and Ruger). The specific models are worth looking at. However, due to the high incidence of fires in Fords (yes, I have investigated them and have been qualified in court) my family won't be having one anytime soon.

If you know me and know what I do for a living...or even if you don't, here are my impressions from working on a LOT of accidents, failures and fires where there was a significant enough event to get experts and attorneys involved. I have worked on and investigated recalls, NHTSA investigations and all manner of commercial and consumer vehicle incidents. Consumer reports is not a good source for safety information on vehicles, not really even maintenance issues. IIHS is only good for direct comparisons within the same weight class. While I did technically own a Ford (Probe) it was basically a Mazda. I have owned somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 vehicles from compacts to 1 tons. I drive a 2003 Silverado, a 2006 GTO and my wife drives a 2010 Dodge 1500 Longhorn.

Automatic transmissions: change the fluid every 30 to 35K, preferably use synthetic.

Brakes, mostly learn to drive. On my 2003 Silverado with 145K, I am still on my original front brakes and 2nd set of rear brakes. In 80K, my wife went through 3 sets of brakes on a Suburban. She is much better now though. Save your brakes, improve your gas mileage and longevity of the front end components.

Never buy the smallest offered engine on any vehicle.

YES, the more expensive trim levels ARE a bit better (reliability) than the economy trim vehicles in the same group. Is it worth the extra $... maybe.

Especially in Colorado, always get the trailer/tow package and or better engine cooling package if offered.

If you get a flexfuel vehicle, run gasoline, but run a tank of E85 every 7 to 8K or so.

Avoid MTBE like the plague

Use quality motor oils, change every 3 to 4K. Pennsoil, Quaker State and other parafin based oils are junk. Castrol, Lucas, Valvoline are asphalt based and much better. In most vehicles, synthetics are a waste. Yes, I did work in an oil analysis lab for 3 years and did much of my masters course work in tribology.

Nitrogen in your tires is a joke, but do keep them inflated. Cars about 35 psi and trucks about 40 to 45 psi. It does mater what the door tag says and what kind of tire you run.

Truck frames are generally safer than car frames.

The more a vehicle weighs, the better your chance of survival in a serious accident...if you use your seat belt.

If you have a teenager, consider the Ford Taurus/Merc Sable or the Saturn lines. Pound for pound, some of the safest and least expensive vehicles you can get. Some other safety gems...the Chevrolet Astro Vans, late 1990s through about 2005. 1996 through 2001 Dodge 3/4 tons.

If safety is really important to you, then you must do a lot of research BEFORE you get emotionally connected to a particular vehicle. Neptune Engineering crush coefficients, NHTSA crash tests, IIHS tests, independent lab tests must all be looked at by a skilled eye and then evaluated on a per vehicle basis.

If reliability is really important, buy a vehicle that is in the 4th or maybe 5th year of a model with very high consumer ratings. The first two and the last year of any model have higher incidents of issues.

Anyone who has ONLY one brand loyalty is probably unrealistic about other things too. Emotionally excluding a brand because of some perceived or real bad apple, hey, not a big deal to me. There are plenty of choices.

As for domestic vs. asian made...in general, at the SAME price point, you will generally get about equal value. The import tariffs are largely erased by the lower labor cost and technology theft. When you go European vs. domestic, for the SAME price point, the domestic is generally a better value.

The most dangerous thing that 95% of Americans will ever do is drive a car. The most dangerous maneuver most people will make driving a car...a left hand turn.

I hope that short list gives you a good base from which to make some choices.

[DD977GM2]

I will be the one to say it, you went ahead and bought a Chrysler product with the bailout in the back of your mind. You deserve what you get.
Sorry to be so blunt, but that line of thinking to me is not the smartest in the world.

[82ndShooter]

I will be the one to say it, you went ahead and bought a Chrysler product with the bailout in the back of your mind. You deserve what you get.
Sorry to be so blunt, but that line of thinking to me is not the smartest in the world.

FYI...that was NOT my reasoning for my purchase. I have owned other Dodges in the past and wanted another one.

No need for Monday morning qb'ing here.

[streetglideok]

Originally, 4 months ago I took it into the dealership because it was running really rough. During this visit, they diagnosed it as having issues with the lifters AND there was damage to the spark plugs that required they be replaced too. This trip cost me $400 for the plug replacement and the lifters were replaced under the warranty.

Apparently, when this maintenance was performed, they failed to remove all of the debris from the engine. The following six times I had taken it in within the past 4 months was related to this "oversight" on their part. On the eighth return visit, they finally realized what the issue was and at this point, cylinders 5, 6, and 8 were destroyed. This IS why they replaced the engine and is why I'll never take my truck to this shop for service ever again.
I'm at work, so can't really go thru all 8 pages, but which engine do you have in your truck? Also, is the specified oil being used? Hemis are notorious for catastrophic valve train failure due to people running oil other that spec'd. People have this hangup that 5w20 and 5w30 is evil, and 10w30, and 10w40 is magical. Newer engines are very intolerant to things like this, why I'm asking. It pays to do your own oil changes, so you at least know what is being pumped into the engine.