Thinking About Switching to Ford

[kusto]

I am new to the site and I know that as my first post I should be first introducing my self in another thread, but I thought this would be a better place to find the help I'm looking for. Here it goes;

I currently own a 2004 Dodge Cummins 3500 4x4 (95,000 KM), in the last 5+ weeks my truck has been in the shop and the dealer can't seem to figure out what is wrong with it and Dodge seems to be more concerned with trying to weasle out of the warranty than they are about fixing my truck.

So now I am considering going back to Ford, I owned a 1979 Ford F-150 as my first truck, then purchased a 1991 F-150 4x4, then a 2000 F-150 4x4 7700GVW then to a 2002 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 and now with my first Dodge....I didn't know that they could make a Diesel out of lemons...Actually it has been a great truck up until now and it is not really the truck I am concerned about. It is the way they treat their customers with these warranty issues.

Here is my question, "How is Ford with it's warranty"? and "Are there any major concerns with the F-350 2006 PSD"? I have a few friends that own similar trucks but I am looking for an honest opinion an these trucks.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Ford_Forgotton]

*ALL* of the big manufacturers now have one goal.

GET OUT OF THE WARRANTY!!

Ford, Dodge, Chevy, it doesnt matter what BRAND you buy, since they are all sold by the same dealership (the name on the sign may be different, but follow the money and one guy usually owns most of the dealerships in an area).

Ford is just as bad, as Dodge and chevy in trying to get out of warranty repairs.

We *ALL* have our own "stealership" horror stories to tell.

Now, as for picking ford over dodge, its all preference. I wouldnt buy anything that says 2007 on it from ANY manufacturer. The engine will be an EPA rats-nest that you wont be able to work on, and will prolly be full of warranty work.

Get an 06 or earlier and cross your fingers.

Ford has the better Body/Cab and the tow haul tranny is sweet
Chevy has the best ride (that independant front end is plush, but cant take abuse/loads like the ford/dodges can)
Dodge has a great motor, but until the MEGA cab came out, crappy interior space. Still a crappy body style in general, and the motor will outlast it.

 

[Tx_Atty]

I have had pretty good response and treatment from the dealers on warranty issues. My only gripe was the diesel tech I had last had cerebral rectalitis in a terrible way. (calling him a diesel tech is being generous and kind).

That, I believe, is probably an ailment common to any dealership in any brand. I had the general manager agree to investigate my issue (turned out to be nothing) even a year after they were first unable to figure it out since I had started the issue while under warranty.

So, my experience has been acceptable when it comes to warranty issues.

 

[02SilverStroke]

Based on this "editorial", you could put a Cummins in a Ford and have the "perfect" truck.

 

[kusto]

Dodge has a great motor, but until the MEGA cab came out, crappy interior space. Still a crappy body style in general, and the motor will outlast it.

In my case I would have to disagree with this statement but I do agree that he ford has much more cab space. I know that there were issues with the ford engines in '03 and '04 with injectors and electronics, etc. Have there been any significant "common" issues with the '06 PSD?

I would also agree that the 07 EPA Emission requirements will be a new chapter of problems for all brands.

 

[Ford_Forgotton]

hahahaha yes!

A cummins into a ford body *IS* a great truck. I guess thats why the FUMMINS conversion is so popular! There are actually quite a few Fords (both old and NEW!) running around with old -6bt 12 valve cummins motors.

In fact, even the 24v guys are ripping out the injection system and putting P-Pumps on them for more power. Old is new again huh?

Regardless of which truck you buy (of course Im going to recommend the ford), what you need to focus on is not so much the truck, but the dealer and his shop. Are they going to work WITH you, or AGAINST you.

 

[powerboatr]

In my case I would have to disagree with this statement but I do agree that he ford has much more cab space. I know that there were issues with the ford engines in '03 and '04 with injectors and electronics, etc. Have there been any significant "common" issues with the '06 PSD?

I would also agree that the 07 EPA Emission requirements will be a new chapter of problems for all brands.

duramax has had just as many electrical demons, injectors overheating egr etc, 03-4 was a toughie on em all, and 07 is going to be like 1975-79 emissions wise, stalling runons, ping no run overheat, you name it,
you think the epa is bad i on fueled vehicle emissions, what till you see what they did with hex chrome.


my 06 has had zero manufacturer defects, one recall for a programing emissions catch
three dealer vists all caused by ME with no issues about warranty
i am lucky to have the same tech each time. he actually is learning and is allowed to speak to the customer, actually part of his job to tell you what he fixed and why.

 

[kusto]

Thanks Gents, All great information and much apreciated. I do have another question for you PSD savy individuals;

"When will the 07 Emissions standards will affect the PSD?" Spoke to a dealer today and he said it wouldn't likely be until early 2007 and the 2007 models being released in 2006 will remain the same ast the 2006 current model. Is this correct?

 

[powerboatr]

I wouldnt bet on any leeway for a sticker 07 model.
only way to tel is the door jamb when you buy it. there is a nice liitle tag that says it meets current emission for model year XXXX
if your 07 says model year 06 emission then your ok. However if its tagged as an 07 model, I would bet a beam and coke its going to meet 07 emissions,
maybe, confused yet? go to the epa website for even more confusion

my 06 has a lable that says its an ULTRU LOW Emissions vehicle

 

[kusto]

From what we hear in January 2007 they're gonna sell the new model SD's as the 2008, I wish I could answer your question but it's not worded for my brain, my brain just tied itself in a knot over that one .

Now that I read it again (barring the typos) my question even confused me. O maybe that was the point with these darn mid year change ups and what not. But looks like powerboatr got the idea. I will check the sticker on the door when I finally decide on the truck I want, may be as erly as this week end as Dodge just phoned me this afternoon to let me know I can pick up my POS tomorrow morning......unless the injector faries visit again overnight. Its been down nearly six weeks now whats another day. I am actually getting used to no driving my own truck anymore. Too bad I didn't rent me a PSD, it would have been a heck of a good test ride to see if I really liked it or not.