Bought new for $35K in 2003. Seven years later, exactly as so many others here have mentioned, bubbles in the paint appeared above the rear wheel wells. Repaired it but like a nasty cancer, it came back very quickly. Before I knew it, the entire under carriage started rusting as well. Now, with 125K miles I've been told that the truck needs to be scrapped, that it's a danger to drive. I'm disabled living on peanuts and they're telling me to simply salvage it and get another ride. I'm at a total loss as to how to accomplish that on below poverty income.
To add insult to injury, just before my 7 year, 70K mile warranty ended, my local Dodge dealer had to do over $12K in mechanical work on the drive train and wheel assemblies. That's in addition to many $1000's of out of pocket repairs I made on this truck. At that time, I called Daimler Chrysler in Detroit and after a long phone conversation, they called me back the next day and said that due to all of the issues with my vehicle, they were going to replace it free of charge with a new vehicle. Needless to say, I was ecstatic. I never heard back from them, and finally reconnected with the customer service lady who had initially told me the good news. I asked her when I could expect a new vehicle, and she simply said, "We've changed our minds!" That ended their involvement in customer satisfaction and doing the right thing.
This is more than a simple disgrace on the part of Daimler Chrysler....it's a travesty, and I believe it should be criminal! How many thousands of these worthless, super expensive vehicles did they profit on while the masses suffer the losses? And then we bailed them out! They should be tarred and feathered or sent to a super max prison!
I worked at IBM and operated a Tile Business to have nice things in life ... when you purchase a vehicle, that is $35,000.00 you expect it to last. Well on top of all the mechanical problems, now it looks like sh*t ... Quarter panel rotting away. This should have been a Recall! I hate to complain, because when I did a job I make sure it’s done the best possible way. Here you have a giant automaker totally f—king up ... and get away with it... real sad ... Bob
Worst truck I ever owned. Rust all over frame and body. Every 2003 to 2005 on the road rusting over the rear fender wells. Motor started to tap after first six month 4.7L engine. Mechanic said that was always a problem with that motor. Bought the truck new paid $34,000 I would think that Dodge would make good on the problems these trucks are having.
This is my brand new truck. The rust is making it look bad. Back fenders rusted. Fixed it 2 times and still coming back. Chrysler should do something about this. It only has 39000 miles on it. I take care of this truck very good. Interior is like brand new.
Frame rusted through from inside out. With box frame design, salt or sand probably got in thru holes, no way to escape. Worse on driver's side where road salt is heaviest.
Brake calipers and lines also badly rusted.
Ram seemed like a bargain when new, but now resale value is nil. Savings have vanished.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Bought new for $35K in 2003. Seven years later, exactly as so many others here have mentioned, bubbles in the paint appeared above the rear wheel wells. Repaired it but like a nasty cancer, it came back very quickly. Before I knew it, the entire under carriage started rusting as well. Now, with 125K miles I've been told that the truck needs to be scrapped, that it's a danger to drive. I'm disabled living on peanuts and they're telling me to simply salvage it and get another ride. I'm at a total loss as to how to accomplish that on below poverty income.
To add insult to injury, just before my 7 year, 70K mile warranty ended, my local Dodge dealer had to do over $12K in mechanical work on the drive train and wheel assemblies. That's in addition to many $1000's of out of pocket repairs I made on this truck. At that time, I called Daimler Chrysler in Detroit and after a long phone conversation, they called me back the next day and said that due to all of the issues with my vehicle, they were going to replace it free of charge with a new vehicle. Needless to say, I was ecstatic. I never heard back from them, and finally reconnected with the customer service lady who had initially told me the good news. I asked her when I could expect a new vehicle, and she simply said, "We've changed our minds!" That ended their involvement in customer satisfaction and doing the right thing.
This is more than a simple disgrace on the part of Daimler Chrysler....it's a travesty, and I believe it should be criminal! How many thousands of these worthless, super expensive vehicles did they profit on while the masses suffer the losses? And then we bailed them out! They should be tarred and feathered or sent to a super max prison!
- Frank K., Loretto, MN, US