I recently retired and plan to travel via a new Dodge Ram and slide-in camper. I’ve owned four Dodge products over the last three decades (1 Dodge Ram 2500 hemi; 1 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel; one Jeep Wrangler, and my latest Dodge Ram 3500 tradesman diesel):
I bought my 2024 Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel Oct 5, 2024, for $66,576 cash. I tried to purchase it through my local deal but it didn't work out. You see, the day after I deposited my $1,000 (non-refundable) for the dealership to trailer the truck from Helena to Rexburg, the sales staff trade-in agent downgraded my trade-in value from $25,000 to $16,000. They had me over a barrel, lost my trust, so I decided to back out of the deal. I disputed the deposit charge through my bank and I'm still waiting for a result. So much for keeping my purchases local and supporting local business owners and staff.
My neighbor located the truck I wanted to purchase through its VIN and found it in Helena. I purchased the truck and outfitted it for my slide-in camper in Missoula (rear air bags, runners, and camper tie-downs.). I hit the road and near Portland the check engine light came on. O' Reily's coded the truck on Saturday, October 19. The code showed a transmission sensor problem and I was told it should be fine to continue driving since the transmission hadn't shown any signs of failure. By this time my new truck had 1,345 miles.
I drove to Eugene, Oregon, to the Lithia Dodge Dealership and on Monday, Oct. 21, was told by the assistant service manager it was ok to continue to drive the truck until it showed signs of slippage or failure. Later that afternoon the transmission dropped out. Fortunately I was able to hobble the truck (on a small incline on I 5 northbound the transmission failed to engage 4th gear.) I was able to shut down the engine, restart and gain 150 yards at a time and then repeat the process until I reached Eugene Kamper World - exit 199. There I removed the camper and contacted Dodge Ram Care. After a twenty-five minute hold, Dodge Ram Care provided the tow and car rental (I am to be reimbursed for the car rental when I mail in the receipt). Dodge Rame Care does not cover living accommodations.
Its been two weeks and the new transmission has yet to be installed. It arrived from Detroit on Tuesday, Oct 29. Service manager told me, even though he would be off on Friday, it would be installed with-in 24-48 hours but definitely finished by Friday, November 1. That he would personally make it happen. When I didn’t receive a call Friday morning I tried calling the deanship several times but no one answered. I decided to visit the dealership and was told the truck isn’t finished and it would be the following week.
There you have it. I remain in the campground ($620 and counting). I am soured on Ram products, their dealerships and the so called “Dodge Ram Care” program. I find the service lacking, their disposition toward customer care nonexistent, misleading and demeaning. In no way do I feel peace of mind owning a product made by Dodge Ram. I don’t know a way Dodge can win back my support…In fact, I don’t think they care about winning back my support. If and when I get my truck back I'll sell it at a loss and find a new brand.
I bought my 2024 Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel Oct 5, 2024, for $66,576 cash. I tried to purchase it through my local deal but it didn't work out. You see, the day after I deposited my $1,000 (non-refundable) for the dealership to trailer the truck from Helena to Rexburg, the sales staff trade-in agent downgraded my trade-in value from $25,000 to $16,000. They had me over a barrel, lost my trust, so I decided to back out of the deal. I disputed the deposit charge through my bank and I'm still waiting for a result. So much for keeping my purchases local and supporting local business owners and staff.
My neighbor located the truck I wanted to purchase through its VIN and found it in Helena. I purchased the truck and outfitted it for my slide-in camper in Missoula (rear air bags, runners, and camper tie-downs.). I hit the road and near Portland the check engine light came on. O' Reily's coded the truck on Saturday, October 19. The code showed a transmission sensor problem and I was told it should be fine to continue driving since the transmission hadn't shown any signs of failure. By this time my new truck had 1,345 miles.
I drove to Eugene, Oregon, to the Lithia Dodge Dealership and on Monday, Oct. 21, was told by the assistant service manager it was ok to continue to drive the truck until it showed signs of slippage or failure. Later that afternoon the transmission dropped out. Fortunately I was able to hobble the truck (on a small incline on I 5 northbound the transmission failed to engage 4th gear.) I was able to shut down the engine, restart and gain 150 yards at a time and then repeat the process until I reached Eugene Kamper World - exit 199. There I removed the camper and contacted Dodge Ram Care. After a twenty-five minute hold, Dodge Ram Care provided the tow and car rental (I am to be reimbursed for the car rental when I mail in the receipt). Dodge Rame Care does not cover living accommodations.
Its been two weeks and the new transmission has yet to be installed. It arrived from Detroit on Tuesday, Oct 29. Service manager told me, even though he would be off on Friday, it would be installed with-in 24-48 hours but definitely finished by Friday, November 1. That he would personally make it happen. When I didn’t receive a call Friday morning I tried calling the deanship several times but no one answered. I decided to visit the dealership and was told the truck isn’t finished and it would be the following week.
There you have it. I remain in the campground ($620 and counting). I am soured on Ram products, their dealerships and the so called “Dodge Ram Care” program. I find the service lacking, their disposition toward customer care nonexistent, misleading and demeaning. In no way do I feel peace of mind owning a product made by Dodge Ram. I don’t know a way Dodge can win back my support…In fact, I don’t think they care about winning back my support. If and when I get my truck back I'll sell it at a loss and find a new brand.
