M.I.A. because of DODGE! BEWARE!

[thachevythang]

yup, I guess it was bound to happen. Been on a roll with some projects then life jumped in the way!

I had some key fob issues with my 08 magnum. No big deal I got on my forum and see how to get around it. I have the keyless ignition and my key fob broke. It would start fine and worked for about a year, then it decided to dump on me. The forum gave some tricks to reset the security feature that lets the ignition know its the right key. Trick worked got it started and I decided to see if it would work again to save the pain and money of the dealer. NOPE! Not until an hour later did I get it going. Head to the dealer, was told it would take a week, and now 2 months later after plenty of issues with dodge I get my car back. It was my DD and the truck was in parts due to all my projects.

I couldn't be any happier with the magnum. Great gas mileage, easy to maintain, and only owe 2K on it. Dodge wanted to buy it and make me pay 2K for a down payment on a loaded challenger. That was their way of trying to calm the storm. I don't want a challenger or a new truck, or a new ugly charger! The manager insisted on trading up. I purchased my own key fob online, since they claimed they don't make them anymore yada yada, gotta wait, oh ooops we lost it. Programmed and running in 30 minutes. Its the same fob as the charger, 300, challenger, etc. I even asked if they would try that and they said oh it doesn't work we tried, how about this new durango! They paid for my fob too! I didn't let them get away with it. I just paid for the programming.

Now back into the mix of things, trading the magnum off to another dealer. Hate to see it go but after that ordeal I boycott dodge, LOL. Don't know what I want next but everythings in the works.

Usual business with the truck, get parts, replace, restore. Put it up on CL to see what offers for a trade but nothing to my liking. Working out a dually trade right now. I guess its a western hauler package, wood trim, console, headliner console, pretty nice inside, but the beds junk. Might happen might not. Will post details of finished projects, just advising a beware of dodge!!!

[jaredts]

That sounds too much like the horror stories I've heard from Dodge/Chrysler buyers.  Problems that the dealers can't solve and want you to trade up so they get the easy way out.  They have made several cars and trucks I like, but the quality and dealer support aren't getting them a very good reputation.

[thachevythang]

I never liked dodge trucks, but had a spot for the challenger when it first came out. Now too many are out there and I like different. I never saw so many magnums in that last 2 months time than when I didn't have mine! After this I'm definately staying away from them. I don't even want to pay it off!!!

[ssapach]

I have heard lots of horror stories about service from Dodge.....or lack of service.

I'm mostly a Chev/GM guy......but lately the new Dodge trucks have been grabbing my attention more than the new GM/Chev trucks.

I'm even considering getting a new Dodge pickup, because I can still get a manual transmission. 

However, all the complaints about their lack of service really gets me.  When I need my vehicle fixed, I expect the dealer to be able to fix it.  Timing is one thing, but lack of knowledge or lying about parts being discontinued is a completely different story.

I've never had an issue with the GM dealer for fixing my truck.  Aside from the price of certain parts, but I guess that's to be expected when buying them from the dealer.  Not to mention they are still fairly good about finding NOS parts for OLD trucks......

[screamin86]

i had a 04 dakota 4x4 4.7v8 auto i bought in 07 with 30k on it and the motor threw a rod at 40k and the dodge dealer tried ito insist that the oil pan had sludge in it and that i had not been changing the oil. then i reminded them who was changing my oil....THEM. so they covered it and took them two weeks to put in a new shortblock. had it back for a week was extreamly easy on it never went over 55mph or over 2500rpm. went to leave out of my moms driveway truck went about 10ft forward then acted like it was tied to a tree an wouldnt budge so i backed up and the same in reverse so i let it sit overnight. the next day i got it to drive out like normal but the rearend was clicking like crazy turned out the spider gears exploded and the dealer said it was a comon problem with these trucks. took them a month to replace it. after that i traded the truck in within a month or two on my yukon.

[thachevythang]

This is the only dodge I've ever owned, but I'm glad I had this experience. Definately not going to get a dodge anymore. Other than chevys' I've had an AMX and that was it. I was tempted by the new durango but figured if I had another problem how much more am I going to have to spend on a newer vehicle. It's not like they are going down in price every year! I'll stick with GMC.

I'm waiting on the new dealer to locate me a 2008 GMC 2500. They have the silverado but I prefer the new GMC's. Price is actually a little less. If not, I'm going back to the colorado, which I traded for my magnum. The new Z71's are sweet!!!

[screamin86]

I prefer the front end stylings of the new gmc's over the chevy.

[80stepsideguy]

As being a owner of a 05 magnum myself i cannot say i know your pain cause my mom has a 2008 300 with at what we call key.Its a small micro chip on the end and you cant hotwire the car if you tried to steal it.I just went thru a dilema yesterday cause my car has 20s on it, i got pulled over for the 3rd time in about 3 months for RACIAL PROFILE cause my car is low, tinted windows and looks like what people call a GANGSTERS CAR.I am going to trade it in for a fully loaded fusion sport in the spring.I too own a 2001 dodge ram sport 4x4 truck.I will never get rid of that truck, it only has 77k on the odometer that i bought new in 2001.Other than a waterpump, some ball joints and a tune up, the truck has been fantastic to me and i`m going to give it a total facelift this fall with a new paintjob.But i really cant say anything bad bout the vehicles, only the service these dealerships cause it seems they don`t care bout the people at all.

thanks
Pat

[audrima]

we had 3 dodges in the last 4 years, a 92 Dodge Shelby daytona, 87 Dodge Dakota, and a 2001 Dodge ram 1500. the daytona was nice but one of my dad's employees destroyed the engine (timing belt) and we finally after 4 years sold it. the 87 Dakota my dad gave to my brother, for a $200 truck my dad put $200 into it over the last 3 years. engine is about to go but it plugs along. and the 2001 ram my dad drives everyday a "small" exhaust hole melted the gas tank! he's thinking that when the loan of it is paid off switching to a newer 2500hd lol.

the only "dodge" I owned was a 89 Carvan, 98 Grand Voyager. loved them both.

mariah

[NevadaNeal]

I already own the last Chrysler product ill ever buy. That's my 77 power wagon. Ive had to put so much work to UN Dodge the dodge to make it reliable. About the only dodge left on it is the engine, body and chassis. The 360 has been a great engine, just everything else was a complete nightmare. I honestly believe that the Chrysler engineers designed it so you would upgrade to parts from other manufactures. I used a GM wiring harness from a 73-87 short bed and it was better then the stock one.
 Back in 97 i bought the ex-wife a fully loaded Chrysler town and country. Complete rubbish! within the first year it had two steering racks replaced.two fuel pumps. and a wiper motor. Rite when we thought it was reliable..it left her stranded in San Jose on thanksgiving.

I have had a few other Chrysler products but they are not worth your time to explain how bad they were.

[thachevythang]

I just wish I would have done the work myself. I could of got it done sooner but figured DODGE knows DODGE and will be quicker! It's too bad really. I love the magnum, hate to see it go. Purchased it new in 08 and almost had it paid. Now I'm just waiting on the new dealership to come deliver and swap trade. I requested lots of things on my trade and the only thing they couldn't do is find the right interior color. I wanted tan and got black. Requested 20"s and got those as well. Requested just regular chrome front bumper without lights got that as well. I don't like the round fog lights on the pretty much square GMC. No complaints for the vehicle and all the request. It can't get here soon enough.

[80stepsideguy]

My 05 is almost paid off as well.I love the car, never had any major problems other then the EGR which is on the back of the block and you need to be a contortionist to replace it.I may keep it i may sell it,trade it in.Just getting tired of the state troopers and local police stopping me for the tint on my windows cause i never had them done and there the factory tint.We have owned since 1991 7 chrysler products from 2 eagle visions, to my magnum,my 2001 dodge truck,to a 1991 eagle premier and a 2002 intrepid and my moms 2008 300. Other then a few minor things that were under warranty and P/O neglet(my 96 visions tranny let go) they been great vehicles.Would i buy another? Sure but i`ll take my vehicles to a respectable mechanic if i cant fix it myself.

thanks
Pat


After looking at so many squares out there, i think i amy go ahead and find myself another square to drive next year. I think a 73-80 is in my future horizons.I am gonna trade the magnum in for the future wife and buy me another truck.I can have fun and do mods as i go along.