Forum Discussion

fatregexp's avatar
fatregexp
Explorer
Aug 29, 2019

New diesel F250 in NJ?

First of all thanks to all providing the information in this forum. Even before I registered for an account I've learned a lot. So thanks!

The knowledge in the forum seems to agree that diesel is better at pulling stuff (more comfortable/confident). I was about to pull the trigger to get myself a RAM 2500 diesel as they said they have the clearance sale for the 2018 models. But the stocks are way too limited here and I also feel like the payload on RAM 2500 diesel is kind of limited after the diesel engine takes up the extra weight. So I am now checking out Ford F250 diesel.

The problem is there are not many F250 diesel available in my area (northern NJ). All I need is a diesel Lariat with as few extra options as possible. The dealers within 100 miles are only willing to give out 3000 to 4000 discount off a 68,000 msrp 2019 F250. The dealers in Baltimore seem more generous (about 6000-7000 off the same msrp).

I wanted to know where to get a new diesel F250 in my area. Should I really drive down to Baltimore to shop or even fly to Florida and get one from the volume dealer? Or better off to just custom order a new one from the local dealer? What's your experience/suggestion?

The local dealer does have a certified 2018 F350 diesel platinum asking for 64,000+... but F350 vs F250 is another question then...
Tow Vehicles
  • bucky's avatar
    bucky
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2019
    You can fly to FL for less than $100 and save $10,000.00
    Ford doesn't like warranty claims on diesels
    The Cummins
    The Cummins
    The Cummins
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2019
    when I look for a new rv or truck I look every where distance is no problem. with todays tech, and you can fly anywhere in a few hours look out west .P.S just me but I,d never buy another sheep.
  • ppine's avatar
    ppine
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2019
    The truck market is national now. Let your computer do the hard work. You can have one shipped to your front door from anywhere.

    I bought my last new Ford diesel after I looked hard at the national market It was spring and they had last year's models at my local dealer. I offered them $500 over the dealer invoice, not the MSRP. They said okay. It took 15 minutes because I knew the market.
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2019
    A 2 year old Ram will give you years of reliable service as long as it has not been abused/neglected in it's previous life. Trucks are in demand and dealers don't need to discount heavily to move them especially diesel versions. They also don't want to stock base models when money making nicely dressed trucks are moving well. I can't see traveling to Baltimore or Florida then driving back saving you enough to make the trip worthwhile financially but that's your call.
    We don't see 2500/F-250 trucks on the lots due to taxes. Passenger vehicles which include them over $55,000 are subject to a luxury tax thanks to our granola chompin' Prius drivin' socialist proviincial government, 3500F-350 are exempt so guess what the dealers order.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2019
    Oh great! A 2017! Which has been a sittin’ since 2016... “Stability is the “all spice of life,” says Freud or someone like him.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2019
    2018 model? So it’s a been a sittin’ since 2017? New tires, fuel tank drain, oil change etc., then maybe we can talk.
  • fatregexp's avatar
    fatregexp
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2019
    Great info! Thank you to both of you! So I keep looking for a Ram 2500. The 2018 Laramie stocks are going away but I found one 2017 Laramie certified pre-owned with 35k miles on it. The dealer is asking for 47,999 which I would definitely try to negotiate about. But do you think 2017 RAM 2500 diesel is good? Mainly looking for a stable towing vehicle for the family and don't want to spend too much time fixing things. :)
  • patperry2766's avatar
    patperry2766
    Explorer II
    Aug 29, 2019
    The only difference between a Ram 2500 & 3500 is the rear suspension. Other than that, exact same frame, engine, transmission, rear axle and brakes. The stock suspension should be good for easily another 500-750 lbs without the possibility of needing air bags or something similar.

    There is absolutely no reason that with a relatively few inexpensive modifications, you can't be in/near 1T capabilities regarding payload. At least that is my plan cause I have a `18 Ram 3/4T CTD. You might not want to go that high, but I chose the CP3 engine over the CP4.2 for longevity sake.
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Aug 29, 2019
    Get a price from a volume dealer and try to get a local dealership to match. If they do, great. If they don't, buy a plane ticket and go get your truck.

    Without trying to open up too much of a can of worms in the 250 vs 350 debate, being in NJ I would do some research on registration fees and other restrictions that may apply to a 10k+ lb GVWR vehicle. It wouldn't surprise me if it was one of the states where you might be better of with a 250 or a 350 with a 10k lb GVWR.

    A 2018 Ram 2500 has a 6500 lb RAWR. The payload on on any diesel 3/4 ton is low but that's meaningless so don't let that dissuade you if you can get a good deal. Also the 2018 Rams still use the reliable CP3 pump, not the time bomb CP4 in the 2019 Rams and all 6.7 Powerstrokes. If you can jump on a 2018 Ram CTD I'd do it fast.

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