Posted: Jul 15 2004 at 11:33am | IP Logged

I am in the market for a new Titan or a new Dodge Hemi.  I love the Titan and I would like to buy one instead of the dodge, however I am having a hard time finding one for close to the same price as the Hemi.  I can find a fully loaded quad cab Hemi 4X4 for $26k flat here in Denver.  I understand the value of the Titan, but to get one with similar options I am finding it to be more like $30k here.  Looking for sugesstions.  I will be leasing.

Posted: Jul 15 2004 at 2:14pm | IP Logged

When I went to purchase my truck I was able to get the Titan for around the same money as a comparable Hemi and not only that the interior room and quality far exceeded that of the Ram.  In the end its going to come down to what you like best, but make no mistake the Hemi is marketing hype its 40 hp advantage over the Titan seems nonexistant in some of the magazine acceleration tests.  Obviously I am biased because I own a Titan however I did give the Ram a fair chance i just know which one I liked better.  Infact I drove all the fullsize trucks on the market.  I recommend you do the same and pick what you love not just what you like.

Joey 

Posted: Jul 15 2004 at 4:12pm | IP Logged

Thanks for the info, and I hear ya on the hp claims of the hemi..the hemi actually feels as though there is less hp. 

I too have driven everything and those two trucks are the best for the money...but the Titan is what I want...I just hope I can afford it.  Hope to be part of the Titan crew soon!!

Posted: Jul 15 2004 at 4:40pm | IP Logged

Dont lease!!!!  Buy...I too was looking at the Hemi...but the interior is crap....I dont like vehicles with the steering column gear shifter.  The titan has a far superior interior and way more room....  But then again dodge has been around forever....I had a 1979 Dodge Ramcharger and drove the crap out of it.  Good luck....(get the Titan)

Posted: Jul 16 2004 at 9:56am | IP Logged

If you decide to lease do not worry about the MSRP of the truck. Different manufactures have different lease programs at different times. Look at the lease parameters that matter to you (money down, monthly payment, maybe the residual if you think you may buy at the end of the lease) As a rule of thumb, if you tend to want a new vehicle every 3, 4, or 5 years, and drive less than 20,000 miles per year it's probably cheaper to lease. If you plan to keep your truck a long time and/or drive more than 20,000 per year you should buy. Remember, no serious mods that you cant undo if you lease.

What's most important is to get the truck YOU really want. If you don't like the truck it doesn't matter what the price is. Do not let yourself say "I should have..." months or years from now.

As for the Dodge, it is a nice truck. It does use old technology such as a pushrod engine. The Hemi, no matter how fancy those TV commercials are, is no match for the Titan. On 2 separate occasions ( 4 total passes)race between the two at a closed  Nissan training event. Both trucks were each towing a car trailer with Armadas on them. The Titan was the easy winner. More power where you need it.

Good Luck with your purchase !

Dan

dodge    ( P )  Pronunciation Key  (dj) v. dodged, dodg·ing, dodg·es v. tr. To avoid. To evade by cunning, trickery, or deceit To blunt or reduce the intensity of

Posted: Jul 16 2004 at 4:29pm | IP Logged

this is incorrect. whether leasing or buying, it is important to establish the purchase price of the vehicle. if a dealer tells you the price of a lease is always based on msrp, run!, because they are lying. 

always tell the dealer you are undecided between leasing or buying, and it is always best to have your own financing before going to te dealer. i recommend capital one blank check financing.  you do the app online for the amount you want to barrow and the terms. if approved they send you a blank check good up to the amount. you go shopping ready to write a check, i luv seeing the dealers squirm when you have this kind of advantage. the dealer may be able to give you better but maybe not. it is always best for you the buyer to have total control of the numbers.

if you lease, remember you can get below or even at invoice when leasing, and it will lower your lease payment..

good luck and hope you get a TITAN..!

Posted: Jul 16 2004 at 8:42pm | IP Logged

What I said was to not worry about the MSRP (price of Dodge vs Nissan).

I did not say anything about trying to negotiate the price of a lease (Capitalization Cost). My point is that different lease companies have different lease parameters at different times. In this case Chrysler Motor Credit VS Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. Sometimes lease companies will adjust things like the money factor (rate) or residual. If Dodge wants to move more Rams they might increase the residual percentage to give a lower payment. That's great if you want a lower payment but not so good if you think you may want to buy at the end of the lease.

Some customers are only concerned with monthly payment. For those folks who do lease it's best for them to shop "total cash out of pocket", Term, and payment. Shop a few dealers and get the best one.

If you decide to finance it's best to shop rate at many banks. Do not just call your local bank and ask them the rate as they will almost always give you the lowest rate based on the best credit. Submit an application and get pre approved so you will know exactly what the can do for YOU, based on your credit.

Do not tell any car dealer straight out that you already have your own financing. Dealers make money on financing and this may cause them to not sell you the vehicle at the best price. Tell them you will be financing, but do not say where. After you agree on the price, tell them your best rate and see if they can beat it. Let the dealer do the financing even if they can match your rate. Even if the dealer can't mark the rate up most banks and lending institutions pay dealers $150-$250 for processing your paperwork. Some dealers may even split this profit with you lowering your purchase price.

Currently NMAC offers GAP insurance included in their leases. Also currently, if you are leasing you have a $500 credit to any excess tear and tear if you get another Nissan.

Now here's an inside tip, whether you lease or buy. IF you do have NMAC financing always make your payment on time. They have an automated pre-approval program. You can have a 480 Beacon (BAD) and will still have a pre-approval as long as you never have a late payment. So, if you run into financial difficulty, pay your car payment first.

For those of you who know how to calculate your own lease, here are the current NMAC Titan Lease programs for July 2004

King Cab
TERM   24  36  39  42  48  60
-----------------------------------
XE KC 59% 52% 51% 48% 43% 36%
SE KC 60% 52% 51% 48% 44% 37% 4x2

LE KC 59% 52% 51% 48% 43% 36%
XE KC 63% 55% 54% 51% 47% 39%
SE KC 61% 54% 53% 50% 46% 38% 4x4

LE KC 62% 55% 54% 51% 46% 39%

.00193 .00193 .00193 .00193 .00193 .00235 (corresponding money factors)

Crew Cab
TERM   24  36  39  42  48  60
-----------------------------------
XE 58% 50% 49% 46% 43% 38%
SE 57% 50% 49% 46% 42% 37% 4x2
LE 57% 50% 49% 46% 42% 37%

XE 62% 54% 53% 50% 46% 41%
SE 60% 53% 52% 49% 45% 40% 4x4
LE 59% 52% 51% 48% 44% 39%

.00185 .00185 .00185 .00185 .00185 .00235 (corresponding money factors)

Before you buy just remember, Information is Power.

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