Order a new model or buy out of dealer stock

bubbadogg · 07-09-2004, 10:47 AM

Guys, I've ordered a new Titan in Red Brawn from my dealer, but fear that the Cash to Customer ($1 grand) special won't be available in the Fall (it could be more, as well). The advantage to ordering was that I could stock the new truck with the off-road package in my first color choice.

My off-road is primarily on sandy beaches and occassionally some Wasatch/Teton winter driving.

The dealer currently has a Titan CC LE in deep water, but it has no off-road package. The question is: do I stand by the order for my first color preference--and wait--or do I grab the second preference, sans the lockers and limited-slip differential (I can do the shocks later, myself) of the Off-road package. Does this package make a big difference in the sand and fairly deep snow or is it mostly for heavy towing and rock crawling?

TriKKy · 07-09-2004, 11:03 AM

I had same problem as you.

But if you have a 4x4 w/big tow, you only lose out on radiator skid plate, shocks, the e-lock differential, and wheels/tires. I went without it b/c less aggressive tires means less road noise and slightly better fuel. Shocks really add more travel, and the skid plate well I dunno, I know I wont FREQUENTLY offroad. So, if you will offroad a lot, and need these features get them, if not, they are a waste if you are getting 4x4, which I imagine you are doing since you are talking about some winter driving.

However, color is another issue entirely. I think that is your more important decision. Also, when buying such an expensive truck, I dont think the $1000 will really change things too much for you in the long run. Depending on financing it could be as little as $17/month.

Wake County Titan · 07-09-2004, 01:02 PM

I had the same issue. I liked the LE KC 4x4 in Red B. and Smoke and the dealer did not have any w/the off-road package in stock. The more I though about it, I actually prefer the look of LE wheels over the off road wheels. I also do little serious off roading, so the regular 4x4 with the big tow package was enough for me. I was also afraid of ride quality with the off road shocks. Majority of my time is on the highway. You always seem to get a better deal with dealer stock over ordering someting. I would get the color you like vs the off-road package, but again it's all about your needs for the truck.

TriKKy · 07-09-2004, 01:07 PM

Another thing to consider. If you special order, by the time you get your truck, the 05s will almost be out. If that is the case, any 04 would be cheaper and would more than make up for the 1K.

Face0ff26 · 07-09-2004, 02:32 PM

I struggled with that decision too, but finally ordered 4/4 and got her on 6/21 without the offroad or big tow packages. The e-locker is only really valuable if you doing some serious off-roading, or are hauling a heavy load somewhere that would need to be in 4-wheel drive, thus straining the differential. Also, the tires are different if you don't get the OF, less aggressive tread pattern for a smoother ride. The one thing I'm sad you lose is the 4:10 rearend. Without the OF, you get the 3:36. It's probably slightly better on gas, but that's already been debated. I just wish it had more punch off the line. So eventually I may just change the gears and add the oil pan skid plate for the times I get to the backcountry.

Titan4x4Aggie · 07-09-2004, 05:22 PM

no other dealers in town? the dealer i went to traded another dealer 90 miles away for a different titan so i could get the one i wanted...

TriKKy · 07-10-2004, 07:51 AM

Face, I think you are mistaken. You get the same ratio with either the big tow or the off-road. This is one of the reasons why upgrading to the off-road with the big tow is a little cheaper.

Face0ff26 · 07-10-2004, 08:31 AM

Trikky,
That's true, you get the 4:10 with either the OF or BT. But bubbadog has never said anything about the BT. Neither that he wanted it, or that it was on the dealer truck. I think our discussion is about whether or not to get the OF or not. BTW, I grew up in Fairport, how's things in Rochester?

TriKKy · 07-10-2004, 08:44 AM

OK, so Im an idiot and need to learn how to read hehehe.

Rochester? S'ok I guess. Cloudy a lot as you know :-) However, UR has gone from the #6 employer here to the #2 since all the big companies have laid off so there is a lot of depression here. I work at the hospital though, so I'm ok

bubbadogg · 07-12-2004, 06:25 AM

Guys, thanks for all of the great input.

Actually, BT was always part of package. I was just wondering if the off-road package makes a big difference in heavy snow conditions/deep sand. From what I'm reading on this really informative board, the tires are the biggest neg to the off-road. Most folks are saying that the Rancho's are fine on the highway, but the aggressive tread on the tires is a little rough.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the gee-whiz feature in the off-road package seems to be the electronic lockers, which would drive all four wheels. Now, I don't plan on rock-crawling @ Moab any time soon, but you've got to admit, this sounds like 'stick to the roof of you mouth' traction.

Yeah, my dealer has done some locates, but can't find anything in Red Brawn. I like deep water as well, but the color is too close to a Volvo clunker I once leased (yuck!). I should find out today if he locates anything close to spec.

Thanks again guys! I'll keep you all posted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Face0ff26

Trikky,
That's true, you get the 4:10 with either the OF or BT. But bubbadog has never said anything about the BT. Neither that he wanted it, or that it was on the dealer truck. I think our discussion is about whether or not to get the OF or not. BTW, I grew up in Fairport, how's things in Rochester?