Sig File Change

[njoconnor]

About a year ago, Pat suggested we seriously consider reducing the size of "the fleet". Exempt from consideration was her Jeep GC and the Fiat. The other parameter was that the replacement had to be able to go to the dump with "stuff" (Jeep don't do dumps). I hemmed, hawed, and then pounded the internet for ideas. Used Dakotas were too pricey for the miles they had. I really liked the mileage of the Bimmer wagon, as well as the nice interior. Then, last summer, a possible solution (nice interior, good mileage, "does dump") appeared when Ram started shipping 1500 Eco-Diesels. Much dealer and web lurking ensued, until our regular MOPAR dealer had one with all my required goodies on it (and until it sat on his lot for 4 months with no takers!!):



The Longhorn package is a bit too "cowboy" for my usual taste (fancy stitching on the seats, barbed wire moldings on the floor slush mats, cow heads all over), but it had the leather, the diesel, and the 4 corner air suspension I wanted. After two weeks....I flat plain love it. Both rated and real world fuel mileage match the Bimmer, only diesel rattle is on start up and hard acceleration (which is very quick with its turbo), cruises as quiet/quieter than the Jeep, and has gobs of space, inside and out. Doesn't do on/off ramps as quick as the Bimmer (but that's why I have a Fiat!). Got fairly good trade in's on both old vehicles, some rebates, discounted packages, and they tossed in 0% to close the deal. A matching Lakeland bed cap is due in next week, and it's done. If plans continue, the Ram will be hauling the Fiat out to Pittsburgh this summer....

Took the picture last evening while I had the Fiat out for its monthly drive way run up. Ran STABIL and some HEET through the system yesterday to ward off issues. Started right up after a month of sitting. Sometime after January, I'm hoping to re-do the suspension (and I appreciate all the recent threads!!) and probably upgrade the headlights to H4/relays. And, yeah, finally get around to cleaning the engine compartment.....

Neil

[spiderrey]

Nice.

[seabeelt]

Neil, very nice. That may be my next truck, unless I rebuild the Dakota. Close to 300k miles and starting to get the body cancer in all the usual places.
R/

[njoconnor]

Mike, I seriously gave some thought to keeping the Dakota and using it as the project for the auto repair/body courses I plan to take after I retire (gotta use that GI Bill!!). But, the timing seemed right on this one from a lot of angles, so I made the change. If you get a chance, drive one.

Neil

PS: Now if someone here in Madison would get a 4C available......