Mark Dodge Thread

[SnowBlaZR2]

He's going to get back to me on Monday once he knows the price for the repair. Now that I'm recalling the conversation he said to me that "probably" the cost will be enough that I could cancel the order - agreeing with your point about minimum $1,000. I may talk to him more about options at that point. I wonder if I could get them to throw in a complimentary extended warranty. That would sweeten the deal considerably. Others have mentioned paint protection / ceramic coating. I confess I know nothing about those technologies, so I need to go do some research and learn about them

Gotcha. Above all, I'm certain Aaron will take care of you to the best of his abilities.

Reason I bring up some form of paint protection (PPF would be best if you aren't paying for it) is because you're going to essentially have two different paint jobs on the truck; one from the factory and one from the body shop. PPF would help stop the paint from wearing down and looking just a bit off. The way that some of these trucks I've seen have come from the factory, I also wouldn't be surprised if they have to do a full paint correction to get it to look right.

All that said, I'm admittedly CDO about my paint. A lot of people probably wouldn't notice it or care, especially if you don't think you'll keep the truck for 10 years.

Might be a hard ask to get something like the extended warranty. I think they're going to look at it like you're getting a "new" truck and that they fixed the issue. If any dealer would do it, I'm sure it would be Mark Dodge, but I don't know that even they would. The additional paint protection directly addresses the concern about the paint, so that might be an easier sell. Either way, can't hurt to ask.

 

[TSL]

Gotcha. Above all, I'm certain Aaron will take care of you to the best of his abilities.

Reason I bring up some form of paint protection (PPF would be best if you aren't paying for it) is because you're going to essentially have two different paint jobs on the truck; one from the factory and one from the body shop. PPF would help stop the paint from wearing down and looking just a bit off. The way that some of these trucks I've seen have come from the factory, I also wouldn't be surprised if they have to do a full paint correction to get it to look right.

All that said, I'm admittedly CDO about my paint. A lot of people probably wouldn't notice it or care, especially if you don't think you'll keep the truck for 10 years.

Might be a hard ask to get something like the extended warranty. I think they're going to look at it like you're getting a "new" truck and that they fixed the issue. If any dealer would do it, I'm sure it would be Mark Dodge, but I don't know that even they would. The additional paint protection directly addresses the concern about the paint, so that might be an easier sell. Either way, can't hurt to ask.

Is PPF the same idea as the "Paint Protection Film by Mopar" option that shows up on the Ram build page online ? I got the impression ( perhaps incorrect ) that over the years that would eventually fail, peel, delaminate and finish up looking worse than if it was never applied. I've sometimes seen older cars with some sort of a film peeling off the paint and it looks terrible. However, I'm sure since you're a person for whom paint finish is important, that you are not recommending something that delam's after a few years ! I'm sure it's a better technology than that, I'm just not up to speed on this subject.

 

[SnowBlaZR2]

Is PPF the same idea as the "Paint Protection Film by Mopar" option that shows up on the Ram build page online ? I got the impression ( perhaps incorrect ) that over the years that would eventually fail, peel, delaminate and finish up looking worse than if it was never applied. I've sometimes seen older cars with some sort of a film peeling off the paint and it looks terrible. However, I'm sure since you're a person for whom paint finish is important, that you are not recommending something that delam's after a few years ! I'm sure it's a better technology than that, I'm just not up to speed on this subject.

Not sure who Mopar uses or if they make their own, but yes, same type of product. Modern PPFs are a lot different from years past, especially if you go with a quality product like XPEL or the 3M Pro. These aren't the clear bras from Autozone that people put on in the 90s and called it good.

The benefit of PPF is that it takes the damage that your clear coat would normally take and if it does start to look worn you can take it off and replace it, while still having undamaged paint underneath. Much cheaper than repainting.

 

[g_force]

The hood, roof and door panel will be painted. The body shop guy is evidently a buddy of Aaron;s and wants to be sure the job is done right, especially since Stellantis is paying for this. It could be touched up, but its a better job to do the entire impacted panels.

Good paint repair is often better looking than the factory - less orange peel, more consistency - if you find a shop that will take the time to make it right. Presumably, Aaron's guy will make it right. But, in my experience, even great paint repair doesn't hold up as long as the factory paint. I don't know if its because the factory is able to bake the paint, the cleanroom like conditions the factory can achieve or what. But, I've never seen a repair that has held up 7-10 years.

If you intend to keep the truck more than 4-5 years, then order another and wait it out.

Or, you could just plan to have the paint repaired again some time in the future.

 

[GeorgiaBoy]

Is PPF the same idea as the "Paint Protection Film by Mopar" option that shows up on the Ram build page online ? I got the impression ( perhaps incorrect ) that over the years that would eventually fail, peel, delaminate and finish up looking worse than if it was never applied. I've sometimes seen older cars with some sort of a film peeling off the paint and it looks terrible. However, I'm sure since you're a person for whom paint finish is important, that you are not recommending something that delam's after a few years ! I'm sure it's a better technology than that, I'm just not up to speed on this subject.

Don't know about mopar but I put it on a Lexus in 2014....sold it in 2021. Was in perfect condition, no chips, peeling, discoloration etc.... Also don't have a clue what Lexus uses either. After that experience it goes on any new vehicle I buy!!

 

[TSL]

There's some scratching on the hood, on the roof, on one of the doors, on the plastic surround of one of the rear view mirrors and on the front bumper. It's now at a body shop and Aaron estimates it could be a month there. Mainly because they need to order replacement parts - the scratched plastic parts need replacing.

Just got a voice mail from Aaron that the parts are on hand and the work is going to be started on Monday !
So that is much faster than feared. Haven't had a chance to talk to him about PPF or anything yet.
I must say Aaron is very pro-active. He's called me 3 times this week to keep me updated. I haven't had to reach out to him for updates at all. I am impressed with the customer orientation, and it does confirm what many others on here have said previously about how MD does business.

 

[70runner]

I think one thing that might change in my calculus is that I was going to get it shipped ( I'll need a week off to fly down and drive it back to Oregon ), but thinking now maybe I should fly down and inspect it myself before taking delivery.

No maybe about it, fly-inspect-drive is the ticket, especially with the degree of repair work. I see you're in Oregon, too bad Bud Clary is no longer a factory order discount option for west coasters.

 

[SnowBlaZR2]

Just got a voice mail from Aaron that the parts are on hand and the work is going to be started on Monday !
So that is much faster than feared. Haven't had a chance to talk to him about PPF or anything yet.
I must say Aaron is very pro-active. He's called me 3 times this week to keep me updated. I haven't had to reach out to him for updates at all. I am impressed with the customer orientation, and it does confirm what many others on here have said previously about how MD does business.

Glad to hear Aaron's on top of it, but of course not surprised.

I know this situation sucks, but I think it's yet another reason Mark Dodge is killing it. As you said, they could've easily done what I think a lot of dealers would've done. Give the kid who washes cars a paint pen and hope you don't notice. There's nothing Aaron could have done to prevent the damage, but he's doing everything he can to make sure it's corrected the right way.

Don't know why anyone who knows about Mark Dodge would buy a Ram anywhere else at this point.

 

[SnowBlaZR2]

My email said, "This particular vehicle exceeds a system parameter for auto-bid. One of our agents will be in contact with you shortly with an offer." and their response was, "What would it take".

Did you respond? A TRX to drive while you wait for another brand new truck sounds like a sweet deal to me.

 

[aussie_ram]

Just another thinking point ... if you are only going to keep the truck a few years, think about the diminished value if you try and sell to a dealer or trade in etc. Most legit 2nd hand car buyers will check the paint with depth instrument so you'll probably either have to disclose what work was done, or not tell and hope they don't check paint depth. Likely less money in your pocket though if you do disclose/they do find out, even though it doesn't cause any issues.

 

[Highwayman]

Got my VIN! Now I just wait and live vicariously through everyone receiving their trucks.

 

[TSL]

Just another thinking point ... if you are only going to keep the truck a few years, think about the diminished value if you try and sell to a dealer or trade in etc. Most legit 2nd hand car buyers will check the paint with depth instrument so you'll probably either have to disclose what work was done, or not tell and hope they don't check paint depth. Likely less money in your pocket though if you do disclose/they do find out, even though it doesn't cause any issues.

So Aaron's voicemail today said that total value of the repairs is just under $3k and "nothing needs to be reported to Carfax". Obviously that's a concern if there's a repair listed for the vehicle in terms of its resale value. That's interesting about a paint depth instrument - learn something new every day on this forum !

 

[aussie_ram]

So Aaron's voicemail today said that total value of the repairs is just under $3k and "nothing needs to be reported to Carfax". Obviously that's a concern if there's a repair listed for the vehicle in terms of its resale value. That's interesting about a paint depth instrument - learn something new every day on this forum !

Just something to think about. I wouldn't say it's a deal breaker, as you can always sell privately (no one is going to bring a paint measurement device to a private sale I don't think). I just know that Carmax and some of the websites (vroom.com etc) will go over a car a bit more finely than soem guy off Facebook marketplace. A buddy of mine had a small ding on his passenger door from when his Mrs scraped a pole, but the whole door had to be repainted and blended into the rear quarter ... he paid for it out of pocket so doesn't show on Carmax, but anyone with a paint measuring device would know straight away.

 

[tomme12]

I flew in yesterday on the 10:54am flight. Maurice from MD was there to pick me up along with a few other folks who were also getting their trucks as well! (Austin and Oklahoma) Picked us up in a brand new Grand Wagoneer, super nice ride to the dealership.
Once we got there, it was quite amazing. Half the lot he said was already sold awaiting pickup. They move about 100 units a week (not just trucks).
My Rebel was waiting out front all set to go. Aaron came out and shook my hand. He was running the well oiled machine and ensure everyone was getting into their new trucks who came on the flight. Super nice guy.
Maurice took me over my truck inside and out. He was super nice and funny. Great asset to MD for sure. We signed a couple docs and off I went headed back to Charlotte, NC, about 900 miles.
Filled her up with 87 (yes, I know, should have been 89) and took it easy for about 300 miles. Averaged around 17-18mpg. Got off the hwy a few times, took a few back roads, hit some slow traffic.
I then got stuck in crappy traffic in Baton Rouge, lots of stop and go and finally let up and was apply to drive her a little harder. But MPH dropped when doing 80-85 as expected.

Took a snooze at a rest top before Montgomery, AL for a bit and then just got back to Charlotte area around 11am. Easy drive, but boring. Overall impression is the truck is very comfortable, more a luxury SUV. I did drain the tank down and filled with 89 for the last 100 miles to see if any difference. Saw light increase... probably should have put it in to begin with, just forgot.
Android Wireless, little flakey, used my cord instead. Worked great
12" interface is really nice, easy to work with
Lane assist works well, does keep you in the lane (have it on another car to compare)
Adaptive Cruise.. pretty good, some improvement while changing lanes it does not accelerate it actually gets into the lane, otherwise holds well

900 miles later, happy Ram owner. Good people at MD.

 

[aussie_ram]

Overall impression is the truck is very comfortable, more a luxury SUV.

Same thing I've said to everyone since I picked it up, and everyone that's been in the truck. Very comparable with current luxury SUV's on the market

 

[SnowBlaZR2]

Android Wireless, little flakey, used my cord instead.

This was my experience as well at first. The last couple weeks, the wireless connection seems to be a lot more reliable.

 

[GeorgiaBoy]

Same thing I've said to everyone since I picked it up, and everyone that's been in the truck. Very comparable with current luxury SUV's on the market

Yep!! A buddy that's 6' 3" got in the rear seat drivers side and he had 5-6" of room between his knees and the back of the seat. That was with the drivers seat all the way back!! Also a couple of in-laws that are, lets just say, largest had MORE than enough room. The were in my GMC a week earlier and commented how roomy the RAM is! (they appreciated the running boards too!)

 

[GoTide]

Just tried givemethevin. Their offer range was 30,610-32,617. Carmax was at 37,500.

I really hate where I live...

Same hear. GiveMeTheVin offered $32,000-35,000. CarMax offered $37,800. A local dealership is running an offer that they will beat a written CarMax offer by $2000, so that's $39,800 -

 

[nc_beagle]

Yep!! A buddy that's 6' 3" got in the rear seat drivers side and he had 5-6" of room between his knees and the back of the seat. That was with the drivers seat all the way back!! Also a couple of in-laws that are, lets just say, largest had MORE than enough room. The were in my GMC a week earlier and commented how roomy the RAM is! (they appreciated the running boards too!)

My wife can almost stick her feet straight out in the air in the back seat without hitting the front seat.

 

[testcrewman]

My wife can almost stick her feet straight out in the air in the back seat without hitting the front seat.

We don't need to hear what you and your wife are doing in the back seat.