Posted by Paul Cook on Sunday, November 21, 2004 at 2:19PM :
On the last Forum, #157, there was a thread about the Dodge 2005 POWER WAGON. Several Forum visitors agreed that it was not a good idea to buy one because it would depreciate in value while one they could build, refurbish, or restore would only increase in value.
On many past Forums, visitors agreed that Dodge should resume production of the original WDX-WM300 with an updated drive line. These and other Forum visitors constantly discuss “improving” the WDX-WM300 models to get them to run at interstate highway speeds.
I am really confused. We want Dodge to build us a modern version of the POWER WAGON but, when they do, some of you say, “Don’t buy it.” Obviously this has nothing to do with it having “flat fenders”. Not all of us are hung up on the traditional “flat fender” styling since there are many who have chosen “W” series trucks for their improved ride, creature comforts, and interstate highway speeds.
I, on the other hand, am one of those who prefer the traditional “flat fender” styling. I consider all 4x4 Dodges that share the 2WD style sheetmetal to be slightly less true to the POWER WAGON tradition. It’s not about performance off road or on the highway. It’s about seeing the truck a block away and knowing there’s a truck which was never built as anything other than a 4x4.
There was a time when that was true for Jeep vehicles. Now one has to read the fine print on Jeep advertisements. To make them seem more affordable, the ads show the prices of 2WD Jeeps even though they are pictured in off road scenes. How long will it be until 2WD Jeeps will be “Trail Rated” to help sell them to Governor Schwarzenegger’s “girly men”?
I will be 67 years old in a few weeks. I have ordered a 2005 Dodge POWER WAGON. I truly expect this is the last new truck I will ever buy. I know it doesn’t have “flat fenders” – just like the “W” series. It will never hold the same place in my heart as my WDX or my W300M.
I don’t need it. I have plenty of Dodge 4x4 trucks for going off road. It is the most impractical purchase I may ever make.
I wonder how many of you who advocate not buying a POWER WAGON and, instead, starting with an old truck say this because you honestly would not buy one - even if it fit into your financial priorities. I would hope that your arguments against buying a new POWER WAGON have nothing to do your not being able to afford it at this time.
I am doing this because I like POWER WAGONs. I want to park it in front of my new Kempner POWER WAGON Museum building – with my other POWER WAGONs. I want one more POWER WAGON.
See the 2005 POWER WAGON information on my web site - link below.
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