Truck Advice

[ironforge]

If you were to buy a new or used truck..
which one would you get and why

Thinking about getting one.. don't mind if it is last years model.. a good deal has a lot of pull

looking for good reliability.. don't need to tow anything heavy(like a boat).. but would like some decent carry capacity.. good warranty is a must

[thekingofpain]

I just bought a new truck---I first was gonna buy a Ford since I owned one and liked the look---then my 30 year mechanic persuaded me into the Chevy---then I saw the Dodge Ram---and thats what I got, main reason its the only of the 3 completely re-designed for '02 and it shows it---I got it online from http://www.carsdirect.com and saved over 4k$ off the sticker getting exactly what I wanted...
Plus im 100% satisfied with my purchase :-)

[Richard Cranium]

then my 30 year mechanic persuaded me into the Chevy

You can get a new 2002 Chevy/GMC 1/2 Ton SWB regular cab loaded for about $23k or so.

I've seen many 88 up GM p/u's with over 200k miles and a few over 300k, most have the same driveline with very little maint.

Between GMC or Chevy should depend upon your dealer, locally the GMC dealer is by far superior to any other dealer in town, period.

If you plan to drive the wheels off the truck, then buy whatever(Dodge/Chevy) but if you plan to trade in a few years buy the GM product as they retain higher resale value after several years.
The Dodge holds good value for a couple of years.

just my $0.02 )

[desmocat]

Reliability=Toyota.
Their trucks get very good feedback on this as well as fit and finish.
Both the Tacoma (smaller) and the Tundra(mid ~full size) seem to get good marks.
I know several people who own both models, and none have had anything but praise for them.
I have a 97 dodge ram that I drive the wheels off of it, got like 146,000 on it now,with no problems as of yet.
If and when I get another, I think it will be a choice between a Dodge and Toyota.
Just about any of them are going to be good as long as you take resonable care of them. (the occasional lemon not withstanding, all of makers will make a P.O.S on a rare instance, they are built by humans.. )

[capybara]

Toyota Tacoma - only carries 750 pounds cargo and wont fit a full sheet of plywood between the wheelwells. 27 mpg and goes 105 mph.
toyota tundra: less mpg, more cargo than the tacoma.
full size american trux: only if you accept 10-15 mpg. i sure dont. in
your trucks lifetime, gas will go to
$2, $3, + more.

[originel]

for large trucks i'd say Ford (i really don't like GM's brakes, plus i've had bad experience with them). For small trucks i'd say Nissan cause i think they are a little bit better than they toyota (by a hair) and they cost much less. besides they look much cooler.

[krusty the klown]

If you want a US road shagger truck & don't want the 10mpg, then go for turbodiesel.

Newer Powerstrokes are much improved over the old, but it is essentially an old engine.

The Cummins 6cyl 24V is a fantastic engine with considerable tuning potential.

[Richard Cranium]

Later Model GM trucks with the 5.3 or 300 cu/in V8's get from 17-20 mpg around town.

My 88 with a 305 got 19 in town and 19-21 on the highway, not bad for a full size p/u

Well, in my experience you've got:

Ford = Comfort
Chevy = Power
Dodge = Even More Power
Toyota = Reliability

My off-road truck is an 88 Toyota Hi-Lux. I bought it with 110K on it and I've never had to replace anything that I didn't break (snapped a spark plug off in the head once - ouch).

One of my buddies has a 96 F150 and it's the most comfortable truck I've ever ridden in. Fords take a little to get used to driving in my experience. Probably because of their weird power steering setup. They just feel funny.

My uncle had a 96 Dodge Ram 1500. That truck was invincible and I've seen it pull stumps bigger than cars. Sick. Sick and wrong. Not too terribly uncomfortable either.

I think Chevy are smack dab in the middle of it all, being less comfortable than the Fords, less reliable (in my experience) than Toyota, and having a shade less power than the Dodges overall.

But right now, were I looking for a good, used, full-size, I'd be hunting for a 98+ Chevy 1500 with the 5.3. As Rich says, they get pretty dang good gas mileage for a 300+ CU motor, and believe me, they certainly don't have any lack of power. (dude with F150's dad has a 99 and we've beaten small motored sports cars to 60 with it - too bad they top out at 97MPH).

Anyway, just my opinion.

Krusty has a point too, diesels last forever and have some good power curve to 'em.

-Whir

[Epidemic]

Get a 4 door sedan and then go to the local lowes or home depot to rent there truck when you need it.

Save money on gas, transport 4 adults confortably, initial purchase price...

With the money you can rent a truck several dozen times annually.

heh I know logic cannot be used on truck people. I keep my logic during vehicle purchase time. I keep trying to buy a truck but stop myself last minute because 90% of trucks are wasted on their users. A mini van or a trailer or rentals are more than enough to do just about anything. So I have a trailer and a minivan. Seats 6, aint cool, But much more utility. If you don't have a business need for it you probably would be better off with the car.

Epidemic prepares to be flamed by all truck enthusiasts.