How to Pick a Pickup

Nancie · October 1997

My parents are looking for pickup truck. They've sorted out the
reasons why they need one, but it's hard to know which make and models
to look at first. Of course, we'll start here on edmunds.com by
looking at the picks for hottest trucks. But, a little feedback from
other truck owners would be helpful. Any ideas? What things should
my parents keep in mind before beginning their search? Which make and
model would you steer us to first?

Motormouth · October 1997

Hiya, Nancie...

Well, I'd need to know a little more about what their intended use
is. For example, if they plan on hauling a 5th wheel trailer, they'd
better go for a full-size, beefed-up suspension with the biggest
engine available. I'd also recommend 4-wheel drive.

However, if they are like many folks who simply want a utility
vehicle that also hauls "stuff," then perhaps a 6 cylinder short-bed
will do the trick.

If, like my friend Snake, they just want to look cool and impress the
neighbors, they need professional help or, like Snake, perhaps
incarceration.

Assuming that's not the case, however, there's a whole world of
differences in what's available. That's the wonderful thing about
trucks: Each manufacturer makes something for every application, and
the name on the hood is often the only thing in common with the rest
of their line.

If you can give me some examples of what they're going to rely on the
truck for, I'd be happy to make recommendations, as I'm sure other
visitors to the site will also be happy to do.

Motormouth

Nancie · October 1997

Hi, Gerry. My mother is a professional furniture mover...not that she makes money at this. She just likes to rearrange furniture and she's got lots of it. She's apt to move everything in her living room from her home in Delware to her beach place in Maryland just for a change. Then, of course, there's the furniture she "lends" me from the furniture lending library.

Really, some of this is true. Mom and Dad like to move end tables, a chair now and again...presents for the grandkids. They antique so they like being able to take things home right away at those auctions.
So...what do you say? Any suggestions? All are welcome.

Motormouth · October 1997

Well, Nancie, considering the amount of furniture she moves, and the distance, I'd recommend she go with a full size pickup with a V-8 engine.

Howeverm, since you can't always plan on the weather cooperating, she may want to consider a full-size SUV. You can haul lots of stuff in the full-size ones, plus you don't have to have an additional "family vehicle."

On the other hand, if she's hauling sizable items (like sofas etc.), she'd be best to stay with the idea of a good ol' Pickup... and just be sure to hold on to enough change to buy a good tarp to cover everything with.

In the Pickup category, I'd recommend she look at the Dodge Ram. Truly, all the major manufacturers have good products, but for some reason I am just drawn to the Ram like a moth to a flame. It is a think of beauty and, with the V-8, should be more than able to handle what your folks give it, and it will be all smiles.

Check out the New Trucks section and you'll see that it can be a bit pricey to purchase new, so they may want to check into a lease.

Oh, one more thing: I'd recommend staying away from the 4x4 in any truck unless you REALLY NEED IT. It adds significantly to the cost of operation plus the insurance is a lot higher!

I hope this helps.

Anyone else have some suggestions for Nancie's folks?

beercan · November 1997

Hi Nancie;
I guess I am like your dad I just like driving a pickup. Like the song states I'm a pickup man. I have ordered a 98 Dodge 1500 club cab long box with a V8 . I did not order 4wheel drive or the Quad doors because I don't think I need them. I looked at the Ford but they look kind of Whimpish looking so I picked the Dodge. I do not even consider General Motors they only make city pickups

rportello · December 1997

My apologies if this is a repeat question to those of you out there. I am looking to buy a new pickup in the spring of '98' and have narrowed my choices to the Dodge Ram Quad Cab or the Ford F150 Extended cab w/third door. I am partial to Ford vehicles but really liked what I saw when I went and test drove the Dodge. There is no question that it's features and look are superior to the Ford but my real concern is in the reliability of the engines in either of the vehicles. Anyone out there have an opinion on which truck is the most reliable. I realize I will hear from biased Ford and Dodge owners, please share your war stories with either maker. I have heard far to many war stories about Dodge transmissions and would like to have a better idea how prevelant these problems are. Thanks to any one who responds.

Rick

richflynn · December 1997

Interesting comment, rportello. I recently looked at the Dodge Quad door. I almost fell in love (ALMOST, I SAID!) with the truck. The only thing that saved me was no diesel was available at the time. The ride was ROUGH, especially on the CA concrete freeways. I bounce fairly badly in my F-250, even with softened rear springs. Then I saw the picture of the '98 F-250 HD shown at SEMA in Las Vegas. The 7.3 l diesel specs were listed as 500 ft/lbs of torque and almost as much bhp as the 7.5 l gas engine. The article in Autoweek (11/17 or 24) said that it was to have a quad door arrangement. Everyone has said that the ride of the SLA suspension of the new style Ford is like going from a truck to a Towncar(?).

Anyway, I'm waiting to be able to order the new Ford model.

Rich

rportello · December 1997

Rich,

Thanks for your response, it's the kind of feed back I am looking for before I purchase. I took
a look at the F250 HD and was very impressed. It
sounds like you lean more towards buying Ford. I am sure I will end up buying Ford again but I wanted to get the general feeling from pickup truck owners, how Dodge rates out there. The
Ram series of Trucks is the first Dodge truck in a long time that has turned the heads of Ford owners that I know. My brother-in-law was a die hard Ford truck owner and swore he would never buy another truck other than Ford. It really surprised me when he said he was considering a Ram Pickup. I quess I want to make sure I am not overlooking a potentially better vehicle. I am an engineer and my nature is to research things to death, especially the quality and reliability aspects of a product. My gut feel is that Ford has been and will remain the most reliable truck on the road. Any opinions agreeing or disagreeing are welcome. Thanks again Rich

Rick

daihatsubill · December 1997

I have been looking at the big 3 trucks,too. The Chevy/GMC is really beginning to show its age, and I plan to hang onto this truck for a while. I think the Ram is the best looking truck out there, but I don't like the fact that the V-8s are actually the old 318 and 360 cube gas hogs from the sixties.
I've spoken to a few people with their new trucks, and according to them (and the EPA stickers), an F-150 with the new V8 gets the same gas mileage as a V6 Dakota! Overall, I think I'm sold on the Ford. I would appreciate any comments.

mharde2 · December 1997

Im with you diahatsubill. When you drive the others, they are nice, but there just seems to be something missing. You just don't feel the quality that you feel in a Ford. If you know what I mean...

rportello · December 1997

daihatsubill,

Interesting comments, I WAS only considering the F150 or the Dodge Ram series trucks for my purchase in the spring. I agree with you on the look of the Dodge Rams, they are the best looking truck, but I have heard way to many bad stories about Dodge Trucks in general and believe me I have asked a great number of people their opinion.
If it wasn't problems with the transmission it was problems with the brakes, uncharacteristic tire wear due to alignment problems, I mean just too many things to even mention. To be fair, I have heard problem stories about all trucks made out there but most have been about the Dodges. I will be going with the Ford, I own an Explorer and have had good luck so far with it. Besides that I have at least five friends that have owned or still own F150s and they all say they would buy another one. I haven't heard that yet from the Dodge owners I talked to. My apologies to the Dodge owners out there, these are my opiniions and I welcome one and all to disagree or even give me a reason to reconsider the Dodge.

Rick

Motormouth · December 1997

I am a big fan of the new Dodge Ram series, and I would consider buying one unless I heard a lot of the stories you relate; but I've heard only a few. In Dodge's defense, however, these were stories that were NOT from the owners, but stories "so-and-so heard from so-and-so. Most of the stories I've seen here are also just that: stories that have been passed on from one person to another. And stories have a way of getting embellished as they get passed from one person on to the next.

However, here's a story from the person who experienced it FIRST HAND this past week-end:

I was moving some items from a home in Maine back to Massachusetts. My Jeep Cherokee got stuck trying to pull the trailer up the tiniest incline as I was leaving. Poor weight distribution of the load? Nope. Disconnected the trailer and was still barely able to move up the incline. Stopped over at a friend's house and he lent me his 1996 Ford 4x4 F-150. I hooked up the trailer to it, and walked right out of the driveway, up a snow covered driveway and onto the pavement. No sweat. Oh, by the way, he already has 73,000 miles on the 96 F-150. He swears by it, and I can see why.

As for my Cherokee? Well, it's nice for groceries. And as for the Dodge, don't get me wrong... I appreciate your comments. But I want to hear those criticisms from a few more owners to see if it's a trend rather than possibly just a bad truck or two.

wantaf150 · December 1997

Reference the comments about Dodge's problems: I truly believe Chrysler has a problem with quality control of their products (too many new vehicles fielded in too short a time). I own a 1995 Dodge Caravan and the automatic transmission needed to be rebuilt after 25,000 miles (I did not tow anything; no heavy loads either). One of my friends owns a 1995 Plymouth Voyager and his tranny needed rebuilding after 36,000 miles. Another friend had major problems with the brakes/tranny with his 1995 Dodge Ram Pickup. And, at least two Consumer magazines I've read highlight the problems Chrysler has had with its vehicles. I realize that the Caravan and Voyager have been around since the Mid-eighties, but they are Chrysler products. There are at least two other people I know who have had similar problems with their Chrysler vehicles. It is because of these cases that I will not consider the Dodge Ram as a truck I would care to own ("Dodge" is "Dodge", whether it's a Ram or Caravan). What really drove home the "point" was the Chrylser rep in Dearborn, MI telling me ...."sir, it is still under warranty".... I guess that may be a solution as far as they are concerned, but it makes it easy for me to decide. My Dodge was taken in to the dealership ten times during a two-year span. Buyer beware! Hello, Ford F-150!

hardrunner · December 1997

All these bad Dodge notes are scaring me. I was strongly considering a 98 Dakota. I liked the Ford F150 super cab better but it costs a lot more. Also gas mileage may be better on the Dakota.

deisel · December 1997

I just got back from a dealership in ashboro n.c.
My dad who is an ex-dealer (chevy) went with me to
look and help. I drove one used 5-speed standard
and cranked up another automatic the big dodge
with the cummins engine took about 5 or 6 trys to
crank and it worried me. I heard someone say that
a dealer can pull the VIN and find out about any
warrenty problems on a vehicle will they do that for a possible sale too?? Can a dealer decline a
request for such a thing?? I'd like to know

spi · December 1997

My father just bought a '97 Dodge RAM this spring.
It is a 1500 with the 360 V-8. Right away, he began to have problems with the front axle making "grinding noises" when he turned slow tight corners in town. Dodge replace the axle and hasn't had any more noises, but shortly after that, his fuel pump started acting up and the pump wasn't keeping the fuel line primed. Had to crank for 10 seconds before the engine would start. Replace by dealer and since has had no problems. Was deer hunting last weekend and did some heavy 4 wheeling and the RAM performed great in some heavy snow and mud. But with the mechanical problems he had with a brand new truck, it kind of makes you wonder.

phyllis · December 1997

Seasons Greetings, Everyone! Being new to chat lines I'm still just figuring out how everything works. The old '88 E-150 is just about done in. 225000 plus miles and pretty much the only problems have been because an ex-boyfriend drove it over a retaining wall and the front end just was never the same. So I'm looking into a new F-150. Sorry those Dodges are dirt ugly. I'll need to pull a horse trailer occasionally and transport my sorry butt for a 35 mile one way commute everyday. My brother-in-law says I should be in an automatic. I lean to manual transmission. 4.6L 5speed manual OD comes standard. Is this going to be enough for the hills of New England?

farmer · December 1997

I have a 3/4 ton light duty, 5 speed, extended cab, 2wd, short bed, silverado package, only 35,800 miles...what is it worth...i bought in march of 96 but it is a 95.....
i want a new one, 1/2 ton, 5 speed optional, 4wd, silverado package, short bed, 3rd door...what should i pay...i will probably get a 97 on a 98 lot...it seems they want to get rid of them....i have to look a bit but thats how i got my last one...

RGJD40 · December 1997

Well, for my two bits worth, you need to buy a chevy. the ford and chevy are close on quality but the chevy has a little stronger engine since they brought out their vortex designs. that 350 cu is a very strong and reliable engine and should out last most others on the road. ford has a new engine that is a 5.4 liter but not enough info on that one yet. its hard to belive they have it rated at 330 lbs torque, same as the chevy 5.7 liter. course the chevy has more hp.
chevy rides very well too and for a 10 yr old design, i still think is the neatest looking truck on the road. when i bought my '94 3/4 ton, i was going to buy a ford, but the chevy pulled another 500 lbs than the ford and I needed that to pull my travel trailer.
keep in mind that a 2 wheel drive will pull heavier trailers than a 4 wheel drive and a 1/2 ton will pull heavier loads than 3/4 ton. thats because the 4wd and 3/4 ton weigh more which takes away from the weight of the trailer it will pull.
have fun with what ever u buy.

DARKWING · December 1997

JUST A NOTE ON THE DODGE. A CO-WORKER OF MINE A BOTH A DODGE DISEL AND A FORD DISEL BOTH FAIRLY NEW. SHE HAS HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH HER DODGE (I THINK THE TRANSMISSION) AND HASN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH HER FORD. MY DAD HAS ONE OF THE NEWER STYLE DODGES AND TO MY KNOWLEDGE HASN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS YET. I PERSONALLY LIKE THE STYLE OF THE NEW DODGES BUT DEEP IN HART I AM A FORD MAN. IN REALITY I'LL DRIVE ANYTHING THAT IS DEPENDABLE. THAT'S THE PROBLEM SOMETIMES BECAUSE EVERY MAKE AND MODEL HAS THEIR LEMONS AND NON-LEMONS. YOU JUST HAVE TO TRY TO PICK A VEHICLE THAT STATISTICALLY SPEAKING HAS FAR LESS LEMONS, AND HOPE.

DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO PULL UP CONSUMER REPORTS ON THE INTERNET? IF YOU DO PLEASE LET ME KNOW, I THINK IT WILL GREATLY HELP MYSELF AND A LOT OF US IN MAKING A DECISION ON WHICH VEHICLE TO PURCHASE.
I AM LOOKING AT BYING AN 89-92 FORD RANGER X-CAB 4X4 WITH 4.0 ENGINE. ANY COMMENTS?

Motormouth · December 1997

Sorry I missed your note earlier, farmer, but if you look around our site, you will see you can click on "Used Vehicles" in the upper left hand corner of THIS page. It will take you to an area where you can check the value of your used vehicle.

Or, click on this hot link:
Used Car Buyer Information

Darkwing... same thing. You can check reviews of any vehicle you want. Click on USED VEHICLES, then select the year and make of the vehicle you are interested in, then look for the hot link to articles and reviews of the vehicle.

If you want to check out reviews for NEW VEHICLES, do the same thing but after you have clicked on "NEW VEHICLES."

Good luck!

patric1 · December 1997

Nancie,
I have read the responses to your note of Oct. 12, 97. I am wondering if a truck was purchased yet and if so what make? I am planning to purchase a 1997 Ranger 2WD, but I honestly do not know what is good out there. Salesmen all say their product is the best. What did your parents use to decide which vehicle was worth buying?

This is the first time I have used a conference room so if I have stepped on anyone's toes, I am sorry. Thanks.

xrayjay · December 1997

could some one pass on any usefull advise concerning the Mazdas line of trucks the 2500 and/or 3000 series

idgie · January 1998

Darkwing,
Consumer Reports just went online but you have to subscribe to get their reports. I use the library to compare their ratings on pickups.

Motormouth · January 1998

There's a lot of info to be had on the Mazda products right here. You just have to make a little effort to get to it.

Start at New Vehicles, then click on the hot link to Mazda. Then, from the Mazda area, click on the model you're interested in.

When that page comes up, you will see lots of info available, including articles that have been written etc.

bigdog · January 1998

Hello I am also in the market for a new truck. I am looking for a 4 door gas ford or chev. I took a spin in both ,The chev is so much smother and the ford is more money. I need help...:-(

dburrow · January 1998

You know, you guys sure seem to know a lot of people with Dodge horror stories. Of the dozens and dozens(maybe hundreds) of Dodge owners I talk to every year, I have made note of exactly two people who have had these kinds of problems. I personally think that the big three trucks all have advantages and disadvantages, and it comes down to individual preferences. I will say this, however. If I was going to do a lot of towing, I would lean toward the Ford F 250 deisel because of the Allison transmission.

bulldog1 · January 1998

xrayjay - The Mazda trucks are Ford Rangers with different bodywork. Mechanicals are the same - made by Ford. They started this with the last restyling of the Ranger (not counting the '98 model restyle).

brucec32 · January 1998

consumer reports recommended the Ranger in that class of truck.

beltao · January 1998

....D I E S E L.....

alook · January 1998

Hi folks. Looking for owner's info on the mpg & reliability of 4 cylinder Ford Rangers, '95-'96.

alook · January 1998

Oops... I forgot to add "automatic" transmission to my question about the Ford Ranger's mpg & relability--also, any leads on finding Jack Gillis' "Car Books" on line?

wilt · January 1998

can any one tell me if the chev vortec has more power than the reg. 350, and are they as reliable, also gas milage?

N/A · January 1998

to all - to those that say dodge has so many problems...i say those are the breaks...i bought my first car when i was 19, a shiney new dodge omni i owned it for 10 years and put 188,000 miles on it without a problem and those who called me a fool are still scratching their heads. given the chance i would have loved to bought another dodge product but dodge saw too it, via their pricing, that i would not get that chance. for some of us price is a magor consideration when purchasing a new truck. i needed a 4x4 since i live in the northeast and need to get to school everyday. the 1997 nissan truck (i bought a 1996, but the same holds true for the 97's) is a good solid truck and they are still at the dealers! the 1998 frontier is now out and not nearly as attractive as the older trucks. i bought my 4x4 for $14,500 (msrp nearly $18,000) with no trade, they want to get rid of these reliable trucks...yes they are 4cyl. and harsh around the edges but they are trucks...where today will you find a NEW 4x4 w/ ac, ps, cruise, am/fm cass, alloy wheels, and did i mention 4x4 ability for that price?
they won't give it to you but if you work them you to can get a similar discount also...good luck

avagadro

ps.
no i am not a salesman, not do i play one on TV...nissan wasn't the truck i wanted (tacoma or dakota x-cab), but it was very affordable.

cya

N/A · January 1998

pps.
thank-you edmunds for maintaining this sight...the info you provide here is fantastic!!!

cya,
avagadro

jlflemmons · January 1998

With regard to the Vortec 5.7 (350 ci). It has a LOT more power than the previous 350's. I have owned a '93, '94, and now a '96 GM trucks and the difference is phenomenal. The gas mileage is about the same, 14 in town, 16-18 on the highway. The huge difference shows up when I am towing my 7000lb trailer. I got rid of the '94 because it couldn't pull the trailer without serious rpms on even modest hills. The '96 will pull the trailer at 60-65 without breaking a sweat. I have had the truck about a year and a half and have 22k miles on it. Other than a blown fuel pump at 16k miles, and using a Mazda Protoge' for a hockey puck after the driver slammed on his brakes on a green light in the rain while I was towing the aforementioned trailer, I have had no problems.

Jim

Motormouth · January 1998

Thanks for the compliment. We're glad to provide this site for our members. Please pass the word on to your friends that there's a site they can get all kinds of info, be it cars, trucks, SUVs etc.

jackr · January 1998

I have driven and crawled all over the new ford "super duty" 3/4 and 1 tons and driven a lot of Dodge trucks of same ratings. The fords were at a dealer only show that I crashed. The fords have good points: 4 wheel disc brakes, 5 step ladder frame, quiet and powerful V-10 that should get 16 mpg plus, but they have drawbacks too: tiny back seat in the extended cabs, cheap looking mirrors, fit and finish is poor inside even in the leather lariat. For my money and needs (3000 pound camper and sometimes 4 horse trailer) the best deal is the new 24 valve Cummins diesel. About the same cost as the powerstroke but a better engine with a torque "plateau", not a torque curve of 460 lb.ft. from 1200 to 2700 RPM. They have a totally new computer controlled engine and fuel pump arrangement that increases HP and allows the broad torque curve. Get the 5 speed for serious towing and less maintenance and repair. The interiors are much nicer, with a real back seat and the leather models are really super. The Cummins is noiser, but the new 24 valve engine is 2 to 4 decibils quieter than the old. Payload ratings on the ford are sky high and not justified by the spring and rear end ratings. They probably increased it due to the 4 wheel disk brakes. See the Cummins.com web site and do a search on Dodge pickups, and especially read the Turbo Diesel Registry quarterly magazine. You will become a believer. I used to hate the old Dodge but I have really come around. Finally you can buy the Dodge for $300 less than invoice by asking around and using the $500 commercial or Farm Bureau discount. The Ford guys want $1500 or 5% over invoice cause the units are new. But they are not that great.

jackr

lowchev · January 1998

I'm looking into buying a '95-'96 Chevy S-10 with a V-6 Auto. Are these reliable trucks? I've checked various sources with conflicting answers. I'd also like to lower the truck 3"/4"; how is the ride? I want to a truck with a lowered stance, but still want some travel in the suspension. Any words of wisdom would be much appreciated

MrEd · January 1998

Looking into buying a 98 full size Extended Cab pickup. I would like the lowdown on which manufacturer has offers the best product for the money now. I'm considering all four, Chevy, Dodge, GMC & Ford.

mharde2 · January 1998

Well MrEd, You might whant to wait untill this Fall. Chevy, GMC, and Ford will have an all new line of trucks. The 98 Dodges got new interiors, much nicer than last years, and a new 24 valve turbo diesel engine. Fords's new heave duties will be hitting the lots around March. Chevy will have 3 new engines comming out, a 6.0L V8 to top the list. Some exterier body changes as well. It will be an exciting year for truck buyers. I just ordered mine, Dodge Quad Cab, Turbo Diesel, 3\4 ton short bed.
Good luck and have fun!

Motormouth · February 1998

Lowchev,

The S-10s are good little trucks, but what happens is sometimes people that are too cheap to buy the full-size truck try to use the S-10s for tasks that shouldn't be done on anything BUT a full-size truck.

I'm always seeing people in S-10s & Rangers trying to pull large trailers, other vehicles, boats etc.

The 6 cylinder just isn't meant to deal with that kind of load.

Chances are the majority of complaints you hear are from those who expected too much from their mid-size pickup.

bnesb · February 1998

I am looking at buying the dodge dakota sport, with the V-8 upgrade. What I am looking for is someone that knows alot about trucks or owns one of these. So that maybe they can help me in my decision on what to purchase. Email with the info thanks, or post on here.

Thanks, Bnesb
bnesb737@nextsteps.com

Brutus · February 1998

I currently own a 92 Ford F250 XLT 4x4. I'm planning to trade it in on one of the new 1999 Superduty trucks later this year. I'm trying to figure out the pros and cons of getting an F350 over an F250. I don't currently do a lot of towing, but I will likely own the truck for 10+ years and forsee a camper on back and boat in tow. I'm confident the F250 will do the trick, but if the extra dollars aren't a consideration, are there any other reasons I shouldn't consider the F350?

rite3 · February 1998

Brutus, For the extra grand or so, get the 350. Look in your sunday paper in the classifieds and you will see why. The 250s are a dime a dozen and with 45 configurations availible in the 99s many of which have never been done before, the higher resale alone makes it worth it. I have never seen a supercab short box F350, Let alone one with four doors in the sc. I saw in your post your going to keep the thing awhile but just incase you ever wanted to dump the thing, I really feel the 350 would fetch at least 2k to3k more when it comes time to sell it. I got that grand more thing from the 1999 info I've seen at jasons powerstroke page. If you havent been there yet, go. You will not be dissapointed.

mharde2 · February 1998

Brutus, If you are thinking about getting a slide in camper, get the 350 dully. The slide in campers are nice, but weight arounr 3600 lbs. Thats the way to go though if you want a camper and tow a boat too.

lwf · February 1998

Brutus,

I don't know where you are, but I saw the word
"Meadowlands", so it sounds like NJ. I posted
some comments in the "Welcome" conference under

I'm a car salesman PLEASE HELP

where there are a lot of complaints about car salesmen and price gouging, because I found a couple of Ford dealers in NJ who seemed to treat me well with low prices right off the bat, and no haggling. With one, you won't even have to leave
your chair. He'll give you prices over the net.
You may want to check it out before you buy.

Brutus · February 1998

I actually just got a job transfer to Dallas from Southern California where I had lived for the past 4 1/2 years. I bought my truck in Anchorage Alaska, which is where I've spent about 18 years. I've got eight years in Florida and four in Ohio, but that's another story. My reference to Meadowlands was a website I found as a link from Jasons Powerstroke site. I believe it is a dealership in Iowa or Illinois. They have several pictures of the truck from a recent show in San Antonio, and they had links to detailed invoice and MSRP pricing. The Jason Powerstroke page was recommended by several people in this "Townhall" forum. As for the salesperson issue, going through a service like the one Edmunds offers (I believe it is Auto-Tel) eliminates the salesperson and the corresponding commission. As long as you know what you want, you can avoid the hassle of a salesperson. At the same time, the demand for a vehicle is still going to dictate how much over dealer invoice you have to pay. The new trucks are in demand, but I've heard conflicting stories about what to expect.

Deke · February 1998

I've been trying in vain to get some feed-back on the '98 S-10 Extended Cab, auto trans. with the 4 cyl Vortec engine. It seems to have enough pep, but will it last past the warranty? It will be used primarily as a commuter vehicle, and light hauling on the week-ends - no towing. The V6 really zooms, but it doesn't get very good mileage and it costs about a grand more. Which engine should I choose? Any comments?

lowchev · February 1998

Thanks for the Advice Motormouth. I'm just going to use the truck to commute with- an urban cowboy if you will. I wanted a vehicle that had plenty of aftermarket parts and didn't look like the standard econo box Detroit is putting out these days. After owning a '57 chev, and '72 monte,well, I like 'em big and boxy.

mikesh · February 1998

I'm looking to buy a Ford Ranger Supercab. I want it primarily for hauling the stuff every homeowner needs. 2x4's, lumber, bushes etc.
I'll also use it mostly in the winter during snow and bad weather.
This is my first time buying a pick-up. Should I get the XL or XLT? What about relibility, and winter traction? Is it too small?

Any help?

How to Pick a Pickup

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles