How to Pick a Pickup

mswitzer · August 1998

I'm going to buy a new 99 Dodge 1500, quadcab 4x4. How do I find out the dealer cost? Is the invoice price on the window, what the dealer pays? Or is it the manufacturers suggested selling price?

Brutus · August 1998

The MSRP price is on the window. You can get the dealer invoice price from this site under the "New Trucks" section and/or the Kelley Blue Book site (www.kbb.com). The dealer will not provide dealer invoice information. If they do, they may be adding hundreds of dollars of extras (flooring, local advertising, document fees, etc) that are not part of the true dealer invoice prices. Also, make sure to read the section of this site about rebates and holdbacks.

E3MP6 · August 1998

I have a '98 Dakota and like the bench better than jump seats, but that bench seat is very small. It's good for small kids, but only one full sized adult can fit back there with ease, and then thet're sitting sideways. Getting in and out of the back seat is a challenge too... Dodge should have put in a third or even fourth door.

BlueBug · August 1998

I have read through this forum and have seen some interesting comments on standard versus manual transmissions. Over the past 12 years we have purchased 3 new cars and logged over 100k miles on the 2 original clutches the third car is an Automatic.

The automatic stinks and I would like to avoid getting another. But I am concerned about the comments about towing limitations on manual transmissions. Since I tend to keep vehicles for extended periods I would like to be able to buy a ski-boat in the 10 years.

It seems to me large trucks on the road are manual shifts whats up with pickup trucks? Is this just a warranty problem for jokers riding the clutch or are the manuals in pickups lower quality than the automatics?

ramapo1 · August 1998

when will edmunds have prices of 1999 f-150???????

mharde2 · August 1998

BlueBug, Its the warranty for jokers riding the clutch. You can tow the same weight as with the auto as long as you don't burn the clutch out.

bruce5 · August 1998

Interesting paradox...In the literature that I've read. opposite seems to be the case. Nissan allows 3500 pounds with the manual transmission, but only 2,000 pounds with the automatic transmission. I have a 94 Mitsubishi pickup that is rated to tow 3500 pounds.

pbutter · September 1998

trying to decide between a T100 (if I can find one) or F150. We have 3 children ages 8, 5, and 3. This would be our primary vehicle. Any suggestions?

E3MP6 · September 1998

yeah...get a bigger truck...5yrs from now, they'll be 13, 10, and 8...they'll be crowding each other in the back seat.

sis1 · September 1998

Brand new at this, kind of nervous about writings, we are looking at a 98 silverado 1T with a vortec 7.4, big dually. Can any-one help me with information on what kind of gas mileage we can expect when empty and fully loaded with fifth-wheel??? HELP

E3MP6 · September 1998

Empty: Really bad
Pretty Full: Even worse
Fifth Wheel: Pathetic

condit · September 1998

I am just about to buy a '99 F-150 XLT 4WD with a 4.6L V8, 16" all-terrain tires and a 3.55-ratio axle. This one comes without limited slip, though limited slip is available. Is it important? Why? A friend says it's irrelevant when you have 4WD...true?
Please reply, or copy yuor reply to my e-mail address since time is short: condit@aol.com.
THANKS!

Thau · October 1998

Condit,
I would go with the limited slip. I am looking into getting a 99 F150 XLT also. I was told that the limeted slip feature prevent the axle from sliping. It will only improve the control of the vehicle when it encounter slipery driving condition. In other word it should enhence the 4WD. Best of luck.
Regards
Thau

kent123 · October 1998

Definitely get limited slip w/ your 4WD. I had a 1977 Blazer (bought used) w/o it and only one wheel per axle would spin when I'd get in too deep.

I have ordered it on the '99 Silverado 2WD I'm getting. Handy when pulling a boat out of the water or in the snow, even on a 2WD

tommy11 · October 1998

Is 12% a good figure to take off the sticker
price in order to get close to invoice....

westmtn · October 1998

I am looking at purchasing a single cab, shortbed, truck, 2wd, Dodge or Chevy, would appreciate any recommendations - comparisons.

web2 · October 1998

First time at this chat thing! Am considering a fifth wheel, 25ft. length, sorry don't know weight at this point. Ques.- what would be the most practical (best) size and type of pickup to buy for this particular need. Price is not a factor.
Performance is key, however don't necessarily desire to go overboard. Lean toward Ford product as result of others apparent satisfacation plus personal experience with Ford cars.

stanford · October 1998

How often would you be towing your trailer? Would the truck be used for other things (daily commute, etc)?

I just got a '99 F350 CC DRW 4x4 ... one reason I got the DRW was for future trailer towing. While it doesn't add anything to your rated capacities I like the added stability and the protection from tight corner rear-tire blowouts that it adds. You may not be looking for something that big though. Tell us a little more about your situation, and we'll try to help :-)

campout · October 1998

I currently own a 97' Ford F-150 4X4. I am thinking about trading it in on a 98' or 99' Ranger XLT extended cab with one of the V6's. The reason being I just don't really need a full-size pickup for the things I do anymore. My question is should I go with a standard trans. or a automatic? Will not be doing much towing, maybe three times a year, and light duty hauling. Any replies would be appreciated. Thank You.

lans1 · November 1998

'98 toyota tacoma. How much should i pay

aleks · November 1998

responding to a question asked way back in posts #59 and #60:

When you're looking at vehicle weight ratings for towing, the GVWR isn't what you need. GVWR is the max *vehicle* (truck + internal payload) weight.
What you want to compare is the GCWR, or Gross Combined Weight Rating. That's the maximum weight (truck + payload + trailer) that the truck is rated to move.

Also, keep the trailer tongue weight in mind. I'd expect burned axle bearing to be more of a tongue weight problem than a total trailer weight problem...

max12 · November 1998

I need to no more or past info on mid sized pikups

dtracey · December 1998

I am looking at 99 Ford F250 or GM 2500 series. The Ford rides great and I like the 4 door club cab. The GM seems alot longer in the back seat Wish it had a 4 door though. Does anyone know how the ride compares in the GM to the Ford? Also what options should I look for to pull a 32ft 5th wheel.

stanford · December 1998

If you're looking for back seat room, you might want to consider the Ford crew cab. Its not that much longer than the extended cab, and the space is well worth it for passengers.

For a 5th wheel, you can get away with a short bed if you use a ~$2500 extending hitch, otherwise you'll need the long. Are you towing all the time? If so, I'd get the diesel. If not, stick with the V10. Beyond that, just spec it normally and you'll love your purchase :-)

preilly · December 1998

Does anyone know any details of the 2000 crew cab trucks? How do they differ from the 1999 models?

the1wall · December 1998

Hey guys! I am looking for a truck that will be my main means of transportation, but also that will haul hay and feed and tow a trailer as well. Does anyone have any suggestions? I need to stay pretty cheap....

donreid · December 1998

I have a 1994 El Dorado 29 1/2 foot Class C motor home. It has a Ford 460 engine in it with ooodles of power. My question is, what sort of small extended cab pickup to buy to tow behind the motor home? I now have a 91 Ford Escort with a manual transmission but would like to get an automatic in a small pickup, if I can tow all four wheels on the ground. Any ideas of what pickups offer this feature in their automatics?
My preference at this point is the Nissan king cab ,Toyota king cab, or the Mazda extended cab.
Thanks for any reply on this subject
donreid@futureone.com

grrrrr · December 1998

I need HelP. What is a good year for the Z71 and what make is it,GMC?

vince7 · January 1999

i cannot decide between a ford f150 or the new gmc sierra, i have a landscaping co. so ill be hauling and pulling alot of equipment.;

thanks

dave40 · January 1999

The best Z-71s are 1996 and up ,they have the more powerful Vortec Engines. Go for the 5.7 255 hp it will do the trick !
Keep on Truckin

vince7 · January 1999

i'm looking toward the gmc sierra but, being the
first year with all new stuff, i'm a little leary
buying before the kinks are out. and it seems that
fords are everywhere i look on the road,somebody likes them for a reason.

ladyblue · January 1999

vince7,

There is a good reason.....they're a good truck. I've driven one for the past 2 years. The '97 model was the first year for new body style. Mine is an F150 extended cab 4x4. Performed flawlessly for 25,000 miles.

israelinc · January 1999

I'm looking for a new extended cab, 2WD, 4cyl., The extended cab is for cargo, not people, mostly freeway driving, no towing, no 4-wheeling.

Getting dizzy looking at Frontiers, Tacomas, Rangers, S10s, etc.....

What's the best buy??

sd99 · January 1999

As a former service manager for a large Chevy dealership, I have seen the poor quality from the manufacturer and the shoddy way they treat most customers if they think they can get away with it.I used to be a die hard Chevy man, but no longer. It's Ford all the way for me, and I have never had a problem. Just my $00.02 worth.

poolfool · January 1999

I have been driving a 97 f-150 4x2 extended cab but am thinking about a 99 silverado 4x4 - Z71.
But with all the talk about Chev. having problems with customer support I am now considering another ford f-150 but this time the 4x4 w/ off road package. Can anyone compare the Z71 to the "off road" ford? Also any general comments about either truck. Thanks

omega10 · January 1999

I am considering buying a Dodge sport V6, 3.9L extended cab truck, Is it a good choice compared to the Ford of Chevrolet?

ccollins460 · January 1999

The 1998 Toyota Tacoma Ext. Cab with 4 cyl. engine and automatic transmission has a vibration problem. Two different Toyota dealership deny the problem, but sometimes when I stop at a traffic light, my hands start to feel numb and my backside feels like it is getting a massage from the engine vibration. The back edge of the hood can be seen vibrating vertically 1/4-1/2 inch.

sd99 · January 1999

Omega10... The Dodge is a good truck, but you should drive the Ford and Chevy at least, so you can make a decision that is right for you. Be sure to compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges. If you test drive a Dodge 1500 w/6 cyl, compare it to a Ford F150 w/6 cyl, ect. ect. Some sales people can be very pushy, so after driving all the vehicles you are interested in, make sure the decision is yours and not a salesman's. Good luck.

ladyblue · January 1999

Omega10:
I agree with sd99. Try to forget brand loyalty and try not to listen to those who are giving advice based on the same.

Go look at each one. Test drive each one. And, as sd99 says, DON'T let the salesperson talk you into something you don't want. You're going to have to live with your new truck for a while. Concentrate on what YOU want and what YOU can afford. Salespeople will always try to convince you otherwise.

All three - Ford, Dodge, Chevy - make good trucks. Pick the one that will suit your needs and makes you happy just looking at it.

ladyblue · February 1999

See what I mean?

xl_1228 · February 1999

Dave40, have you ever driven a Ford or a Dodge? Maybe you should before you say anything like that.

chevy116 · February 1999

I just drove a chevy silverado. I like it.

sd99 · February 1999

I think Dave40 must have been neglected as a child

hogpilot1 · February 1999

no...dave40 has just got his ---- together ! I drove the new Silverado and it's a dream ride. The Ford has an excellent ride also, but the Chev. still looks like a truck and not something Capt. Picard would drive home after a busy day on the ol' starship !!!

dunlay · February 1999

can anyone help me out? i was just looking for the invoice amount on the f-250 crew cab xlt model, with the powerstroke. i couldn't find it in all those pages. so i thought this would be a little easier. i appreciate it if anyone could.

thanks
dunlay.

EDGJOHN · February 1999

anyone got a new gmc 270hp vortec i am thinking of buying ext cab loaded soon.

lovell1 · March 1999

I am looking to buy a new SB Flare/Sport side P/U this month with the largest V8 I can get. I do this every 15 years or so. I drive into Dallas every day from my farm 130 miles. I also pull a 2000lb boat to the lake every weekend(with the drought the ramps are getting steep) and as I use it to pull a tractor to mow my property in Lewisville 90 miles round trip 5 times in summer 102* weather and haul cattle 4 times a year 8000#s short haul 15 miles to market. My last truck a 84 Dodge Ram with a 360 is still duing this duty but the A/C has passed on along with the electric windows and I feel that our time with each other (245000miles) is drawing to a close. All the new trucks from the big 3 are priced about the same with what I want and it is obvious I am going to have to order to get what I want. Any advice? I am leaning toward Ford only because Chevy is easy to apply for but because of the strike hard to get and as my bones are a little more brittle the ride on the Dodge is a little stiff. But I'm easy! Whats the best! Thanks
Mike
lovtlc@gte.net

stanford · March 1999

I'd recommend an F250 superduty V10 with 3.73:1 gears. This is a very capable frame, built down from the F750 series rather than up from the F150. That's going to make a difference in the long-haul. I have an F350 with the V10 -- nice, quiet, powerful -- that I bought from Texoma Ford (was Hilltop) in Denison. To my mind, the bad mileage was offset by the added maintenance of the new high-tech diesels once they're out of warranty.

stanford · March 1999

Oh -- I just reread your message. its not available in flare-side, but it is available in a short-bed. Its also very reasonably priced. You can get an XLT 2WD reg. cab fairly nicely loaded with the V10, hitch, etc for under $20,500.

stanford · March 1999

Well, I guess that's fine if you put non-load street tires on your truck and don't mind towing at 6000rpm. Personally, I'll take low-end power any day.

For Dave40's benefit: Low end torque is what lets you peel out of parking lots, btw.

Geez.

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