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Help Me Choose My Pickup!
So I'm looking to buy a truck for work. I want a full sized (not small pick-up), used but obviously reliable truck. What are your experiences, what make, model, year. I'm looking to spend 9-11k.
I know people have their fav. makes, but please be impartial and give me your input.
Thanks in Advance,
Rich
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I know people have their fav. makes, but please be impartial and give me your input.
Thanks in Advance,
Rich
__________________
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I will have 10k to put down on the car and with my dad's credit (he qualifies for the best) he will co-sign.
My grandfather retired from Ford so I qualify for the Z plan, where I can get a car at 2% under dealer cost and incentives/rebates can be used along with this deal.
I want a small basic level truck that is automatic (dunno how to drive a stick) so with the Z plan I could get a Ranger. I have read some negative things about Rangers. My only experience with them is with an older one that is a friends. It is a 95 and pretty much a POS.
If I had my choice I would take a Tacoma. I have driven an 06 and loved it. However, if the price difference is going to be 4k+ then I would almost be an idiot to turn down the Z plan.
What do some of you experts or people with experience think? I would like to get my monthly payments after 10k down below $100 a month. I can get a 5.0% loan through a credit union if Ford/Toyota doesn't offer a better one.
Thanks guys, btw I love this site.
I am looking at 2WD and a 4 cylinder. Money is the biggest factor so that is why I am looking at a 4 cylinder. 2WD is all I need, I won't be doing any off-roading.
If the rebates/incentives are better for the 150's/Silverado in 6 months then I will put serious thought in those. I just don't expect them to be in 6 months.
Like I mentioned earlier, it will have to be an automatic.
BTW, thanks a lot for the input, I love this site!
1) Tacoma (or close compact competitor)
2)Wife and only 2 children(8, 11) but I will be driving this vehicle alone 85% time.
3) Recently used(2005) vs new
4) hauling - prob. never
5) city/local hwy driving 90%
6) just need a utilitarian inexpensive vehicle that allows me to bring(dirt, powerwasher, etc. items for home repairs) in the bed occassionally.
I would shop around before buying used 05 at this time. For just a bit more and sometimes even less, you can buy new 05 w/warranty.
For your useage, if you aren't allergic to all the shifting involved in city driving and want best mileage you would be better off w/manual transmission. Personally I wouldn't have anything but automatic...too much work involved for me! Not gonna be that much difference in mileage between the two, especially if you are a conservative driver.
Likewise for the hauling capacity...the shorter beds on the Quad Cabs will be just fine for you.
All this is just my opinion however.....you will have to go with whatever pushes your buttons!!!
As for the manual vs automatic, check the trucks themselves. It differs from truck to truck. The Tacoma for example seems to have better MPG in auto then manual if you look at the EPA estimates.
I myself have a Tacoma Double Cab and agree with the previous poster that the extra room was well worth the money. Also if you don't plan on offroading, you may want to take a look at the Honda Ridgeline. Already comes with a built in lockable trunk so you won't have to get a bed topper to protect your equipment. Provided it fits in the trunk of course.
1) having had a small manual mitsubishi for last 14 years (which my wife can't drive) I will be targeting Auto transmission as a requirement.
2) We have a mercury station wagon for our long distance commutes and vacations as our second vehicle.
3) 85% of time, it will only be me in the vehicle, or my wife using it solo, kids would be in back for just short time/distances.
thx keep the input coming!
Would like to hear also from Toyota owners and Frontier owners, but all truck owner input is appreciated.
I now have the 2005 Taco DC. Love it. I had the 04 w/ the 4cyl (for economy and the timing chain vs. belt). The V6 thru 2004 had 2 timing belts -which I'm NOT a fan of. However, the 2005 and on V6 is again a chain, plus, the fuel efficiency w/ my 05 V6 is BETTER than my 04 I4.
I have autotrans because my wife forbade me to get another manual (I frequently have issues w/ injuries to extremities like legs and arms. -Not that I'm a spaz, I'm just very active. Well, maybe a little spaz.) As noted, not much difference in the Taco efficiencies -at least in double cab. Single cab may show larger differences. The EPA values don't vary much, but that's probably because of the overall gearing in the auto is better set to hiway spds than the manual is.
Double Cab is a big step in price, but that's a tradeoff. You say 85% by yourself, but that means 15% of time w/ others. Statistics don't work well in small samples. (e.g. if a certain aircraft has only 1 death per 10 million passengers -and I'm the one, then it's 100% for ME.) Anyway, the point is that 15% of your time needing 3 or more passenger seats can be a lot of annoyance.
If you really want utilitarian, buy a used truck. Use all the normal common sense in checking it out, maybe have a mechanic you trust look it over first. A used truck gives you the flexibility of living w/ it for awhile, without having to live w/ it forever. If you sell in a couple of years, you don't lose much. (However, be forewarned that the 2002-2004 Tacos are very sought after. Mine was worth more after 12 months and 8000 miles than what I bought it for.)
For that matter, buy a Dodge, Nissan, Honda, or Ford. That way, when you eventually switch to a "good truck", you'll really appreciate it.
Once he buys a Dodge why on earth would he ever want to switch?? :P
But, probably would really enjoy not having tranny or differential problems...
BTW, a one-liner for you a old friend used to use....."When you see a man driving a Dodge, don't mess with him since he is already pi***d off,!!!"
My best advice to you, since you will not be hauling anything big or on a regular basis, is to look at the prices of the trucks out there and get you a good deal and test drive them to find one that feels right to you. Most of the smaller trucks out there drive a little more like a car than a truck, except the Ford Rangers. The Rangers seem to have a little more beefy suspension under them and ride a little rougher. The Toyotas used to ride kind of rough, but I can't speak to anything newer than a late 90's model in them.
Another thing to consider is the length of the bed. If you will haul anything that is 8' in length, you may want to shy away from some of the 4-door double cab trucks. I know that the bed length that usually comes standard on the GMC Canyon (the Dodge Dakota seems a little short as well) would leave a lot of lumber hanging out the back (I think the bed length is 5' or less, while the other makes are 6'. 1' doesn't sound like a lot until you see it sticking out the back of your truck with a red flag waving on it.). Also, the smaller box limits how much you can get in it (a power washer, bucket, a couple bags of topsoil and some gardening implements would pretty much pack up the smaller bed length).
I work for a surveying firm and we have a extra cab Dakota and Canyon, which I have driven. We have alot of equipment we travel with and it really fills up the back of these two trucks and they seem a little under powered at take off, but travel well once they get up to speed on the interstate.
I should have used an emoticon to show that my comments were intended to be taken as tongue in cheek.
I like the one liner. I may use it w/ a different brand name though.
Besides, one wouldn't be too sad about beating up a used truck vs a brand spanking new one. Get one of those extended cabs. This way at least the kids have belts in the back and gives you a little space for stuff too.
What say you Mr. 4x4, throw the tools in the back and hit the road man?
One or two liners preferred over long explanations if you don't mind.
I'm also a first time buyer and would like a little information from those who have purchased trucks on what I would really "need" (options, etc) and suggested brands.
First, a little about myself.
I'm a college student in North Carolina, graduting in Decemeber 2006, as a Construction Management major. I'll be going into residential contracting as a supervisor...not a grunt. I'm planning to purchase in the beginning of the summer, probably may or june.
I'm looking to purchase a truck for myself, it will be a dualpurpose vehicle....my only mode of transportation and as a vehicle to drive around a worksite from house to house. I currently have a volvo wagon, with standard transmission, and shifting a couple times to only go 50 feet gets old real quick. So automatic is a must. Since its my only vehicle, its gotta have a nice ride, I'm not one who likes to feel every single bump in the road.
One decision that is holding me up is 4x2 vs 4x4...I live in the south and dont plan to move north, we rarely get snow and when we do I like just staying in bed (haha). I'm not one for offroading, so I'm leaning towards just a 4x2. Anybody have any particular reason why I should consider 4x4?.
NExt big decision is extended cab vs. double cab. I gradute in december, and wont be getting married anytime soon...my girlfriend still has a couple years of college (and I'm a ways off from marriage anyways...so kids although I'd like a couple in the future, are at least 4 or 5 years away.
Big decision #3 is diesel vs gasoline. I dont have a boat, and I dont really plan on doing a whole lot of trailering, and the research I've done mostly states that diesel really pulls through with the torque and power end of things, to really help getting those big loads moving...correct?
I've been looking at the chevy silverado 1500, toyota tundra, dodge ram 1500 and an f150 (all 2006s...I'm 99% sure thats what I'll get). I testdrove several last week, and we very unimpressed with ford...took me 3 salespeople to find one that would even ackknowledge me, and even then that last guy really didnt care to have anything to do with me. I'm a big guy on getting quality service, so if ppl at a dealership treat me poorly, 95% chance I wont even consider you. The Ram was nice, kinda pricy, and I really didnt care for the ride...seemed stiffer, I felt more of the road than I would have cared to. Toyota and chevys were very nice, smooth ride, good acceleration. I've kinda had my eye on chevy since I was a kid, so I knww there is a little bit of a bias there.
So basically I'd like ya'lls opinions on the following:
4x2 vs 4x4
extended cab vs double cab
diesel vs. gas
brands?
Hope thats enough info, if not, I'll be happy to add more.
Thanks alot everybody!
But I'd first have to ask if you're comfortable in a midsized pickup. If you are, then I wouldn't even consider a full size pickup. The full size pickups they sell that are cheap won't be worth squat in 2 years (or 5 years), because no one wants used 6 cylinder standard cab full size pickups (which is why they have to discount them so drastically to begin with).
On the other hand, a Toyota Tacoma 4 cylinder 5 speed standard cab will probably only depreciate $1000 a year, if you buy it right to begin with. I certainly don't need to discuss the reliability of it versus the competition... lol Also comes with a longer warranty than the others.
As for buying it right, the last Tacoma I bought through the fleet office of my local Toyota dealer AT INVOICE. I'm betting you can do the same if you shop a little. Don't go through a salesman on the floor!!!!!! I either call the fleet office, or send them an email. My 2001 Tacoma Prerunner is still worth within $5000 of what I paid for it brand new.
Oh, and I sold cars for 4 years somewhere along the way as well
Not much use for a 4X4 unless you go offroad A LOT or live in snow country (a limited slip differential will get you most places you'll ever go).
Not much use for the double cab unless you got kids, and have a 25 foot garage and like to take 3 swings to park it.
Not much use for diesel unless you tow something BIG... OFTEN. They cost $5000 more and only get 25% better mileage. If you're gonna drive it 500K miles, then maybe you can calculate further.
As for brands, I'm kinda partial to Toyota, since I'm on #8 (I've had several GM pickups as well, but leave the Fords and Dodges to my friends to fix). No one beats Toyota's resale value, reliability, or warranty. Actually I was involved in a hands-on survey of the 2007 Tundra last week, and compared it to its competition. I just got finished writing an email to Toyota to tell them that I was disappointed... Nissan got it right the FIRST TIME. So, my current vote goes to the Titan.
It's the "when wet" part that focuses my suggestion for including 4x4 or at least some sort of vehicle that has AllWheelDrive and doesn't have a problem with a little sticky mud.
You still have to decide whether you want to "smell" what you are hauling (SUV) or be separated from it (open truck).
Good luck and keep the dirty side out.
The vehicle has the sr5 package but lacks the front splash guards and also feel like it needs the vinyl fender flares.
Anyone know a good site that sells tacoma accessories at good prices. The fenders have holes above wheel well so it looks like they are snap on or screw right into the holes. thx
kcram - Pickups Host
My neighbor is selling his 1991 Toyota Pickup. I've always wanted a truck, but picked up a station wagon on my last purchase for economical reasons. I've came to my senses and am seriously considering this purchase, however....
He is very upfront with possible repair costs. The truck has 120k miles on it and is in fabulous condition. Starts up no problem, drives well, etc. In the past three months he has sank about 3,000 into it between a new clutch, new lines, and a couple other minor problems. It seemed the truck hit the 100k barrier where most problems occur.
The only other defect needed to be fixed is a head gasket. He was up-front in telling me it would be in the 1200 range. The selling price for the truck is 1300, which I consider very good considering the condition and amount of new parts in the vehicle.
My only hesitance is the fact that I know next to nothing about cars, and more so trucks. I'm off to college next year, and the last thing I want to to is spend 2500 on a truck that will need another 3000 worth of repairs. My question is, is a gasket problem indicitave of more serious repairs to come? My mechanic gave me a worst-case scenario in saying it's possible that there could be some warped heads and the costs could be "thousands and thousands" of dollars. This was over the phone, so obviously he can't give an accurate description of repairs, but I've taken all my work to him and he does a bang-up job. The owner had no hesitance for me to take the truck to him to check it out for other problems, so I assume there aren't many major mechanical problems in the works.
Long story short, is this a good buy? I assume I'll get another 70-80k out of it. It's a beauty truck, I just don't want to get too far in over my head.
Thanks.
You may want to stop by our Selecting and Buying My First Car discussion for more insight. This truck wouldn't be your first ride, but the selection process for you will probably be the same.
kcram - Pickups Host
kcram - Pickups Host
I have owned a chevy silverado and a f150 and both were ok; but been looking at the tundra but seems like the ram gives more for the $$$
any thoughts
Some will argue from a purely subjective position that the new GM twins ride better, but I've been in both and whatever difference there is wouldn't make me buy a GM. I think the difference between the RAM and F150 is more significant in this area. However, I think the RAM is still the better handling of the three.
I've always liked the F150, but their new generation has been very trouble prone. If I know Ford they will eventually iron things out. Their last generation was a very reliable truck. At that point I might have a different opinion. The new version has the edge on RAM in ride, but not in handling. Ford does a very good job of isolating the engine from the driver. What I don't like about the new F150 is the high lift over box sides. The F150 also seems to suffer from sluggish power trains nowadays.
Just my opinion.
Regards,
Dusty
Sounds like you're looking for a 4-door truck with lots of luxury. One thing you didn't mention is whether or not you wanted 4 wheel drive - that will make a difference in the ride category.
My initial recommendation would be a 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ or GMC Sierra 1500 SLT. These are the newest on the road, will probably ride the best of the domestics in the category, and can certainly match the luxury of the others. Even though I'm a Dodge owner, I would steer you away from the Mega Cab Ram 1500 simply because it's really a 2500 with a "1" on the door instead of a "2" - much heavier truck, rides a bit harsher and won't get the best mileage. The Ford F-150 King Ranch SuperCrew is certainly the "plush leader", but as you noted, comes with a "plush" price tag to go with it.
With gas prices where they are, most dealers are willing to meet a reasonable price request to get you behind the wheel, so don't feel that you're stuck with the price on the sticker. Use the Edmunds price listings here and see how close to invoice the dealers are willing to go.
I noticed you didn't mention the Toyota Tundra or Nissan Titan in your initial post, so I'm not sure if you're ruling those out. Be glad to follow up any more questions you have, and I'm sure others will chime in as well.
A couple of old discussions you may want to read:
Pickup Trucks for Women (Experiences/Opinions)
Pickups that women can drive
Lots of good comments from the lady truckers who have posted here in the past!
kcram - Pickups Host
If anyone can help in my discussion, please let me know.
Either truck would make an excellent choice. GM does offer an automatic locking rear diff while the Tundra (and F150) is only limited slip.
Dodge wouldn't make my short list.
Next year Nissan will be offering a 6.5 ft bed with their crew cab, they have a great motor and are competitively priced. Nissan also has a manual locking rear diff.
The F150 is my favorite truck. I'm holding off on my next vehicle purchase to see what the next generation will be like.
If I was forced to buy a truck today it would probably be the Toyota...that 5.7 liter motor mated to a 6 speed is hard to pass up.
-mike
2-1/2 years ago i started restoring it! I bought it for $8000 American with 102,000 miles and now has 187,300 miles and still runs great. As long as the owner has kept up on regular oil changes that 305tbi should be real good. I have owned a 1993 chev caprice with a 305tbi and was real good also. As for the manual 5 speed it all depends on how the person that owns it drives it, Do they ride the clutch? Also ask when was the last time it was serviced? Look for any slop in the steering wheel, i have had to replace balljoints,tierod's,pitman arm,idler arm & idler assembly in the front end of mine. With the miles that truck has that all should have been done by now! It can be a little spendy if it's a 4x4 but allot cheaper then Ford. I don't know how mechanically inclined you are but those truck's are real easy to work on. If you buy the truck go get yourself a Haynes Manual on the truck and a code reader for trouble codes when you get them. There about $35 or $40 at any auto parts store and will help you a ton diagnosing any problems you might have in the future. Any more questions post another message and I'll try and answer them.
As for reliability, anything would be anecdotal. "My uncle had a Ford/Chevy/Dodge/etc once and the tranny fell out at 70000 miles so I will never buy a Ford/Chevy/Dodge etc again" There all about the same, exc for features you may want. August should be a shooting gallery for good pricing.
--good luck
==jjf
So I'm looking to buy a truck for work. I want a full sized (not small pick-up), used but obviously reliable truck. What are your experiences, what make, model, year. I'm looking to spend 9-11k.
I know people have their fav. makes, but please be impartial and give me your input.
Thanks in Advance,
Rich