Looking for some advice on purchasing a new pick-up truck. Looking for the following: 4×4, 6′ bed, extended cab with seating, all the nice amenities(ac, Cd, automatic, pwr windows/locks, etc.). Maining looking for brands (Ford, GMC, Chevy, Dodge, or Toyota). Truck does not have to be used to haul heavy loads.
Ok everyone, unload the advice on me and let me know what brands and why you prefer them.
Thank you in advance for all your help.
Thanks,
Barney
Replies
The new full size pick-up from Nissan should be available in December. The Titan promises to be one kick a55 truck.
Check it out: http://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/FutureModelHomePage/1,,24367,00.html
Wow that looks like a nice truck. I'll have to check out the reviews on edmunds.com
Thanks for the heads up. I didn't even think of Nisan. I want something that is going to last for many many years. I have to offest the price in my mind by amortizing it over many years. <bg>
Great Idea on the Nissan truck. I want one!
So, instead of crying and moaning about my Ford F150 like I usually do, I'll instead sing the praises of my 88 Nissan pathfinder which is an exceptional vehicle. It costs very little in maintenance (especially in comparison with the Ford which is 10 years newer), and I drive it on mountain backcountry roads every day. I use the 4WD constantly in the winter and I have put 265K miles on it. Can't imagine a better vehicle.
This should make me popular.
If your in construction, get a van!
I've had one for the last fifteen years. I can carry most of my tools at once, securely and dry. I can carry materials and product securely and dry (except for long stuff which just sticks out the back). No digging around in tool box's.
No crawling around on hands and knees or banging your head on a canopy.
I've constructed a removable bulkhead w/ door along with removable cabinets w/ locking doors. Nothing like having everything you need in one secure dry place!
P.S.
I also own an awsome '67 ford PU, and use it for hawling trash, dirt and any other "fair weather items".
Here's a little rant for ya'.... bought a 2003 Ford F150. Got two keys when I left the dealer. Went to the hardware store later and got three copies. Nope, those don't work because there's a chip in the Ford keys that tells the truck you're not stealing it. Throw those keys out. Went back to the dealer, got copies for $16 apiece. Want us to program those? HUH? Oh, they gotta be programmed, about $50. Or, you can try the procedure in the manual and program them yourself. Yeah, I'll do that. Try that a hundred times and it doesn't work. Gotta go back to the dealer. Jeez.
Honest, I'm not a big Ford fan. I have had 2 Ford vehicles in my life and both of them had given me nothign but problems. I had a brand new Explorer sport that gave me problems right from the start and a used Taurus that I picked up that is acting up.
Although, the new F150 looks great.
if u are not concerned with the security aspect, take a programmed key and "bury" it in the dash, column, close enough to work, and use the other keys
haven't tried this myself, but told it works
might try one of the other keys and have a programmed key near it to see if this worksbobl Volo, non valeo
Nope.
Chip needs to be in very close proximity to ignition switch. Like in it.
Mike
you've heard it!
stay away from fords.
USA, apple pie, and Chevrolet, ... and worm-drive skill saws.
GMC is good too.
Don't believe Panama he's giving you the bad word... My Ford is junk and i hate it but I'll have it over a GM.
Toyota or Dodge.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Toyota?
the man said he wanted a truck...
incidentally I went test driving yesterday, the new 04 150's are pretty sweet.
BTW, you still have e-mail access? sent you one or two and nothing back recently?
Anything but a POS Ford or worse yet a GM.
Nothing showed.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
I drive a '95 Dodge Cummins and love it. If you want rock solid dependibilty and economy then diesel is the way to go. Although I recommend getting the extended warranty to cover trany blow out on any GMC, Ford, Chevy, Dodge or any american truck gas or diesel cause I've seen them all blow anywhere from 16k to 50k miles. If you want smaller, Dodge (DC) will be selling the Dakota in a diesel soon. If you're a greenie you can run biodiesel (soybean oil) and impress your wife/customers. You will get at least 10 mpg more for a diesel than gaser (pickup truck) more if a car and diesel costs less at the pump.
"I recommend getting the extended warranty to cover trans blow out"
Akela,
If you are worried about that....Get a manual trans. They last forever, at least the ones on the HD trucks.
Jon
Edited 11/4/2003 7:02:10 PM ET by WorkshopJon
I started with a full size Jeep Pickup, and swapped it for a toyota t-100, this is the precursor of the modern day tundra, the T-100, is no longer made, but it is available used, and is tough as nails, carries 1900 lbs, and get this gets 17/21 for milage... it goes a little too fast, but a radar detector fixes that.... the big thing to consider is whether you want power or mileage, and, if you want to stomach the added expense of a diesel. The Japanese trucks are way expensive, but toyotas just dont break if taken care of. The only problem is that there is a very high initial expense. I found mine used with 65K on it for 10K in NJ, and love it, I have put 17K with no problems, just fluid changes....
Get a REAL truck...
What REAL truck...
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Amen brother. I had a Ranger but decided I needed the bigger truck. Got a F150 extend cab, XLT, loaded. Ran it for 154,000 totally trouble free miles. But I really missed my little Ranger with the cap and ladder racks. If anything I needed to haul didn't fit in it it fit on top. Great gas mileage and totally reliable. Just sold the F150 ( no trouble with that, the 1st person to call bought it ) and bought an 03 Ranger extend cab. Love it so far. I stopped by today and ordered a Century aluminum utility cap decked out just the way I want it. I might look into an enclosed trailer to haul the larger items.
Dana
Salmon Falls Housewrights
I second that on the Ranger. Our '93 4 by 4 runs well and has not given any trouble, except that the heater never worked, but if you move the level to red hot air eventually warms the cab. Uses 2/3 of the gas the also excellent 150 4 by 4 does.
Would not trade it for anything, until our rough pasture driving finally catches up with it.
Our neighbor has a Dodge 3/4 ton diesel and has not had anything but trouble. Then, others here drive the same, without troubles.
The consumer report and http://www.edmunds.com sites evaluate all vehicles all the time but really, your chances of getting a good or bad one in any brand are close to the same.
Go try all brands that appeal to you and buy what you like best for your situation.
What's primary use? Gas or diesel?
No one brand is good or bad across the board, but they have their niches.
Toyota, Nissan-run forever, but cheap and light. Great MPG
Ford F150+Ranger, Chevy S-series, Dodge Dakota-reliable,easier to park(!), light duty. Pretty good MPG. F-150 probably the comfiest.
Ford SD, Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra, Dodge Ram-all HD, big-roomy even, Good MPG, excellent resale value and durability.
I'd have to say Dodge Dakota extended(not quad) cab, with a 5.9l.
Buy American! :)
Mike
I'd have to say Dodge Dakota extended(not quad) cab, with a 5.9l.
Buy American! :)
Let's see:
Dodge Dakota - company headquarters Stuttgart, Germany. Starting to use various German components, trucks assembled in Michigan
Toyota Tundra/Tacoma - company headquarters Tokyo, Japan. Uses some Japanese made components, trucks assembled in Missouri, Alabama, California(?), Texas (future).
So, the German company's pickup assembled in the USA is American and the Japanese company's pickup assembled in the USA is foreign?
By the way, how is the TRD designation on some Toyota trucks supposed to be pronounced? Who came up with that one...?
TRD........ too raunchy doodad
For the record, "Buy American" was tongue in cheek. But for the sake of argument...
Dodge Dakota - company headquarters Stuttgart, Germany. Starting to use various German components, trucks assembled in Michigan
Since merger with Mercedes/Daimler, Germany has a strong input, but alas, the Chrysler HQ is still in Auburn Hills, Michigan. As far as parts origin, the vast majority of the parts used are US made, and they are assembled here. Some new platforms are Mercedes based, but international cooperation between automakers is nothing new. They use far more Canadian parts, but that doesn't make Dodge Dakotas Canadian either. Most importantly, manufacturing profit stays here minus Daimler's cut.
Toyota Tundra/Tacoma - company headquarters Tokyo, Japan. Uses some Japanese made components, trucks assembled in Missouri, Alabama, California(?), Texas (future).
I doesn't matter much where the assembly happens. HQ is in Japan, majority of parts used are Japanese and Japan's also where the profit goes.
Mike
TRD: Just pronounce it phonetically. It actually stands for Toyota Racing Development.
I know I'm one of the odd men out here but I love my Toyota Tundra, 03, Step side. Plenty enough ponies, 7,000 lb. towing capacity, and on a recent run up to Conneticut, 19 miles to the gallon, and it's not even broken in yet. Not to mention riding smooth as a babies butt. Worked as a mechanic for years in a previous life and GM' s are okay. As for FORD:
Fix Or Repair Daily
Found on Road Dead
Like a Queen's baby, gets a new rattle every day.
There, I said it.
Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
I agree, I got a 2000 Tundra, incredible truck, fast, drives like a 4wd sports car, this is my 4th Toyota and NEVER have a problem with them, they run forever.
The new Nissan Titan does look nice, it has more HP than many of the full size trucks but not sure about dependability aspect?
Just thinking about what you said...
"this is my 4th Toyota and NEVER have a problem with them, they run forever."
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
No reference to Bill intended!
I get guys here all the time saying this car or that truck stinks because "I do all my own work and this thing breaks down all the time..."
Hmm, like maybe you're the problem?
I used to run a HD shop and actually had a guy come in with a brand new $17k bike asking how to convert it to points "Cuz them brain boxes ain't no good"!!!!!
Drop the wrench and step away from the bike sir.
Mike
IMERC,
If you need a more detailed explanation. 4th Toyota, I sell them or trade them in as I need to or want to and as my needs changed. I am 48 or been driving for 30+ years.
To be more specific, on the few times there is a problem, they stand behind their product. I bought a 1990 v6, put 105,000 miles on it in 5 years. Head gasket went and toasted the engine. I was pissed, long story short, Toyota, recognized the problem and even though it was WAY past warranty, paid for a new engine. Bought it for $15,000 put 120,000 miles on it and sold it for $7,500 to a local contractor. I still see from time to time and it is still running, that was 4 years ago or so, closing in on 200,000 miles.
Bought a 1995 4runner, put 95,000 miles on it. past warrantee, started to get a little rust on back, Toyota paid for the body work. Sold it bought a new Tundra that runs perfect.
A friend bought a Pontiac, started having transmission trouble at 30,000 miles, gave him the run around like you can't believe.
Read the consumer reports and you tell me what car/truck to buy?
A friend bought a Pontiac, started having transmission trouble at 30,000 miles, gave him the run around like you can't believe.
Yes I would believe... Been there. Think less of GM than I do of Ford and I despise my Ford..
Wasn't looking for a detailed explanation. Saw the way it was worded thought it to be humorous.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Sorry, didn't mean to bore you, just thought you were looking for details.
Not trying to beat a dead horse.
My brother does alot of driving, 30-40,000 a year or more, has had 4runners and Landcruisers for past 10-15 years, never a problem at all, I realize those are not trucks but when they make them, they do run.
I've had a GMC Sonoma '95, '88 Ford Ranger, '94 F150, and now an '03 Chevy S-10. Gotta say all of them have run well, Ranger had the bumpiest ride but probably was just an issue of needing new body mounts and bushings, the 8foot bed in the F150 was great but I live in Boston in the city and spend alot of time in NYC and Washington, DC ; finding spots for a full size truck with an 8foot bed on a regular basis after 10PM just isn't possible.
-Ray
Ok, not to add gas to the fire, but what does everyone think about Dodge Ram and Dodge Decota? I might be able to pick up either one at the end of a 2 year lease. Both are in great condition and loaded.
So....go ahead and fire away with all the opinions. <bg>
Thanks,Barney
In the two or three years after the new rams came out , I had spoken with three differnt contractors who had bought the new rams. All three of them got rid of thier trucks because of constant (and diferent) mechanical problems. Made me think it was more like a lemon fleet problem than just an isolated situation. I should point out that I have no actual experiance with these trucks nor have I had a chance to ask anybody in the last couple of years abought them. I would check out consumer reports or other testing facilitys for more info. ALSO PAY ATTENTION TO CRASH RATINGS. Just because its a truck you are driving dose'nt mean its safer than a car. Some of the crash tests I saw were scary!
Just because its a truck you are driving dose'nt mean its safer than a car. Some of the crash tests I saw were scary!
In fact, trucks don't have to meet the safety standards that cars do, and that was always an interesting point about small vans, the ford aerostar, and chevy astro, for example. They weren't required to meet the safety codes that cars are. A funny surprise for soccer moms everywhere!
Good point. Trucks are always the last to get safety features and cool accesories. I wish I could justify buying a new mini cooper they kick a$$ in handleing and have a ton of passive and active safety features. Would also love to see the new anti rollover technology the volvo suv has and put it on pickups. A pickup with a loaded lumber rack is a lot scarier in handling than any suv out there.
Just a comment on the Mini. My father has been looking for a vehicle that would fit his needs. He wanted good gas mileage, but be a vehicle he could beat up on without worrying about it. Guess what he got? The new Honda Element. He is the boss and runs the busniess, so he doens't need a truck. The Element is a great vehicle for him.
In the process of looking for a vehicle, he has wanted a sports car forever. We looked at everything. The last thing we looked at was the Mini Cooper S (supercharged). We made the appointment to test drive it. My mom and dad and wife and I went. We all fell in love with it. So he puts down a deposit, this is last June. Guess when the car will be delivered? December 2004! So now I'm thinking about taking his place on the list. It is the coolest car you have ever driven.
My dad bought my mom the new Volvo SUV and they let me drive it to the Gorge in WA for a Dave Matthews Concert last August. Let me tell you, you have never driven a vehicle that felt safer. It is a great vehicle. We pop the seats down in the back and load up 7 people and it isn't too uncomfortable.
Just my $0.02. We have a Tundra for work and it is a great machine. Thinking about getting rid of it though (nothing wrong with it, the employee who drives it might be quitting) and getting a GMC cube van with the utility boxes on the outside. We have a GMC cube van that I drive to work. I've been pulling a form panel trailer loaded with 2'x8' concrete forms. I'd say there are over a 100 of the forms. GMC pulls it really well.
I went to Edmunds and looked up both the Ram and the Dekota. Both in 2001 performed very well on their review tests. However, the reviews consistently gave low scores for mpg. I'll have to go back and read the safety issues now.
Ive got an 02 dodge 1500 with about 30,000 miles on it. Loaded with all my tools it gets about 12 to 13 mpg city and 15 or so on the highway. I could probably do a little better if I drove a little slower. Its a v8 auto and no problems yet except a leaky front windshield that was common with the first year I heard. I still have a 93 f 150 4x4 with 300 six with 180,000 miles on it. Hasnt been in the shop except for a new clutch at about 100k. Everything else has just been maintenance stuff like brakes belts and hoses. It does need new front hubs too. It gets about the same milage as the dodge but not near as quick or comfortable. I cant imagine ever having a better overall truck than that ford has been though.
National Highway Safety tests (only) are listed at:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/testing/ncap/
There is a pretty complete listing of crash test results at:
http://www.crashtest.com/intro/
The info is a color coded single representation for each crash test type for each specific model of automobile. Be prepared for a blizzard of pop-up/under adds...
As to the California automobile situation, apparently the market has collapsed as buyers wait to see if Gov. Ahnold is actually going to roll back the vehicle licensing fee, I think I read that that the new car market is down by something like 26% for the state (but don't quote me on that figure.)
One thing about these tests are that they are rated by weight groups. It is generally true that, other things being equal, a big heavy four star truck will trump a light weight four star coupe. I.e. if you go head on into a Honda with a full size Ram pickup, the Honda will come out the worst. However, design can make up for some of the physics of weight.
One of the primary problems with SUVs and Pickups is that roll over in accidents at a much higher rate than cars. A significant percentage of deaths in light trucks is the result of roll overs (don't remember the percentage, but it is signficiant).
I don't understand these guys driving around in 4x4s jacked up so high that you need a step ladder to get into them. It would seem to me that just looking at a corner in one of these things would cause them to fall over...
Well, a higher CoG will allow a rollover sooner, but that doesn't make it easy at any rate. Most of the time when trucks go up they also go out widening the base. Larger tires add alot more unsprung weight which lowers the CoG a bit, and the taller sidewall allows impact without direct transmission on imact forces into vehicle mass.
You can't just turn too fast and flip(except for Suzuki Samurais!). Tires lose traction long before they transmit enough force to cause a rollover.
The much reported Explorer flips and most all others happen because the vehicle is sliding sideways and either hits an obstruction that stops the slide, or the tires have unseated and the rim edge bites into the surface.
Mike
Mike, FWIW, a couple of quotes from the first two sites I Googled:
Rollover accidents accounted for just 3% of all U.S. motor-vehicle accidents in 2001, but they caused nearly a third of all vehicle-occupant fatalities, Dr. Runge said. An SUV occupant was three times as likely to die as a result of a rollover than an occupant of a passenger car, he said. Moreover, fatalities in single-vehicle rollovers increased in 2001 by 22% to 8,400 deaths, with pickups accounting for the biggest gain, an increase Dr. Runge called "astounding." http://www.car-accident-lawyers-attorneys.com/suv_rollover_deaths.html
New fatality statistics show 10,694 people died last year in rollovers. And sport utility vehicles, by far, had the highest rate, with 62 percent of all SUV deaths occurring in rollovers. That's nearly three times the rate for cars, which is 22 percent.http://www.rolloverlawyer.com/why_they_roll/Default.htm
A table at the last site showed that for 2001 light trucks, only Chevy and GMC full size 2WD trucks and Dodge Dakota got four stars for rollover safety (out of five possible - no five stars given in light trucks)
(Hmmm, both sites were by law firms, but I have seen similar figures from sources that were not wanting you to sue care makers...)
OK.
Mike
Speaking of rollovers and the famous Explorer thing, I had heard at one time that the majority of the blowouts / failures were the left rear. Is this true? Anyone else heard that?
300 six with 180,000 miles on it. Hasnt been in the shop except for a new clutch at about 100k
Those sixes are like the old Chrysler 225(slant-6)s or GM 250s. Run forever.
DO NOT put Ford auto lock front hubs back on it. They have been a chronic problem since Ford started putting them on Ranger/Exploders and Bronco/F150s. For the same money(about) you can convert to Warn manual lock hubs, and they'll be the last set.
Already got the warns on order. The autos are what the problem is now, i had to rock it back and forth to get one side to lock in. The manual hubs are not that inconvenient anyway, I had a IH scout that stayed locked in for years because I broke one hub in the locked position and couldnt unlock it. I was in school then and couldnt afford a new set so the front stayed locked. Never seemed to hurt anything, of course mileage wasnt in the double digits to begin with.
LOL glad to hear it...too bad you're not local, I stock 'em, and I'd cut ya a "Tav"discount!
You're not gonna hurt much except mileage leaving them locked, although it'll still be hard on tight turns.
Mike
You can come down to Alabama and install them, lots of 4x4 business this time of year. Thanks for the tips though.
LOL, anytime,
Mike
Today LA Times ads for trucks is interesting.
Chevolet Silverado Ext Cab MSRP $24,035 going for $16,999 ! this dealer has 3 available another has 2 available and they are new 2004 models!
Used Toyota Tundras 2000, 2001 & 2003 sell for a lot more.
If Chevys are that cheap, look under the hood and see if it was made in Mexico.
If I was to buy a Chevy, I would check with Chevy lovers who had no problems and see which factory His truck came from. Some factories are worst than others.
Prices here on the east coast (in NJ) are nowhere near that low for a new Chevy. I just spect out a new 2004 1500 Silverodo and it came to $32,000 WITHOUT the 6% sales tax we have.
Where abouts in Jersey, I'm in NW NJ.
Rams and Dakotas seem OK in general. Rams used to fry trannies for the first coupla years they were out, but I haven't seen any consistent problems lately. If you don't need a fullsize truck, the Dakotas are real nice, and try to get a 5.9l-tons of power for the weight. With a coupla relatively easy mods you can get another 3-5mpg too.
Mike
I grew up in North Jersey in Mendham. Then when I WAS married I got banished to South Jersey outside Philadelphia. I still live down here. Where in NW Jersey do you live?
What kind of mods are you talking about? What can I do to improve mpg?
Thanks,Barney
Newton, NJ in Sussex county("Where people and nature come together." -romantically.....baaaaa)
Biggest bang for the buck on most modern cars/trucks is going to be airflow improvements. EG: Cold/fresh air intake (K&N kit preferred), not just a filter; and a cat-back exhaust system(Flowmaster preferred).
Anything you do to make it easier for air to get in and out increases efficiency, and will give you more power and better mileage(unless your foot gets heavier because you now have more power to play with!). The factory resticts both areas in the interest of sound. Both make it a bit louder, not obnoxious by any stretch, but louder than it is now. I regularly do these almost as a package. The K&N FIPKs run between $250-$400 and the Flowmaster kits about $300-$500. I usually charge 2-3hrs labor @ $66/hr for both.
Between gas savings and never having to buy another air filter, they pay off pretty quickly.
Mike
PS: Another easy mpg booster is a tonneau cover, but obviously that might not be practical on a work truck. Oh and BTW, the 5.9ls respond really well power-wise to uncorking them. Like 20-25hp well.
Newton, NJ in Sussex county("Where people and nature come together." -romantically.....baaaaa)
Are you spreading that line around? I've heard so many people utter it ever since they put those damn signs up. There has always been jokes about inbreeding and cross breeding regarding the locals, but those signs seem to have really popularized it.
My Toyota Step Side V8 gets 19 mpg on the highway, 12 around town towing a 2 ton trailer. The Toyota has the highest crash rating results, especially side impact. The engine is smooth as a baby's butt. Their durability is well established. The captains chairs are extremely comfortable. I love my Toyota, but whatever floats your boat!Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
Barney,
I am a part time handyman so I don't need the same kind of work capabilities in a truck that you may need, however I just purchased a Ford F150 with 98,000 miles. Because I live in the south the truck has no rust and is in brand new condition other than the miles. In my experience though these trucks have very good drivetrains and with regular maintenance will give you years of good service. I was warned away from Dodges by a mechanic I trust who told me he replaces 10 Dodge trannys to every 1 Ford. Don't know too much about Chevy trucks though. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the insight. I too work partime and don't have a need for a majorly large truck, other than family. The one negative that keeps coming up to me about the dodges is fuel consumption. Up here in NJ the prices for any type of truck are through the roof. My own cousin tried to sell me his F150 with 100000 on it for $10,000. Why? Cause he can get that up here.
I paid 10,000 for my '98, but like I said it was about as new looking as one with 5000 miles. Another good idea when buying something used is to run a carfax on it which might cost $40, but you will get a complete history of any insurance claims made on it.
Can't resist a reply. Bought a 95 Dodge Ram. At 30K, it needed a new track bar. By the time I traded it with 85K on it, it was on its third track bar. Traded for an '01 Ram. Guess what? At the 30K check-up, it needed a track bar. Six years on the market and they never bothered to solve the problem.
With 45K on the '01, the torque converter had to be replaced. They wanted $ 2,500 for a shop rebuilt one but got the price down to $ 900. (Dodge covered the cost of the parts.) Next truck will be a Toyota Tundra or the new Nissan. So much for my rant, thanks for reading it.