What new or used truck???
General Topic
I have owned trucks since 1985 but haven't been in a truck since 2018. Im looking at getting back into a truck but know idea what make I want to go with. Sorta looking at Toyota, Chevrolet, Probably looking at going the slightly used route. Maybe something with very low miles. Looking at 1/2 ton. Any suggestions or input would be great .
Used are almost the same price as new. Something to consider. If you don't plan on trailering anything with weight to it, a 1/2 ton is the better option. Everyone has their opinion on brand. I've had Chevy, Ford, and Toyota. I won't own Chevy again, questionable on the Ford. Have a Tacoma as a run around with 230,000 miles on it and you wouldn't know it. Other than an annoying dash squeak I need to chase down, zero problems with it other than regular maintenance.
My current and last truck were GMC Sierra's. Both have been great.
Following this one. I need to replace my old Titan, and I want the best truck I can get in the 10-20k range. Right now that looks like its going to be a tundra with 150-175k on it. Its crazy to me what the new ones cost these days.
I've owned Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge and in all honesty the Dodge was/is my favorite. For all practical purposes there is very little difference in them and as mentioned it comes down to personal preference.
My cousin owns a dealership and full service shop in Provo, Utah. He drives a Ford Raptor Shelby edition but says he will sell it long before 100k miles. He said, as a rule, he will not own or even try to sell Ford trucks over 100k miles with eco-boost due to all the problems and cost of keeping them on the road. This was echoed by an ER physician I worked with about 10 years ago whose brother in law was an engineer at Ford that said he would not drive his own company's vehicles past 100k. My own experiences with the 5.3, 3 valve and the V10 leave me little positive to say.
That being said, Chevy has it's small issues that are easily fixed. Valve chatter is still an issue and can be prevented if the active fuel management is deleted before or shortly after the truck reaches 100k miles. M cousin said he's worked on Chevy 5.3 V8s that have gone over 400k miles.
Not sure about Toyota, but my old friend bought them exclusively for his outfitting business and drove them for years with no complaints.
Love my 2013 F-150 5.0 (no eco boost BS). It’s got 230k and still going strong with very little having ever gone wrong. Water pump, shocks/struts and a couple sensors. Solid truck.
The Ford F-150 is longest running best-selling PU truck for good reason. I am on my second one. First one was the 2.7 Ecoboost 6 cyl, this 2021 is the 3.5... More torque then most V8s, and I get 25 mpg on highway and it tows my 21' center console boat with ease, although MPG goes down to 11 mpg. The room inside these super crew cabs is amazing - having been a Jeep GC owner for many years I regret not doing this much sooner.
I haven't been in the newer GM or Dodge pickups, but I have a 2022 Ford F250 and the room in the backseat is a lot more than my older dodges. If you have kids or pets or that back row is important, I would look at the fords. They also don't have the big hump in the floor from the drivetrain.
To be honest there's good and bad things about them all, really comes down to what you like in looks. I have the diesel engine in my Ford and love it. Everyone brags on the Cummins, and I liked my Cummins when I had them, but the Powerstroke has just as much power.
I won't own a GM, because I think they're ugly. I prefer the Fords and Dodges in the looks department.
I’m thinking of going brand new this time around. Truck has to last me 15-20 years or more so I want very low miles. Looking at the new GMC 2500 or 3500 in a gas engine.
Planning on getting 250K out of my ecoboost. With proper maintenance it's common. The first gen had some issues that were addressed.
We'll see how it goes. As far as how it performs, it's great.
I own a 2020 F-150 with the V8 and at this point I wouldn't own anything else. We have had zero issues.
"Following this one. I need to replace my old Titan, and I want the best truck I can get in the 10-20k range. Right now that looks like its going to be a tundra with 150-175k on it. Its crazy to me what the new ones cost these days."
That's about right. I just traded in a 2015 Tundra with 150K miles for a new one. The dealership gave me $20K for the trade in. I'm sure they sold it for at least $23K.
I like my new Tundra, but it sure has a lot of bells and whistles that I'll never use, and could potentially cause problems down the road. If I were looking for a good used 1/2 ton pickup, it would be a Gen 2 -2.5 Tundra with the 5.7L V8. My 2008 and 2015 Tundras were the most reliable trucks I've ever owned.
Matt
If you dont need a larger truck, Tacoma's are awesome. They last for ever it feels like and generally have minimal issues. I'm over 140K/13yrs and it's been a great truck. Everyone I've talked to about them tends to have positive things to say, outside a bit of time in the mid teens where the frames were rusting to fast. That seems to be resolved.
Overall, for a mid/smaller sized truck, Tacomas are awesome.
I would put my 2500 ram with 6.7 up against about any truck. I have beat the crap out of it it is the mega cab so I can sleep in the back seat has more than enough tow capacity. 220,000 hard miles and other than upgrading the ball joints, and routine maintenance it has not had a any issues. Not the most comfortable seats, but it is crazy where I have driven it and how hard its life has been with 0 issues...
I have a 2019 Tundra with 100k on it. Plan on keeping it for another 100k. Bulletproof...knock on wood.
As said it really comes down to personal preference and price. For the last 25 years I've owned Rams. I was initially drawn to Dodge because of the price. I just thought Dodge gave me more for my money. The last 1500 Ram I owned for 15 years and 265,000 with no big issues. I also had a 3500 Dodge Duelly Diesel that I owned for 22 years and 165,000 miles. But nowadays, new and used trucks are all expensive! As Matt said "lots of bells and whistles" that you will pay for. I didn't want to pay for those nor did I need them. So, I went with a Ram Tradesman. Everything I needed with no extras, and I added my own bells and whistles. However, if you're going used and you find a low mileage truck you like and can afford, you may want to consider it regardless of brand. These days the trucks are all made extremely well to the point that it's hard to get a lemon.
I've owned a 1978 F-100, 1987 F-150, 1989 Ranger, 2002 Chevy Silverado WT, 2011 Suberban, and now a GMC Canyon. All the Fords had major issues. The GM vehicles have been good. At work we've gone through a lot of 1 ton and 3/4 ton trucks in my 32 year career. Without a doubt the Fords have been more problematic than the Chevys/GMCs. I recently bought a 2019 F-150 3.5 l. EB with 44,000 miles on it and owned it for 5 days before getting a refund and buying the Canyon. Check engine light came on before I got it home from the dealer. Brought it back, they "fixed" it. Got 10 miles down the road and the Check engine light came back on. Brought it back for the refund for the Canyon. I'm sure my Fords were just bad luck, but I won't be buying another.
Love these threads. You’ve come to the right place for advice venom. It’s the same thread every time. :) Most posters will tell you the best truck is the one they own.
For example, my Tundra is the best truck out there.
Good luck in your search.
DON'T get any V8 Chevy with that variable cylinder fuel economy gimmick. That crap will fail every 100k miles, and it costs $3500 to pull the heads every time it does!! It should be illegal to sell such broken engineering.
Just replaced my Silverado with a twin turbo V6 F150 Tremor edition. Love it !! Gets better mileage, too. I average 19.3 mpg with 400hp and 500 ft lbs torque. Plus the Tremor edition has a little extra suspension for a surprisingly plush ride!
For a less expensive mid-sized truck I had my eye on the Chevy Colorado Trail Boss. But in the end went full-sized F150 for at least one more cycle.
Oh, and I have had a deposit down for two years to hold my place in line for a new CYBERTRUCK ~!!!
I'm a Ford guy & always will be. Back in the 80s & 90s when I installed carpet I had a couple of Chevy vans that were uni body spot welded beer can metal pieces of crap. Got a sour taste in my mouth for gm that will probably never go away. My current truck is a 96 f250 7.3 and it's been fantastic. Also have a couple vans & 88 f250 those 3 with 300 i6 that will probably run forever.
Something to consider & perhaps I'm biased in that I like owning vehicles I can actually work on. Myself personally wouldn't hesitate to look into a older restored truck. My personal choice would be a 68 to 71 f250 with a 351 Windsor or perhaps big block & 4 speed but with gas prices the Windsor would do. And best of all no frigging computers.
The most affordable ones. But, I’ve got two fords in the driveway. One with 180,000 miles on it. One with 211,000 on it. The diesel was went through to bulletproof it from typical 6.0 problems and has been flawless. The f150 had a fuel pump, a window fluid reservoir, and transmission solenoids.
I’ve owned all the big three and Toyotas. But, the Ford’s I’ve owned have been better to me than any others. And, I’ve had some good ones in all makes. The Toyota bring the worse by far.
I bought a Toyota Tacoma, little four cylinder 4/4. I could buy two of them for the price they wanted for the other trucks. I don’t haul or tow so it was perfect for me. It’s four years old and has under 6000 miles.
GG talking about his new truck again. Joy
First one that popped up on a Google search A real truck and best of all you can work on it.
Toyota is hard to beat. Tacoma or Tundra depending on the size you need
venom, i think the used truck market is softening and prices at least stabilizing. you may be able to save a few dollars buying low mileage used.
if you are not in a hurry, and i were you, i'd buy new at the end of the year. you will get something below MSRP.
as for make and model, they all suck at one time or another. i would suggest picking one with the V8 and avoid the turbo V6's and 4 cylinders (GM has a turbo 4 option in their 1/2 ton).
i am kinda surprised the normally aspirated V6 is not more common in the F150. that is a good option with decent power and fuel mileage, and not overly complicated.
my experience with both personal vehicles and those of companies i worked for, ram and chevy have been better on average. this includes vans, and not just trucks.
my current personal truck is a '22 toyota tacoma and i would not recommend it. the quality of the fit and finish is the second worst vehicle i have ever owned. a chevy s10 blazer was the worst. thank goodness the tacoma has not had any mechanical or electrical issues and i have been able to avoid the dealer and repair shop.
my personal truck prior to the tacoma was a '16 Ram 2500 with the hemi v8. that was a good trouble-free truck other than a small coolant leak at a seam in the radiator at about 55K miles. I replaced the radiator, and the truck was solid for the 100K+ miles i owned it.
good luck.
Whatever you decide, be sure and NOT load a way to big camper on it!
Good luck, Robb
I like the 5.7 v8 by Toyota. Sold my 2007 in June 325 000 Mike's. Abs went out at 300,000, I did not care.
Just found a 2014, with the crew cab, and shorter box, 140,000 on it. Cherry truck, 17000.00 cash.
I am good for another 7 years.
Nick Muche with another childish insult. Joy.
Check your local Craigslist to get an idea what's available near you, prices etc. Maybe let a few local dealers know what you're looking for, they take trade-ins all the time.
I've been buying Toyotas since the early '80s. Been upgrading their pick-ups from a 1980 2wd to my current 2017 Tundra. I'm still using a 1988 V6 I bought new for snow plowing. Also a couple of 4-runners, a 1984 Supra, a couple of Tacomas, and a 2012 FJ that we still have. Have looked at a bigger PU for towing, but can't get by the problems with other brands. My last two Tundras have towed a 7500# travel trailer with stuff in the bed (pretty much maxed out the gross axle weights) on four 2+ month long, 7,600 to over 10,000 mile northern Canada & Alaska summer trips, including the Dalton & Dempster highways, with no problems. I did have to replace my 2007s 28 gallon fuel tank with direct replacement 46 gallon Transfer Flow, but Toyota fixed that with a 38 gallon tank in the newer V8 trucks. Haven't really looked at the new V6 turbo ones.
Timex, had the same Ford and turned to rust but the engine kept on ticken. It is one of my peeves with the Big 3 trucks is the rust problem that I see on fairly newer trucks for what one pay for them.
Worked for John Deere after dx out of the Navy in 72 and Deere has a big dip tank that electrostatic the primer into the tractor parts before going in to the paint room, that is the reason one doesn't see a JD tractor rusting out, no reason the auto companies could do the same, but long term ownership is not in their business plan
Been with Toyota since 89 when they start to use zinc oxide treatment on their body, the Tacoma has been my truck since, had very little problems with them except giving up a full seize truck room, they are tough trucks.
Nissan, Ram, Ford, Titan, 2 GMC and now a 2023 Chevy Silverado. My 2005 Titan was my favorite. Not sure there is a best. All are good if you get lucky. My last GMC needed a trany at 62,000. And yes that was 2000 miles out of warranty:(
Toyota Tacoma's are awesome. 4x4 off road package then get GOOD tires.
Timex a third of the cost of new and twice as tuff what a deal.
Jjs have an 88 f250 completely deleted 4.9. Offenhouser intake. Header, 1 wire electronic distributer 4 speed manual trans, it's a torque monster but living on the coast the rust has gotten to it.
I'm just old school. These farmers around here riding around in brand new 60k trucks. Not me I'd have something old school with some character that would burn the tires off if ya felt the need to impress them young boys in their fancy trucks.
I've said it before in other recent truck threads. Most people that talk crap about the Ecoboost. Have probably never owned one. I was always a naturally aspirated V8 guy. But tried the EB on a friends suggestion. I now have 171k on that truck with zero engine problems. The friend that suggested the EB has 280k on his. It all boils down to personal preference and what you have had good experiences with.
2009 F-150 FX4. 160k miles & still runs great..
I can get you a friends and family discount on a new Ram. I won’t buy used now until prices start coming down. That won’t happen anytime soon. Pay cash if you can, rates are about 6.5% right now. Lmk. You can go to any dealer you want. I think it is about 2% under dealer invoice, plus you get all the incentives still.
Any of you guys with 4.0 V6 Tacomas haul heavy loads like a boat or camper in the mountains? I absolutely hate not having enough power.
thornton, you may or may not know this but the 4.0 v6 tacoma has not been an option since 2015. beginning in 2016 they started using the 3.5 v6.
i have a tacoma with the 3.5 and find it adequate for towing up to about 3000 pounds. the tow rating is about double that but i would not recommend it for long distances that involve hills and mountains. i am sure the 4.0 would perform similar as the 3.5 in terms of towing.
if you "absolutely hate not having enough power", the tacoma is not for you regardless of engine.
I would definitely buy new whatever you decide.
thanks Ron. Always wanted the 4.0 as a commuter/hunting truck. Jeep and everyone seems to have done away with 4.0s.
"thanks Ron. Always wanted the 4.0 as a commuter/hunting truck. Jeep and everyone seems to have done away with 4.0s."
The Jeep 4.0L was an inline 6, it was discontinued in 2006. The Toyota 4.0L was a V6. Completely different engines and performance.
Matt
Just sold a 01Tundra with 252k miles for 5k. One of my clients wife, a nurse, had a garage kept 13 Tacoma with 64 thousand miles. She was looking to sell and upgrade to new. I picked it up for 17k. 4.0 liter, 4 door and darn near mint. I hope I did good as you never know about buying used.
“I can get you a friends and family discount on a new Ram.”
We’ll, I checked in on this thread one day too late. Yesterday I traded in my 08’ 2500 Ram for a 23’ 3500. It’s still looks and acts like a truck, but rides and drives much nicer than my old one! I went with the Tradesman. Less expensive than the the loaded models, but it has a towing package and electric side mirrors, that have a good view of everything around you. Practical without all the fancy features and gadgets. The only thing I was disappointed about is that it doesn’t have the puck system for a 5th wheel hitch. I assumed that was standard on all new trucks, especially a 3500!
BC173, keep an eye on the cooling system on that 4.0L. The water pumps are notorious weak points on that engine, with failures often happening around 50K miles. Just a heads up. It sounds like you got a great deal on your Tacoma. I hope you enjoy it.
Matt
^^^Thanks GG. Will do. So far so good.
Dodge rams are every where.across the country, should get one cheap...
Hmmmmm. Might be a reason
70lb draw, anytime in the future, PM me. It might take me a bit to get back as I don't check the site every day. I agree through, rams are one of the best riding trucks. Love them! I get a few friends and family a year. I've used a couple already but have some left.
Just bought my second Ram after years of Ford disappointing me. Luv the truck, came with a factory lift, 20 inch rims and pro comp 35’S. Had 230 miles on it so was declared used. 55,000.
About 10 years ago I had an auto body guy tell me to check for rust in the rear wheel wells of Dodge trucks. Not sure if this was a common problem, or just his perception. If true, I would hope/assume the newer models don't have the same issue?
10 years and 150,000 on the one I just traded in.No rust at all.
I think the Dodge rust bucket reputation was well-deserved years ago, but not any more. They all use basically the same materials and corrosion prevention these days.
Matt
Have a 2007 Tacoma with 230,000 on it. Only major problem was ring gear in the rear diff lost some teeth. Think this may have happened when I towed a B-17 out of the hangar. Oh, had to get the AC recharged this summer.
Terry
“70lb draw, anytime in the future, PM me. It might take me a bit to get back as I don't check the site every day.”
Much appreciated, and I may take you up on it! My wife has a 2018 bighorn. Great truck! She loves it. We’ve always been a “two Ram fam”, But now that I’ve finally let go of the 08, 2500 and I’m maxed out on complete towing and hauling capacity, she’s considering trading hers in for something else Dodge, but not necessarily Ram.
On a side note, I heard that the UAW is pushing for a 46% wage hike, 32 hour workweek, but 40 hour paychecks?!…Say what?!…are you kidding me? And here we have China joe that supports union extortion 110%!
My prediction is that, automobile prices will skyrocket, but ole Joe will offer Americans some amazing discounts and incentives on EV’s. The average American won’t be able to afford to buy a new gas/diesel vehicle, but EVs will be so affordable, even a high school student won’t be able to pass it up!
All I know is that I think I made the right choice at the right time!
Yeah, most likely use going on strike. Things are going to get and stay hairy for a while I’m thinking.
That’s why when people talk of vehicles coming down in price, I wander what planet they are living on. The UAW is the car industry’s wild card. Do nothing and they strike, prices stay high. Make a deal and they don’t strike, prices stay up.
You’ve got 72 and 84 month financing now. Auto makers know they can sell them do, why would they back off?
The 3L Duramax motor is definitely worth looking at, I have one in my 22Trail boss . It’s a bad ass rig.
After Fords and Chevy's I bought my first Dodge Ram 2500 reg cab in 1998. Bought new 2003 2500 Ram quad cab 5.7 Hemi for $27K, drove it for 17yrs without any major issues-240K miles when sold it and bought a new 2020 Ram 2500 6.4L Hemi long-bed Tradesman Md at end of Nov. 20' for $40K. That same truck now goes for $61K+, WTH! And those prices are only going up. Used ones are going for only about $10K-$15K less with 30K+miles (in Colorado). My second choice is Toyota's trucks, friend has had a couple that seemed bullet proof.
Anyone wants a discount, lmk!
I love taco's, I do think they are not as good as 20 years ago but I could be wrong
If I were to buy a used truck It would not be a Toyota. They are good trucks so the resale price are unreasonable. A new Toyota is another story. I am frugal so I tend to look at the trucks with low resale value. The truth is there is hard to find a truck made in the last ten years that is"bad".
I purchased a used 1999 Tacoma to use to run a few service calls in 2007. Within 6 months i got a letter to bring to a Toyota dealer to have the frame inspected and it checked fine . This truck came from the south and a military man had it and moved back home . I had heard of the frame rusting out issues and had already given this truck a good going over before purchasing the truck for $10,500, taxes included . In the spring of 2013 i noticed a hole in the frame . Truck was now 14 1/2 yrs old . The frame extended warranty was for 15 yrs . I took to the dealer and they put it in the air and agreed. They sent the info to Toyota . 2 days later I had a buy back offer of $14,887.50. They got it back . I took that money and got aggressive in the stock market . Sold the 3 stocks in 2020 and had $27, 505 after taxes . Purchased a new Tacoma for $33,000. I did not buy a top of the line truck but one that had all my wife wanted on it as it was going to be hers to drive . Double cab. Toyota did us right .
As a contractor i had them all.....And i got good mileage out of them all.
I sold quite a few fords that were pushing 300,000 miles...both dodges were pushing 300,000. I have yet to have a chevy that got over 250,000...got one right now with 181,000...its starting to burn oil a little, smokes when you start it up but then goes away. 5.3
I have a F-150 with a 4.6 with 150,000 not a lick of trouble with it yet other than a ignition coil. I also have a f-150 with a 3.5 eco boost...135,000 so far all i had to do was replace the camshaft, crankshaft positioning sensor....18-24 mpg...all kinds of power. towing or going up a mt, or 0-60mph....It will flat walk away from every other gas truck i own, or did own including the 5.7 hemi's. time will tell how it holds up.
