Anybody have a pickup truck?

[Pampho85]

I'm interested in getting one in the future since I believe I would benefit a lot from it since I am an avid outdoorsman, I will be hunting, etc. I've never had a car before (still in college so it will be a while until I get one) and nobody in my extended family has owned a truck before (they're all about Civics and Camrys since they're fuel efficient). So far I've been looking into the F150, Silverado, GMC and Tundra. With my research for quite a few months, I've narrowed it down to the Silverado and Tundra. What I've read/know is that the Tundra has given the title as 'most reliable' truck there is. However, the MPG really is turning me off and the price is a bit more compared to its competitors. The Silverado is a pretty good car as well, better MPG than the Tundra, however I keep on hearing after 40-60,000 miles, it starts rattling.

But these are some of my questions for those who have trucks:

What kind of truck do you own?
What kind of add-ons do you have on it? (Off road package, Crew Cab, etc.)
What's your opinion on it?
Were you able to haggle down the price quite a bit?
Is it reliable?
Is it a 'new vehicle person' friendly kind of vehicle?



So far that's all I have, but I'd like to have some peoples input on this matter! Thanks!

[Reinz]

Bought my 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins Diesel Mega Cab (duely) new.

Have only put fuel, oil and tires into it in 100,000 miles and the recommended transmission fluid change at 60/70 k? Nothing else, not even brakes.

I don't baby it. I work it hard. It constantly has a load of 1000-1500 lbs in it. And occasional runs a load of 3000-3500 lbs.

Occasionally pulls a 14,000 LB trailer from Texas to California without knowing it's back there, even up the mountains while passing everybody.

Probably more than what you need, but that son, is a truck! Tells ya what a Dodge is capable of.

[Pampho85]

Bought my 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins Diesel Mega Cab (duely) new.

Have only put fuel, oil and tires into it in 100,000 miles and the recommended transmission fluid change at 60/70 k? Nothing else, not even brakes.

I don't baby it. I work it hard. It constantly has a load of 1000-1500 lbs in it. And occasional runs a load of 3000-3500 lbs.

Occasionally pulls a 14,000 LB trailer from Texas to California without knowing it's back there, even up the mountains while passing everybody.

Probably more than what you need, but that son, is a truck! Tells ya what a Dodge is capable of.

Thanks for the reply!

Haha, that is a bit more than what I need! Do you know if the 'average' Rams are still as good? How about the new ones? I've heard the older ones are a lot better than the more recent ones so.

[Reinz]

I have a friend with 2012 3500 Cummins that tows an RV. I believe he is at 60k miles with no issues.

I can think of two friends with reg Rams that I haven't seen in a while. Last time I saw them they were pleased with their trucks.

[Pampho85]

I have a friend with 2012 3500 Cummins that tows an RV. I believe he is at 60k miles with no issues.

I can think of two friends with reg Rams that I haven't seen in a while. Last time I saw them they were pleased with their trucks.

Okay thanks! Do you know if a reg. 1500 would be able to tow an RV or a trailer?

[bcr229]

1984 1008 4x4 CUCV, basically a 5/4 ton military full-size pickup. It's big, ugly, has the anemic diesel 6.2L non-turbo engine, gets a whopping 9 mph, no amenities like A/C, radio or even interior lights, and probably wouldn't break 70 mph even in free-fall. I love the thing. It has 4x4 so it will go anywhere, and it can pull/haul almost anything. It's just not fast. It's a work truck not a daily driver.

1999 K2500 Suburban 4x4 w/ 454 V8 that will pass everything except a gas station. This is my long-distance tow vehicle. It's big, sturdy, cushy, has all of the amenities (I bought it used), hauls a ton of stuff, and tows my horse trailer. I keep good tires on it so it's also a winter go-in-the-snow vehicle and has yanked many a car out of the ditch.

Since you're going to use your pickup off-road and for towing get one that's 4-5 years old with a lot of years of use left in it, but someone else has taken the depreciation hit. If I had to get one today I'd be looking at the full-size Toyotas.

[Pampho85]

1984 1008 4x4 CUCV, basically a 5/4 ton military full-size pickup. It's big, ugly, has the anemic diesel 6.2L non-turbo engine, gets a whopping 9 mph, no amenities like A/C, radio or even interior lights, and probably wouldn't break 70 mph even in free-fall. I love the thing. It has 4x4 so it will go anywhere, and it can pull/haul almost anything. It's just not fast. It's a work truck not a daily driver.

1999 K2500 Suburban 4x4 w/ 454 V8 that will pass everything except a gas station. This is my long-distance tow vehicle. It's big, sturdy, cushy, has all of the amenities (I bought it used), hauls a ton of stuff, and tows my horse trailer. I keep good tires on it so it's also a winter go-in-the-snow vehicle and has yanked many a car out of the ditch.

Since you're going to use your pickup off-road and for towing get one that's 4-5 years old with a lot of years of use left in it, but someone else has taken the depreciation hit. If I had to get one today I'd be looking at the full-size Toyotas.

Thanks for the reply!

I don't think it'll be taken outdoors a lot, just sometimes camping and such. As for towing, it'll def. happen later on after a few years most probably. The only reason why I'm hesitant with used is that I, nor any of my family, knows much about trucks and I don't want to get ripped off at all haha. All of my friends have a basic understanding, but mainly just cars and such. What advantages does a 4x4 have over a 4x2? Are there any pros to 4x2?

[sho220]

Can't go wrong with a Toyota truck. I've had a bunch and loved every one of them...

[KMG]

What kind of truck do you own?

I have owned or still own(in order) a 59 Chevy Apache, 96 Chevy S10, 02 Ford Ranger, 04 Ford F150 FX4 with lift running 35s, 10 Dodge 1500, 07 Ford F150 Lariat, and my current 10 Ford F150 Platinum.

What kind of add-ons do you have on it? (Off road package, Crew Cab, etc.)

My current truck only has 20K on it as I ride my motorcycle everywhere. It is a crew cab with the 4x4 off road package. I have also added exhaust, cool air intake, programmer, wheels, and it sits on 33x12.5 D!ck Cepek FCII tires.

What's your opinion on it?

Out of all my trucks I have had I have enjoyed the Fords the most. Dodge has come a long way but the one I had just felt cheap inside and the doors when shut didn't leave you with the impression there was much there. The new Longhorns are awesome but I doubt you are looking at that price range.

My current 10 F150 Platinum is my favorite truck to date. It has a V8 5.4L and with my add ons I can get 15-19 mpg and usually stay around 17. I do pull my bass boat regularly and it does it well but the gas drops to 11-15. Any truck you buy should be able to pull a trailer but the size and weight will depend on what motor you have and your suspension. A big plus to a 4x4 is they usually have a beefy suspension and allows you to tow more.

Were you able to haggle down the price quite a bit?

I had a family member is sales and is now in finance so I didn't have to worry about this.

I would encourage you to still look at used. If you are buying from a true dealership you will be able to add an extended warranty to it so you will still be covered for most things. I have always had one and have used it a few times on small repairs. It was worth it for me. The length and miles all vary as you can select different plans.

Is it reliable?

I have had two major issues with my trucks. The first was with the S10, its trans went out with 70K+ on it. Then my 04 F150 had some front differential issues but they may have been caused by the lift I put on it. I will not do that again. My last few trucks have never had any issues and have only needed gas, oil, and brake pad(I drive hard).

Is it a 'new vehicle person' friendly kind of vehicle?

I find a truck pretty easy to work on and do things like oil yourself. Much of this will depend on you and your ability.

If I was in your situation but had my experience I would check out a Ford F150 XLT. The new Eco Boost motors do well on gas and still give you plenty of power to pull a RV or small trailer. If you truly are going to be camping and needing to go off road through mud, snow, or sand the 4x4 would be a great option. I will always have it as it has saved me several times from being stranded or getting all dirty digging it out.

Just don't buy more truck than you can afford and make sure that you can afford the gas as you will spend much more than in a small car. My buddy found this out the hard way and took a major hit getting out of the truck to get a car again...if he only listened.

If you plan on adding exhaust make sure to get a V8 as adding it to anything less sounds bad. Think angry weedeater.

[Pampho85]

Can't go wrong with a Toyota truck. I've had a bunch and loved every one of them...

Thanks! If you don't mind me asking, what kind of features would you have added on to an offroad Tundra that you think is really needed?

What kind of truck do you own?

I have owned or still own(in order) a 59 Chevy Apache, 96 Chevy S10, 02 Ford Ranger, 04 Ford F150 FX4 with lift running 35s, 10 Dodge 1500, 07 Ford F150 Lariat, and my current 10 Ford F150 Platinum.

What kind of add-ons do you have on it? (Off road package, Crew Cab, etc.)

My current truck only has 20K on it as I ride my motorcycle everywhere. It is a crew cab with the 4x4 off road package. I have also added exhaust, cool air intake, programmer, wheels, and it sits on 33x12.5 D!ck Cepek FCII tires.

What's your opinion on it?

Out of all my trucks I have had I have enjoyed the Fords the most. Dodge has come a long way but the one I had just felt cheap inside and the doors when shut didn't leave you with the impression there was much there. The new Longhorns are awesome but I doubt you are looking at that price range.

My current 10 F150 Platinum is my favorite truck to date. It has a V8 5.4L and with my add ons I can get 15-19 mpg and usually stay around 17. I do pull my bass boat regularly and it does it well but the gas drops to 11-15. Any truck you buy should be able to pull a trailer but the size and weight will depend on what motor you have and your suspension. A big plus to a 4x4 is they usually have a beefy suspension and allows you to tow more.

Were you able to haggle down the price quite a bit?

I had a family member is sales and is now in finance so I didn't have to worry about this.

I would encourage you to still look at used. If you are buying from a true dealership you will be able to add an extended warranty to it so you will still be covered for most things. I have always had one and have used it a few times on small repairs. It was worth it for me. The length and miles all vary as you can select different plans.

Is it reliable?

I have had two major issues with my trucks. The first was with the S10, its trans went out with 70K+ on it. Then my 04 F150 had some front differential issues but they may have been caused by the lift I put on it. I will not do that again. My last few trucks have never had any issues and have only needed gas, oil, and brake pad(I drive hard).

Is it a 'new vehicle person' friendly kind of vehicle?

I find a truck pretty easy to work on and do things like oil yourself. Much of this will depend on you and your ability.

If I was in your situation but had my experience I would check out a Ford F150 XLT. The new Eco Boost motors do well on gas and still give you plenty of power to pull a RV or small trailer. If you truly are going to be camping and needing to go off road through mud, snow, or sand the 4x4 would be a great option. I will always have it as it has saved me several times from being stranded or getting all dirty digging it out.

Just don't buy more truck than you can afford and make sure that you can afford the gas as you will spend much more than in a small car. My buddy found this out the hard way and took a major hit getting out of the truck to get a car again...if he only listened.

If you plan on adding exhaust make sure to get a V8 as adding it to anything less sounds bad. Think angry weedeater.

Thanks so much for the help! I'll definitely look used for the first one, maybe a few years off, and I believe it'll help me in my job quite a bit. I don't plan on using a vehicle a whole ton of a lot if I could help it (rather use a bike or walk) but I'd use the truck for the needed things.

Thanks again!