Anybody have a pickup truck?

[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!