Post by: wooderson on March 18, 2008, 05:49:09 PM
If I'm going to take on a payment and move up from my F-150 V6 w/ 130k on it, I figure I need three things: power mirrors (I hate trying to adjust the passenger mirror after someone bumps it in a parking lot), extended cab (not crew - I just want enough space for a guitar case/range bag/groceries), and a V8 to make highway passing less unpleasant. I don't tow anything, but I haul paint, equipment, material, etc..
I don't pay for my gas (part of the deal for work - I don't get a company car, so...), but I don't want to test that by getting a Hemi and flooring it at every light.
initial impressions from reading:
Tundra - too many quality issues, no dice
Titan - only comes with the 5.7L V8 that gets lousy mileage
F-150 - 4.6L doesn't seem like much improvement over my V6, 5.4L V8 performance still isn't outsanding due to weight, but Fords are the cheapest and mine has been reliable
Silverado 1500 - either engine seems to be enough, kinda ugly but who cares - somewhat pricier, but other than that this is looking like a good choice
Ram 1500 - seems perfectly fine in all respects if only it had something in between the crew cab and regular cab.
Post by: Declaration Day on March 18, 2008, 05:57:50 PM
As a casual daily driver they all fit the bill, but the aforementioned features make a difference when your truck is your office and you climb in and out of it thirty times per day.
Post by: Perd Hapley on March 18, 2008, 06:05:49 PM
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Silverado 1500 - either engine seems to be enough, kinda ugly but who cares
No, those things are beautiful. At least they're not stuck with a 90s gimmick look, like the Dodge.
Post by: Declaration Day on March 18, 2008, 06:16:44 PM
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Silverado 1500 - either engine seems to be enough, kinda ugly but who cares
No, those things are beautiful. At least they're not stuck with a 90s gimmick look, like the Dodge.
I agree that the new Silverado is beautiful, though it's a heavy facelift, not a completely new truck.
Dodge is coming out with its first-ever good looking truck for 2009:
Post by: cassandra and sara's daddy on March 18, 2008, 07:50:36 PM
Post by: wooderson on March 18, 2008, 08:12:49 PM
I believe firmly in flogging them 'til they can't be flogged no more.
Post by: Leatherneck on March 19, 2008, 12:10:18 AM
TC
Post by: Big_R on March 19, 2008, 03:01:23 AM
Ryan
Post by: Jamisjockey on March 19, 2008, 03:15:54 AM
I have one and I've been very happy with it. Mine's the crew cab. Plenty of bed space. I've used it fishing, hunting, picking up furniture and appliances, and for hauling stuff to the dump.
Post by: geronimotwo on March 19, 2008, 03:17:06 AM
Post by: MechAg94 on March 19, 2008, 05:03:26 AM
Post by: Sawdust on March 19, 2008, 07:23:05 AM
Sawdust
Post by: Boomhauer on March 19, 2008, 07:52:30 AM
I thought the Ford 4.6L engine is kinda weak. And I didn't like the Ford's ride (kinda rough). And, I'd run like hell from Dodge. Toyota, good value, also solid truck. I've got a buddy who runs a painting business, and he has two Tundra crew cabs that he likes a lot.
We are a Chevy family. All our vehicles are Chevys (one GMC, though- same thing, different sheet metal on front).
Post by: Perd Hapley on March 19, 2008, 08:35:44 AM
At work, we have two pick-ups, a newish Chevy 2500 and a newish F-250. Both have four-wheel drive. Both are bone-stock work-trucks. I don't know about the suspension package. Anyhoo, the Chevy is much easier to get into, as if it were a foot closer to the ground. But the Ford has very little additional clearance.
Is that a common difference between Frods and Chevies? Or is that just our two trucks?
Post by: Brad Johnson on March 19, 2008, 08:39:23 AM
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Just got approved online for a loan at a good rate,
No, you didn't. You got pre-qualified, which is an entirely different critter. And chances are that "good rate" comes with a bunch of nasty little strings attached. Try you credit union, bank, or the dealership credit people. Most manufacturers are still giving incredibly good rates if you finance with them.
Words of advice born of lots of experience - I have yet to see an "online loan deal" that actually is.
Brad
Post by: Declaration Day on March 19, 2008, 08:47:14 AM
Post by: Ben on March 19, 2008, 08:54:56 AM
I had the same F150 you do, except an 02. I got it because I got a great "year-end clearance" deal on it. I mostly liked it, but yeah, the V-6 lags a bit when you're trying to pass, especially on a one lane road with a semi heading towards you. I upgraded to the F250 only because I wanted diesel and I throw a ton load in the back often enough that I could justify the cost, and I can depreciate it from my rental side business.
Otherwise, I would have been more than content moving up to the F150 with the 5.4L. I think that engine has plenty of power for the frame, and I prefer the Ford interior layout to other brands. That said, we have an 07 Silverado at work with whatever their smallest V-8 is, and I find nothing wrong with that truck, and it has plenty of passing power unloaded.
So I guess I'm saying that given your parameters, you'll probably be happy in any of the major brands you're interested in that you get the best deal on.
Post by: James Fitzer on March 19, 2008, 08:58:08 AM
Here's a pic.
http://a736.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/73/l_18715861156d0ca3bebe929bca77f15f.jpg
Post by: Bogie on March 19, 2008, 08:59:43 AM
Look for a used one-ton diesel dually.
Yeah, the "gas" costs more a gallon, but you get better mileage with less maintenance.
And you can tow or haul darn near anything.
I'm actually thinking of getting a trailer in a few years, and instead of a "pickup," buying a used single-axle big truck...
Post by: Boomhauer on March 19, 2008, 09:04:18 AM
Plus, the newer diesels, I understand, don't get great milage compared to a gas pickup truck. I think the newer F series diesels get around 19 mpg, no load. My Chevy easily matches that.
Post by: Lennyjoe on March 19, 2008, 09:13:32 AM
Post by: Ben on March 19, 2008, 10:16:15 AM
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I think the newer F series diesels get around 19 mpg, no load.
Yup, and that's for the F250 with a 3.73. I've gotten as high as 21, but rarely. Goes down fast for the higher gear ratios and larger chassis. I've heard that guys who remove their DPF and run a DPF delete program are getting a good 5MPG better. I'm just afraid to do it because I don't want to shoot my warranty in the foot.
Post by: Jamisjockey on March 19, 2008, 01:38:07 PM
Post by: Lennyjoe on March 19, 2008, 01:39:40 PM
Post by: Lennyjoe on March 19, 2008, 01:54:15 PM
Post by: Tallpine on March 19, 2008, 02:01:40 PM
Post by: Remington788 on March 20, 2008, 03:17:34 AM
Post by: wooderson on March 22, 2008, 03:00:56 PM
So far so good - ride's nice, plenty of power. Ugly steel wheels, but c'est la vie.
Post by: grampster on March 22, 2008, 03:20:50 PM
Does Dodge still have the lifetime warranty. If so, you should be good to go.