Armed Polite Society

Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: seeker_two on November 25, 2009, 12:27:15 AM

Title: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: seeker_two on November 25, 2009, 12:27:15 AM: I think I've hit the point where I'll soon need to trade in my trusty Frontier for something a bit larger....something in the half-ton, extended cab range...probably 1-2yrs used. I've looked at the players, and my top three end up being the Tundra, the Silverado, and the F-150...however, I kinda like the Rams (despite hearing of some mechanical problems). It's mainly going to be my commuter vehicle (so good gas mileage is a must), but I do need the bed space for moving light "Home Depot" type loads, brush & limbs, and the occasional furniture (my wife has plans....evil plans >:D ). No heavy towing in mind, so a V-6 is good...don't mind a V-8 if the gas mileage is good....

What do you all think? Which do you prefer?

Also....does anyone here have any experience with the variable displacement engines that Chevy & Dodge use on their trucks? Are they worth having?....or should I just stick to the regular engines.

Thanks in advance..... =D
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Balog on November 25, 2009, 01:05:59 AM: You could buy an older truck for hauling and a great gas mileage car for the price of a 1-2 year old big *expletive deleted*ss truck. Jus' sayin' is all...
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Ryan in Maine on November 25, 2009, 01:32:32 AM: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

Pretty good comparisons: http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2008-light-duty-shoot-out.html
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: roo_ster on November 25, 2009, 01:36:09 AM: Newest Ram half ton has coil spring rear suspension. Rides great, but towing blows.

Newest Ford engines have gotten better, MPG-wise, but I think GM still has them beat MPG-wise.

I have been looking at full-sized pickups for a while with an eye to buy and could make good arguments for either GM or Ford. All else being equal, I'd go Ford just because I hear really good things about its 5.4L V8, longevity-wise.

But, if a screaming deal came up on a GM, I could accommodate it.

Let's face it, newer half-ton pickups are pretty nice and have improved fuel economy, too.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Vodka7 on November 25, 2009, 02:55:27 AM: Quote from: Balog on November 25, 2009, 01:05:59 AM
You could buy an older truck for hauling and a great gas mileage car for the price of a 1-2 year old big *expletive deleted*ss truck. Jus' sayin' is all...

Or skip the truck and rent an F150 from Uhaul or Home Depot when you need one. $20/day, something to consider if you're going to only need a truck once or twice a month.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: jamz on November 25, 2009, 03:19:33 AM: A friend of mine has an 07 Silverado with the variable displacement deal, he loves it for trips up to camp... says he gets 20-22 mpg on it, and it's a crew cab with a 6 foot bed.
My BIL has an 06 Silverado, and it's nice, but has some nagging little issues that never seem to go away, even after being fixed by the dealer. The speedo doesn't always work when it's cold, there is a funny "clunk" in the steering linkage, and it goes out of alignment very easily.

I'm real happy with my older (98) F150, not great mileage but a full 8 foot bed.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Leatherneck on November 25, 2009, 06:55:49 AM: My 2000 Ram 250 with the big engine (5.9L?) has done yeoman duty for 105,000 miles, but I probably wouldn't get another. It's a strong, tough truck, but QC on the bits and pieces sucks. Just a lot of little irritating things. It does get over 19 mpg in the summer, and slightly less on winter gas.

If I were looking, I'd take a hard look at the Toyota, based on my recent experience with a "new" 2008 Highlander--my God, what that thing does with 2.3 liters!

I personally vowed never to buy another Chrysler or GM after they gobbled up our money and didn't change their ways. Ford deserves respect for their great, if over-priced, F-series trucks. And as I said, the American-built Toyotas have great engineering and QC.

TC
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Hutch on November 25, 2009, 09:08:29 AM: Faced with some similar decision points I got an older (7.3L) Ford F250 turbo-diesel. Gets 18.5mpg on expensive fuel, but I do believe it'll outlive me. Decide what you can spend, and go shop for a pre-2003 Powerstroke. It won't provide the quality of ride, but it should last.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Nick1911 on November 25, 2009, 09:23:10 AM: Quote from: Balog on November 25, 2009, 01:05:59 AM
You could buy an older truck for hauling and a great gas mileage car for the price of a 1-2 year old big *expletive deleted*ss truck. Jus' sayin' is all...

This is actually what I've done.

I have a commute car that I actually enjoy driving and gets reasonable fuel economy, and a $1500, 1995 F-250 that can comfortably move around more serious weight then I've ever put in it.

Downside is, it's another thing to maintain, plate and insure.

Anyway, I really like the F-250. It's simple and solid, even with 220k miles.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Fly320s on November 25, 2009, 09:29:27 AM: This doesn't help the OP, but...

Hey, Ford, Nissan, et al., build me a F150-sized truck with a TDI engine, dammit.

As to the OP, I like Nissan's SUVs, so maybe their pickups are good, too. There must be something in the air this year, I've been looking at pickups, too.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: 41magsnub on November 25, 2009, 09:37:24 AM: Quote from: Balog on November 25, 2009, 01:05:59 AM
You could buy an older truck for hauling and a great gas mileage car for the price of a 1-2 year old big *expletive deleted*ss truck. Jus' sayin' is all...

That is my system, 95 Sierra 1500 that is rock solid and a 99 Toyota Avalon for my daily driver. As a combined value they are probably a little over half of what a couple year old half ton truck is. It doesn't cost much more, the truck's insurance is cheap and it is old enough that in MT I was able to get permanent tags for it. I only get an oil change in it about once a year based on mileage.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: seeker_two on November 25, 2009, 10:42:59 AM: Quote from: Balog on November 25, 2009, 01:05:59 AM
You could buy an older truck for hauling and a great gas mileage car for the price of a 1-2 year old big *expletive deleted*ss truck. Jus' sayin' is all...

Didn't think about that....even though it would be a little hassle like Nick1911 points out, it would leave us with a spare vehicle if one breaks down...hmmm....

Quote from: Fly320s on November 25, 2009, 09:29:27 AM

Hey, Ford, Nissan, et al., build me a F150-sized truck with a TDI engine, dammit.

Amen and AMEN!....I'd jump on something like that in a hot second.... :cool:

Thanks....keep the ideas coming....
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Declaration Day on November 25, 2009, 10:53:41 AM: Quote from: Fly320s on November 25, 2009, 09:29:27 AM
Hey, Ford, Nissan, et al., build me a F150-sized truck with a TDI engine, dammit.

Ask, and you shall receive:

http://www.insideline.com/ford/f-150/2010/engine-spy-photo-2010-ford-f-150-diesel.html

DEATH VALLEY, California — Last week spy photographers caught the 2010 Ford F-150 diesel during hot-weather testing and provided a sneak peek inside the new full-size truck's cabin and fuel door. Today the same shooter managed to snap a shot of the F-150's new diesel engine.

Despite wearing the "Power Stroke" badge, the diesel engine pictured here is apparently not related to those produced in a joint venture with International Truck, a division of Navistar, for the larger F-Series Super Duty Trucks.

The 4.4 liter turbodiesel fitted in this F-150 sports an oil-filler cap with the Land Rover logo on it, confirming that the new mill is in reality the first U.S. application of the new 4.4-liter turbodiesel developed by Land Rover and Ford Engineers at Ford's Dagenham Diesel Centre in England.

Land Rovers sold in the U.K. are currently fitted with a 3.6-liter V8 turbodiesel that makes 272 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque in U.K. emissions trim.

The 2010 F-150 diesel is expected to deliver more power than the current 5.4-liter V8 gas engine, while improving fuel economy by 20 percent.

What this means to you: Getting a diesel-powered Ford no longer means driving a heavy-duty truck. — Dan Edmunds, Manager of Vehicle Testing
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Nick1911 on November 25, 2009, 11:06:01 AM: Quote from: seeker_two on November 25, 2009, 10:42:59 AM
Didn't think about that....even though it would be a little hassle like Nick1911 points out, it would leave us with a spare vehicle if one breaks down...hmmm....

Funny you mention that.

At one point in the winter of 2008, the ignition died on my car, and a few days later my wife's car jumped valve timing (due to a failed tensioner...) and hosed up the engine. We were down to just the truck for a few weeks! Glad I had it.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: charby on November 25, 2009, 11:15:37 AM: Quote from: Declaration Day on November 25, 2009, 10:53:41 AM
Ask, and you shall receive:

http://www.insideline.com/ford/f-150/2010/engine-spy-photo-2010-ford-f-150-diesel.html

DEATH VALLEY, California — Last week spy photographers caught the 2010 Ford F-150 diesel during hot-weather testing and provided a sneak peek inside the new full-size truck's cabin and fuel door. Today the same shooter managed to snap a shot of the F-150's new diesel engine.

Despite wearing the "Power Stroke" badge, the diesel engine pictured here is apparently not related to those produced in a joint venture with International Truck, a division of Navistar, for the larger F-Series Super Duty Trucks.

The 4.4 liter turbodiesel fitted in this F-150 sports an oil-filler cap with the Land Rover logo on it, confirming that the new mill is in reality the first U.S. application of the new 4.4-liter turbodiesel developed by Land Rover and Ford Engineers at Ford's Dagenham Diesel Centre in England.

Land Rovers sold in the U.K. are currently fitted with a 3.6-liter V8 turbodiesel that makes 272 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque in U.K. emissions trim.

The 2010 F-150 diesel is expected to deliver more power than the current 5.4-liter V8 gas engine, while improving fuel economy by 20 percent.

What this means to you: Getting a diesel-powered Ford no longer means driving a heavy-duty truck. — Dan Edmunds, Manager of Vehicle Testing

yeah but what will be the diesel engine option cost be? $7k more?
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: grampster on November 25, 2009, 01:04:44 PM: Dodge 4 X 4's have had transmission problems that they never fixed as well as other nagging troubles. 40,000 miles and need to be rebuilt.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Bigjake on November 25, 2009, 01:25:57 PM: Quote from: Hutch on November 25, 2009, 09:08:29 AM
Faced with some similar decision points I got an older (7.3L) Ford F250 turbo-diesel. Gets 18.5mpg on expensive fuel, but I do believe it'll outlive me. Decide what you can spend, and go shop for a pre-2003 Powerstroke. It won't provide the quality of ride, but it should last.

Hutch speaks truth.

Mines just passing 250K millage, and still runs great.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Balog on November 25, 2009, 01:41:09 PM: Quote from: Bigjake on November 25, 2009, 01:25:57 PM
Hutch speaks truth.

Mines just passing 250K millage, and still runs great.

What year did this powerstroke first come online? When I get around to buying a truck it needs to be significantly older.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: roo_ster on November 25, 2009, 02:06:55 PM: Quote from: Fly320s on November 25, 2009, 09:29:27 AM
Hey, Ford, Nissan, et al., build me a F150-sized truck with a TDI engine, dammit.

Amen, brother. Keep praying, 'cause right now it'd take a miracle.

Quote from: Fly320s on November 25, 2009, 09:29:27 AM
As to the OP, I like Nissan's SUVs, so maybe their pickups are good, too. There must be something in the air this year, I've been looking at pickups, too.

Nissan's full-sized pickup has been a bit of a nightmare, QC-wise, sad to say.

Quote from: Declaration Day on November 25, 2009, 10:53:41 AM
Ask, and you shall receive:

http://www.insideline.com/ford/f-150/2010/engine-spy-photo-2010-ford-f-150-diesel.html

Not so fast. Check the date:
23JULY2008

I thought I heard BOTH GM & Ford 86'd diesels in their half-tons due to gas getting cheaper and the auto industry melt-down. I'd say I was 100% confident GM's is history and 75% confident Ford's is history.

<Does googling...>

<Insert ironic laughter as well as facepalm>

No, it looks like Ford's F150 diesel is to be put off indefinitely. Instead (hold on to your hats, now), Ford is going to introduce...(drumroll, please)

The New Eco-Boost V-6 Gas Engine!!!
???

It looks like Ford read my mind while I was sleeping and built my worst freaking nightmare: a F150 V6.

Disappointment? Oh, yeah. And :mad:

Read it and weep:
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f57/motor-trend-2011-ford-f-150-ecoboost-v-6-a-86020/
http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2008/112_0812_2011_ford_f_150_ecoboost_engine/index.html
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Bigjake on November 25, 2009, 04:08:14 PM: Quote from: Balog on November 25, 2009, 01:41:09 PM
What year did this powerstroke first come online? When I get around to buying a truck it needs to be significantly older.

The one you want was built between 97 and 03.

With it's huge popularity comes affordable and plentiful aftermarket stuff too..
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: grampster on November 25, 2009, 04:22:57 PM: I wish Ford would bring back their old 300 cid in line 6. Greatest motor ever.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: charby on November 25, 2009, 05:06:23 PM: Quote from: grampster on November 25, 2009, 04:22:57 PM
I wish Ford would bring back their old 300 cid in line 6. Greatest motor ever.

It didn't win any speed contests but it would pull like no other.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Declaration Day on November 25, 2009, 05:18:40 PM: Quote from: charby on November 25, 2009, 11:15:37 AM
yeah but what will be the diesel engine option cost be? $7k more?

Yes, it probably would be that much. That's why I don't buy diesel heavy duty work trucks for my business. I don't keep them long enough to recoup the difference. Even if I tried to, the engine might last 300,000 miles but nothing else on the truck would.

Oh and, uh, my bad on the F-150 diesel news. I didn't check the date. Sorry.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Hawkmoon on November 25, 2009, 06:37:56 PM: An as yet unmentioned fringe benefit of buying older is that the computers in newer vehicles (starting exactly which year depends on make and model) are also "black boxes" that can (and will ) rat you out in the event you elect to drive extra-legally and get involved in an accident.

Personally, I choose not to drive extra-legally, but for purely philosophical reasons I prefer nonetheless to not spend MY money to help big brother keep any eye on me.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Gewehr98 on November 25, 2009, 08:52:48 PM: Whoa, wait, I thought the Ford turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine was supposed to be the be-all, end-all of V-6 engines, providing V-8 power with the fuel economy of a V-6? Ford's intention was to throttle back on V-8 production thanks to the V-6 wonder engine...

340HP/340ft/lbs is nothing to sneeze at, while getting 23mpg highway at the same time.

And is that a urea tank I spot in the pictures of that F-150 prototype diesel? In a pinch, one could pee in it, I suppose! =D
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Art Eatman on November 26, 2009, 10:03:02 AM: I bought an '09 Tacoma; 4WD V-6. I like it, but it only gets about 18 mpg on the highway at 70 mph. IOW, the Tundra is worse, so I'd recommend against considering it.

My full-size '00 V-8 Jimmy get 18 to 19 mpg at 70 mph, and it's a lot heavier than the Toy...
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Balog on November 26, 2009, 11:59:55 AM: Hi Art, nice to see you round these parts again. =)

For older diesel full size, what make/model would you all recommend? Thinking no older than 80-90's vintage.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Bigjake on November 26, 2009, 12:11:17 PM: The only thing worth bothering prior to the mid 90's would be a Cummins powered dodge, IMHO.

Some folks like the 6.5 GM diesel, as well as the pre turbo 7.3/ 6.9 Fords, but they do nothing for me.

97-03 Fords are good, Any Dodge with a 5.9 (ideally a manual, they EAT automatics.), and I don't know enough about the later GM diesels to say one way or another.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: doczinn on November 27, 2009, 11:02:25 AM: A bit of thread drift:

My '98 Frontier will be driven until it can't be driven no more. Then, I plan to put in a diesel engine. Is is possible to find a diesel engine that can be put into a '98 Frontier? Pretty much only street use, rare light hauling and very light off-road use.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: Bigjake on November 28, 2009, 11:52:09 AM: Had another thought, ever considered one of those milsurp CUCV pickups? Mid 80's chevy 5/4 ton with a 6.2 Detroit diesel. Damned near indestructable
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: roo_ster on November 28, 2009, 12:29:38 PM: The 6.2L diesel in turbo & non-turbo guise was a very good engine when stuffed in a GM product. A friend of the family used to haul horses and started off with a 1985 2500HD 3/4 ton with a 6.2L non-turbo diesel. He kept it longer (385K miles) than his follow-on 1-ton with the 6.5L diesel (100k+ miles), which he thought was crap (engine, the rest of the truck he liked).

He liked the Ford 7.3L diesel OK, but thought it sucked way too much gas. His favorite of all time was the Dodge with the Cummins.
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: zombienerd on November 30, 2009, 04:40:45 AM: Heh.. Buy a 92 Hyundai Excel (35+mpg) cost you about $1500 in perfect condition...

Add one of these:
http://ioinc.us/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IO&Product_Code=MOTO0001&Category_Code=

and you're set for life for 6 grand.

Nothing like Milsurp :D
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: 41magsnub on November 30, 2009, 09:58:35 AM: Quote from: Bigjake on November 28, 2009, 11:52:09 AM
Had another thought, ever considered one of those milsurp CUCV pickups? Mid 80's chevy 5/4 ton with a 6.2 Detroit diesel. Damned near indestructable

We had a bunch of those in my unit in the 90s, they were in fact quite destructible!
Title: Re: Pondering a Pickup...
Post by: doczinn on November 30, 2009, 10:18:13 AM: Just when you make a thing grunt-proof, there's a new type of grunt....