Brag about, or dog, your truck!

[aigheadish]

I drive a little 2017 Honda Civic Si. It's a fun car, a 2 door coupe, it's zippy, it runs beautifully despite my semi-abuse, and it's been very good to me. It's got 87300 miles on it as I pulled into my parking spot today. All irrelevant.

I think I'm looking for a truck. While I'd love to put the Civic in the barn for the next 30 years I can't afford a full truck payment with minimal down payment, so I'll likely trade the car in. 

I'd really love an old beat-up truck that I could put new everything in, to have a reliable daily driver, but that poses the issue of not having the money to do it the right way, and waiting for the work to be done. I've got to have a vehicle. 

My guess is that I will get something relatively late model, there are a few creature comforts I'd like to have but there's enough after market stuff available that that isn't a huge concern.

I have very little brand loyalty to anyone, other than Honda, but I don't really want a Ridgeline, since I'd like a full length bed and a real sized truck, preferably 4 wheel drive. 

All that being said- Sell me or dissuade me on your truck! My budget will likely be in the $30kish range, gas mileage is an issue but I've seen the standards lately and they are acceptable. I'd really love to be able to tow the backhoe, but after looking at some towing capacity charts that puts me into some pretty serious trucks, so it's unlikely. I'd also like for the driver's seat to lay back a fair amount so I can take my extremely important lunch naps. 

I've looked at what the internet has said are the best and worst years for all the major versions but I don't know what to get. I'd love something that I didn't have to fix all the time. 

What do you think? 

[doc henderson]

I am a gm guy.  2007 HD 3500. chevy dually.

[TroyC]

My 04 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L gas has 250K miles and easily gets 20 mpg highway at reasonable speeds. I have done proper maintenance (it had 170K when I got it) and I replaced brakes, ball joints, and anything else that would give me issues. I try to stay in front of things, even did wheel bearings at 225K. Pulls my 24' trailer with tractor on it at 14 mpg. I think the tow rating is about 8K lbs so I do OK with trailer brakes. Sits low to the ground so I can get in it easily. Not super high tech inside but reliable. Bought it 7 yrs ago for 3500.00.

A lot of the newer trucks (both Ford and GM) have their issues, and some are noteworthy. Lots of engine and transmission problems in the 2015 and up models, particularly the 6L GM engines. Even new Tacomas are having tranny issues. 

I'll hate the day I have to replace this one.

[Larry]

I been thinking for about 6 months of doing something and pulled the trigger couple of weeks ago. On the pickup side I've mostly had 3/4 or 1 tons and the last two have been diesels. No bad past issues so I can't knock them. I've bought mostly new for the last 56 years.

What figured into my decision is my advancing age and my present activities. I don't do a lot of towing except for my RV camper which is 4,000 pounds with a lot of frontal area. I'm keeping my camping within a few hundred miles of home and trying to avoid the interstates.

So.....my choice was a 25 Ford Ranger with the little four banger. 4wd and towing package were the biggest options. So far performance has been amazing, at least for a four banger. The turbo spools up and the engine feels much bigger. The 10 speed tranny keeps the engine in the peak power band. The tranny has a normal, towing, sport, eco, and a couple other modes. I towed the camper on steep mountain roads and it did as good as my old PSD. Towing on the interstate with any wind was not fun and a weak point. It is rated for towing up to 7,500 pounds which easily covers my camper, boat, and a few logs I haul.

Mileage so far has been 20-23 mpg except while towing. That drops fast to 10-12 mpg when towing. With my old PSD it might dip to 14-15 mpg. The short 5' bed is a hindrance hauling some stuff but I bought a bed extension rack the same day as I got the truck. The bed extension is nice when I make a quick trip with my kayak. The short bed does enhance handling and parking.

My truck is close to the base trim level. I did look at a few late model Rangers but most were a higher trim level and the price was close to or higher than my new one.

I jumped my salesman the day I got the truck because it did not have a owners manual in the glove box. Found out Ford quit printing them and puts em online. All 613 pages!!!!  I've had a hard time getting used to the high tech. Some things are controlled on the infotainment screen, others on the dash menu screen, and more by multi-function switches. Of course the switches have micro icons that make no sense to an old guy but I mostly can't see em anyhow. After 3 weeks I've pretty much sorted it out, but still don't like it.

In the past I've done all of the routine maintenance on my truck and a few of the major things. After inspecting the engine compartment I doubt if I'll ever open the hood again. Gonna let somebody else do it.

Finally a new car warranty that covers all this fancy electronics for three years seemed like a good thing to me.

[Nebraska]

If I had a Time Machine...........
And I were to buy another truck it would be Chevy/gmc built from 97-2007 4wd, no traction control garbage I have had good luck in that time frame esp 2001-06. 
Although my old ford diesel has been super as well. 

I've seen some Toyota trucks go a really long time too. 

[barbender]

Larry, it is pretty amazing the power that is getting wringed out of the little engines these days. 

[Ljohnsaw]

I have a 2005 tundra 4 Dr 4.7L I bought at CarMax with 18k miles in 2007. It now has 250k. Right off the bat the rear end was howling and was replaced under warranty after 4 or 5 visits to the dealer.

In the last year or two replaced radiator ( I think the mechanic cracked it doing the timing belt, crappy plastic), rack, ball joints, rebuilt rear end when limited slip failed, replaced exhaust preheat cat valve things and probably a couple other things.

I added helper springs because I regularly carry 1,700-2,100 pounds of scrap metal to the recycling. In the last 3 years I've hauled 120,000 pounds!

I've used it to haul way too many logs on my little trailer up steep Sierra roads.

It gets 14-16 mpg, hauling or not. Crappy California gas blends. EPA says 22.

Been rear ended 3 times, but my hitch won every time 😁 the other car's radiator not so well.

I love it. It ain't pretty anymore. Lots of dents and Sierra pin striping (scratches from brush on narrow roads).

[Peter Drouin]

I have a 2006 2500 Chevy 4x4. With no rust. The last of the 5-speed standard; 120,000 miles
2005 3500 GMC 4x4 and the last of the 5-speeds, no rust.
85,000 miles.

[customsawyer]

Larry, I thought you understood that you were supposed to offer me your old truck. 

[aigheadish]

Great info guys. I really like the look of GMC's but the ones I see are usually pretty, not really stuff you chuck stuff in the back of. After I made this post I drove home and was surrounded by Silverado's and they were pretty sharp too. 

I was leaning toward Fords but you guys are making me rethink. Larry your Ranger info is good too, they are about full sized trucks now! I learned to drive, partially, on a Ford Ranger that the place I worked for had as a maintenance vehicle. 

I don't like the idea of fixing a bunch of stuff, gas mileage would be fine in the 20-25 range (I'm used to 35+). 

Thanks again for the info and keep letting me know if you've got things you love or hate. I'm slow at deciding about these sorts of things, and my daughter's school costs went up this year, so money may be tight for a car payment.

[NE Woodburner]

it is pretty amazing the power that is getting wringed out of the little engines these days.

^this is true, but it kind of scares me that everything is going little engines with turbos. I know of several people who have had turbo issues once they get a few miles on. That is an expensive repair. I guess that is the way things are headed and they will probably figure it out.
I'm with Larry on the technology. Both my truck and my wife's SUV have a ton of technology that seemed like cool ideas but we never use them. I will admit that some things like blind spot warnings and adaptive cruise control are nice one we got used to them...

[sprucebunny]

2018/19 Tacoma long bed ( 6 feet). In your price range and very dependable. 

I bought my first Toyota ( a 4runner) with 165,000 miles on it and drove it another 100k before rust made it not pass inspection. 

If you are easy on the pedal you can get 23-25 mpg. If not, probably 18-20. 

I bought a '22 Tacoma last fall. More electronics than I care for but lots of them can be shut off or bypassed.

To make up for not having a full size bed, get a 5x10 utility trailer. Your trucks paint will thank you.

[Resonator]

One thing to add no matter which brand you get, make sure there is a good dealer close by for parts and service. In general if there if it will need any repair involving the computers, it is difficult to do without using their software. 
I also like to keep all the receipts from the dealer for repairs and services done, to show to whoever buys it when it comes time to sell/trade in.

[Tom K]

What do you consider a "full size bed"? To me that's an 8' bed, your not going to get that in any compact truck, and hard to find in a 1/2 ton. They are not all that common in 3/4 ton truck anymore.

From my experience you may be able to get close to 20mpg in a 1/2 ton, a 3/4 ton gasser will usually average 12-15 mpg. A diesel may or may not be better depending on the emissions system. 

Hopefully rust isn't as bad down where you are, but up here condition is more important than age. With a heavy heart I sold my old truck this spring because it was getting rough (2007 GMC 2500 classic w/ 8.1L & Allison 6 speed) I replaced it with a '22 GMC 2500. I get a truck to use it, they were both long bed, extended cab trucks. The new one is "pretty" but that's just because it's what I found a decent deal on close.

The right fit for you will come down to how you plan on using it. A truck like mine will feel like a boat compared to your car, and you won't like the fuel economy. I've average 13.6 mpg for the 3k miles I've had it, 8-10 mpg towing & 16-20 mpg highway.

[Machinebuilder]

I would not consider a diesel unless I was hauling heavy stuff all the time.

I know my choice of trucks isn't for everyone, but It works well for me especially when my camper is on it.

 It's a 2021 F350XL Supercab 8' bed ( removed the pickup bed and put a flatbed on). 4x4, 4:30 axles 7.3L gas.

I average around 12 mpg. loaded or not, can take it anywhere i am willing to drive a big heavy truck, and can haul a lot on the truck.
If I want I can pull a heavy trailer.

I live in the country and need my truck often. It is my only vehicle.

Since retiring I am not driving it everyday, sometimes I will go a week.

If I didn't need a heavier duty truck I would look for a 1/2 ton with a V8. I had a 2011 F150 with the 5.0 and averaged 13-15mpg.

I'm like Tom K a full size bed is 8', a short bed is 6'. I see a lot of people refering to the 6.5' bed as a long bed and the 5.5 bed as a short bed.
I would call a 5.5' bed next to useless.

[JJ]

I traded my Toyota GR-86 little sports car for a Tacoma TRD-Sport with the 4 cylinder 2.4L turbo.   Price was reasonable for brand new $43K.   Had to give up the 86 as my frame on my 09' F150 could no longer pass inspections from rust the brine they use on NH interstate roads rotted it away. 

They don't make V6 or V8 engines anymore due to Biden's emissions mandates, even the full-size Tundra has the 4 cylinder turbo.

I find the pulling power of the Tacoma pretty equivalent to the 4.6L V8 the F150 had, but little laggy as turbo has to spool up for full power.

I look up the specs between the 2 and seem pretty close which is amazing to me:

Ford 4.6L V8: 
        292 HP @ 5700 rpm
        320 ft-lb @ 4000 rpm

Toy 2.4L 4cl Turbo:
         278 hp @ 6000 rpm
         317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm

Now I never run my engine at 6000 rpm, more in the 2000-4000 range.
My Tacoma doesn't even use the first 2 gears of the 8 speed transmission, I have to shift into 1st or 2nd manually, which I do when pulling my boat up the ramp.

         JJ 

[JD Guy]

FWIW

I have two trucks that do very different jobs.

One is a 2015 Chevrolet 2500 Duramax with Allison transmission crew cab daily driver but bought primarily to tow camping trailer and anytime I move a tractor and equipment on a trailer. Has 104,000 miles and been bulletproof. Probably just jinxed myself!

The other is a 1992 Chevrolet 1500 short bed extended cab with 350 V8. 140,000 miles and no issues except replacing the AC compressor..and regular maintenance. Used it to haul hay wagons/trailers and pickup loads of feed as well as various other tasks. I don't use it much anymore and should probably just sell it. We call it the "farm truck" and as such it now rarely leaves our acreage. I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a longer trip though except the Duramax is so much more comfortable to drive. This truck was used like a SXS until I got a Kawasaki Mule

[aigheadish]

Long bed, to me, is also 8 footer. I drive past a Ford dealership pretty frequently and thought I should stop in, until I noticed this past time, that everything I saw was the 5 and a half or 6 and a half foot beds. I don't know that I'd even really fill up the 8 footer that much but I like the idea of sheets of plywood without things sticking up out of the back.

Rust is definitely an issue here too...

For me a truck will be mostly for commute, which after hearing some of your mpg's makes me a little nervous, though my commute is only about 30 miles per day. There are definitely times though where I want to move things, and between my Civic and my wife's Carolla wagon we can't do it. I had to rent a Uhaul to move a dresser and a tool box last week and I'm getting tired of doing stuff like that. It'll be for moving random stuff, flea market days, and a farm truck. 

I shudder a bit to think of a nice looking truck because I don't want to have to feel gentle with it but I know it'll be rough getting its first good dent or scratch.

Thanks again gang, keep 'em coming! I'm also always interested in hearing about those trucks that had 600000 miles on them and stuff like that too! 

Makes me sad for the 1977 Ramcharger and 1987 F250 I had, but got rid of both. The Ramcharger was a neglected rust bucket but so cool. The F250- my wife was tired of seeing it not run and sit in the driveway. It's body was solid but looked terrible (so, perfect!) and I didn't put any money into the engine like I should have. 

[barbender]

NE, I worry about the turbo engines too. But even the non-turbo engines are putting out some power. Its not like the 80's where a 4 cylinder would be an absolute dog.

I'm not much use in this conversation. I have what is becoming a fleet of diesel duallies😊

[Resonator]

I've owned many Dodge (Ram) trucks over the years as my brand preference, but I think any of the makes mentioned would do the job.
I'm kind of in the same boat, I'm searching for a replacement for my '07 3/4 ton Ram. Only 50,000 original miles, but it's name is "Rusty".
I need at least a 3/4 ton for what I use it for, in your case you likely just need a 1/2 ton. I will say for sure looking for a 2 door cab 8' box truck, that you'll find 10 times more 4 door cab short box trucks for sale.
Agree on the 5x10 trailer suggestion. I bought one new years ago, and it's paid for itself many times over.

[doc henderson]

or a 6 x 12.  it will pull it and you can see it behind in the mirrors.  I have angle sides on my trailers but I think the pipe ones look good longer.  you may have trouble getting a mower on it with a wide deck if you go 5 x 10.

[Larry]

Larry, I thought you understood that you were supposed to offer me your old truck.

Whoops! I forgot.

[customsawyer]

I have Ford trucks, both 4 door, one with 8ft bed and one with 6.5ft bed. They are both a little aggravating to park in town, but the 8ft bed is much worse. Lots of places are making the parking spaces smaller and smaller. I'm talking about just the distance between the lines. It's so they can fit more cars, but makes it tough to fit a truck. Make sure you need an 8ft bed if you're going to get one.

[YellowHammer]

Not much to brag about, but my dog Chip has no trouble driving my truck when he isn't running the sawmill.  He's pretty smart.  

[Larry]

My dog Hank is a little too short to be driving but he has figured out most of the controls. He pushes all the buttons on the console, and can put down the windows. Fortunately he hasn't figured out how to lock me out or jumped out the window.....tricks he did in my old truck.