How to Choose a Truck - READ ONLY

54 messages, Last post on Aug 03, 2004 at 1:10 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series, Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, Car Financing, Truck

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#45 of 54 Re: 04' Super Crew F150 4x4 or 04' Double Cab Tundra 4x4? [gondola2 #44] by uwahusky Jun 21, 2004 (9:06 am)
Replying to: gondola2 (Jun 19, 2004 10:04 pm) Personally, I feel there is no doubt the Tundra will be more durable and more reliable, especially considering the small amount you'll be towing. The other thing to consider about the Toyota is re-sale down the road. Fords are very difficult to re-sell, mainly because there are much more of them and with Ford offering 0% and other incentives, it makes almost as much sense to buy a new Ford rather than a new one. From my experience, there is always a buyer for the Toyota trucks. Even if the Toyota is slightly more than the Ford, go Toyota. No doubt!! For a base SR5 4x4 Double Cab, you should absolutely be below $28k.
#46 of 54 Need Advice by harperchad Jun 21, 2004 (2:02 pm)
I've got a 2002 Nissan Frontier XE Desert Runner with 3.6 V6 and about 38,000 miles. I've just gotten a new job where I'll be doing a lot of traveling and occasionally hauling some decent weight. I've done the research and feel like an F250 or F350 would be best for me. The problem is, the best I can figure is my truck will only get about $12,000, $15,000 if I'm lucky, and I still ower $17,000 on it. I'm trying to figure out what the best steps are to take. There is no rush for me to purchase this vehicle but the sooner I get it, the better off I'll be. I need advice on how to proceed and come out in the best shape. Please someone help!
#47 of 54 question about payload and towing power by ucsc Jun 25, 2004 (6:32 am)
Hi there, I am going to buy a truck. I am considerting Toyota Tacoma I4 2WD and Tundra V6 2WD (regular cab). The specs of payload and towing of both trucks are 1500lb/3500lb and 1500lb/5000lb. So it seems that there is no big difference between them. But as Tundra is a full size truck, and it should have more payload. I asked my friend, who has a Ranger I4. He told me that the actually payload of his Ranger I4 truck is under 700lb (also 1500lb in spec), otherwise the bed just sacks down, and he may damage the rear axles. Thus I wonder what are the actual payload of Tacoma and Tundra. Thanks! UCSC
#48 of 54 by tundradude Jul 01, 2004 (12:36 pm)
I can tell you from experience that the Tundra V6 can tow very well. I towed a 5000 lb. trailer with mind. However, in payload, it is a toss up except for the fact that you put longer and wider items in the Tundra since the Tundra is 2 feet longer and almost a foot wider than the Tacoma. I hauled several loads of furniture and wood in my Tundra and it never was a problem. I owned a 93 Truck with the 2.4 and I remember one time that I had 1600 lbs in it. The only thing you have to deal with the Tundra is to watch for little cars beside you (blind spot) and it takes more gas.
#49 of 54 Extreme Cold Truck by mrski Jul 05, 2004 (1:06 am)
I am in the Army and will soon be going to Alaska. I am looking for a newer truck to replace my '88 Bronco. I have been looking at and comparing the F-250, Chevy 2500HD, Dodge 2500, and GMC 2500HD because of the diesel engine option. As with most truck owners, I always wind up towing or hauling something, so it will be a daily driver with expectations. One of the reasons I want a diesel, though, is because I have heard they perform better than gas in extreme cold. I have also been told that vehicles are left running for extended periods of time in extreme cold, and gas engines don't do well idling for hours on end. The other reason is for alternate fuel possibilities. I have been a Ford truck fan forever so I need an unbiased opinion on which truck performs better in the Great White North. I have heard the Chevy's and Dodge's need to have transmissions replaced because the gears desintigrate in the sub zero temps. I have also heard the truck of choice for the Alaska Pipeline workers is the Ford. So I guess I have questions covering several subjects and clearing up all the "what I heard". Does a diesel perform better in extreme cold? Do Chevy, GMC, and Dodge have drivetrain problems in sub zero temps? Does anyone know about alternate fuels or Bio Deisel engines and power specs? Thanks, Mr.Ski Replies to this message: dustyk (Jul 24, 2004 1:44 pm)
#50 of 54 Ford Explorer Sport Trac {quest. for the hos by nortsr1 Jul 05, 2004 (6:30 am)
I went to the archived section of the above and was told to ask you. Do you know if there are any changes that will be made to the above for the 2005 version? The 2004 Explorers had a different rear suspension system added for 2004; however, Ford left the same rear suspension that was in the old 2001 Explorers. If so, when do the 2005 models usually arrive in the dealers showrooms?. Thanks, Nortsr1 Replies to this message: wpalkowski (Jul 06, 2004 6:10 am)
#51 of 54 Re: Ford Explorer Sport Trac {quest. for the hos [nortsr1 #50] by wpalkowski Jul 06, 2004 (6:10 am)
Replying to: nortsr1 (Jul 05, 2004 6:30 am) Here's a link to the Sport Trac '05 ordering guide. Hope it helps. http://www.fordaxz.com./pdf/2005.SPORT.TRAC.OG.pdf
#53 of 54 Re: Extreme Cold Truck [mrski] by dustyk Jul 24, 2004 (1:44 pm)
Replying to: mrski (Jul 05, 2004 1:06 am) Ski, I can only give you an unqualified opinion since I don't live in Alaska, but here in Western New York State it gets pretty cold in the winter, too. Not as cold as up there, but cold enough. In an average winter here the light-duty diesel pick-ups start well. However, in my experience when the temperatures dip quite low they are not as good a starter as a gas engine. Diesel fuel is more susceptible to temperature changes and quality differences making them, in my opinion, slightly more troubleprone in colder weather. I don't think that a diesel engine is more tolerant of long idle periods anymore than a gas engine. I've seen a lot of police engines running quite fine after a 100,000 miles, and they are notorious idlers. The advantage a diesel has, though, is better economy at idle. The problems with Dodge transmissions is, unfortunately, highly exaggerated. Yes, prior to '99 there was a marginal fluid flow issue with the overdrive unit, punky shift solenoids, a anti-drain back valve issue, and less than reliable electrical connectors that got prematurely corroded. In newer Dodge trucks a temperature sensor now locks out the transmission's ability to go into overdrive until the transmission fluid reaches a certain temperature. Fluid flows have been increased, and for "extreme service environments," there is a transmission oil cooler bypass installed. The new 545RFE transmission is even more sophisticated. GM's have had their share of transmission problems, too, and in recent years I'd say much more than Dodge ever did. However, not all GM transmissions are the same. The 4LE series seem to be the most troubleprone. Whether any one of them are more reliable in Alaska, I couldn't say, but around here -- today -- both the problem and failure rates are very close for Chevy, Dodge, and Ford. Best regards, Dusty
#54 of 54 Are you shopping for a pickup on our lists? by kirstie_h HOST Aug 03, 2004 (1:10 pm)
Depending on whether you're buying new or used, or trading in after a few years vs. keeping your vehicle for years to come, the pickups on our list can be a bargain or a bust: Top 10 Trucks With the Best Residual Value for 2004 http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/102464/article.html Top 10 Trucks With the Worst Residual Value for 2004 http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/102472/article.html kirstie_h Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host