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Truck Buying Recommendations

Chin Diesel

Chin Diesel

Wild Horses couldn't drag me away
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It's that time of month. A BY'er canvassing the board for vehicle recommendations.

I'm looking for a full-size pick up truck.

A bit of background. Yes, like 95% of personal truck owners, I will not be using the truck as a truck a majority of the time. It will be used as a daily driver and for weekend chores.

There will be legitimate off road use though. Not just dirt roads but on open fields where mud, ruts and some tree branches are the norm.

I'm far enough south that snow driving isn't an issue.

The mid-size truck market isn't going it for me- I've previously owned a Tacoma but I want bigger.

I'd prefer gas over diesel if for no other reason than long-term maintenance course. Same reason I prefer naturally aspirated over turbo engines. But, I'm willing to listen.

A new truck with the features I want is more than I'm willing to pay. I could pay the price for a new truck, I just don't see the need to do it. So, a used 2022-2024 is a sweet spot for me.

I'm leaning towards a RAM1500 with the 5.7 Hemi and the e-torque electric motor assist.

I can't see myself in a Titan.

So, RAM 1500? F-150? Chevy or GMC 1500? Tundra?
 
Chin Diesel said:
It's that time of month. A BY'er canvassing the board for vehicle recommendations.

I'm looking for a full-size pick up truck.

A bit of background. Yes, like 95% of personal truck owners, I will not be using the truck as a truck a majority of the time. It will be used as a daily driver and for weekend chores.

There will be legitimate off road use though. Not just dirt roads but on open fields where mud, ruts and some tree branches are the norm.

I'm far enough south that snow driving isn't an issue.

The mid-size truck market isn't going it for me- I've previously owned a Tacoma but I want bigger.

I'd prefer gas over diesel if for no other reason than long-term maintenance course. Same reason I prefer naturally aspirated over turbo engines. But, I'm willing to listen.

A new truck with the features I want is more than I'm willing to pay. I could pay the price for a new truck, I just don't see the need to do it. So, a used 2022-2024 is a sweet spot for me.

I'm leaning towards a RAM1500 with the 5.7 Hemi and the e-torque electric motor assist.

I can't see myself in a Titan.

So, RAM 1500? F-150? Chevy or GMC 1500? Tundra?
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Need to know if you feel the need to get something pre-tariff time. Just wondering who else is a little confused about the near future.
 
Just had to replace both turbos in my wife’s 2018 Explorer. That was $5,800.00. Only 78K miles. It’s been paid for since late 2020 and really knocking wood here but it was the first major repair since we paid it off.

We live in Palm Beach, FL, and the heat down here really takes it toll on vehicles. My mechanic found the turbos right away as he says it is a common problem with the high HP V-6 twin turbo police package in the Explorers. The county sheriffs offices all use the same vehicle and they are constantly being replaced.

FHP uses the V-8 Hemi Dodge Chargers. And they always have their hoods up when working construction jobs.

I agree try to find the last year Toyota made the Tundra with the V-8. They will run to 200k without burping.
 
I have a 2013 F-150. My third in 30 plus years. The most reliable vehicle I’ve ever owned.
 
Hunt for 7 said:
Just had to replace both turbos in my wife’s 2018 Explorer. That was $5,800.00. Only 78K miles. It’s been paid for since late 2020 and really knocking wood here but it was the first major repair since we paid it off.

We live in Palm Beach, FL, and the heat down here really takes it toll on vehicles. My mechanic found the turbos right away as he says it is a common problem with the high HP V-6 twin turbo police package in the Explorers. The county sheriffs offices all use the same vehicle and they are constantly being replaced.

FHP uses the V-8 Hemi Dodge Chargers. And they always have their hoods up when working construction jobs.

I agree try to find the last year Toyota made the Tundra with the V-8. They will run to 200k without burping.
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The problem with those Tundra V8s is that those vehicles had the same interior in 2021 that they had in 2012 or whatever. If you're ok with wildly outdated infotainment then it's fine.

Given all the mostly negative reliability concerns that Ridgeline is looking better and better. The lockable trunk under the bed is really cool. Also, no turbo.

As for turbos, not sure about Florida heat but they aren't what they were a decade ago. With most cars now turbocharged, they've gotten a lot better and more reliable.
 
Dove said:
Is a Honda Ridgeline in your sphere of options?
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Not for this purchase. I'm going to need something with legitimate off-road capabilities, towing up to around 10k lbs and real hauling capabilities.
 
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TGW93 said:
I loved my 2014 Silverado LTZ, but it developed the Silverado shuffle in 2021. I traded it in for a RAM 1500 Limited and haven't looked back.
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The "shuffle" is not limited to Silverado's. I have that issue with a 2016 GMC Acadia my daughter now drives. The torque converter is a known issue for GM's for about a decade worth of vehicles.
 
HuskyHawk said:
The problem with those Tundra V8s is that those vehicles had the same interior in 2021 that they had in 2012 or whatever. If you're ok with wildly outdated infotainment then it's fine.

Given all the mostly negative reliability concerns that Ridgeline is looking better and better. The lockable trunk under the bed is really cool. Also, no turbo.

As for turbos, not sure about Florida heat but they aren't what they were a decade ago. With most cars now turbocharged, they've gotten a lot better and more reliable.
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My dilemma with the older Tundras is fuel economy. I realize any truck is a major compromise with fuel economy but it's the mid-2020's and I want a full-size truck that can get me somewhere in the low 20's. I'd be lucky to get 17-18 mpg in a Tundra.

I drove a RAM 1500 Rebel last night with the 3.0L diesel. Drove pretty good. From I've read, that 3.0L diesel is a strong performer. My dilemma is better gas mileage with a diesel, but diesel costs more than gas. Probably a longer engine life, but higher service costs and sustainment costs. And, similar to what @Northbound said, they're better until they're not. 2021 and newer models are the third generation of that engine and it seems like RAM hit the sweet spot with it. So, of course, they no longer offer that engine as an option.
 
I have a F-250 Platinum , it works like a truck and rides like a caddy. My 3rd one and ill never get anything else again.
 
Chin Diesel said:
My dilemma with the older Tundras is fuel economy. I realize any truck is a major compromise with fuel economy but it's the mid-2020's and I want a full-size truck that can get me somewhere in the low 20's. I'd be lucky to get 17-18 mpg in a Tundra.

I drove a RAM 1500 Rebel last night with the 3.0L diesel. Drove pretty good. From I've read, that 3.0L diesel is a strong performer. My dilemma is better gas mileage with a diesel, but diesel costs more than gas. Probably a longer engine life, but higher service costs and sustainment costs. And, similar to what @Northbound said, they're better until they're not. 2021 and newer models are the third generation of that engine and it seems like RAM hit the sweet spot with it. So, of course, they no longer offer that engine as an option.
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Those older V8 Tundras are true pigs. My friend got closer to 12 MPG in his maybe 15 on the highway. We do get worse MPG here in the cold and our winter gas is terrible for MPG.
 
HuskyHawk said:
Those older V8 Tundras are true pigs. My friend got closer to 12 MPG in his maybe 15 on the highway. We do get worse MPG here in the cold and our winter gas is terrible for MPG.
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The MPG conversation goes out the window for me when looking for trucks.

Our toyotas 1969 - 2022 all get 12-16 MPG, our 2001 12 cylinder bmw is 27 on the highway and 16 in town - crazy, but true.

Ridgeline suggested here is a very good choice if you don’t need more than a 1/2 ton. Unlike other mid-sized trucks it can fit an ATV and plywood in the bed because the bed sits above the wheel wells - really smart design and, well, Hondas are, well, Hondas so it’ll go forever. A friend who is a recently retired mechanic (not a tech) just bought one and loves it.
 
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UCFan1513 said:
Ford Raptor. Other coaches don’t pull up in that Raptor
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I’m an SUV guy but I looked at these solely because it’s what he drives. Design is nice, price is not so nice although that’s every car these days.
 
HuskyHawk said:
Those older V8 Tundras are true pigs. My friend got closer to 12 MPG in his maybe 15 on the highway. We do get worse MPG here in the cold and our winter gas is terrible for MPG.
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I would have expected better mpg in cold weather....air is denser so you should get better combustion
 
Northbound said:
In general, I’m probably anti-turbo for a lot of different reasons. I think they’re great until they’re not. Plus I have three friends who own independent shops who are all not the biggest fan of turbo so that probably clouds my opinion a little bit but it depends on how long you’re going to drive the car for - I hold most of mine to at least 200k. There’s a reason why the 200 series Land Cruiser is still in very high demand and a major part of that is to he naturally aspirated V8.
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I've never owned a turbo truck, but have had 3 turbo Saabs....Big issue with trubo imo is not letting it properly cool down before shutting off car...once car is off, there is no oil supplied...if you let it idle for 30 sec after driving it in turbo range, that helps the longevity imo. I really hope I didn't just jinx myself with this comment lol
 
controlfade said:
I have a F-250 Platinum , it works like a truck and rides like a caddy. My 3rd one and ill never get anything else again.
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The springs in the 3500 make for a harsher ride. I had the 3500 for the towing ability on the heavier springs. The 2500’s, 250’s etc. ride incredibly nicely by comparison. The 3500’s are great on the interstate but bumps are really rough. I guess my point is, you are spot on. The 2500 is the perfect truck. Real work capability but a plush ride.
 
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The Rams have a very small back seat if you plan on carrying passengers back there but other than that they all seem to have their mechanical & electrical issuers & it seems the higher up in grade of truck the more serious the problems seem to be. I have a friend who had a Chevy high country & ended up getting a new truck from Chevy under the lemon law. I have had great luck with Chevys the past 25 years & absolutely loved 1970's Fords prior to getting a real P.O.S. in 89 & swore off Fords back then.
I would go and look up common issues for each specific model truck you are considering & see which are less serious overall issues are & go that way.
 
If you ask most mechanics they'll tell you that Mopar makes the worst cars. Poorly made, require the most maintenance and are expensive to repair. So I would avoid anything under the Mopar umbrella.
 
I'm not sure how I feel about the Ridgeline and other new mid-size unibody trucks. Do they hold up?
 
TheRealKBuks said:
If you ask most mechanics they'll tell you that Mopar makes the worst cars. Poorly made, require the most maintenance and are expensive to repair. So I would avoid anything under the Mopar umbrella.
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Anecdotal, obviously... but I've had my Wrangler (Mopar) since 2010. It has 245,000 miles and nothing but expected wear and tear maintenance other than the heat and an oil pan I had to replace. The car starts and runs like a dream 15 years in despite being beat to hell.
 
QuickDraw said:
The Rams have a very small back seat if you plan on carrying passengers back there but other than that they all seem to have their mechanical & electrical issuers & it seems the higher up in grade of truck the more serious the problems seem to be. I have a friend who had a Chevy high country & ended up getting a new truck from Chevy under the lemon law. I have had great luck with Chevys the past 25 years & absolutely loved 1970's Fords prior to getting a real P.O.S. in 89 & swore off Fords back then.
I would go and look up common issues for each specific model truck you are considering & see which are less serious overall issues are & go that way.
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Thanks.

Quick question. Are you suggesting a full-size RAM1500 has a small back seat? It seemed pretty big to me.
 
husky429 said:
I'm not sure how I feel about the Ridgeline and other new mid-size unibody trucks. Do they hold up?
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I have a 13 year old Ridgeline w 200k miles on it and love it. Not a serious off road or towing vehicle but since I don't use it for that, no matter to me. If you are a suburban/country boy who needs to haul mulch or transport a lawn tractor or throw the kids sports equipment in the back, it works great. My buddy is/was a big F150 guy but after driving my Ridgeline he bought one himself. Superior handling and ride. I even drive it into NYC without issue. Never have done anything but regular maintenance, good in the snow in Northern Westchester and pretty good mpg. Not a beast but a very utilitarian vehicle. Spacious, well thought out interior and the under the bed storage bin is a lifesaver. Not what the OP needs but it's great for what I need it for.
 
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The Ridgeline is a good vehicle, but I couldn’t handle all the jokes guys with real trucks would make about it. Keep in mind, I’m in the construction business, so I probably have a more critical audience. They would literally laugh at me. I generally see guys that are in their mid-70s driving those things.

In regard to the Ram comment above about small back seats, I think you might be comparing crew cab trucks with regular cab trucks. My Ram 3500 had an enormous cabin and my brother-in-law‘s new Ram 1500 is absolutely cavernous inside. Both crew cabs. His previous 1500 was the regular cab and that was tight in the backseat
 
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No matter which full-size pickup you choose, you'll need a stepladder to enter and exit the cab, to look or reach into the undersized bed, and to check the oil. Common sense, utility, and reasonable economy of operation went by the wayside years ago.
 
Dove said:
Is a Honda Ridgeline in your sphere of options?
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Just don't confuse with a Ridgeling. They don't have the balls of some of the others.
 
YearoftheHusky said:
I have the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali and have loved it… until I have dropped $4k into predictable transmission issues at 75,000 miles.
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I had one also - a 2015 - was honestly the best car/truck I've ever owned. Still mad I gave it back when the lease was up.
 
Chin Diesel said:
Thanks.

Quick question. Are you suggesting a full-size RAM1500 has a small back seat? It seemed pretty big to me.
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Pulled from the motortrend website

HD 3/4- & 1-Ton Trucks

Chevrolet, GMC, and Ford all share a common cab between their -ton and HD products for 2020. Meaning, GM once again provides the most front-seat leg- and headroom. Ford's Super Duty pickups offer the most rear-seat leg- and headroom, along with front shoulder room. While Ram's 2020 HD trucks are technically all new, they carry over cab dimensions from the previous generation. Still, they offer the most front-seat hip room.

Interestingly, both Ford and GM trucks best Ram's Mega Cab in rear-seat legroom. However, what they lack is the enormous amount of space behind the rear seat. So, if you'd rather have the near foot of extra cargo storage, the Mega Cab is for you.
 
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