Opinions on trucks

[Turbys_1700]

You're gonna laugh when I tell you what I drive to work. An F350 crew cab dually 4x4. It's an 03 model with the 7.3 Powerstroke. It has 77K miles and gets between 14 and 15 MPG driving to work. It's not that big of a deal to me as work is only 16.5 miles one way and the truck is paid for. The way I justify it is I pull a fifth wheel camper for recreation and the truck serves dual purpose as a tow vehicle while driving it to work.

If I was you I would look for a half ton with a small block V-8. They should be good for around 17-18 MPG. I just bought my son an 06 F150 2WD with a V-6. He averages around 20 to 21 driving to school on the interstate and around 18 at the house. It's a good truck but wouldn't pull the hat off of your head.

 

[NuBota]

Nubota - what year is your Dodge 2500? Have you been happy with it vis. a vis. reliability? I have heard good things about the Cummins engine but then not so good things about chrysler transmissions.

Then again a buddy of mine has a 1500 which has been great for 250k km now.

I think that so far the responses are telling me that if I really want to get a diesel, it might as well be one that is a few years old.

It's an '03 and has 60K on it. The engine is rock solid. I have had no issues with the tranny, but I am suspicious - hits and lingers around 2800 rpm going from 2-3rd when accelerating quickly sometimes long enough where I feel I have to tap the pedal to complete the shift. Dealer says it's fine - yea right - since it's still under warranty. But no other symptoms. Otherwise the only thing done was lower ball joints needed replacing - $800 but covered under warranty

This truck belonged to my MILs husband - he died in an accident in '06 and after trying to sell it, she and they DW convinced me to take it. I was happy with my beater. Would never have bought one that new and was never fond of the Dodge curvy design. But it's a great truck - all in all - just concerned about the trans. But I have also been hard on it - pulled some stumps and some dead trees - and drive it like a sports car.

I will say this - I am now a diesel fan - would never go back to gas. Even eyeballing the VWs for a diesel commuter vehicle - and I have always bought Big 3.....

 

[NuBota]

Ha Ha, sometimes I wish I had a diesel and 8ft bed. Guess what, I have an old red Ford F350 too! Nice choice of trucks!


1994 F-350 IDI Diesel (non-turbo, non-powerstroke), 59,000 2 owner miles and 4 speed with OD tranny. I love that diesel, it pushes my 9ft plow around like a toy.

Now I'm jealous - your dump looks exactly like the '90 Super Duty I drove in my waterproofing days - same bed, same color. If you had the toolbox between the bed and cab, I would be suspicious.... alternate universe kinda thing - or just good taste!

 

[Altex]

I have a '95 Chevy Silverado 1500 (1/2 ton) with 196,000 miles on it. Still runs great. I get about 18 mpg and more if hwy only. I've got the MagnaFlow Catback system (MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust - Cat-Back Exhaust Systems) which makes it breath better, better mileage and great deep sound.

I understand you don't need 2 vehicles. I would go with a 1/2 ton with at least the extended cab. Diesel fuel is too expensive down here. Anyway, I've always had a truck. Never had a car.

Trucks are great to haul stuff. But be careful, 'cause you'll have to help move everyone ya know. And as the song says, "There's just something women like about a Pickup Man!"

 

[mjncad]

Canoe:

Since you have a hobby farm and a bum back that makes driving the Accord with the manual difficult, I'd suggest keeping the Odyssey for your wife and kids, and trade the Accord in on a 3/4-ton long bed crewcab.

That may be more truck than you think you'll need; but it will have the capacity to haul and tow most anything you'll need from kids to lumber to tractors. Just make sure you get a truck with a tow package.

I'd be willing to bet that a dealer will take your 10-year old Accord in trade in order to move a truck off the lot whether new or used. If you go gasser, get as big an engine as you can as they won't have to work as hard for the same mileage as a smaller engine. I've read about guys with the Triton 5.4l V8 wishing they had the 6.8l V10 for the power, and they mentioned the V8's mileage in the 3/4 and 1-ton trucks was about the same as what I get with my V10.

I have a '95 Accord with a manual trans, and I'm surprised your '99's clutch feels like a ton of bricks. To me hydraulic clutches work so smooth and easy it makes me wonder if there is something wrong with your Accord's clutch system.

BTW, I can empathize with the bum back as mine bothers me from arthritis and a mild case of scoliosis.

Good luck with whatever you decide to het.

 

[Redneck in training]

I would get a bed trailer and put a hitch on the car. I built a trailer using a torsion bar axle (my is from Renault Fuego) I bought in junkyard for $50 including tires and shocks. It cost me about $500 including arc welder. I put a ball on my tractor and use it carry stuff around the farm.

 

[canoetrpr]

I'm interested in what you guys tend to think of the 3/4 ton 2003-2006 Dodge 2500 vs GMC Silverado 2500 2003-2007.

My impression has been that the 5.9 Cummins has been hard to beat as an engine but the previous generation of the Isuzu designed Duramax which still had good mileage combined with the Allison transmission bight be a better bet for the engine transmission combination. Not sure how this holds up with real life experiences though.

I know less about the Powerstrokes though but I haven't heard great things about them except for ones much older. I'm also a bit partial to GMCs and Dodge's styling.

I'm inclined to go overboard and buy much more than I need. Diesel up here is not much more than gas so a 3/4 Diesel without a DPF that gets about the same meilage as a new 1/2 ton gas seems like a good deal to me.

I'm stil keeping an open mind. Bit scary if GMC or Chrysler really go under though but I'm sure parts supply for these trucks is good and they would be picked up by whatever company emerges from GMC and or Chrysler.

 

[LBrown59]

I always liked having a spare vehicle in the event one goes down or is in the shop.

I've had 4 or 5 pickups for the last 15 years.
You'd think that with that many trucks I'd always have one to drive but instead it seems there's always one to work on .

 

[NuBota]

I'm interested in what you guys tend to think of the 3/4 ton 2003-2006 Dodge 2500 vs GMC Silverado 2500 2003-2007.

My impression has been that the 5.9 Cummins has been hard to beat as an engine but the previous generation of the Isuzu designed Duramax which still had good mileage combined with the Allison transmission bight be a better bet for the engine transmission combination. Not sure how this holds up with real life experiences though.

I know less about the Powerstrokes though but I haven't heard great things about them except for ones much older. I'm also a bit partial to GMCs and Dodge's styling.

I'm inclined to go overboard and buy much more than I need. Diesel up here is not much more than gas so a 3/4 Diesel without a DPF that gets about the same meilage as a new 1/2 ton gas seems like a good deal to me.

I'm stil keeping an open mind. Bit scary if GMC or Chrysler really go under though but I'm sure parts supply for these trucks is good and they would be picked up by whatever company emerges from GMC and or Chrysler.

I don't have anything scientific to add, but my intial reaction is just "yes"
Cop out answer, but I don't think you could really go wrong with any. I lean Ford because I like the styling. And when I did construction years ago, our fleets were always Ford - some 10-15 years old and 200k mileage. When I'm on the road and look at work trucks, they are almost always Ford. Still lots of Dodge and GM running around, but usually personal vehicles. Take that for what it is worth.

And not totally related, but I have had good and bad experiences with Dodge vehicles (not trucks, '83 Charger, K car, Avenger) - some very bad ('00 Intrepid sludge issues at 40k - had to replace motor). GM's I have had (S-10, Cutlass, Cavalier, Astro and current Cobalt) have been solid - went to high mileage with nary an problem. I didn't ever own a Ford until '03 with a new Expedition - not one issue yet at 60K. Bought the F350 with 200K on it (now ~250K) and it has been solid. Wife has an 07 Mustang (too new to tell yet) and the 18 yo bought a '98 'stang at 100K. All solid, reliable, low maint.

For the uses you describe, get what you like and get the extended warranty (not that you will need it) if your clueless (like me ) about diesels.

I know others will have more informed opinions, but that's my $.02. I think you'll be thrilled no matter which way you go.

-Eric

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

Canoetrpr,
If you don't want an extra vehicle,
and you want to commute with it and get comparable mileage to your Odyssey,
You want it for occasional hobby farm duties,
Some towing capacity (?),
car-like ride, comfort, 4 doors, 4wd, reliable:

Honda Ridgeline

 

[Redneck in training]

Great comments so far. Keep them coming. I'm open to both new and used.

I'm not quite convinced on a having an extra vehicle - we already have two - one for my wife one for me.

She's currently driving a 99 Honda Accord. It does not get much use as she's a stay at home mom - so taking the kids here and there, groceries etc. It's got about 300000 km on it and is the one that will eventually need to be replaced by something.

I'm driving a 2005 Honda Odyssey van which is what she really should be driving. I drive it because the Accord is 5 speed and the clutch is like a ton of bricks. I have a bad back and the clutch bothers my back quite a bit. I love manual but its auto only for me unfortunately now.

I guess I could buy a 4 or so year old 1/2 ton gas pickup for her use and keep driving the Odyssey myself but really the mom needs the van more than I do!

Not sure on having a third vehicle hanging around with the cost of insurance and repairs. I've found that my vehicles tend to do best when I am actually driving them.

Sounds like a new 1/2 ton truck might not be a bad bet for my regular driver. 17 mpg is not far from what I am getting in the van right now. I get about 21 mpg on my commute on country roads - 50mph - maybe 23 if I go pure highway.

A real sipper FWD vehicle is out for me. If its not the truck then it will be a Subaru or something that is AWD. I've decided that there is no point not having the option of AWD with our weather in the winter. Does not sound like a 1/2 ton is that far from what I would get in a Subaru. I think that the Subarus are probably equivalent to my van in mielage.

My wife has Sub Legacy Outback 1999. It has supposedly good reliability reputation but I don't know where it comes from. It is great car in snow and mud but the mileage is below 20 mpg and there is always something small wrong with it. We replaced several sensors (100 to 200 buck each), power steering pump leaks, some breaks issues, trany shifts hard, engine is noisy etc. Compared with my Buick Regal 1992 3.8L it is quite expensive car to maintain.
I just recently rented another Sub and didn't like it either. It had some air leak so my left leg was icy cold no matter how I run the heating.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I'm interested in what you guys tend to think of the 3/4 ton 2003-2006 Dodge 2500 vs GMC Silverado 2500 2003-2007.

My impression has been that the 5.9 Cummins has been hard to beat as an engine but the previous generation of the Isuzu designed Duramax which still had good mileage combined with the Allison transmission bight be a better bet for the engine transmission combination. Not sure how this holds up with real life experiences though.

I know less about the Powerstrokes though but I haven't heard great things about them except for ones much older. I'm also a bit partial to GMCs and Dodge's styling.

I'm inclined to go overboard and buy much more than I need. Diesel up here is not much more than gas so a 3/4 Diesel without a DPF that gets about the same meilage as a new 1/2 ton gas seems like a good deal to me.

I'm stil keeping an open mind. Bit scary if GMC or Chrysler really go under though but I'm sure parts supply for these trucks is good and they would be picked up by whatever company emerges from GMC and or Chrysler.

I would first look for a 1 ton SRW instead of a 3/4 ton if thats what you want. All trucks have their low points. The Dodge is not so hot on interiors and trannys, the GM's has early injector glow plug and over heating problems, and the Ford had 2003-2004 6.0L engine problems. They all have issues but some seem to get a good one. Do your research.

Chris

 

[woodlandfarms]

I might suggest some advanced math on this, and I know some people here who can help. But a new truck can be anywhere between 15K and 50K. 4 Doors, nice ride, you are at 30K easy. Mileage has not really improved over the years from what I can tell. Gas is only going to go up.

IMO buying a 3rd vehicle / truck used, keep the purchase price below 4K and insure it only for the minimum coverage (make sure you can pay for damaging someone else but face the fact the truck is disposable at 4K and not worth insuring it as replacement). There are lots of 70 to 100K mile trucks available, and now lots of people selling. It will cost you less in the long run, even if you buy a new sedan.

Also you said you have a bad back. A new truck, and a fancy one, rides closer to a car, so maybe your back won't be much of an issue, but having a truck opens yourself to a massive can of honey do-s that will for sure aggravate it.

 

[RWolf]

My 2cents worth. I've got a 2004 Silverado 2500HD and just turned 100,000 on it. My impressions are that it works like a truck but rides like a car. Initially it only got about 11mpg combined city/hwy with no more than 14 hwy. Because the truck is paid for I new that it could get better fuel mileage and a bit more power. So without breaking the bank I did my research on performance products and came up with the following list; New exhaust, new shorty headers, new intake, new throttle body and performance programming. Took a trip to Colorado in January and got between 17 and 20 mpg with a significant improvement on response and power. Now I am somewhat mechanically inclined so performing these modifications didn't bother me. The cost for everything was about $2k. My point is this even with a vehicle that doesn't get surpurb mileage with a little ingenuity and research you can improve just about anything.

 

[dodge man]

I bought a new 1/2 ton Dodge 4 wheel drive 4 door with the 5.7 hemi about 2 years ago. At the time it cost $10,000 or a little more for a 3/4 ton diesel. I don't know if thats still the case or not, but I bet it is. Used or new, they command a much higher price. I can buy a lot of fuel for $10,000. That said, I'd love to have a diesel truck.

 

[LBrown59]

I lean Ford because I like the styling.
-Eric

Styling what styling todays pickups don't have none?
I don't like the looks of any of the Big Threes Pickups.
They all look to big bulky climsey and cumbersom.
I need a truck to tow my tractor with and it kinda gets to me to have to settle with something i don't really care for.

 

[canoetrpr]

Styling is a very personal thing I guess. Until the newer models of the trucks, I have to admit that I didn't like the styling - particularly interiors - of any of the trucks.

The 2007+ Silverado looks sharpest to me - interior and exterior, followed by the 2007+ Toyota Tundra, then the 2009+ Dodge and then the 2009 Ford. The interior on the 2009 Dodge and Ford have finally caught up with the times. I liked their exterior styling before.

The main thing that I am not a fan of with the Fords vs. styling is that I don't like the gear shift selector being on the floor console. For some reason on trucks I prefer it to be on the steering wheel.

 

[WH401]

Nubota, the lingering around 2800 you refer to is just the nature of the stock torque converter. Which transmission do you have in the truck? the 03's had both the older 47re and the newer 48re. I wouldn't worry to much about the condition of the transmission. As long as you use common sense with the truck and don't plan to hop the engine up with gobs of power, then the transmission should give you years of good service.

Canoetrpr, as far as trucks go, any of the 03 to early 07 5.9 Cummins Dodge's would be a great truck. The 03 to early 04 Dodge's have the 305hp/555tq version of the 5.9, while the 04.5 to early 07 Dodge's have the HO 325hp/600-610tq version of the Cummins engine. The early 03's came equipped with the 47re automatic transmission and this was replaced later in the year by the upgraded 48re transmission. IMO, the best year for any of these trucks would be the 06 to early 07 models. With those trucks you get the highest hp/tq version of the 5.9 engine and in 06 the 48re was updated to have the option of both a tow/haul mode as well as an overdrive off selection.

If the Dodge is not to your liking then my second suggestion would be any of the same model year Chevy Duramax's. Early truck's had slight injector issues but they were only a minor nuisance compared to the problems the 6.0 Ford Powerstroke had. IMO, the best year for these trucks would be the 06 - 07 Classic's, they have the highest hp/tq version of the 6.6 Duramax and in 06 the Allison was upgraded from a 5 speed to a 6 speed transmission.

 

[LBrown59]

The main thing that I am not a fan of with the Fords vs. styling is that I don't like the gear shift selector being on the floor console.* For some reason on trucks I prefer it to be on the steering wheel.

*The problem with the selector on the floor is it robs the center passenger of his leg room.
Or completely eliminates one passenger.
That's a real bummer.

 

[escavader]

Bought 08 Tundra 1/2 ton but i use more like 3/4.Excellent power 15 mpg.
average.Drove Chevy's for most of 35 yrs.If you look at domestics try Fords

Ihave the 08 double cab5.7 15 mpg winter,but... 18-19 highway summer
why?6 speed tranny,this year FORDS have gone to it[150],and are claiming best gas mileage in a truck.
ALAN