Buying a new Truck

[nirion]

Was that 4x4?

I agree about the double cab but they only have the 6.5' ft bed in the smaller cab configuration. I think they call it "access cab" or something. Basically a slightly smaller double cab truck.

Yes, 4x4 SR5 package.

Toyota (pre-2007) called the extended cab Tundra the Access Cab and the bigger full four door the Double Cab. When they redesigned it for 2007, the made the sizes like the 2002 to 2008ish Rams. The Double Cab became the middle size, similar to a 2003 Quad Cab Ram, with four doors, but not quite as big as a full crew. The Double cab is available with 6.5 or 8' beds. They added the Crew Max, which was the size of the Dodge Mega Cab, with four full doors and a huge rear seat, but only a 5.5' bed.

Curious to hear how you like the eco boost. I know you said no HD, but once you drive a diesel, it is very tempting. The low end torque is great.

 

[TheGoose]

If I had even the slightest need for a diesel I would love to buy one. Preferably a new Duramax/Allison or even Dodge. I already own a '04 F-350 DRW for my business with a service bed (with a soon to be replaced oil cooler).

Thing is, MOST HD trucks ride like a rock unloaded, and most of my driving will be either unloaded or mildly loaded. I just can't stand the way an unloaded HD truck rides.

It doesn't hardly matter what brand either. When you're tires are inflated to 60-80 psi and are ~10-ply (I forget the exact ply) they just don't ride like a properly rigged 1/2 ton truck. Every now and then I come across one that rides fairly decent, but for the most part they can't touch the ride of a 1/2 ton, unless you're on the interstate or something and then you can't beat how they ride with the diesel purring.

Add to that the extra $8-12K cost, plus the added cost of $100 oil changes, double the cost on tires, and much much higher repair bills all around I just can't see myself forking over that kind of cash for the DSL experience.

Yes, 4x4 SR5 package.

Toyota (pre-2007) called the extended cab Tundra the Access Cab and the bigger full four door the Double Cab. When they redesigned it for 2007, the made the sizes like the 2002 to 2008ish Rams. The Double Cab became the middle size, similar to a 2003 Quad Cab Ram, with four doors, but not quite as big as a full crew. The Double cab is available with 6.5 or 8' beds. They added the Crew Max, which was the size of the Dodge Mega Cab, with four full doors and a huge rear seat, but only a 5.5' bed.

Curious to hear how you like the eco boost. I know you said no HD, but once you drive a diesel, it is very tempting. The low end torque is great.

 

[WilliamBos]

That is the thing they need to stop doing, is putting Passenger tires in 1500 series trucks. They are worthless, handle like a wallowing pig in mud.

Oil changes on diesels are scary for sure, only a little less painful if you do them yourself.

Do you do your own maintenance?

 

[bearcreek paul]

If you don't care about Chevy Ford Dodge Toyota or Nissan and you want the best deal look for a dealer demo.The savings can't be beat!When I buy new that's my route.

 

[jeffsw6]

Do you do your own maintenance?

You know, I used to do my own oil changes, and I stopped doing it when I realized that the coupons that come in the paper for oil changes are cheaper than going to autozone and buying a box of oil. Now I get coupons for it in my email so I don't even spend $3 on a newspaper to get the coupons

 

[Dmace]

According to the newest video review from PickupTrucks.com, the new 2013 RAM 1500 will be available in a Crew Cab 6.5ft layout. This huge redesign is certainly worth waiting for!
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2012/04/2013-ram-1500-walk-around-video-is-up.html

 

[jejeosborne]

I am not sure why you don't believe invoice price. I print all invoices and go into the dealer and they always match. You cannot use a simple figure like so much off sticker because each truck has different options that all go into that figure. I just purchased a new ecoboost crew cab for $500 under invoice and kept all rebates. Go see what options you want, go to edmunds.com and get the invoice, go back and buy under invoice. Carrying in the paperwork shows the salesman you already know what you are willing to pay. All salesman have access to the invoice price on their computer. They still make the dealer holdback and all are happy. Since you're not in a hurry, do like I did and order it. You get only everything you want and know it has never been test driven. No extra cost to order plus the anticipation is fun.
Jeff

 

[WilliamBos]

According to the newest video review from PickupTrucks.com, the new 2013 RAM 1500 will be available in a Crew Cab 6.5ft layout. This huge redesign is certainly worth waiting for!
2013 Ram 1500 Walk-around Video is Up - PickupTrucks.com News

I hope GM is listening! Will be buying an HD GMC next time, need the capacity, and the bigger box.

 

[nirion]

Definately understand the issue of the diesel and huge upfront host.

If you are ok with the cab size of the Double Cab Tundra, I would recommend that with the 5.7. If not, I would look at the F150 crew cab with 6.5 bed. My wife's cousin got a 2011 with the 5.0 and he likes it very much. He gets better mpg than his old Explorer Sport Trac did. No experience with the Eco boost, but it looks promising.

 

[dodge man]

I have to agree with you on the ride of a 3/4 ton or 1 ton truck. I just bought a 3/4 ton and as a rule it rides rougher. In some ways it tends to skip less over bumps than the 1/2 ton I traded in, but a lot of the ride quality is the tires. They carry more air and are a stiffer tire.