Need / want a pickup truck

[goeduck]

I have a 99 F250 4x4 with about 130K on it. Good firewood truck, good hauler truck, no real issues with it. Normal brakes, alternator repair, that type of stuff. I do not see paying the big bucks for a new truck. I drive it on weekends and it sits in the shop during the week. I am intrigued by the new 7.3 gas engine I have to admit. The 6.7 diesel is too much of a upcharge since I seldom tow. I haul A LOT in the bed but do not tow much.

 

[bfloyd4445]

In the F150 2015 was the first year for the aluminum body. If rust is a problem in your area the aluminum would be a plus. The XL is the basic model, the SXT a little nice, the XLT, then the Laramie, Platinum, and the King Ranch. The 5.0 is a good choice but I wouldn't discount the 3.5 or the 2.7 eco boost. There have been some reports of the 2018 and newer trucks with the 5.0 burning oil. They have a different type of cylinder liners in the block starting then and that might be a problem for some.

I am a member of an F150 Forum and the biggest mistake people make is not getting a truck that has enough payload and/or towing capacity. Usually not enough payload is the problem. For example my F150 has a payload of 1940 lbs. Lets say the driver and other stuff in the cab weighs 250 lbs. I have a tool box, lets say that is 200 lbs with the stuff in it. All the sudden that leaves a real world payload of about 1500 lbs. A lot of the more loaded f150's have a payload of more like 1300 lbs. By the time you take out weight for the driver and other stuff you might be left with 800 lbs of payload. Throw in some other people and luggage and there isn't much left for towing a trailer.

your confusing gvwr with gcwr. You are reffering to GVWR and correct. The GCVWR is much greater and adds the trailer weight limt. Thats why it is called the, Gross Combinbed Vehicle Weight Rating. I think the lowest trailer weight is 7000 with a truck payload of 1990. The payload is separate from the trailer weight and is part of the GCVWR. The GVWR is the weight of the truck and payload
https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/conten...neral/pdf/guides/19Towing_Ford_F150_Oct25.pdf

 

[MESSMAKER]

If I have a $1500.00 repair, I think it's the end of the world. BUT, then think about people that make loan payments every month and it wouldn't take long to add up to one of those repairs.

Been my experience that once you get that first $1500 repair, another is just around the corner.

 

[shooterdon]

Even with the higher upfront cost and higher maintenance cost a diesel could still make sense for some, but when you then factor in the high cost of diesel vs gasoline which probably averages around 15%, around here at least, the payback on a diesel (if there even IS one) is so far out that it's hard to justify.

I worked the numbers and in my case (Putting on 10-12k miles a year) there was no payback getting a diesel. I had one in a 2010 F350 that I used to haul a 43' 5th wheel toy hauler because I needed the towing capacity. I get a better gas mileage with my 2015 F150 with the 302 than I got with the F350 in normal driving. Likely due to the difference in rear end ratios.

I am very pleased with the F150 and am looking to buy a used one when I find a high mileage one that is priced right. It will be used as a beater/second vehicle.

 

[BigBlue1]

I'm late to the party and I didn't have time to read all 12 pages, but I'll say that you really should Ram trucks on your radar and include them in your selection process. I've known a few people in the last couple of years that shopped for trucks and all were impressed with Rams. I may be biased because I've owned two Rams through the last decade but I am not brand loyal... I shop for and buy what is the best tool for my job and the best value. If this has already been talked about then disregard...

Rob

 

[Mutch]

I have a Chevy Silverado 3500 SRW Duramax for sale in the Tallahassee, Fl craigs list. 175K miles. Black on black. Runs perfect with ice cold air. 2wd. Not subscribing to this so PM me if interested.

 

[Industrial Toys]

$1500 is nothing major. With shop rates up around a hundred bucks an hour, anything adds up quickly. The buying power of the dollar is going to crap!

I never thought you could get a Duramax in 2WD! It would be absolutely useless here! Mine too has ICE cold air, October to May! Kidding, AC has been great and troublefree. I never did figure out how to use tht dual temperature gimmick though.

 

[ovrszd]

Dealer is of no importance to me as I would never, under any circumstances buy any new vehicle. Never have. I only buy used, usually at least 5 years old or when the price has dropped to under $5K.

I've always resisted P/Us though due to the lack of interior/protected space for groceries, etc. I've packed my 95 Taurus wagon to the gills more times on rainy or snowy days than I can remember. In the back of an open P/U, much of it would have been damaged. If you put a hard cover over the bed, you lose the ability to carry taller items. For me, a trailer has worked out better, so far.

All that said, if I could find a reliable P/U (brand/model unimportant) in decent shape under $2500, I might bite. Can't be a fuel sucker or 5' off the ground where you need a ladder to climb into it though.

Always wondered why the El Camino/Ranchero concept didn't catch on better.

You obviously have no use for a PU. I have no use for an SUV. Personal needs vary.

I really doubt if you can find a running PU for under $2,500. Certainly not going to find a solid dependable 4x4 PU for less than $5K.

 

[4570Man]

You obviously have no use for a PU. I have no use for an SUV. Personal needs vary.

I really doubt if you can find a running PU for under $2,500. Certainly not going to find a solid dependable 4x4 PU for less than $5K.

I’ve seen quite a few half ton beater trucks in that price range. Probably not something I’d drive to California and back but good enough for occasional local use.

 

[Jstpssng]

I’ve seen quite a few half ton beater trucks in that price range. Probably not something I’d drive to California and back but good enough for occasional local use.

That was my thought, also. Up here it would probably have some rust showing, but if you're careful and don't run it when the roads are crappy it won't get any worse. I get the impression that Diggin just wanted something for when his station wagon didn't have enough room.