Builder
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Opinions on trucks
- Thread starter canoetrpr
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WH401
Platinum Member
CanoeTrpr, I only let my trucks sit for about a week at most. The 06 is my main driver and usually at least one day a week I'll take the 92' for my driving instead. The 92' has 170k on it and it never misses a beat, even when it sits for longer than that.
I feel the same way as Nubota about diesel trucks, there's just no comparison or going back to a gas engine, in any way. They'll tow or carry most anything you need them too, the torque from the engine just man handles the 8k lb truck like it's nothing, and they'll get good fuel mileage to boot. The 92' was the truck that got me hooked on diesels, even if it is only 160 hp/400ft lbs. I traded a 04' Dodge 1500 Quad Cab 2WD w/ a 4.7 V8, that could get no better than 13 mpg in any kind of driving, for my 06 3500. The 3500 is a dually, it's 4wd, it weighs double what the 1500 did, and I can drive/accelerate faster than I would in my 1500 and can still get 15 mpg in mixed driving. I wouldn't have it any other way.
I feel the same way as Nubota about diesel trucks, there's just no comparison or going back to a gas engine, in any way. They'll tow or carry most anything you need them too, the torque from the engine just man handles the 8k lb truck like it's nothing, and they'll get good fuel mileage to boot. The 92' was the truck that got me hooked on diesels, even if it is only 160 hp/400ft lbs. I traded a 04' Dodge 1500 Quad Cab 2WD w/ a 4.7 V8, that could get no better than 13 mpg in any kind of driving, for my 06 3500. The 3500 is a dually, it's 4wd, it weighs double what the 1500 did, and I can drive/accelerate faster than I would in my 1500 and can still get 15 mpg in mixed driving. I wouldn't have it any other way.
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canoetrpr
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Boy, I've learned a lot more from this thread than I could have ever imagined!
I'm truly impressed with the hwy mileage some have been getting with the pre-DPF trucks. 17-18 MPG is pretty dang respectable for hwy driving on a 3/4 ton diesel unloaded and honestly not that far away from what I am already driving. My Odyssey is giving me around 21 to 23 I've heard that a number of people are able to push the economy up higher than that with some chipping.
If I go down the route of diesel, I will probably opt for a newer truck - 2005, 2006 given that was the end of the life for the 5.9 Cummins and the previous Duramax pre DPF. The vehicles seem to hold their value quite nicely so I'm thinking I might as well get something that I will have around a long long time. The down side of that is that it is going to cost a heck of a lot more than what I could afford to spend on a 'work truck'. Perhaps it might just become a work truck when it gets a bit older but it will have to be a commute vehicle for me at least for a few years. Other than looking silly driving to and from work in a software lab in a 3/4 ton diesel truck, it really does not sound like the impact on what I am paying on fuel will be that much more.
I do think that I will stick to 3/4 ton since I will be able to get a couple of MPG more and a 3/4 ton is already MUCH bigger than what I really need.
I think what I am going to do is keep my eye open for a good deal on a 3/4 ton diesel for now.
My wife is trying to put the kaibash on me looking for a vehicle right now as she is the one that is driving the older one and she's perfectly fine with that. That does not stop me from keeping any eye open though .... and if the right one comes along .....;-)
I'm truly impressed with the hwy mileage some have been getting with the pre-DPF trucks. 17-18 MPG is pretty dang respectable for hwy driving on a 3/4 ton diesel unloaded and honestly not that far away from what I am already driving. My Odyssey is giving me around 21 to 23 I've heard that a number of people are able to push the economy up higher than that with some chipping.
If I go down the route of diesel, I will probably opt for a newer truck - 2005, 2006 given that was the end of the life for the 5.9 Cummins and the previous Duramax pre DPF. The vehicles seem to hold their value quite nicely so I'm thinking I might as well get something that I will have around a long long time. The down side of that is that it is going to cost a heck of a lot more than what I could afford to spend on a 'work truck'. Perhaps it might just become a work truck when it gets a bit older but it will have to be a commute vehicle for me at least for a few years. Other than looking silly driving to and from work in a software lab in a 3/4 ton diesel truck, it really does not sound like the impact on what I am paying on fuel will be that much more.
I do think that I will stick to 3/4 ton since I will be able to get a couple of MPG more and a 3/4 ton is already MUCH bigger than what I really need.
I think what I am going to do is keep my eye open for a good deal on a 3/4 ton diesel for now.
My wife is trying to put the kaibash on me looking for a vehicle right now as she is the one that is driving the older one and she's perfectly fine with that. That does not stop me from keeping any eye open though .... and if the right one comes along .....;-)
mjncad
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LBrown59
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I want a 1 ton for the extra payload.
radioman
Super Member
canoe- I just read this thread and I still dont know what your once a while needs for the truck is? Is the trucks needs for carrying large items ? Sometimes have a trailer is a better option then a truck. It allows you to keep costs low, with larger versality. If you are looking for something for your wife but something with a tow capabilty, right now KIA sedona is perfect for the mom and has 3500lb tow capacity with good mileage. Here in NY the selling brand new price is 16k! This kinda ticks me off since I bought mine for 19K several years ago. If you add weight distrubing bars to trialer, you can add another 500 lb no problem. I bought the KIA for a emergency backup tow vehicle in case my Blazer breaks down. My blazer can tow 5K which is fine for my needs for now, but it approaching the end of mileage life soon. Even if you need to carry something like a truck, with the seats folded down, it has a 4X8 cargo room for plywood to take home which is nice or I just hook up my trailer. Its nice to have the options. Like someone said before, GM is coming out with diesel for smaller trucks and that is what I am aiming for if they do move on with it. Hope my long winded, boring post helps.
Is the trucks needs for carrying large items ? Sometimes have a trailer is a better option then a truck. It allows you to keep costs low, with larger versality. If you are looking for something for your wife but something with a tow capabilty, right now KIA sedona is perfect for the mom and has 3500lb tow capacity with good mileage. Here in NY the selling brand new price is 16k! This kinda ticks me off since I bought mine for 19K several years ago. If you add weight distrubing bars to trialer, you can add another 500 lb no problem. I bought the KIA for a emergency backup tow vehicle in case my Blazer breaks down. My blazer can tow 5K which is fine for my needs for now, but it approaching the end of mileage life soon. Even if you need to carry something like a truck, with the seats folded down, it has a 4X8 cargo room for plywood to take home which is nice or I just hook up my trailer. Its nice to have the options. Like someone said before, GM is coming out with diesel for smaller trucks and that is what I am aiming for if they do move on with it. Hope my long winded, boring post helps.
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canoetrpr
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radioman - my once in a while really is maybe once a month. That said, most tools I buy end up getting a LOT more use than I had ever envisioned before I bought them.
Exhibit A) Kubota L3400 tractor. Exhibit B) Loader on said tractor.
The reality is that I can do without nearly all of my tools. I end up having to beg, borrow or steal and I can continue to do that for a truck. It requires some planning ahead.
If this was about the right thing from a $ perspective I think that a trailer would be the thing to do. I'm not discounting that as an option either. I can only afford one vehicle at a time so if I pick to go with a commute vehicle like a CRV I think I will end up getting a trailer. I've also considered getting one of those fancy trailers for my dogs. Really would be nicer than the mess my $50k van accumulates from dog hair etc!
I will admit that the one place a great big diesel truck wins out is if I ever want to move a tractor - either to buy a used one from somewhere etc. But really that's not a great reason as getting a tractor hauled the once in 5 years I need to do it is a LOT cheaper than getting a 3/4 ton truck.
Exhibit A) Kubota L3400 tractor. Exhibit B) Loader on said tractor.
The reality is that I can do without nearly all of my tools. I end up having to beg, borrow or steal and I can continue to do that for a truck. It requires some planning ahead.
If this was about the right thing from a $ perspective I think that a trailer would be the thing to do. I'm not discounting that as an option either. I can only afford one vehicle at a time so if I pick to go with a commute vehicle like a CRV I think I will end up getting a trailer. I've also considered getting one of those fancy trailers for my dogs. Really would be nicer than the mess my $50k van accumulates from dog hair etc!
I will admit that the one place a great big diesel truck wins out is if I ever want to move a tractor - either to buy a used one from somewhere etc. But really that's not a great reason as getting a tractor hauled the once in 5 years I need to do it is a LOT cheaper than getting a 3/4 ton truck.
woodlandfarms
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One thing about mileage. My BIL has long claimed his diesel Dodge gets X miles. It seemed high. So when I went to see him I asked him to show me how he calculated mileage. He pointed to the computer on the dash and said it is right there.
I asked him to use the tried and true method of filling up, driving and marking down the mileage, and filling up again. Maybe repeat for 3 or 4 times.
He did. He was stunned by how much less mileage he was getting.
One thing on buying a beater, actually 2 things. First, you won't cry when you dent it. Second, try and buy one with a 4 speed or more. I have a 89 F-150 3 speed 4wd and if I am lucky I get 9mpg. Even around the farm this is way to low, but a common issue on these 3 speed trucks.
I asked him to use the tried and true method of filling up, driving and marking down the mileage, and filling up again. Maybe repeat for 3 or 4 times.
He did. He was stunned by how much less mileage he was getting.
One thing on buying a beater, actually 2 things. First, you won't cry when you dent it. Second, try and buy one with a 4 speed or more. I have a 89 F-150 3 speed 4wd and if I am lucky I get 9mpg. Even around the farm this is way to low, but a common issue on these 3 speed trucks.
Runner
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Don't underestimate how a Yaris will handle snow. I've been through two winters with mine so far and it gets around very well with just the stock tires. Also feels and rides like a bigger car than it really is.
And, gets 37 to 40 mpg in the process....
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canoetrpr
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Woodlandfarms,
Interesting you point this out. I've been basing my mileage numbers on my Odyssey on the trip computer. I'd hate to may a purchase based on presumed change in fuel efficiency based on this. I'm going to start calculating by hand just so that I can be sure.
Interesting you point this out. I've been basing my mileage numbers on my Odyssey on the trip computer. I'd hate to may a purchase based on presumed change in fuel efficiency based on this. I'm going to start calculating by hand just so that I can be sure.
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