What Should we Buy?

[Brake Pad]

It all boils down to "You get what you pay for"

 

some perks are good, some not. But its all about you.

What can you see yourself driving?

[Guest scarylarry]

It all boils down to "You get what you pay for"

 

some perks are good, some not. But its all about you.

What can you see yourself driving?

 

I agree with brakepad, it is all about what you want, anyone of them makes lemons and we all own one at some point in our life..

You have hard core chevy drivers and then you have some that wouldn't sit in one..

I'm not sold on any brand cause everyone use is different.

I did not have good luck out of dodge but 100+ people have had good luck, like anything it is gamble...

[SilvrT]

Maybe this will help you.

I am a Chrysler corp. retiree who worked in the Dodge City complex making Dodge/Ram trucks for 32 years. If you decide on a new Ram truck I can get you an employee discount. If you are interested PM me and we can talk about it.

 

That's a very generous offer !! Wow, there's sure a lot more to being a part of this site than one might think!

 

Thanks guys for all the input....really appreciate it!

 

But its all about you.

What can you see yourself driving?

 

Based on my budget, I could see myself driving this....

 

http://buysell.com/Vancouver-BC/2003-DODGE-DAKOTA-R-T-Pickup/5-9399109/d/50-50-a-pt-sf-prx-rcp--z2baz1a1a1a1d1az1qz6y-27546D3E/?gcid=3508

 

or maybe this....

 

http://buysell.com/Vancouver-BC/2005-NISSAN-FRONTIER-4x4/5-9428915/d/50-50-a-pt-sf-prx-rcp--z2baz1a1a1az1qz6y-6D5D1609/?gcid=3604

 

or maybe even this...

 

http://buysell.com/Vancouver-BC/2006-FORD-F-150-King-Ranch/5-9463976/d/50-50-a-pt-sf-prx-rcp--z2baz1a1a1q1a1az1qz6y-477C7E0C/?gcid=3502

 

Heck, I dunno yet, there's so many to look at.... I guess my weekend will be busy LOL

[bj66]

I own an 08 Toyota Tundra, Love the truck. Hate the gas mileage. Mine is an extended cab (not full 4 door) 5.7 liter 4wd. I now have 56,000 on it. Kinda funny I came across this post. Just today I was running numbers on trading it off. The truck itself I love. The cab noise is virtually nothing. No rattles etc. When you run the A.C. or heater on high, it sounds about like my Dodge's did on low. To me comparing it to a Dodge, there is no comparison. I also had a few Fords (last one in about 05) Nothing bad to say about them either. I am thinking on trading for a Chevy, cause I can get a decent deal. But maybe thats cause the Toyota holds its value. But I just cant handle the 12.5 avg mpg any more. The truck will pull the world, power to spare. Dont want to scare ya with the mileage, maybe mine is the exception. But I will guarantee that not many Toyota 5.7 will avg 15 mpg, city and highway.

[Celt]

F150 Rick, and that King Ranch in the ad is awesome,but i'll stick with my plain ole F150 XLT. did i mention that the F150 is a great truck;).

[SilvrT]

F150 Rick, and that King Ranch in the ad is awesome,but i'll stick with my plain ole F150 XLT. did i mention that the F150 is a great truck;).

 

Thanks m8t ... I'll be chekkin it out tomorrow (Saturday) along with that '03 Dakota RT and a couple other F150's I've found.

[BradT]

I have a Chev Trailblazer which is a nice truck but there has been the typical GM nuisances that drives me nuts.

 

I agree with others all makes have there own problems so I always go for what appeals to me for the right price.

 

Always liked the Fords but the latest bosy styling was not for me. My next truck I think would be a GM diesel, just hate the fuel mileage in most of these bigger trucks.

 

So do you need a truck or is it just what you want ? (only curious)

 

Brad

[SilvrT]

So do you need a truck or is it just what you want ? (only curious)

 

Brad

 

Brad, a person only realizes he needs a truck when he doesn't have one eh. So, for the past 15 years, I haven't been without a truck and I'd bet at least once every year I've been glad I had one. I've had cars and vans but only a truck has been the most useful vehicle.

[Hummingbird]

I've been a Chevy fan for MANY years. Starting in high school with a 1960 Belaire and many after that. It would take a while for me to go back and count how many GM cars and trucks I have owned but probably no less than 30 and probably a lot more.

 

When we moved to Ohio about 10 years ago, I worked at a Chevy dealership for about 3 years. It was during that time that I started seeing that they had some inherent problems across many models that they simply refused to re-engineer. Yes, they would cover the repairs while the vehicle was under warranty but many of the cars I saw in there were out of warranty. Some problems they blamed on the owners even if the car was under warranty.

 

The brakes were the biggest issues that they would sometimes cover and sometimes not.

 

I saw a LOT of Chevy trucks and cars come in there that were less than two years old and sometimes no more than 12,000 miles that the rotors were warped beyond repair. They would sometimes cover this but not if they weren't pushed to do so because they considered it a wear item. Yes, depending upon your driving habits, pads can wear out fairly quickly but rotors should not have to be replaced at 12,000 miles and it was NOT that the pads had been worn down to the metal, the rotors were simply warped. I also saw a LOT of trucks come in with the rotors eaten up with corrosion. Yes, there is salt on the roads here but there are rotor materials that better deal with it.

 

Another common problem was their aluminum wheels. Many cases where they could not prevent air leakage. People having to add air to their tires every 3 or 4 days due to the cast aluminum wheels seeping air. Sometimes the wheels would be replaced under warranty and would solve the problem about 50% of the time.

 

Another issue was intake manifold gaskets. Now MAYBE they have finally changed this over the past few years but there was at LEAST a 10-12 year span where GM used a plastic intake manifold gasket. There was never a question of IF it was going to start leaking, the only question was WHEN. I can tell you for a fact that most anytime we took a used GM vehicle in on trade, we counted on having to replace the intake manifold gasket. There have actually been at least one or two class action lawsuits over this issue.

 

These are all relatively easy things to fix but GM let these issue drag on for years and years and it somewhat turned me off on their vehicles. Like I said, maybe they have them resolved with the newer models but as late at 2006, I know that the brake and wheel issues still existed and am pretty sure that the intake issue did also.

 

Perhaps I'm one of the 'lucky' ones that got one of the trucks that were done right. In 1990 I bought a new Dakato - that was the LAST time I bought any car or truck NEW. I have since owned half a dozen Silverado's all bought at least 1 year old. The only problem with any of them was in the '05' and it was a $75 fix. Probably could have got it fixed under warranty if I had yelled loud enough. It was the steering knuckle the was engineered poorly, but I didn't consider it an issue at all.

I'll most likely die with a Silverado in the driveway.

[Freebird]

I'm sorry...I know it sounded like I would NOT buy a Chevy. That is not true. I was just pointing out some of the issues that he might want to watch out for. If I were buying a new truck today, I would not eliminate Chevy from my choices and I think that the new models are one of the best looking trucks on the road. You can find issues with ALL makes and models.

 

We watched for other things with the Dodges and Fords that we took in on trade. We didn't see too many problems with the Dodge engines but I can tell you that MANY of them that we took on trade needed the front ends rebuilt. That seemed to be the week point with them. I don't remember much about the Fords but from my personal experience, I've owned two that required transmission work. They were old models though, I think one was a 74 and the other a 76 if I remember correctly.

 

I guess the important thing is that if you are buying a used vehicle, just check it out or have it checked out very well. Most dealerships around here offer at least a 30 day powertrain warranty on used vehicles so hopefully any major issues will show up within that time.

 

I think if I were out shopping for a new truck though, I would sure be looking hard at the Toyota and the Nissan.

[SilvrT]

I think if I were out shopping for a new truck though, I would sure be looking hard at the Toyota and the Nissan.

 

I'm not ruling them out but what concerns me about "imports" is the availability of used replacement parts and the cost of them and/or the cost of new parts. One has to consider that at some time, something will fail and it will be out of warranty.

 

Over the years I've had one new Mazda truck and one used Toyota truck ... both were good but those 4 cyl just couldn't hold up to my heavy right foot LOL. (in those days they didn't have V6 or V8).

 

I do plan on checking out three Nissan trucks that are available.

 

http://buysell.com/Vancouver-BC/2005-NISSAN-FRONTIER-4x4/5-9428915/d/50-50-a-pt-sf-prx-rcp--z2baz1a1a1az1qz6y-6D5D1609/?gcid=3604

 

http://buysell.com/Vancouver-BC/2006-NISSAN-FRONTIER-Nismo/5-9493148/d/50-50-a-pt-sf-prx-rcp--z2baz1a1a1az1qz6y-67066E0D/?gcid=3602

 

http://buysell.com/Vancouver-BC/2006-NISSAN-TITAN-SE-KING-CAB/5-9445526/d/50-50-a-pt-sf-prx-rcp--z2baz1a1a1a1d1az1qz6y-270C2059/?gcid=3602

[friesman]

If you dont do any big towing, Ford makes that sport trac that is basically an Escape with a pickup box on the back. They have a 3l V6 that is fairly durable and trouble free to me. Mine towed my trailer and bike down to Venture West a couple of years ago, it doesnt have huge amounts of power for towing big loads but its ok for small and medium loads.

As far as normal power Ill bet my Escape is quicker around town the your Dodge.

When I was looking around they seemed pretty inexpensive around here.

 

Brian

[Sailor]

Hi Rick. I have an '02 ram 1500 4X4 and it is a great truck. I got it second hand and it now has 170,000K on it and no problems. When we went to Thane Wyoming with friends I got 27mpg. It has the 5 speed standard trans and I have Michelin commercial tires on it so can jack the pressure to 80 lbs which greatly reduces the rolling resistance. I usually run at lower pressure, about 50lbs for more traction. It has the 4.7 310 hp v8 which is plenty of power. I wanted the Dakota but found it was too small for me, I couldn't drive it. The key is not to be in a hurry and spend a lot of time looking. Try them all and find what suits you. If I had the money I might go for the Tundra but I like this Dodge.

[SilvrT]

Hi Rick. I have an '02 ram 1500 4X4 and it is a great truck. I got it second hand and it now has 170,000K on it and no problems. When we went to Thane Wyoming with friends I got 27mpg. It has the 5 speed standard trans and I have Michelin commercial tires on it so can jack the pressure to 80 lbs which greatly reduces the rolling resistance. I usually run at lower pressure, about 50lbs for more traction. It has the 4.7 310 hp v8 which is plenty of power. I wanted the Dakota but found it was too small for me, I couldn't drive it. The key is not to be in a hurry and spend a lot of time looking. Try them all and find what suits you. If I had the money I might go for the Tundra but I like this Dodge.

 

Thanks my friend... we've looked at Ford but will also check out the Dodge.

[SilvrT]

As far as normal power Ill bet my Escape is quicker around town the your Dodge.

Brian

 

heh... another challenge ... I'll take ya up on that one. Don't forget, this 'lil Dakota has the 5.2 L MAGNUM V8 arrrrr arrrrrrr arrrrrrrrrrr ... it'll smoke ya no problem...

 

[MidlifeVenture]

When it comes to cars trucks bikes the value for the dollar and personal taste hits #! in my book every one will have different choices go with what ever gives you the most bang for your buck and has the features you are personally looking for If its what you like then it is a winner for you. Even though you said you do not like Nissans I bought a Frontier Crew cab Extended bed it is a 6 cyl gives me the gas milage I need for every day driving and is able to pull my camper and was the cheapest in its class that I could find so it was the right truck for me.We have had 2 other Nissans that went over 200,000 miles with little problems.

[rentalguy1]

Dodge Ram 1500 with that great Hemi Engine:173:

 

Bought a brand new one in 2008. Mega cab, 4X4, Laramie; the truck of my dreams. It ate 3 rear main seals before it had 8K miles on the odometer. Tried a Wrangler after that, and it ate 3 manual transmissions before it had 9K on the odometer. I went BACK to Ford after that. Bought a used '07 F-150 and never looked back. There is a reason that they are America's number one selling truck...because they are dependable.

 

That's just been my experience...other's may vary.

[Brenda H]

I own an 08 Toyota Tundra, Love the truck. Hate the gas mileage. Mine is an extended cab (not full 4 door) 5.7 liter 4wd. But I just cant handle the 12.5 avg mpg any more. The truck will pull the world, power to spare. Dont want to scare ya with the mileage, maybe mine is the exception. But I will guarantee that not many Toyota 5.7 will avg 15 mpg, city and highway.

 

 

Interesting. My vet has a Tundra , if memory serves it's a crewcab, basically set up as a heavy half/3/4 ton with the 5.7 V-8 in it. She also carries around full time a Vet's bed set up which weighs around 1k lbs on it's own. For those of you who don't know what this is, it is commonly used by large animal vets [we have horses] that carry a large amount of equipment and gear around in it for "house calls" complete with water tanks and it's own power supply depending on which model the vet has. According to her, when she behaves herself driving it, she gets 18 mpg, and when she doesn't behave herself, she gets 15 mpg. She loves that truck and has sung it's praises to the point I may even consider one for when my '01 F150 supercab finally gives up the ghost.

 

As far as Fords, I have been driving F150's for something like 20+ years, starting with a standard cab and going to the supercab version several trucks ago. It is only in my current '01, that I have had any serious problems. It has well over 100K miles with the 5.4 V-8 in it with a full towing set up and averages 15 mpg but will go higher depending on how much city driving I'm NOT doing. Hubby used it for his 90 miles a day commute vehicle for over 6 months and was averaging closer to 18 to 20. But his drive is almost 100% 4 lane federal highway.

 

I have been planning for several years to buy a Ford Superduty. The only problem is that when I last built my "dream" truck on the Ford website, I hit $54K!

And if you're asking what would cost that much, the "dream" truck is a F350 crewcab, Powerstroke diesel, 4x4, single axle with a fair number of bells and whistles. And that's not including either the Lariat or King Ranch ed. packages! OUCH!!

[slipstreamer]

My experience has been the same as Red Ryder. I have owned many GM products over my 74 years from Pontiac to Cadillac and have never had a significant problem with any of them. Sold my 98 Safari four years ago at 260K Kms. It was in beautiful condition: No rust anywhere and it looked and ran like new. It is still in service today as a delivery vehicle. The only problem it had was a slight drip from the transmission which was more expensive to fix than it was worth. I think that is rare though. I replaced it with My 2002 Astro which is bullet proof which I would also say about the Safari in spite of the small tranny leak. I like the look of the new Dodge and every owner that I have talked to are pleased with them. Apparently they have been reengineered, ride better and get better gas mileage. Same thing with Ford and Toyota. Bottom line: I think you can get a rare problem with any of them but for the most part they are all good and just getting better given technology and competition. I would buy the one that struck my fancy and not worry about anything. Chances are good that you won't be sorry no matter what you buy. Good luck. Cliff

[Capt-D]

Just my two-cents worth-Had a Ford Explorer, after the third transmission and second A/C compressor, vowed I would never buy Ford again. When it was time to get a new vehicle, knew it would be a truck and started doind my research. Went to the local boat ramp to see what everybody was using to tow boats and how happythey were with them, and when it came to smaller trucks the toyota beat everybody else hands down. Guys were pulling 20 to 25' boats with small toyotas and were just thrilled with their trucks and how the trannies held up. Read up on Toyotas on the internet, bought a 05 Tacoma Double Cab, now 100,000 miles later and my truck is still like new and I absolutely love it. Only thing I have done is change oil, coolant and the plugs and it hasn't missed a beat... Had to go knock on wood just in case I jinxed myself. Figure I will have this truc:thumbsup2:k for a long time.

[MiCarl]

I currently drive a 97 Yukon with about 195,000 miles on it. Bought it in 99 with 19K miles on it. It had 120K miles on it before I had all the poor initial quality fixed (AC, Transmission, Intake gaskets, Radio, Rear End, sway bar links, dog bone mounts for frame cross member under transmission, etc.). Last 75K it's been pretty good. I can say this about it, it is still showing relatively little rust compared to most competitive products. My understanding is that GMC has dealt with the quality problems that were so prevalent in the late 90s.

 

About 8 years ago I sold Toyotas for a few months. It was very rare to sell to a returning Toyota customer - almost always people coming out of domestic models. When we did run into a returning customer it was almost impossible to pry them out of the old Toyota's, they loved them that much. I did upgrade a guy out of an old Tercel with 250K miles on it because his wife demanded that after 15 years he deserved a new car..... The Tercel was pretty ratty but it still ran like new.

 

Thursday my wife totaled her Mountaineer, so we've been shopping. It appears there are almost no Toyotas on the used market, I suspect people hang onto them forever.

 

For what it's worth that 98 Mountaineer that I bought used with 75K miles on it was the best value I've ever had. In six years and another 80K miles it's had less than routine maintenance and a ball joint. Was still going strong when the Mrs. decided to run over an Xterra with it. Turns out replacement air bags are more than a 98 Mountaineer is worth......

[bj66]

Interesting. My vet has a Tundra , if memory serves it's a crewcab, basically set up as a heavy half/3/4 ton with the 5.7 V-8 in it. She also carries around full time a Vet's bed set up which weighs around 1k lbs on it's own. For those of you who don't know what this is, it is commonly used by large animal vets [we have horses] that carry a large amount of equipment and gear around in it for "house calls" complete with water tanks and it's own power supply depending on which model the vet has. According to her, when she behaves herself driving it, she gets 18 mpg, and when she doesn't behave herself, she gets 15 mpg. She loves that truck and has sung it's praises to the point I may even consider one for when my '01 F150 supercab finally gives up the ghost.

 

As far as Fords, I have been driving F150's for something like 20+ years, starting with a standard cab and going to the supercab version several trucks ago. It is only in my current '01, that I have had any serious problems. It has well over 100K miles with the 5.4 V-8 in it with a full towing set up and averages 15 mpg but will go higher depending on how much city driving I'm NOT doing. Hubby used it for his 90 miles a day commute vehicle for over 6 months and was averaging closer to 18 to 20. But his drive is almost 100% 4 lane federal highway.

 

I have been planning for several years to buy a Ford Superduty. The only problem is that when I last built my "dream" truck on the Ford website, I hit $54K!

And if you're asking what would cost that much, the "dream" truck is a F350 crewcab, Powerstroke diesel, 4x4, single axle with a fair number of bells and whistles. And that's not including either the Lariat or King Ranch ed. packages! OUCH!!

 

I talked to another guy I know with a tundra set up like mine, except his is an 07. He said he would be lucky if hes making 14. His has 51000 miles. Im not saying it cant be done but 15 mpg avg is gonna be hard to do. He wont get rid of his because he pulls a 30 foot camper. He said hed never pull the camper with any other gasser as good as the Toyota pulls it. I'd agree with him there, so he says he'll put up with the mileage. Cant have it both ways. He doesnt want a diesel either, too much idle time in the winter. It would be different if it was a truck he pulled every day, so the Toyota works best for him.

[SC89Venture]

For what it is worth, we have a 99 Ford Expedition that we bought used with 75, 000 miles on it. I got it to pull our 32' camper with. Been the best vehicle ever, it now has 175,000 miles on it. It has the 5.4 engine with 4WD. Only complaint is the engine blew the #4 spark plug out of the head, had it heli-coiled and has not been a problem. Mileage is about 15-16 on the highway, drops to 8-9 pulling the camper. Also the back seat comes right out and you can haul a queen size mattress in the back. Great vehicle to haul the wife, 3 kids, and usually a couple of there friends to the beach with the trailer.

I have put 8 people in this truck, and yes all had seat belts.

If it blew up tomorrow I would go find another 99 model.

 

Problem is this stupid cash for clunkers deal last year took a lot of these fine vehicles off the road.