[mtla4]

Hi
I'm planning to buy a pick up truck within a month. Problem is that I'm totally clueless when it comes to trucks. My goal is to be able to pull a car+open trailer(for track days) I know that an X5 can do it but I find it too expensive, too classy and too nice to do the job. I'm leaning towards the F-150 since Ford is banging them out lately. Is there a big difference between the F-150 and F-250. What about Dodge Ram, Tundra, Silverado? I was also looking at the Tacoma and Frontier but I feel that they're good for short distance only. Feel free to chime in as I'm totally lost.

P.S. I have a good back and I'm not looking for a plush ride. I know I'm cheap I don't want to spend a fortune on a truck. I want it to be nice enough in order to be my daily driver.

[quagmire]

The F-250 is a Heavy Duty truck. From what, you describe of what you want it to do, car+open trailer should weigh no more then 6000 lb. right? So a F-150 or Silverado would do the job perfectly fine. But, I would spring for the Silverado because the F-150's 5.4 V8 is ancient and crap. It's a wonder how Ford can say it can tow 11,000 lb. The Ram is decent, but I have always had spotty reliability with Chrysler products. The Tundra's frame is not up to the competition's and has a horrible interior( you have to reach for HVAC controls) and has its quality called into question with the lift gate bending under what is normal truck use and the bed rubbing against the cab under harsh bumps( goes back to the poor frame build allowing a whole lot of flex. But, I really do doubt you will see harsh enough bumps to make it flex that much).

So I would spring for the Silverado/Sierra( I prefer the Sierra's design).

[shift330]

Pulling trailers you'll want a diesel...

I've got an 02 Sierra 6.6L Duramax and I managed to get an excessive speeding ticket in TX where the speed limit is friggin 80 while the truck was completely loaded with household goods and I was trailering my ex-wife's g35 which was also loaded with crap. And you can't even tell you're pulling a load (until you try to stop) plus with just an intak/exhuast/programmer you will be faster than a good % of the other vehicles on the road

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by shift330

Pulling trailers you'll want a diesel...

I've got an 02 Sierra 6.6L Duramax and I managed to get an excessive speeding ticket in TX where the speed limit is friggin 80 while the truck was completely loaded with household goods and I was trailering my ex-wife's g35 which was also loaded with crap. And you can't even tell you're pulling a load (until you try to stop) plus with just an intak/exhuast/programmer you will be faster than a good % of the other vehicles on the road

The only way he could get a diesel is in a HD truck which I do think is overkill for his needs as Ford, GM, etc have canned their light duty diesels.

But, if you do go for a diesel, 100% go for the Duramax. Strong engine plus a strong transmission backing it with the Allison 1000 transmission. And avoid the Powerstroke as best as you can. Now that thing has quality issues( POS International).

[mtla4]

Honestly should I just buy an older truck for 10K or got with a new for 25K-30K? I just wanted to keep that truck for a while and don't bother with it. If I buy the 10K I will have to buy a 3rd car(Honda Fit etc). The thing is that most of those used trucks have been severly abused at some points. I've seen some of those construction guys and the way they drive and maintain them is SCARY I'm not rich by any means but I would shell out the extra 15K just to avoid potential problems. The only used that I'd buy would be a GMC-Chevrolet Pre 2003 since I hate the facelifted version 03-07.

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by mtla4

Honestly should I just buy an older truck for 10K or got with a new for 25K-30K? I just wanted to keep that truck for a while and don't bother with it. If I buy the 10K I will have to buy a 3rd car(Honda Fit etc). The thing is that most of those used trucks have been severly abused at some points. I've seen some of those construction guys and the way they drive and maintain them is SCARY I'm not rich by any means but I would shell out the extra 15K just to avoid potential problems. The only used that I'd buy would be a GMC-Chevrolet Pre 2003 since I hate the facelifted version 03-07.

I would buy new( then again I generally hate buying used ). You can buy a '03 up Sierra as they really didn't change the looks of it like they did with the Silverado. But, definitely go with a new Silvy/Sierra.

[shift330]

Originally Posted by quagmire

I would buy new( then again I generally hate buying used ). You can buy a '03 up Sierra as they really didn't change the looks of it like they did with the Silverado. But, definitely go with a new Silvy/Sierra.

yeah 03-05ish Silverado 1500 or 2500 could run around 10-15k

[Sniz]

pick up (pun intended) a lightly used Sierra, great great trucks.

I have a '99 that has 150k miles on it, still going strong and was just trailing a 7k pound load last week, no issues. Nice enough leather interior.

its my cowboy Cadillac!

[SantaPimp27]

definitely go for a dodge ram with the cummins in it. the truck is beast and the engine is one of the best ever built

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by SantaPimp27

definitely go for a dodge ram with the cummins in it. the truck is beast and the engine is one of the best ever built

Just a shame a good engine is built around a questionable built vehicle. I have been burned by Chrysler products so much it isn't funny.

[shift330]

Originally Posted by SantaPimp27

definitely go for a dodge ram with the cummins in it. the truck is beast and the engine is one of the best ever built

Dodge has cheap crappy interiors compared to either Chevy or Ford. I'd take a 6.6 over the 5.9 any day

[mtla4]

So basically the Ram is just a nice truck with a questionnable reliablity. The GMC/Chevy were my initial choices but the Ford was 10K less with the current promotions. If I buy a used truck I would get the oldest truck possible in order to save because there is not much difference between an 06-07 and a new truck with 0% financing and good incentives.

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by mtla4

So basically the Ram is just a nice truck with a questionnable reliablity. The GMC/Chevy were my initial choices but the Ford was 10K less with the current promotions. If I buy a used truck I would get the oldest truck possible in order to save because there is not much difference between an 06-07 and a new truck with 0% financing and good incentives.

There is a lot of differences between a '06 MY and '07 MY GMC/Chevy since '07 MY was the time they were redesigned. New frame, design, powertrain, etc. The GMT-900 frame is far superior and more capable then the old GMT-800 frame. If you go for a new truck, you can get a 6 speed automatic in the Silverado/Sierra with the 5.3 V8.

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by quagmire

There is a lot of differences between a '06 MY and '07 MY GMC/Chevy since '07 MY was the time they were redesigned. New frame, design, powertrain, etc. The GMT-900 frame is far superior and more capable then the old GMT-800 frame. If you go for a new truck, you can get a 6 speed automatic in the Silverado/Sierra with the 5.3 V8.

In canada we get both old/new model for 07. I think going with a new truck is the way to go. Are there any options that are a must(I don't need leather etc)

[SantaPimp27]

Originally Posted by quagmire

Just a shame a good engine is built around a questionable built vehicle. I have been burned by Chrysler products so much it isn't funny.

Yeah but it helps a lot if you can work on your own truck and fix all the little shit when it breaks.

Originally Posted by shift330

Dodge has cheap crappy interiors compared to either Chevy or Ford. I'd take a 6.6 over the 5.9 any day

Well yeah if your looking for a nice interior than i guess dodge isnt so great. but honestly i could care less about the interior in a truck. as long as its functional i dont mind.

fyi the powerstroke turbo diesel sounds mean and the turbo on it whistles so damn loud. might not be the best engine but sure sounds cool

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by mtla4

In canada we get both old/new model for 07. I think going with a new truck is the way to go. Are there any options that are a must(I don't need leather etc)

Same here in the US. GM had the old style truck for the '07 MY as well. But, just stating for '07 MY in general, the GMT-900's are superior.

Options that are a must is the trailering package( gives you the trailering hitch platform, 2" receiver, 7 wire hardness, G80 locker, and external transmission oil cooler) which is $675 US. If you could afford it, I would go for the Max trailering pack( which gets you the 6.0 V8, HD rear differential, handling/trailering suspension package, 9.5" hybrid rear axle, 3.73 gear ratio, 17" 6 lug wheels, on/off road tires, front and rear disc brakes, and the trailering package) for $3160 US. And the safety package which gets you the side and curtain airbags for $890. I would also spring for the recovery hooks for $50. Those have come in handy for me with our Suburban trying to pull out our tractor when it got stuck in the mud a couple of times. After that, it comes down to options you would like to have on the truck, but isn't necessary for safety or towing. Oh and make sure that the truck has a 6 speed auto. The chevy build site has the 4 speed auto selected, but says the 6 speed auto is standard. So I am not sure how it works, but it looks like the 6 speed doesn't cost extra.

[Couch]

I'm a chevy fan, and they're cheaper to fix if something does need replacing. Quite a deal less to fix than the Ford.

[11Past9]

I would go with a Diesel. They will last longer, they get better gas mileage and they are better for pulling. Not to mention you can make em FAST. I am partial to Mopar Diesel (Ram) over Silverado/Sierra or Ford but that's just me. I think that you would want more than an F-150 if you are pulling a car with an open trailer, sure can they do it? Yep but you will probably suck down an entire tank of fuel doing it, especially if the terrain is hilly or rough.