Quote: @"BarrNone55" said:
So, I made the mistake of taking a test drive in a Ford F-150 Lariat...whoa boy...I'm thinking come the Labor day sales I'll be doing some serious shopping...it had bells and whistles like no other vehicle...the GF loved it which doesn't help matters...
I will be honest with you (no brand loyalty, I have owned pretty much every half ton/heavier truck from every company at one time or another). IMHO you HAVE to test drive all of them. Decide what type/package you want, and with that in mind, go and test each companies comparable truck regardless of price. I bet you will change your mind on being dead set on the Ford. Each truck has it's positives and negatives (no such thing as a perfect truck). A lemon is a lemon no matter what company you buy it from. Just the nature of it. Ask me how I know.
I used to detail cars for higher class clients that had money to dispose since 2005. During that time I would detail these cars/trucks for about two years (that is about the life cycle of "fun" for these owners). I have either bought or sold (basically took the cars/trucks home so the owner could free up space for his "new" toy), and was fortunate enough to drive them daily for weeks or longer. If I loved one of the cars/trucks I would purchase it myself and then sell if after a few years. In that time span I owned: Ford; F150 platinum and a Raptor. Chevy/GMC; 2500 Silverado Duramax/ 1500 Denali. Dodge 2500 Ram Cummins/1500 Hemi (lifted 10" all new suspension and goodies). Toyota; Tundra (long bed and quad cab). Nissan; Titan (bought this myself brand new in 04'/Titan lifted 10" with suspension and goodies). Pretty sure that's every half ton or heavier truck you can get your mittens on.
I know some are gonna call BS, but I was fortunate enough to luck into such a situation and have a wonderful wife that was a physician (specialist) who made good money and let me "turn" vehicles over. I would sell one to get the other or turn them for profit.
What I have learned is that you have to find out what you "really" need/want out of your truck. Test drive them ALL. Work different dealerships for your business (the average consumer has no idea how the dealerships make their $$ to cover such huge discounts). Just watching my buddy run his three dealerships was eye opening. I personally never bought a truck from him cause he could never give me a better deal. Except for the 2500 Duramax. I bought that from him fully loaded for $27,000 OTD.
I have moved off the islands (so no longer detailing and getting these deals). I have been also in the market for a new half ton. I have been looking for three years and still haven't pulled the trigger (new or used). Still doing my research and test driving the rigs. I personally like the GMCs over everything so far. I can't, however, justify the price tag for one that is fully loaded. The best I could do up here in Virginia is a little over $50 (includes Duramax). Raptors are nice, but unless you're gonna be jumping dunes, kinda waste of $$. Heard from some guy that the new Rebels are pretty sweet, but his is on back order due to Ram box. Tundra I just never really liked the way they drove or the interior (was looking at one fully loaded on a lot $77,000!) I will be honest, I have never loved a truck like my first Titan. Don't get me wrong. That truck had lots of problems, but man that torque was crazy especially when you massaged the 5.6. The newer ones, not so much.
Good luck! I just want you to buy the best truck that you're gonna love for years.
Or heck, just win the Lotto and buy each one. That's my dream!
