Ram, Ford, Or Chevy Pickup Truck
I've got/want to get a truck so that I don't have to rent one every time I go to the dump to drop off yard waste, palms, or haul more than a shopping cart full of merchandise from Home Depot. I also want to be able to easily haul a kayak around without having to put it on a roof rack. I'm not too concerned about gas mileage as I drive about 400 miles a month. Looks like I'd have to spend 50k+ to get leather which is just insane.
Any suggestions?
@"AllBS" said:This is what I chose. I've always been a GMC/Chevy guy. Just a fan of their body style more so. I chose to upgrade some features immediately, but definitely not required. I lifted/leveled the front of the truck. After market rims and wheels. A couple other minor, almost standard, upgrades such as tonneau cover etc. I looked into the Ford market but I'm not a fan of the aluminum body on their trucks. When I looked into them, I was very limited in places that would do body work IF needed and they were FAR more expensive to repair if needed. Maybe that's changed some, but it's something to look into.
the other thing on ford is that aluminum 6cyl engine, I am sorry, I know that they promote the hell out of the HP that thing produces and the efficiency of it, but for pulling heavy loads through hills and in windy conditions... I just cant get behind a small light duty engine that is tricked into playing a big boy. there is no replacement for displacement. I am waiting for the GMs with the 6.3 gas and the 8 speed tranny to come down to reality. it pisses me off that they only offer it in the "luxury packages" dumb as hell to put a work package like that in a truck that is designed like a car inside. LIke anybody wants to jump in their $70,000 High Country pick up to haul a load of cattle with shit on jeans and shoes, no reason that they couldnt offer that in a more base model. I have heard reports of 25+ MPG with that truck though so I am certainly staying tuned.
We bought a Ranger in 2011 in the last days of their production. Got a real deal on it. That said, I'd never buy new anymore. Check out TrueCar or CarGuru and see what's out there. I don't think the brand matters much anymore.
@"AllBS" said:This is what I chose. I've always been a GMC/Chevy guy. Just a fan of their body style more so. I chose to upgrade some features immediately, but definitely not required. I lifted/leveled the front of the truck. After market rims and wheels. A couple other minor, almost standard, upgrades such as tonneau cover etc. I looked into the Ford market but I'm not a fan of the aluminum body on their trucks. When I looked into them, I was very limited in places that would do body work IF needed and they were FAR more expensive to repair if needed. Maybe that's changed some, but it's something to look into.
Is that the Sierra? My buddy has one and I'll admit... it's pretty sharp looking, comfortable to ride in, and does everything he needs it to do (hunt, haul a walleye boat, etc.).
@"Wetlander" said:@"AllBS" said:This is what I chose. I've always been a GMC/Chevy guy. Just a fan of their body style more so. I chose to upgrade some features immediately, but definitely not required. I lifted/leveled the front of the truck. After market rims and wheels. A couple other minor, almost standard, upgrades such as tonneau cover etc. I looked into the Ford market but I'm not a fan of the aluminum body on their trucks. When I looked into them, I was very limited in places that would do body work IF needed and they were FAR more expensive to repair if needed. Maybe that's changed some, but it's something to look into.
Is that the Sierra? My buddy has one and I'll admit... it's pretty sharp looking, comfortable to ride in, and does everything he needs it to do (hunt, haul a walleye boat, etc.).
It's the Sierra All Terrain. About the only option you can't get on this truck is the cooled seats. That would have been especially nice in a black (hotter than hell in the summer) truck, but they had to draw the line on what separates this model from the Denali version. I also didn't order the sun roof or upgraded LED headlights. Too expensive for what you get out of them IMO. Highway gas mileage is about 20 at 70 mph, but can be +/- a little depending on the day and conditions. I farm, so this is both my work and play truck. I've pulled some 10,000 pound loads of seed with it and have had no a problem at all. Just make sure you're loaded properly. I ordered the bigger engine option because of these random heavy pulls. FAR more snap than the smaller option. I lifted the front for a practical reason. It gives me a bit more clearance with the ground effects when running through corn fields in the fall and gets me through a bit deeper snow before I start to push. Probably not necessary for people in a metro setting. But this truck gets off road a LOT.
@"AllBS" said:@"Wetlander" said:@"AllBS" said:This is what I chose. I've always been a GMC/Chevy guy. Just a fan of their body style more so. I chose to upgrade some features immediately, but definitely not required. I lifted/leveled the front of the truck. After market rims and wheels. A couple other minor, almost standard, upgrades such as tonneau cover etc. I looked into the Ford market but I'm not a fan of the aluminum body on their trucks. When I looked into them, I was very limited in places that would do body work IF needed and they were FAR more expensive to repair if needed. Maybe that's changed some, but it's something to look into.
Is that the Sierra? My buddy has one and I'll admit... it's pretty sharp looking, comfortable to ride in, and does everything he needs it to do (hunt, haul a walleye boat, etc.).
It's the Sierra All Terrain. About the only option you can't get on this truck is the cooled seats. That would have been especially nice in a black (hotter than hell in the summer) truck, but they had to draw the line on what separates this model from the Denali version. I also didn't order the sun roof or upgraded LED headlights. Too expensive for what you get out of them IMO. Highway gas mileage is about 20 at 70 mph, but can be +/- a little depending on the day and conditions. I farm, so this is both my work and play truck. I've pulled some 10,000 pound loads of seed with it and have had no a problem at all. Just make sure you're loaded properly. I ordered the bigger engine option because of these random heavy pulls. FAR more snap than the smaller option. I lifted the front for a practical reason. It gives me a bit more clearance with the ground effects when running through corn fields in the fall and gets me through a bit deeper snow before I start to push. Probably not necessary for people in a metro setting. But this truck gets off road a LOT.
so you have the 6.3 liter? what speed tranny you get with that?
Honestly, I don't recall off the top of my head which transmission I chose.
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...
@"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...A good sales rep would have reeled you in right then and there...Especially with the GF present and in love with it.
He really was good...zero pressure...informative...
@"purplefaithful" said:Ha, yeah, I took a GF shopping for cars once and kept getting the "what do I have to do to get your business today" from the sales guy. Seems no matter how many times I told him "I'm not buying today," he persisted to the point where my GF yelled at him, told him he was "rude." I just laughed.@"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... A good sales rep would have reeled you in right then and there...Especially with the GF present and in love with it.Anyway, Barr, I think you're making the right decision. Don't know anything about trucks, but I know design and the F-150 is the best looking truck on the market. And has been for 20 years. The Toyota Tundra is a close 2nd. JMO.
Gotta suggest Ford, partially because I'm a Ford guy but also because the F-series is just ridiculously capable right now.
The Silverado/Sierra has actually lost a lot of ground, and its styling dates back to late 1987 with only minor evolution.
Ram is part of Fiat/Chrysler, who seem determined to lower the bar for quality far too often.
Toyota and Nissan really haven't stayed competitive with the "big 3" in recent years, their trucks are pretty forgettable.
@"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!
@"purplefaithful" said:Buyers are more informed than 20+ years ago...high pressure doesn't work. There is no 'reeling you in' today. Consumers are too smart today.@"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... A good sales rep would have reeled you in righhen and there...Especially with the GF present and in love with it.
Well, just pulled the trigger on a 2018 F-150 XLT...twin turbo V-6...I pick it up in the morning...Top notch day all around!
@"BarrNone55" said: Well, just pulled the trigger on a 2018 F-150 XLT...twin turbo V-6...I pick it up in the morning...Top notch day all around!Good choice.
BOOM
@"Wetlander" said:@"BarrNone55" said: Well, just pulled the trigger on a 2018 F-150 XLT...twin turbo V-6...I pick it up in the morning...Top notch day all around! Good choice.BOOM
I'm really happy with the purchase...ride is awesome...got the towing package...Autonation was a great dealer to work with...
B) @"BarrNone55" said: Well, just pulled the trigger on a 2018 F-150 XLT...twin turbo V-6...I pick it up in the morning...Top notch day all around!Should be a nice car for ya. ;)
@"JimmyinSD" said:The twin turbo is the ecoboost engine. It actually has more towing power than the 5.0 L V8.B) @"BarrNone55" said: Well, just pulled the trigger on a 2018 F-150 XLT...twin turbo V-6...I pick it up in the morning...Top notch day all around! Should be a nice car for ya. ;)
@"Wetlander" said:im skeptical about long that little engine turbo'd up will handle rigorous towing. I am sure it will be fine for the fishing boats and such, but some of the claims I am hearing made from people about its ability on heavier loads in harsher conditions I have my doubts.@"JimmyinSD" said:The twin turbo is the ecoboost engine. It actually has more towing power than the 5.0 L V8.B) @"BarrNone55" said: Well, just pulled the trigger on a 2018 F-150 XLT...twin turbo V-6...I pick it up in the morning...Top notch day all around! Should be a nice car for ya. ;)I am sure for what Barr was looking for its actually an excellent choice as he will get decent mileage as well as being able to haul what he wants.
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