Looking at getting a full size truck. Probably 2011-2015 models. I am doing my research on different brands but wanted to get you guys opinions. Most reliable, 4X4 or no, fuel efficiency etc. All advice welcome.
OT: Truck
- Thread starter Wizard.sixpack
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Tundra, expect terrible gas mileage but it's unbreakable. If you are even asking about 4x4 then yes, it won't make much difference in gas mileage and you could get around Jackson if you ever go through there.
Just got a Ram and it’s the best truck I’ve ever owned. Easy to drive and very comfortable. Best interior out there. Highly recommend.
How much more is the insurance on a 4X4? (This will be my first real pickup purchase btw)
I should add that I will be making long trips in this as well so "comfort of ride" will be a plus.
I’m currently in the market for a full-sized pick-up as well. Haven’t had one since 2008. Are you a former truck owner? Because for me, I need a crew cab, four wheel drive, and a V-8, although I’m flexible on the engine size. Those are the three most important options to me. What will you be using it for? Will you need to pull things? Or just want a roomy ride with some power?
I recently had to replace a fuel pump on my Tundra. It’s only 12 years old. Hunk of junk**
That’s seriously the only thing I can recall having to do besides routine maintenance in 12 years.
That’s seriously the only thing I can recall having to do besides routine maintenance in 12 years.
Last two vehicles I have purchased were both (new) extended cab Silverados. I put 268,000 on the first and have 234,000 on the truck I drive today. No major mechanical problems on either truck. I will drive the one I have today for at least 2 more years.
For me, they just keep on going. The current truck (V8) will gain speed steadily to about 120 mph. Still has original sparkplugs and original serpentine belt - should change that out I guess, but it looks fine. Neither truck burned any oil. Transmission shifts fine Gas mileage is 16 city and 19 highway. I have no use for a 4X4, but I understand you might. If I fif not need it, I would not buy one, unless the price was really good.
For me, they just keep on going. The current truck (V8) will gain speed steadily to about 120 mph. Still has original sparkplugs and original serpentine belt - should change that out I guess, but it looks fine. Neither truck burned any oil. Transmission shifts fine Gas mileage is 16 city and 19 highway. I have no use for a 4X4, but I understand you might. If I fif not need it, I would not buy one, unless the price was really good.
I won't need to pull much but will be off road a good bit. Will also be going on several trips (4-5 hours) a year.
If you’re going to be off road a good bit, you want the 4WD. My comment should’ve said that I haven’t had a truck since 2011, when I got rid of my 2008 F-150 Lariat. Really loved that truck, wish I would’ve kept it. Drove a couple of Dodges recently and was very impressed with them. I’m not a brand loyalty truck guy, although most truck owners are. One thing I’ve noticed is that trucks have gotten outrageously expensive, even the pre-owned ones.
YES!! I am definitely learning that! I am not brand loyal at all seeing this is my first big truck purchase. My last truck was a 1996 Dodge Ram and that was in 2001. hahahahah
I was in the same boat, thinking I needed to buy used because trucks are so damn expensive. Then when I ran the real #'s, and took into account major rebates offered on new trucks, I found that I was actually better off to buy new. Especially since I'm one to keep a vehicle for a long while. My last truck was an F150 that had 300K+ miles.
No idea. I usually text my insurance agent a VIN before I buy and let him tell me what it would cost, to make sure I don't get any unexpected increases.
Do negotiate with new dealers and see. Often they will come way off of list and have very low interest rates if you plan to finance. You probably knew that, but if you stop at sticker shock, you may miss a deal. Also, pay attention to how beat up the tow hitch is on a used one. If the inside of the sleeve is pristine, it hasn't been towing a bunch of stuff. I have a very subjective standard for deciding that a used truck "looks too rough" that defies specific description and may not be based in much fact, but it makes me feel better...
Final Advice: subscribe to Consumer Reports while you are looking and you can run any make/year by their reliability ratings to get some idea of what to expect. It's cheap. Even with good vehicles there are occasionally bad years.
I am open to buying new. I have noticed there wouldn't be a whole lot of difference in the money.
I'm currently driving a 2010 Nissan Titan that I bought brand new. It's got close to 230K miles on it and has been bulletproof (brakes, power steering boots, and starter are the only things that have been changed). With the dealer rebates Nissan is offering right now, I'm about to buy a 2019 Titan this weekend (sales prices in Houston are ~ $10K below sticker). The 2010 will stay with us and become my son's truck when he turns 16 in June.
Based on how well the 2010 has done, I wouldn't consider buying anything else as a replacement.
Based on how well the 2010 has done, I wouldn't consider buying anything else as a replacement.
If you're looking at Fords bare in mind that the 2011-2014's and the 2015's to now are really different trucks. From power trains to aluminum bodies. I like the fuel mileage and performance on the 2015's but the earlier (steel) trucks felt more solid.
I’m partial to the Titan myself but I do work at the place where we make then. We made some upgrades to the 2020 year model so dealers may be offering good deals on 2019 year models. The new Frontier will come out later this year so dealers will be wanting to get rid of the older models for any of you looking for a less than full size truck.
Buy on or close to 12/31. Dealerships will be looking to finish the year strong and will be looser with discounts.
If going with a crew cab, Ford and Dodge have the most room. I left the Chevy family and got an F-150 for my last vehicle, and the room in the back with the seats up is great. My 2016 F-150 is very nice on the inside, but my buddy's new Ram has me beat; it's a nice truck with some cool features.
If you're keeping it for a long time, negotiate hard on a new one, rather than saving a few thousand on an older, with higher mileage and no or less warranty coverage.
If going with a crew cab, Ford and Dodge have the most room. I left the Chevy family and got an F-150 for my last vehicle, and the room in the back with the seats up is great. My 2016 F-150 is very nice on the inside, but my buddy's new Ram has me beat; it's a nice truck with some cool features.
If you're keeping it for a long time, negotiate hard on a new one, rather than saving a few thousand on an older, with higher mileage and no or less warranty coverage.
I vote Ford. Coyote V8. The new 10 speed is one of the best transmissions out there. Heard of no problems with the previous tranny version, either. 2wd with V8 averages about 20-22 mpg, 4WD about 18-19. Our company has fleets of these, driven both a lot. The 2wd with the V8 feels noticeably quicker than the 4x4. Only issue; brakes. You will be needing aftermarket rotors at about 36k miles.
Tundra. I’ve had a z71 and Lariat fx4 before this one. Bought it used last year - 2017 model. Largest interior of any truck I’ve been in and the best handling. It’s a tank. 15.5 mpg, but I have the off-road package that comes with bf at’s and 20” rims (maybe 22 I don’t really no). It’s been fantastic and I don’t ever expect buying something different. You can tell how well made everything is and why they last so long
I have a tundra as well. I have a crew cab. I didn't get 4x4 because I never would need it. I need a truck about 6-7 times a year so when my 03 Envoy died, I got a Tundra in 2017 so I wouldn't have to ask people to borrow a truck. Love it.
07-13 GM 5.3 has the active fuel management which cuts it down to four cylinders at low rpm. GM has had a lot of problems with the DOD lifters failing. I have a 2011 Sierra that I just had to replace the cam and lifters in and I went with the afm delete kit. Problem with mine though was a worn cam lobe on cyl #8 which is what my obd was reading when I hooked it up as cylinder #8 misfire. Just something to be aware of.
I too work there and actually the new gen titan looks good to me with the right package. The new frontiers are slated to come out late next year. I know we’re supposed to start doing trial runs sometime next year and from what I’ve been told is that they are supposed to somewhat resemble the titan. They have been needing to do and upgrade as the frontier looks virtually the same since ‘05.
I have driven GM trucks for most of my adult life. In 2016 I bought a new RAM Laramie and felt about it exactly how you feel about yours - for about a year. I'm just partial to the sturdiness of the GMs...they just don't rattle like the Fords and Rams do. In 2017 I bought a 6.2L GMC Sierra and I love it. The GMs aren't as nice interior-wise as the Fords and Rams but to me they feel better constructed. I personally hated the plastic wheel covers on the RAM.
It's all personal preference, though. I'm sure many on here are as anti-GM as I am pro-GM.
Owned a 2015 Chevy Crew Cab Z71 5.3L V8 for 4 years. Loved it. No problems at all. 18.2 MPG lifetime with larger tires and a level kit. That year (2015) had the best looking front grill of the Chevy brand for that style truck. The 2016-218’s had the color matched Z71 front grill that looked mad skankish. I just traded that truck for a 2020 GMC AT4 with the 6.2L V8, and I like it even more than the Chevrolet. If interested in 2011-2015 year models, I’d get a 2015 Chevrolet or GMC 4WD. As far as Ram, Toyota, or Nissan trucks go, Life is too short to own an ugly truck.
If you can find one with the 6.2L, get it. You won’t regret it.
If you can find one with the 6.2L, get it. You won’t regret it.
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