OT: New Truck

[Shmuley]

I’m in the market for a new truck. I think it’s time to move on from my 2015 Silverado. It’s been a good one but it’s time for a new one.

I’m considering a Silverado, sierra, f150 or tundra. Any of you guys bought one recently and been happy or hated it?

Truck threads. Exactly what mid-august needs to while away the time before inevitable suckage ensues.

 

[RBcoach]

I am a Chevy guy, but I think I might go to a Nissan Frontier next purchase. The only down size is its a Mid. and the back seat is very small. I heard it can pull a trailer pretty well. I hope Nissan does go back to the Nissan Titan at some point, because I heard the Frontier is killing the competition right now.

 

[40 acres and a mule]

There is little doubt that intentionally or not (probably not) the quest to squeeze every last 1/100 of an ounce less gasoline usage out of the combustion engines has made them so unreliable that as inconvenient as an electric can be it starts to look like a better option. Until about 5 years ago most gas engines were Rick solid though.

This is exactly what happened. And, if you tow anything with any weight, everything I have seen says to stay far away from an EV.

 

[M R DAWGS]

If EVs had the kind of problems these gas burners are having in Pick-up trucks these past few years, you guys would be convinced all EVs were trash. Hell, they stopped making the Ford lightening so few bought one. It's not that the lightening wasn't a good product, it's that real men don't buy EVs for trucks and the price tag was too dang high. My son-in-law got the Ford Lightning. He was the type that bought a new truck every dang year. Within 6 months he had a Viper, Tesla Plaid on top of Chevy Truck, all used. He got a good deal, drives awhile and sells it at about what he pays. He just keeps a payment or tow.

He has had this Lightening four years and has no intention of trading any time soon. It is still like brand new, cheap to operate and almost maintenance free. Just plug it in at night and drive. That's it, oh and put some washer fluid and clean the cabin air filter. You can check the brake pads but they die of old age before they get worn out unless you are hauling a lot of stuff and if that's the case, you may want a Diesel anyway.

Thing is they drop significantly in value on the used market. You can pick up a good used low mileage Lightening in the mid-30s. Find one, test drive it before you pull the trigger. You will need a 50 amp plug ran to your carport or at least 32amp and get yourself a charger to plug into it. Then learn about charging elsewhere and hope you only charge away from home occassionally. If not, stick with a gas burner. If you drive as much as I do. The fuel and lack of maintenance savings would save thousands over the years in a vehicle that goes 0-60 in about 4 seconds. Fun to drive but it has to fit you. Not everyone will want to learn what ti takes to be an EV owner. To me it's not harder than owning an ICE. It is easier to me but only after you have learned how to navigate ownership as it is different.

Your driving habits will be the key and your willingness to learn something new. Plus, man enough to take being laughed at by fellow rednecks. When you go a few years without an oil change or stopping to drop a $75-100 on fuel several times a month you most likely will realize the fears you had were just partially true and that the trouble was worth it. It will take some getting used to but I like doing those things. Not everyone will.

When they make an EV that can consistently pull a 4 ton tractor 200 miles on a charge, I’ll be in.

 

[The Peeper]

If you don't need the full-size, then may I recommend the Ridgeline? Rock-solid naturally aspirated V6 that they have been using for a decade, normal transmission, comfortable to drive like an SUV, has the general tech you want but not a lot of the goofy stuff you don't need. I know people will scoff, but it will get you good gas mileage and run for 300,000 miles with almost no problems. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds as well. If you need a full-size, I get it, but for 99% of what people use trucks for this hits the right notes. Also, Honda is about to phase out this generation, so deals will be available.

I almost bought a used one but talked myself out of it because I had just gotten 313,000 out of an F150 so I went w/ another one. The only negative I saw w/ the Honda was the low towing capacity and that alone wouldn't have stopped me but I do occasionally tow a pontoon boat and an equipment trailer w/ a small tractor so I decided to stay w/ the F150

 

[She Mate Me]

I’m a guy who trades vehicles rarely if possible and I’ve been in the same truck for a long time.

The prices y’all are quoting for new trucks are honestly stunning to me. It sounds like the trucks are getting fancier and less reliable while the financing terms have to be getting longer and more exotic. It doesn’t sound sustainable to me at all.

Then again, I’ve felt that way about most things in our economy most of my adult life…

 

[o_Hot Rock]

When they make an EV that can consistently pull a 4 ton tractor 200 miles on a charge, I’ll be in.

That is not as far away as you think or at least that is the claim from a couple places that seem to have a developed a solid state battery. They absolutely have a battery that will do what you ask but... I am wondering if they can make them last. The current batteries are lasting hundreds of thousands of miles at 85% capacity. Some 1st generation Teslas are still on the road with over 500,000 miles on them. I am not so sure these solid state batteries will last that long. We will know in a couple years if they are going to work and then you may have a decision to make.

Passenger vehicles already have enough to make them worthwhile but towing? I would not do that yet either.

 

[BluffParkDawg]

My brother has a '21 F150. Has the twin turbo V6 in it and he has had pretty good luck with it. He does mobile windshield install and uses it as his primary work truck.

I am still rocking my 98 F150 XLT with about 240K miles on it. Those old Triton V8s are just about indestructible.

One tip - if you are on FB - is to join groups of any vehicle you are interested in and see what issues current owners are having. Gives you good insight on common problems and which models/makes to avoid.

 

[BluffParkDawg]

I recently went from a 13 chevy to a 21 Nissan Titan, I know they are discontinued but I did a bunch of research. I liked that the Titan is a straight V8 without all the turbo crap they are putting in vehicles now. I've gotten over 21 mpg on the interstate with it.

We just purchased a 22 Armada for my wife. I really like that straight V8 drivetrain that has been essentially unchanged in over 15 years.

 

[NWADawg]

Got a '22 F150 hybrid. Love it. Bout to hit 89k miles and haven't had a single issue. I get 21 ish mpg on interstate running ~82 mph. On 55 mph highways, I get anywhere from 23-28 mpg. I have 3- 120 plug ins and 1 240 plug in in the bed....and tons of power.

Pulled a SUV on a car hauler a couple hundred miles across mountains (small AR mountains) and got 13 mpg.

 

[Dawgbite]

I’m a GM guy but the 5.3 is a ticking time bomb. I had a GM dealer tell me that they are going back to an upgraded 5.7 and doing away with the engine management crap that disables cylinders. Ford is having all kinds of top end problems with their supercharged I4 and V6 Ecoboost engines. Toyota has discontinued their V8 so a 6 is all they offer now. If I was buying a truck for street use only it’d probably be a Toyota but if I needed it for occasional towing I’d go with a Ram with a good old fashioned 5.7 V8.

 

[TheDawg-Pound]

Been a GMC guy for years. Had a 6.2 Sierra but dumped it with the engine troubles. Just switched to a F150 King Ranch with the power boost. Love it so far, interior is great, so far the hybrid motor isn’t too “weird”, and mileage has certainly improved. Strange to say, but maybe I’m a ford guy now. My wife still has a 6.2 GMC Yukon, it may be the next to go.

I thought about this but didn't. Traded my 6.2 for another newer year model. No trouble yet. Next truck will be Ford if I have trouble this time.

 

[goindhoo]

I bought a 23 tundra in 24. it had 15K on it or so. Great truck but it is a recall machine. They are great about fixing everything. At 40K, I finally got notice that new motor was available for replacement. Factory New motor. Took 3 days. They gave me a loaner. No issues. Love the truck. Recalls usually get fixed every oil change. Not too inconvenient. I've never owned anything but a yota.

 

[ronpolk]

Those baby diesels are awesome. They had some issues at first but they have ironed them out.

I’ve never had a diesel before. Is it dumb to have a diesel knowing that I rarely tow stuff (handful of times a year and nothing all that heavy)? From doing reading, it does appear this 3.0 duramax is the most reliable engine GM offers.

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

I’m in the market for a new truck. I think it’s time to move on from my 2015 Silverado. It’s been a good one but it’s time for a new one.

I’m considering a Silverado, sierra, f150 or tundra. Any of you guys bought one recently and been happy or hated it?

When toyota moved away from the 5.7, Tundra's become trash like all other full size trucks. Don't buy a Tundra newer than 2021.

 

[40 acres and a mule]

I’m a GM guy but the 5.3 is a ticking time bomb. I had a GM dealer tell me that they are going back to an upgraded 5.7 and doing away with the engine management crap that disables cylinders. Ford is having all kinds of top end problems with their supercharged I4 and V6 Ecoboost engines. Toyota has discontinued their V8 so a 6 is all they offer now. If I was buying a truck for street use only it’d probably be a Toyota but if I needed it for occasional towing I’d go with a Ram with a good old fashioned 5.7 V8.

I have a 2007 Silverado 5.3 that I bought new with active fuel management ( or did they call it displacement by demand, I forgot) that you describe. I have 266,000 miles on it but went into the computer and turned it off at about 150,000. Actual solenoids and all are still in there. No way I would buy a used one with that still in it. There is an aftermarket kit that takes it all out. There are also remanufactured engines without it. Then the 5.3 is a good engine. There are plenty of people around me going one of these routes on their older trucks rather than springing $60 or $70,000 for a new one.

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

I’ve never had a diesel before. Is it dumb to have a diesel knowing that I rarely tow stuff (handful of times a year and nothing all that heavy)? From doing reading, it does appear this 3.0 duramax is the most reliable engine GM offers.

They are very reliable engines now. I would say you would have to weigh the cost of the diesel truck compared to a gas truck that you’re looking at and the cost of diesel versus gas and see where that comes out if you’re not towing anything, it may not work out price wise for you in the long run.

 

[Car Ramrod.sixpack]

I’m a GM guy but the 5.3 is a ticking time bomb. I had a GM dealer tell me that they are going back to an upgraded 5.7 and doing away with the engine management crap that disables cylinders.

The 5.3 is probably the best V8 in their current lineup but the key to their longevity is regular maintenance. I had one 5.3 make it to 195K and another one with 98K with no issues both with the Dynamic Fuel Management. I was told by a GM service manager that the worst thing GM ever did was to put the oil life gauge in the trucks. People will run those things till they get below 5% and get a warning to change the oil. Both of my 5.3s I religiously changed the oil at 5k and have never had issues will oil loss or a stuck lifter.

Same thing goes for the transmission follow the severe use service schedule and you can make a modern truck last 200K.

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

The 5.3 is probably the best V8 in their current lineup but the key to their longevity is regular maintenance. I had one 5.3 make it to 195K and another one with 98K with no issues both with the Dynamic Fuel Management. I was told by a GM service manager that the worst thing GM ever did was to put the oil life gauge in the trucks. People will run those things till they get below 5% and get a warning to change the oil. Both of my 5.3s I religiously changed the oil at 5k and have never had issues will oil loss or a stuck lifter.

Same thing goes for the transmission follow the severe use service schedule and you can make a modern truck last 200K.

Same thing happens to people that have Hyundai vehicles. It says that you can go 8000 miles between oil changes but if you look in the manual and it says severe driving conditions 4000 miles people are not reading that. The cars are getting 60,000 miles on them and the engine is blowing up because proper maintenance wasn’t done.

 

[Car Ramrod.sixpack]

I’ve never had a diesel before. Is it dumb to have a diesel knowing that I rarely tow stuff (handful of times a year and nothing all that heavy)? From doing reading, it does appear this 3.0 duramax is the most reliable engine GM offers.

I have been impressed with my Babymax. If you are looking at a used one do not buy a LM2 model engine they had some issues. The current LZ0 fixed those issues. There were a few 2025 build dates that had some thrust bearing issues but that was only for 3 months last year.

 

[Car Ramrod.sixpack]

Same thing happens to people that have Hyundai vehicles. It says that you can go 8000 miles between oil changes but if you look in the manual and it says severe driving conditions 4000 miles people are not reading that. The cars are getting 60,000 miles on them and the engine is blowing up because proper maintenance wasn’t done.

Subaru is the same way. Subaru USA claims that you never have to change the CVT fluid to claim a lower cost of ownership. Where as Subaru Japan service schedules are much different. I can't remember off the top of my head but it is like 50K for the CVT and oil changes are more frequent also.

 

[Maroon Pug]

I've got your solution: A 1998 Subaru Sambar.

Pro's: It's under $10k, 4x4, great MPG's, it's bed is just as big or bigger than modern trucks, and all analog switches. You also get some great looks since it's RHD.

Con's: Any speed over 60 mph and it gets sketch real quick unless you do a Yamaha or Suzuki engine swap, but that's not worth it IMHO.

 

[Dawgbite]

The 5.3 is probably the best V8 in their current lineup but the key to their longevity is regular maintenance. I had one 5.3 make it to 195K and another one with 98K with no issues both with the Dynamic Fuel Management. I was told by a GM service manager that the worst thing GM ever did was to put the oil life gauge in the trucks. People will run those things till they get below 5% and get a warning to change the oil. Both of my 5.3s I religiously changed the oil at 5k and have never had issues will oil loss or a stuck lifter.

Same thing goes for the transmission follow the severe use service schedule and you can make a modern truck last 200K.

There’s nothing really wrong with the engine itself but the engine management system and the oil viscosity. Disabling the engine management could void your warranty on a new vehicle and they are putting thin viscosity oil in the engine chasing fuel mileage but it’s not enough lubrication under loads and at higher mileage. Putting heavier oil in it solves a lot of the problems but again it can void your warranty.

 

[Barkman Turner Overdrive]

My brother has a '21 F150. Has the twin turbo V6 in it and he has had pretty good luck with it. He does mobile windshield install and uses it as his primary work truck.

I am still rocking my 98 F150 XLT with about 240K miles on it. Those old Triton V8s are just about indestructible.

One tip - if you are on FB - is to join groups of any vehicle you are interested in and see what issues current owners are having. Gives you good insight on common problems and which models/makes to avoid.

That is one of the few things Reddit is good for as well. The r/ToyotaTundra subreddit is eye opening about how terrible the 3rd Gen is.

 

[Barkman Turner Overdrive]

I am a Chevy guy, but I think I might go to a Nissan Frontier next purchase. The only down size is its a Mid. and the back seat is very small. I heard it can pull a trailer pretty well. I hope Nissan does go back to the Nissan Titan at some point, because I heard the Frontier is killing the competition right now.

I have heard good things about the current generation Frontier as well.

 

[Napoleon378]

for any new truck out of the 4 major brands just pick what you like best and cross your fingers. They all have some sort of issues even Toyota these days.

blame the EPA for that. The old GM 5.3 without the cylinder deactivation was an absolute tank, the 5.7 Toyota V8 is legendary for reliability. The ford 5.0 is still pretty good.

I've driven nothing but 5.3 GM in my life and I've never had issues over several hundred thousand miles between 3 of them. Completely agree with another poster that you need to change the oil every 5k. The lifters operate much better with clean oil but most people just wait till the alert pops up and then never do a transmission fluid/filter change (not a flush). There seem to be many examples online of GM 5.3 and 6 speeds making it to 200-300k with no major issues because the owners diligently follow the severe maintenance schedule. Of course it's not 100% but keeping up with maintenance on the severe service schedule greatly reduces the % of having major drivetrain issues

You can remove the cylinder deactivation **** on the 5.3 but it's pretty pricey. I've seen you can even delete the emission crap out of the 3.0 duramax now and that is very intriguing to see how those will do.

 

[dog99walker]

Just bought a new Sierra. It listed at $68,600. With GM discounts and trade-in allowance the price was only $54,000. I had an offer I couldn’t refuse. And the tail gate doesn’t rattle, Ford fans.

 

[Wesson Bulldog]

I am your Ford Truck guy on here. DM me, I will be happy to assist.

 

[Wesson Bulldog]

Just bought a 2025 f150 lariat. Had 8k miles. Paid $51,500. Love it. But I’m a ford guy. Love the space they have and the comfort.

@Wesson Bulldog might could give more infor. He runs a Ford dealership

Thanks for the plug. Call me at 601-833-7521. Be glad to help!

 

[Xenomorph]

I work for a company that drives a bunch of Chevy baby diesels. I’ve had a 23, 25 and am now in a 26.

I’ve come to love the trucks. Fill up the tank and the computer says 620 miles to empty. The interior layout is awesome. I’m currently in a F150 rental and I’ll be glad to get back in my truck. The steering wheel controls in the Chevy are much more useful. But I’ll say.. the Ford seats may be more comfortable.. debatable.

Disclaimers: I only pull a trailer once in a blue moon. I don’t pay for the maintenance. There is diesel everywhere I go and I don’t pay for it.

 

[Trojanbulldog19]

They are all trash and over priced now. Most all vehicles are though. We needs new vehicle but most everything I look at has known issues or it's crazy high to me

 

[patdog]

There’s nothing really wrong with the engine itself but the engine management system and the oil viscosity. Disabling the engine management could void your warranty on a new vehicle and they are putting thin viscosity oil in the engine chasing fuel mileage but it’s not enough lubrication under loads and at higher mileage. Putting heavier oil in it solves a lot of the problems but again it can void your warranty.

I think direct injection is also a major factor in the engine problems we’re seeing. No problems so far with my 2021 Mazda 2.5T engine but I'm thinking about going to 0W-30 oil instead of the 0W-20 it calls for. Well, technically one problem. That one year they went with new valve seals that were cheap. So after about 17,000 miles it started leaking oil. Warranty repair, they replaced with valve seals with the old ones and no problems since. Cost Mazda a lot more for the repairs than they saved with the cheap valve seals.