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Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet?

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Brian in NY

12-08-2005 06:40:59

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Within the next couple of months, I am going to be purchasing a new (used) truck. I have narrowed it down (I think) to either Chevy, Ford or Dodge. Need 1/2 or 3/4 ton 4x4 extended cab.
I really would like a diesel, but don't think I have the $ for one. I would like your personal opinions and sage wisdom on the offerings from the Big Three. What is the best choice, and what should I avoid? Gas mileage is a concern, but I am not expecting 25mpg from a full size truck. I won't be buying a big block or V10.
Thanks in advance!

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Richard Scott

12-10-2005 16:35:49

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

Before I retired from the Forest Service, we had a lot of Dodges. The older body style that was replaced in the early 90's. Those old Dodge bodies were junk. Most of them leaked water around the windshield, (had an electrical fire under the dash, suddenly lots of smoke, because of the water leaks), had air leaks & one of my favorites was that if you weren't careful when you released the parking brake it popped up and rapped you in the knuckles. Fortunately, it has been long enough I have forgotten most of the problems they had. Don't know about the new body style.

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Rich Iowa

12-09-2005 17:38:01

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

I"ve allways had a fancy for Ford. Right now I have a 1996 Ford F250 4x4 with the Powerstroke diesel. I"ve owned a few Fords, never had many problems with any of them. If I were to buy a newer Ford, I"d find one with the good ole 7.3L, I believe they switched to the 6.0L in early 2003.

I"ve never owned a Chevy, but I think they have a very good truck (especially the 70"s and 80"s models). The GM 350 is hard to beat, and parts are readily available.

I haven"t owned a full size Dodge, but overall I am happy with my Dakota. I"ve heard about the auto tranny problems, but I"d have one with a manual trans. I"d like to have the Cummins though.

As for the gas/diesel opinion, This 1996 is my first diesel, don"t think I"ll go back to a gasser in a 3/4 ton. If Ford would put a Cummins backed by a 6 spd manual tranny in their truck, I"d be set.

I probably didn"t help you any with my senseless rambling, Just my point of views, take "em for what they"re worth. Good luck with your choice, whichever truck you decide one.

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barnrat

12-09-2005 06:05:10

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

My wife sells alot of new and used trucks at the local car dealer. She says when it comes to used trucks you can't go wrong with any of the big three. All the late model used trucks are well built and have very few major problems. 2nd generation dodges do have a history of bad auto transmissions, but that can be cured by putting a 3rd generation transmission rebuild kit in. Fords early 5 speed automatic was junk as well. I prefer a clutch my self. At her dealership the shop guys complain about GM with poor parts availabity.

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Pitch

12-09-2005 03:04:02

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

I like a chevy small block myself. Seems to be all around good truck. I think a Ford is mechanically a bit better, sprung a bit heavier,and will haul more weight but they are rust buckets at 5 years old. Dodges seem to have lousy fit and finish from the factory and have a reputation for bad transmissions power steering and air conditioners. I can't see a diesal being practical unless you tow or haul a lot. Most diesals on used lots seem to have had the crap run out of them or are used plow trucks and they still are asking top dollar. So in my opinion a Chevy is a good truck for the average Joe. The small block has proven itself for years and I don't think that anyone regarless of their brand preference can argue that.

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John A.

12-08-2005 21:14:34

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

Brian, There is a lot of difference in New York and Here in Central Texas.... Temp variances. Down here Diesels rule..on all trucks 3/4 and Tons. Here in my stompin grounds, It is a tie between Fords and Dodges. Most diesel 4x4 will average 15 to 17 as a rule just gad-abouting around on the average. Thought fuel jelling up will be a major concern in your country, it is a no-factor here. Iprefer the Diesels and my next rig will be diesel.
So gassers will probably be a better choice as far a fuel problems would be. At least I am not aware of gas problems up north. I have a new style 97 F150, 4.6-V8,Auto, 3.55 gears, supercab, longbox. 297K mileage today. She will still turn out 15 mpg as consistant as the day is long.
The Ford 4.6 and 5.4 should serve you very well and have good longivity for you. Though the 5.4s gas milage is not this engines long suit.
The 1/2 ton Chevys with 350 auto are very good, just treat then well and they should be almost bullit-proof. Get mpgs in the 15 to 17 too.
Sorry i can't speak to the Dodge gassers at all.
They should be tough espicially the ol 360 engine.
Hope this helps.
Later,
John A.

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Galen

12-08-2005 17:17:58

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

Well - I'm not a diesel fan, but I do know that every Ford truck I have had, has at least 200,000 on it before I get rid of it. My current one, a 1997 F-150 has 340,000 with ZERO problems. Iv'e replaced a few O2 sensors and an ABS sensor in the 300,000 I have put on it. Had realitives and friends who owned Dodge - none of them will again. I ain't NEVER been able to keep a Chevy on the road. Everyone has thier favorites!

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thejdman01

12-08-2005 17:05:25

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

if you go with a ford diesel and are lacking money so you will get a pry older more milage truck stay away very very far away from ford. fords have a very goofy heui injection systems and an o ring breaking can kill the ttruck. the system is the same as in cats so if your familiar w/it and ont mind hunting for a pesky o ring w/a nick out of it or spending 300 for 1 injector go with a ford diesel. its a good system IF it works. but the others are alot more low tech"conventional" if you ahve exeperience in diesel you pry have it in a gm or dodge system. however if you want to spend about 500 for a set of injectors go with a gm or dodge. however a dodge youll have to be experienced in putting transmissions in them. so i guess you should go with a chevy.

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Hawaiirocky

12-08-2005 16:10:57

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

My friend just bought a used 96 3/4 ton 4x4 Dodge. I asked him about their reputation for blowing transmissions and it worried him so he checked the truck's history. Turns out it's on it's third transmission! It appears that Dodge picked up the tab, so it's not all bad, but sure must have been aggravating for the owner.

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RickL

12-08-2005 14:00:57

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

I had one chevy bouhgt new in 1977,worst mistake,it was a lemon,but you can get that ia all of them out there. I have been dodge since then and have had dodge cars since the sixties and have got 150000 out of all of them mine do not trade in they go to buddy who crushes cars when i get done with them. Currently have 2005 dodge hemi quad cab with long box. it gets 13-15 on gas, it is nothing like the unit I lost last Dec in fire it was same truck 96 with the V10, that ws a truck and man would it go and pull I loved that unit,had 145000 some when it burned,it would get 12 usually hard pulls 8 but I loved that unit.

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jhill

12-08-2005 12:08:15

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

I have owned Ford 4x4 pickups since 1978. Put 150,000 or more miles on each one. Never had any major problems with any, Currently have a 2001 F-250 extended cab with 4x4 and the 5.4 engine. I tow a 10,000 lb trailer frequently and haven't had a Problem in 80,000 miles.

When this is all done you will not find a concensus and will hear a horror story about every brand.

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ScottT

12-08-2005 10:16:00

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

My opinion is biased, like most others.
I like Ford trucks, I have a 2000 F-250, 4x4, extended cab with a diesel. It has 130,000 miles with nothing but normal wear parts (ball joints, brake pads, filters, etc) and oil changes. I expect it to keep going for some time.
A diesel is really nice if you are going to tow, or keep it around for lots of miles, if you trade trucks when they hit 100K miles, don't bother unless you need the power.

Scott

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Kelly Campbell

12-08-2005 08:10:58

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

I've got a 01 GMC 3/4 ton with a Duramax/Allison, Its about one of the most reliable vehicles that I've ever seen. Not had that many problems out of it and it'll get 25 mpg!! Tows like a son of a gun as well. FWIW, I've had a dodge with a v8 magmum that was a piece of junk and well....I've never been a big fan of Ford's as well...

Good luck hunting, most important is that your're happy with your purchase and it has what you want!

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bwick

12-08-2005 08:07:48

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

I'm not brand biased (doesn't make sense because it can cost of lot of money for the wrong product).

First, think about what is important to you it for-towing, truck bed, family, safety, etc...

Second, look at the features on all the trucks (the imports are mightly fine too).

Third, round it down to two or three and test drive them.

Last, make a decision and deal on the internet. I just bought an 05 Ford F150 supercrew for $2,000 less than their "family plan" then I took all rebates. I got an MSRP truck with a sticker of $35,500 for $23,500. I dealt with dealers (email only!) all over the state and made them beat each other's prices. This month is the time to buy!

I looked at all the trucks and the F150 fit all my needs-
towing, box, family, etc... and felt it was the best truck for me. I could have purchased a similiar Dodge for $1,000 less, but went with the Ford.

One last note: Don't get caught up in the "Ford is the Best," or "Chevy sucks" garbage. Look to the specs and listen to people's actual experiences. Each truck has positives and negatives.

Do your homework and good luck.

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RustyFarmall

12-08-2005 07:30:02

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

This is my opinion based on recent very disappointing experiences, do not buy any GM product made from about 2000 and after. I am learning the hard way.

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MAC,IL

12-08-2005 07:25:01

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

I've driven GMC's for so long guess it would be unfair for me to give another opinion.

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Lester Elwood

12-08-2005 07:16:09

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

Hi Brian Just thought that I would add that the last 3 have all been 4x4s, wouldnt go anyother way, love them.

Lester

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Lester Elwood

12-08-2005 07:09:22

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Brian in NY, 12-08-2005 06:40:59

Hi Brian Im going to give you my biased opinion as im a died in the wool Chevy man. Ive had a couple of Fords in the past and dint like them. They do tend to ride smoother than a Chevy or softer. I asume you will be doing some towing with it,right? If you are then get the heaviest suspension that you can.Currently I have a 2000 Chevy Silverado Extcab. It has the 5.3 in italong with the Z71 package. I get excellent milage with it even when towing. Empty on the open Highway i can get it tad over 19mpgs. I towed a 4x8 trailer to Pa. with it and both the trailer and truck were loaded with hunting gear and im mean loaded even the back of the cab with 2 of us in and still knocked out 15 mpgs.I would love a diesel in a 3/4 ton but cant afford it.I have a friend that works for Midas and he says that Fords keep him employed.Just giveing you my opinion. oh the last 2 Chevys i had I drove past 140,000 miles and they are both still on the road. One was an 82 and the other was a 94.Ive also had a 71 GMC, a 72 Chevy 3/4 ton Camper special, now that was a truck you could haul a house with it and a 77 shortbox.

Hey good luck Lester in vermont

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Oliver Power

12-09-2005 03:26:38

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Re: Need a new (used truck), what is the best bet? in reply to Lester Elwood, 12-08-2005 07:09:22

WOW! , How do you get such good milage? I get 15mpg tops , with empty truck. As a rule , I get about 10 - 11 mpg. Of course , my truck is loaded , and I pull a trailer. I have the same truck as you , only with regular cab.

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