Truck Purchasing Advice

[whfan74 2,066]

Hey could use some advice. Dad is in the market for a new to him truck. He is looking for something used with under 30k miles. Is wanting a crew cab (full four doors) and wants a 4x4. He likes to keep it made in the old USA. He isn't looking for a Diesel and would prefer a 1/2 ton truck. He isn't a fan of the Dodges...........sorry to the Hemi fans out there. So that pretty much leaves us with Ford, Chevy/GMC.

This will turn in to the primary Horse Hauler which is a 7x17 foot enclosed trailer. Mine will finally be the back up! Never understood how it was his trailer but my truck that was pulling! I guess his little S-10 grimmaced every time it came near the Hauler.

So as far as fuel economy with a trailer and without.....what would you guys recommend.

Put your pros/cons in this thread. Try to keep your bias opinion out of it if at all possible.

Thanks guys!

[decksetter 50]

I got to ride in my father in law's new '09 Chevy crew 4x4 yesterday.

SOOOOOOOOOO nice.......

The computer in the dash says he's getting 20mpg (not sure of its accuracy). I can tell you it's definitely going to be better on fuel than my '00 GMC, because his runs 1500rpm at 60mph and has cylinder deactivation and a 6spd auto. Nice interior too!

[Docwheelhorse 2,669]

Hi--I own a 2007 Silverado crew cab Classic "this basically means poor mans Silverado" it has rubber floor mats, crank windows and no frills. It came from the factory with the 300 hp 6.0 liter motor and the 4L60 E 4 speed auto with 4.11 gears. It runs down the road @ 2500 rpm's @ 72 and gets 11 mpg EMPTY.... 9 or 10 pulling a load. It pulls my 29' camper well and does everything a "work truck:" should. It will not beat my neighbor Sparkys(or any....) Hemi Dodge and I don't know what it will do against a Ford. I have been a Chevy guy forever and am very happy with it. That being said I would look for a used Crew Cab Silverado with 125,000 or so on it and don't look back---they will run till 200,000+ and for most of us thats alot of years---I only put 6-8 thousand on my truck a year. This is just my opinion..... I do have to say that the Dodges are quick and have a nice interior and the Fords have the strongest of all three in the front end department. In the end if you buy a domestic truck I will give you a big :handgestures-thumbup:

[can whlvr 993]

i drive a chevy,2007 silverado,4x4 with the smaller v8,i pull 2 different trailers with it and it pulls great,but its a huge fuel hog,when im working in the city about 45min from me i use 75 dollars a day,yes im sure any truck will consume lots of fuel when pulling over 2 tons,but im a chev guy true and true,(ya you said not to be bias but thats impossible when you drive such a nice truck as a chev

[whfan74 2,066]

Thanks guys and keep them coming.

I have a 2004 F-150 Super Crew with a cap on the back. It is a nice truck and serves me well. I have never been able to get over 13 miles to the gallon in any condition. It sports the lovely 5.4L in it. As of right now that is what is going to haul the trailer to PA this year, would love for him to do an upgrade before June.

He has looked at a 6.0L GMC with all the bells and whistles. Also has looked at a 2010 Ford FX4 package. Just hoping to get some more input on what has been good, bad, and ugly for you guys. It won't be a daily driver as he is retired and they usually take Mom's V-8 Ford Explorer that has all the bells and whistles.

[otrelwood 32]

I would look for a diesel but i am opinionated as i have one, i wouldnt get newer than an 05 because of the emission stuff . i get 20 to 23 mpg without a trailer and 14.5 to15 mpg pulling my 26 ft fifth wheel but in gets it down the road plus has a trans retarder to hold you back on the hills and they hold their value

[Rooster 191]

Thats alot of trailer for a 1/2 ton....

As for Chevys, that is asking alot of the 5.3ltr, the 6.0 will tote the heck out of it.

If your pulling often, pulling that much truck with a 1/2 ton 5.3 is going to wear out that truck .

The 5.3 gets great feul mileage, the 6.0 has a ton of power but bad mileage.

[CRE1992 135]

I have a 2008 silverado 1500 ext cab 4x4 5.3L its a nice truck, but I get about 16mpg. It is nice for towing up to about 3-4000lbs. I wouldn't recommend more with out the engine working pretty hard. But I am trading it in soon a new 2011 2500 ext cab 6.6L Duramax. If your looking to tow a trailer I would get a 2500 with 6.0L my uncle has one and he gets 16.5 highway and 14.5 daily driving mix. My dad has a 2011 Chevy 3500 crew cab dually 4x4 with a 6.6L duramax and gets 19-22mph high way with out a load and 16-18mpg towing a 40ft long toy hauler camper. I am a chevy guy if you couldn't tell despite being 19 years old.

Another truck to consider would be a ford f150 with the ecoboost v6 turbo engine. I don't like dodges. My 5.3L in my truck though not stock has smoked a couple hemi's with no problem.. I like the power trains because of the cummins, but that's about it. Fords are just okay in my book, with the previous string of engines after they did away with the 7.3L diesel I lost all respect for them. The 7.3L diesel was one of the best diesels ever made. Long lasting as well as great fuel economy, my Uncle's 2003 F350 with a 7.3L routinely gets 18-21 mpg. The 6.0L diesel and 6.4L diesel are horror stories. The 6.0 had numerous problems however Ford "fixed" this. The 6.4L gets HORRIBLE fuel economy due to the DPF or diesel particulate filter, if this is removed, and then retuned with a spartan tuner, it can gain quite a bit of mileage, however this is not recommended for a truck still under warranty. I however would go with a diesel. They are dependable, long lasting work horses and the resale value is a lot better than a gas truck.

Here are some pictures of them:

[whfan74 2,066]

We won't be pulling often. Only a few times a year and a one time shot out to PA. Most of the other pulls with the trailer are under the 4 hour round trip range. It will be used sparingly and he would rather have a nice ride.

My 5.4L pulls the trailer fine with no issues. The trailer is balanced really well and we haven't had any issues. Again we would only be pulling on occassion.

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,294]

It's going to come down to a Chevy vs Ford thing. You're right, if you're not going to pull a trailer often (assuming all weights are okay) don't go with a Diesel. Yes, they get better fuel mileage, but they more than make up for it in maintenance costs ($100 oil change every 5K, $50 fuel filter every 15K) and a Diesel is not a good grocery getter.

I am not a Chevy guy, but the do make a nice looking truck. If it were me however, I would opt for one size up and go for F250 / 2500 just to have a little more truck when it does pull and it allows for easier upgrades (5th wheel, campers etc). The fuel mileage differences aren't going to be much assuming you stay with a smaller V8 in the larger truck. For me, I would be happier in the long run knowing that I had more capacity than "just enough".

You didn't mention a price range, but I love the look and features of a 2007 F250 Lariat. Great looking, very capable and fairly dependable. Oh, and if by chance he does go with a 6.0 talk to me, it's a very mis-understood engine and can be very reliable and very strong, but it requires knowing it's weakpoints. I love mine, and it pulls my 5th wheel effortlessly.

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

You said that he is not a Dodge fan, so I guess that would rule out my 1st choice as I am a diehard Dodge and Mopar guy.

I guess I would pick Ford as my second choice. I have always thought they are made well, unlike some of that cheap stuff that they make now. We have a 1994 Ford F-150 XLT with the 5.0 and it has been a really good truck mechanically. It has almost 180,000 miles on it and it is still running strong. We use it to haul our tractors. The new Ford Eco Boost motor is supposed to be a really good motor and they are really supposed to hold up well, but I do not know if that would be out of your dad's price range or not. It is also supposed to get really good mpg and also supposed to be a good hauler.

Diesels would make a good hauler and get good mpg, but it can cost a lot of money to maintain them.

Just my 2 cents.

Good luck,

Taylor

[whfan74 2,066]

Karl he is seriously looking at a 6.0 right now. I will either call or pm you soon.

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,294]

Download and read this it pertains to ALL years 6.0's and in my opinion is a (if not the) major issue on the 6.0.

[CRE1992 135]

Download and read this it pertains to ALL years 6.0's and in my opinion is a (if not the) major issue on the 6.0.

The 6.0L were good engines after ford fixed the problems with them. The early 6.0's had problems with the head studs.

Also if he looks into a 6.4L ford, and actually gets one, DO NOT leave they truck idling long, it will fry the EGR valve and do serious damage to that engine. It happened a guy who works for my dad, luckily it was under warranty, and they replaced the engine.

[smoreau 658]

Karl he is seriously looking at a 6.0 right now. I will either call or pm you soon.

Chevy or ford? As from what I have read in your tread so far and my experience in the automotive field as a mechanic, I would say that the 5.3 in the chevy would be your best be for what your father wants to do and use it for. It should pull a well balanced trailer fine, as long as your not wanting to get there in a hurry as it is less power then the 6.0. But the 5.3 will get much better fuel economy when not pulling a trailer. Also make sure it has a factory towing package and 4.10 gears as if it has the 3.73 or higher, it will not tow worth a dam. I have driven both with a trailer and as long as it isn't huge and way over weight, the 5.3 will be just fine. The 6.0 is great for towing, but sucks gas like a 520h as compared to a 5.3 witch is more like a c160a. Both will do the job, but with better fuel economy you loose power.

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,294]

Good point, only PM me if it's a 6.0 Diesel Ford....

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,294]

The 6.0L were good engines after ford fixed the problems with them. The early 6.0's had problems with the head studs.

Not correct.

[dobeleo 7]

ive got a 2007 F150 Quad Cab. it has the 4.6 Liter, I do alot of highway driving and average over 18 mpg. I towed my daughters car back from Arizona with a tow dolley (about 4,000 lb) a couple years ago, ran fine. The truck has a tow package.

Chevy / GMC's are the best but Fords are good too. You are going to pay more for a GM. I like Fords and all my neighbors have GM's so at first I caught a little grief.

[Jim_M 178]

Scott,

No matter what brand you buy and whether it be gas or diesel, consider buying a 3/4 ton over a half ton. The ride is not much different these days and you'll benefit from heavier suspension, heavier steering and drive components as well as bigger brakes. I have not owned a half ton truck in over 20 years. I feel a 3/4 ton lasts me a lot longer with fewer repairs and has a higher resale value when I'm done with it.

As for whether you buy gas or diesel, it depends on how long you plan to keep it, you have to use a truck a lot or plan to keep it a long time to defray the initial cost of the diesel engine, however they do hold their value much better than a gas powered truck and are always easy to sell.

I prefer a diesel, my last 3 trucks have been diesels, one from each of the big 3 and I'll have to say I liked them all just fine. The GMC was the costliest to maintain but got the best fuel mileage, the Ford was a powerhouse but a little thirsty, the Cummins has been bulletproof so far, and is by far the smoothest and quietest diesel I've owned, but I wish it got the fuel mileage that the GMC got.

I know...I'm not much help.

Jim

[can whlvr 993]

i have had a deisel,ford with the 7.3,very strong engine but long gone,then a chev with the big block 6 litre gas,heavy duty 3/4 tonne,i coulnt afford to drive it with the fuel it sucked,nice truck and pull the tusks off an elephant but big$ to run,then i went to a 1/2 toone chev,2 wheel drive,no good in my area as i live in some very hilly areas and with snow i could never get my trailers home,(no good leaving it on the side of the road),then went to a half tonne 4x4 gas,i like deisel but as they get older they have to be plugged in and you have to drive alot of miles a year to make it worth it or be rich,if i won the lottery a 3500 dyramax 4x4 loaded,dont forget warranty also,chev has the best warranty too

[IthacaJeff 151]

I think you are going to find pluses and minuses in both Ford and Chevy, e.g., mileage vs. towing and

so forth. Let me toss out a few potential tie-breakers. First, go with a diesel for the reason that you

can run biodiesel. A friend of mine has "upgraded his Ford diesel to run vegetable oil that he gets

free. It has take a bit of investment up front, but in the long run he'll make out like a bandit.

Next, consider not going with GMC/Chevy. They were an embarrassment to the country when they

begged and whined in front of Congress to get more money. Where we spend out money says much.

I will acknowledge that I am a Ford F150 and E350 guy, but this goes beyond owner loyalty.

Next, where are Toyotas and Nissans in your discussion? According to web sources Tundras have more

USA components than either Ford or Chevy. The Nissan Titan is about in the middle -- above Dodge Rams.

[DoctorHfuhruhurr 137]

edmunds.com is a decent resource for vehicle reviews. They also have a tool which shows a vehicles True Cost to Own. The True Cost to Own factors in the depreciation, interest on your loan, taxes and fees, insurance premiums, fuel costs, maintenance, and repairs.

http://www.edmunds.com/truck/used-car.html

[whfan74 2,066]

Thanks so much for the advice, input, and websites you guys. Dad always likes to make an informed decision and is willing to get input from others.

He has been weeding through many of his options and in the long run what will be best for him.

Saturday he is planning on going to look at a 2010 Chevy Silverado LTZ. It has 20K miles on it and sports the 5.3L V8. Truck is equipped with the heavy duty Handling/Trailering package. It has a 6 speed transmission and is a 4x4 Z-71 package. He wanted some bells and whistles with his next truck so this one has leather, heated seats, 10 way adjustable seats, power fold in mirrors, remote start, etc...

It also has the nice chrome running boards and is already equipped with a full matching cap on the back.

Oh did I mention that the truck is a Wheel Horse Red????

We will take a little road trip on Saturday morning and check it out. If it is everything he is hoping for the search might be over, if not then the search continues. I will keep you updated.

Until a purchase has been made, input is always appreciated.

[6wheeler 603]

I am a died to the wool Ford guy. However, Houston we may have a problem. I also have a Suburban I wouldn't trade for anything. What I love about that truck is, I can seat 7 comfortably. Or, put the seats down and put 16- 4X8 sheets of 1/2" sheetrock in it and haul them in the rain . Last year when the mom-in law was moving off the farm, I put my trailer behind it and hauled 2 simplicity citations w/52" decks and aeriators and baggers and weight packages for both along with a yard-man w/46" deck and bagger set-up and 3 Toro personal pace mowers, 6 gas powered weed whips, 2 chain saws, 2 pull behind aeriators and a spreader. All coming to an auction in my area,( She also got out of the lawn care business at the same time) and whatever the missus wanted to bring home inside the cab. With all of that, this 1/2 ton suburban, w/trailer towing package and rear air bag helper suspension. Got us there and back and averaged 16 mpg. And that ain't no lie... I'm glad you found something your dad might like. Like I said, I am a Ford guy. Always have been, but I won't say I will not look at the other brands anymore...Oh, and by the way. My suburban is also WH red. Maybe that is the secret . Good Luck.. Pat

[zieg72 209]

I am partial to the older Chevys, I got 3 1985's and 1 1986