What Truck/SUV should I buy?

"kincai28" (kincai28) 05/30/2017 at 15:41 • Filed to: None

0

41

Opponauts,

It has come time to replace my 05' Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has 170k miles on it and while I really wanted to get it to 200k, I just don’t see it happening. The Jeep has small issues that have been slowly piling up and I think it is time to cut my losses.

So now comes the fun part of deciding what to buy. Like any good car person I’ve always been looking so I have a decent idea of what is out there (and that I can afford). I think I’ve narrowed it down to a 1st gen Tundra Double Cab from 05'-06' which can be had between $12k-$15k.

However, I’m looking for anything else I’ve missed. My budget is $15k which sure doesn’t seem to buy much especially considering my trusty Chrysler product is worth approximately nothing. I also would like a tow rating of at least 5,000 pounds as I’ll be towing a camper that maxes out at 3,750. I plan on keeping it at least 5 years and would like something reliable since my Jeep hasn’t exactly been a poster child for reliability. I also bought a house last year so a truck seems helpful.

Here is what I’ve considered:

Trucks (Crew Cab):

F-150, Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, Titan

Honda Ridgeline

Nissan Frontier

SUVs:

1. Expedition, Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, Yukon XL

2. Toyota Sequoia

3. Honda Pilot

So Oppo, what would you buy? Let me know what else you may want to know!

Located in Akron, Ohio. 4wd is a must for Northeast Ohio snow & boat ramps.

kincai28 > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 15:43

0

Here is the 1st gen Tundra that I’ve been eyeing by the way:

http://www.outdoorsunlimitedauto.com/2006_Toyota_Tundra_Canton_OH_10299230.veh#

marshknute > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 15:44

0

I’m partial to the Sequoia because of the roll-down rear window. And because I used to use it as a tent when I went camping in college. And because it can fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood inside with the trunk closed.

Nothing > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 15:51

0

Do you need 4wd? If not, 2nd gen Tundras creep into that price range. Even the doublecab is quite roomy. My son was in a baby seat in the back of one, comfortably. My father in law still has his 2007 that he purchased new.

EL_ULY > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 15:52

1

What town?

For Craigslist purposes

Either way, Ford Panther platform car and build it into a Ranchero

ToyotaFamily > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 15:52

1

I’d stay away from an F150, especially with the 5.4, cam phaser issue is common.

kincai28 > EL_ULY 05/30/2017 at 15:55

0

Akron, Ohio but am willing to travel if necessary.

TheHondaBro > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 15:56

1

4

R

u

n

n

e

r

kincai28 > Nothing 05/30/2017 at 15:57

0

I am going to say 4wd is a requirement. We get a lot of snow and I plan to tow a boat in the future (sold my jet skis :( ).

I’m also hesitant on a 2nd gen because it would most likely be a first or second model year. I attribute many of the issues I’ve had with my Jeep WK to the fact that it was the first model year. My parents had an 07' Yukon Denali that was also a first model year and had nothing but trouble.

diplodicus > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:00

0

Tahoe/Yukon

kincai28 > TheHondaBro 05/30/2017 at 16:00

0

I can really only find 4th gen (02-09) in my price range and at that point it doesn’t seem like it would be much of a step up from my Jeep (other than reliability perhaps). Even the ones in my price range have a ton of miles.

If you notice my list I’m either upgrading to a large body on frame SUV (exception - Pilot) or a truck with a bed.

My citroen won't start > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:03

0

Nissan Armada?

TheHondaBro > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:04

0

Well the Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV.

E92M3 > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:05

0

07-09 Acura MDX?

kincai28 > My citroen won't start 05/30/2017 at 16:05

0

I considered them but don’t know much about their reliability (hesitated to put the Titan on the list). I think I remember them having transmission or differential issues but don’t know how true that is.

kincai28 > TheHondaBro 05/30/2017 at 16:06

0

Has a third row and doesn’t hold value as much as the 4Runner. Have you seen used 4Runner prices!? They are crazy

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:06

0

While the 1/2 crew-cab trucks are great, it seems like everyone and their mother wants one, and their prices tend to reflect that. The tahoe/suburban/GMC twins would probably get you the most tow vehicle (and lowest mileage) for the money. There are also lots of them out there that have led gentle lives pulling soccer mom duty.

I’d be cautious of the Frontier/Ridgeline/Pilot for towing in the neighborhood of 5000lbs. They’ll be rated to do it, but you maybe underwhelmed with how well they actually tow that type of weight. Unless equipped with air suspension (or resorting to a weight distributing set up), none of them tend to handle significant amounts of tongue weight well, and those V-6 powertrains may really leave you wanting more when you factor in the frontal area of a camper. If you’re looking at shorter, lower speed local towing trips, they may be fine. If you’re looking at towing long distances with 75+ MPH speed limits, at elevation and over mountain ranges, you might find yourself wanting more truck.

Textured Soy Protein > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:07

0

Your Grand Cherokee has full-time 4wd, i.e. it operates in an awd mode where it varies the torque split on the fly. In the WK generation it’s an electronically-controlled clutch type center differential. Depending on what trim you might also have front & rear LSDs. This was standard on the Hemi WK. If you have a little badge near the shifter that says Quadra-Trac II it’s open front & rear diffs, Quadra-Drive is the LSDs.

Full-time 4wd is the best mode for on-road snow driving. Otherwise you have part-time 4wd where the front & rear axles are locked together and the driveline binds up whenever you take a tight turn, like, say pulling into a parking space. If this is a feature you want to maintain then you have to cross off the Tundra, F-150, Titan and Frontier.  

The Sequoia has full-time 4wd but the pre-’05 ones have an open center diff and rely on the ABS to brake individual spinning wheels. In ’05 it gained a proper Torsen center LSD.

The GMs and the Expedition have basic “auto 4wd” systems that selectively engage the front axle but don’t exactly act as a proper center differential.

If you want a Capital-T Truck then an ’05-’07 Sequoia is the way to go. Or a Lexus GX470 is basically a nicer, taller 4Runner that doesn’t force you into sitting on the floor and looking way up over the dash like the 4Runner.

Otherwise the Pilot and Ridgeline may work just fine for towing your camper and give you significantly better mileage and general easiness of use.

gmctavish needs more space > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:08

0

I don’t know if you’ll get a better truck than a Tundra in that price range. Tundras are really good.

kincai28 > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/30/2017 at 16:09

0

Appreciate the feedback. I had V6 powered trucks/SUVs off my list completely until I towed the camper with a Pilot. It had plenty of power and wasn’t searching for gears despite the lack of a towing mode. Granted I have only towed it on flat interstates.

It really comes down to truck bed or SUV bed (seats removed). The truck bed would be great for landscaping etc but the SUV wins in most other regards.

HammerheadFistpunch > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:11

0

You can find these in budget. I paid a little more than your budget but it was relatively low miles and in really great shape.

We looked at lots in the budget. Like a 4runner but better.

kincai28 > Textured Soy Protein 05/30/2017 at 16:12

0

Appreciate the detailed reply. My Jeep has the Hemi and Quadra-Drive. I kind of accepted that I’ll most likely be giving up my full time AWD (which is nice to have!).

kincai28 > HammerheadFistpunch 05/30/2017 at 16:13

0

Should have included this on the list. My only concerns are - complicated air ride suspension on some (or all?) of them & the rear door. Why did they put that awful hinge design on these!?

Nothing > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:14

0

Gotcha. My father in law’s has been troublefree, but it’s a 2wd. The only way a 4wd 2nd gen would dip that low is if it’s been to the moon and back. Based on that, I’d go with a 1st gen Tundra/Sequoia. I’ve debated replacing my ‘15 Tacoma with one. I bought an ‘02 new and loved that truck. That drive train is solid.

An Avalanche would fit in that price range too, but I don’t know much about them.

kincai28 > gmctavish needs more space 05/30/2017 at 16:15

0

Good to know. Read an old school shoot out with all of the half ton players from 06' and the Tundra came in 2nd to the Titan.

I’m really liking that the 06' Tundra would be the last year of that body style (kinks worked out) and seems fairly simple in terms of technologies on the car which is encouraging to me as I try to teach myself how to wrench on cars.

HammerheadFistpunch > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:16

0

Rear air suspension, but conversion is simple enough if needed. The rear door is taking some getting used to but I don’t hate it like I thought I would. It has its perks. Then again I am used to it as a former gen 1 rav4 owner.

Future next gen S2000 owner > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:16

1

Colorado or Dakota? Both should easily have 5,000 lb capacity. You didn’t list seating requirements.

I would add Frontier as well. Tacoma’s are probably above your budget. Ranger?

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:17

0

For times when you need to haul stuff you don’t want inside, a uhaul trailer is usually pretty cheap to rent for the day.

Textured Soy Protein > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:18

0

I also used to have a 2005 Hemi Grand Cherokee with Quadra-Drive. You’re basically not going to find anything else with 3 LSDs but you can certainly get at least a proper center LSD. I think the top of your list should be the ’05-’07 Sequoia and ’05-’08 GX. They have the updated VVT-i version of the 4.7 V8, and a proper Torsen center LSD. I prefer the GX since it’s a more manageable size. The Sequoia is a lot bigger than a Grand Cherokee.

kincai28 > Future next gen S2000 owner 05/30/2017 at 16:20

0

Looking at crew cabs as I’d like to be able to carry 4 adults or a car seat.

Colorado - the V8 ones are like unicorns, not sure the inline 5 would be great.

Dakota - really doubting Chrysler products after owning two Jeeps.

I have the Frontier on my list as they don’t seem to be super over priced like the Tacomas. Their interior is more plasticy than my Jeep which is annoying.

gmctavish needs more space > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:20

0

That’s...surprising. The 4.7 is a super reliable engine, and they’re generally put together really well. My friends dad had one for a while and loved it.

kincai28 > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/30/2017 at 16:21

0

That is true, although I never seem to plan that far ahead and can’t tow the camper and a U-haul

kincai28 > E92M3 05/30/2017 at 16:26

0

Considered them but I think I’d go Honda Pilot if I went that route (V6 SUV)

Thanks for the reply though!

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:28

0

kincai28 > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 05/30/2017 at 16:30

1

Handsome looking trucks don’t get me wrong.

I assume you have the 5 cylinder engine - have you done any towing with it?

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:41

1

V8. Towed once, barely counts. Woodsplitter. Did haul a full bed of luggage and 4 people (2 adult/2 late teens) from Toronto to Winnipeg and back. Actually that’s where the pic is from.

Reading through your requirements again, as much as I like to advertise my truck, I think you should go straight to a full-size. Technically all the Colorado’s are rated for 5000lb tow and the V8's for 6000lb, but you’re talking about towing 5000lb with a vehicle that weighs 4200lb. It’ll pull the trailer just fine (and the I5, at least the later one, is no slouch either—even more so with a little tuning) but it will also get pushed around by it, especially if there’s any crosswind. On top of that, you want to fit 4 adults—for short trips this will be OK, but any trip of good length won’t be a party for the backseaters. Same story with any other midsize or compact I’ve tried out. Ideally this truck would come with just 3" more cab length.

E92M3 > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 16:46

0

You owe it to yourself to test drive one. Even though they are based on the same platform, the driving experience is way better than the Pilot. I know the looks are not for everyone.

jminer > kincai28 05/30/2017 at 18:16

0

A 4th gen (06-10) Explorer would fit the bill pretty nicely. 3rd gens were a reliability mess but nearly all of those issues got straightened out in the 4th gen. They’re still body on frame, but full independent suspension so they can tow and handle. Avoid the V6 (timing chain nightmare) and get the 4.6 V8.

I owned a 03 for 12 years and loved it finally died at 215k miles. Had a few transmission issues and the thing that finally finished her off was that 4.0 V6 timing chain skipped a gear. Repairing that takes a full engine removal to repair and there are 3 timing chains and tensioners.

RutRut > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 05/31/2017 at 08:09

0

THANK YOU. Everyone always just looks at the tow rating and forgets it doesn’t really equate to how well does it tow. My camper maxes out at 6k but I tow it with an F250 because cross winds, braking and aero drag are not always friendly. I’d always go full size but that’s just me, it’s easier to have too much truck than it is to find out you don’t have enough.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > RutRut 05/31/2017 at 09:08

0

To be fair, if that camper really is 3700lb it should be fine. And it depends what type of camper it is. How big or small it is for the weight. # of axles and wheels. Etc. But all in all, a small truck isn’t any great shakes for camper towing. Low, dense loads, OK—that’s not going to act so much like a sail.

But I‘m still going to stick with small trucks :)

gawdzillla > kincai28 05/31/2017 at 10:42

0

I put my money where my mouth is. I bought a silverado myself

the SUV versions (tahoe / suburban) 1-2k are cheaper in comparable condition.

the only other car i’d touch on your list is the Toyota Sequoia.

I dont know if i’d trust the Honda Pilot doing any towing duty 

RutRut > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 05/31/2017 at 11:11

1

Pop ups you can definitely get away with it. Our travel trailer is a regular bumper tow 24', which makes for a 24'x6.5' sail on both sides and a 7'x6.5' air brake to drag around. The only other thing to consider is the tongue weight is usually about 10% of total camper weight.