Need some feedback on a potential truck purchase

"WiscoProud" (wiscoproud) 07/23/2019 at 15:03 • Filed to: None

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So my trusty Land Cruiser is now 15 years old with 210k miles on it. While its still going strong, I’m going to need to throw a few thousand into it (tires, water pump/timing chain, possible HVAC) to keep it that way. Considering it barely fits my family of 4 plus dog anymore, I’ve started looking at replacements.

So I’ve been thinking about pickups, namely due to their expansive rear seats which are good for car seasts and dogs; and their beds which I find more and more useful with house projects. I like to hunt and explore forest roads, so I don’t want anything huge, but most midsizes aren’t much better than my land cruiser in the rear seat.

I don’t plan on going crazy with mods, but I plan on putting 34-35" tires on whatever i get, and making sure they have adequate skidplating.

I would prefer used, but most of my options are pretty new vehicles, so that isn’t always an option. I’d also like to keep the price under $40k. So I’ve been thinking about the three:

2019 Ram 1500

My FIL has a 2012 Ram and its been a good vehicle for him. The redesign looks great too. I like that the 2019's can be optioned with a rear elocker as well. I think i would look for a North Edition, which is basically the cold weather package mixed with the off road package. While MSRPs are over $50k, real world prices are in the 30-40k range.

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2020 Jeep Gladiator

I’ve always had a soft spot for Jeeps, but even the JK had little usable space inside. Thankfully, it would seem the Gladiator solves that. While it doesn’t have as much rear seat room as the Ram, it has 10" more leg room than my Land Cruiser. However, the shoulder room is 5" less. I would probably go with a Sport S with the Max Tow package to get the wider axles, 4:10 gears, and towing accouterments. While these are being advertised below MSRP, they aren’t getting the kind of deals the Rams are getting. Although it will have better resale value.

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2017-2018 Nissan Armada

This is basically the direct replacement for my Land Cruiser, since a 200 series costs so effing much. The biggest thing that I don’t like about these is the lack of the off-road gear the non-US market Patrols get. I wish it had the fancy suspension and a locker. I digress. The back seat doesnt really offer any additional room over my Land cruiser, but the back has even more space, meaning i could probably put the dog back there and get a cargo box for bags.

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What do you guys think? Armada’s are starting to dip below $30k making them the cheapest, but the Gladiator is just so effing cool. The Ram, while being the biggest, also gets the best gas mileage and offers all the space i would need and then some. 

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > WiscoProud 07/23/2019 at 15:31

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Out of the 3? Ram is probably the best “truck/value”, Gladiator is the best overall but $$$$$$$$$$

Nissan....is a nissan

WiscoProud > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 07/23/2019 at 15:36

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I like the looks of the gladiator, and love the convertible aspect. I figured i could kill two birds with one stone (pickup and jeep ownership), with it. Its also 14" shorter than the ram and 8" narrower, making it easier to park. 

ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy > WiscoProud 07/23/2019 at 15:40

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You mention the likely high resale value of the Gladiator, but as your current vehicle is 15 yrs old with 210k miles, is that really pertinent to you?

WiscoProud > ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy 07/23/2019 at 15:41

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i’ve only owned it 5 years. I typically swap out vehicles every 4-5 years. 

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > WiscoProud 07/23/2019 at 15:42

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If you plan on keeping it until it dies then the Ram is your best value, if you plan on reselling it at some point then the Gladiator probably beats the Ram due to the resale like you mentioned.

Personally I’d go for the Gladiator, it seems more of what you want out of a vehicle than the Ram. Plus it’s going to be much more competent off road.

I never liked the look of the Armadas and I don’t know much about them beyond the fact they are a Nissan.

shop-teacher > WiscoProud 07/23/2019 at 15:42

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Put the whole family in the Gladiator and see how it works.  5" less shoulder room is a lot. Personally, I’d go for the Ram out of those three, but I do zero off-roading. The Gladiator will definitely be better for that.

WiscoProud > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 07/23/2019 at 15:47

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I usually swap vehicles every 4-5 years, but I’ve never bought this new either. The Ram is probably the more practical choice and certainly the roomiest. The gladiator would certainly be the fun choice though. The question is whether it would work with my family. I’m fairly certain its the one that would put the biggest smile on my face though.

The Armada is basically the Nissan Patrol that the rest of the world gets. Its direct competition is the 200 Land Cruiser and Land Rover Discovery. They’re very capable off road in other markets, but we don’t get those fun options. It is date though. Its new here, but its been on the market since 2010 i believe. 

WiscoProud > shop-teacher 07/23/2019 at 15:49

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Part of me says just get the Ram, and find a used UTV for trail riding. I don’t get to go out often in my truck, but I really enjoy it when i can. 5" is a lot though. The key is what to do with the dog. I’m sure my kids car seats would fit, but where am i going to stash a 75 lb lab mix? 

412GTI > WiscoProud 07/23/2019 at 16:21

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I’ve spent a decent amount of time in the 19 Ram and driven the Gladiator while working for a CDJR dealership.

The Ram likely makes the most amount of sense for your situation. The redesign is very impressive and back seat space is enormous. Very comfortable truck to drive with nice steering and responsive motors/transmission (for a truck). The deals are out there too even being new and MY 20's should be hitting the lots any day now.

The Gladiator makes an interesting case for itself. I really do like it, however I would def test to make sure you all fit comfortably. Although the backseat is larger than other midsizers, it still felt somewhat compact when I was in it. Maybe I’m just too used to the Ram/Fullsize. Besides that they drive quite nice and would be a lot of fun. 

nermal > WiscoProud 07/23/2019 at 16:23

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Might as well go all in & get a Power Wagon. You can fit 35s stock, plus have all of the off roading goodies you’ll ever need. Heavier axles & brakes as well mean that shit is less likely to break.

If you buy it right (one that’s been sitting on the lot with lots of discounts), it won’t lose any more value than the other options. They’ll all gonna suck down fuel anyways, especially with bigger tires. 

shop-teacher > WiscoProud 07/23/2019 at 16:33

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That’s probably a better plan.

WiscoProud > 412GTI 07/23/2019 at 16:35

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Test drives are certainly the next step. I’m 6'5" so fitting in the gladiator is a concern. I have no doubt i’ll be fine in the Ram though. How did the gladiator drive? I test drove a JK years back and hated it, but I’ve driven TJs that were fine, leading me to believe there was something wrong with JK i drove. 

WiscoProud > nermal 07/23/2019 at 16:37

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Believe me, i’ve had that very thought more than once. Considering its no bigger than a 1500 with the 6' bed, that wouldn’t even be much of a change. The MPG is pretty bad though, about as bad as my LC. 

412GTI > WiscoProud 07/23/2019 at 16:47

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I’ve for a long time hated driving the JK. Never understood why everybody lusted after one, especially with no off-road intentions. The JL improved on this so much. I was blown away. They actually ride much better now and don’t completely feel like you’ll tip over around a corner. The Gladiator helps the ride a bit more too because of the extended wheelbase. 

WiscoProud > 412GTI 07/23/2019 at 16:49

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Very interesting. The JK i drove felt like i was steering a pillow. There was just no feedback. 

412GTI > WiscoProud 07/23/2019 at 17:18

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The JL/Gladiator definitely have better feedback compared to the JK. Now it’s still not great with a solid front axel but I’m impressed whenever I drive them. 

WiscoProud > 412GTI 07/23/2019 at 17:31

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Thats good to hear in any regard. My test drive immediately put me off the JK.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > WiscoProud 07/23/2019 at 17:32

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If you don’t drive a lot, and seriously will only keep the truck a short time, keep an eye out for lease deals on the Ram (GMC, too, if you’re into it). I’ve often seen leases for about $250/mth.

But get the Ram. The Gladiator is nice, but will be far too small. Why no Suburban on the list?

WiscoProud > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/23/2019 at 17:43

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They cost too much. The LT starts at $59k. Even the used ones are crazy.