I might want to buy a truck. Help.

"Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy" (camshaft-chris) 09/16/2019 at 11:49 • Filed to: Trucks, Ask Oppo

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Pic for attention. Can’t afford a Raptor, lol. Unless a used previous gen. Hmmmmm......

My mind is so indecisive. Two weeks ago I was contemplating what German performance sedan I wanted as my next dd. Then I spent a week in a King Ranch EcoBoost F150. And now I really want a truck.

I work in IT, so it’s not like I really need a truck for day-to-day life. But we do haul furniture around from time to time and make a lot of trips to Lowe’ s what with having a “fixer-upper” house and all. Plus, there’s all the family land that we go to ever few weekends that has no paved roads (or really any roads for that matter). My dad’s truck (the above mentioned F150) works decently out there, but he has gotten it stuck multiple times because he opted for 2wd for towing stuff vs 4wd. I don’t need to tow anything, so I’m really itching to get a 4x4 of some sort. I’ve had this itch for a long time now, but I keep suppressing it with thoughts of cool cars I could get for the same money. But now it’s back, full power.

I really liked driving the EcoBoost, but I’ve heard Ford quality hasn’t been the best lately. My dad’s truck has had a similar transmission issue to the one I have with my Fusion, and I’m trying to get away from that.

The Silverado Z71 is one of my top contenders as I have always had a love for them since high school. I’ve driven a Tahoe before, so I know the basic feel of it. But not sure where GM reliability stacks up against Ford right now.

The Ram Rebel looks pretty cool. But, it’s a Chrysler, and you all know the stereotype there. Is is still true these days?

Also on the Chrysler side, the Durango R/T AWD really looks good.

The Tundra is too expensive, so it’s not an option.

Lastley is the Nissan Titan. I don’t feel too strongly one way or the other about the looks of it. But it’s a solid truck from what I’ve heard. And with where Nissan is right now, they seem to be throwing out whatever deals they can to move units. I’ve had a Nissan before and never had an issue with it, so they’re good in my book. The local dealership is actually offering a $296/month lease right now on a 2019 Titan 4x4 Midnight Edition, and that sounds like a helluva deal to me.

So, truck owners, what have I overlooked? What are you personal experiences?

E90M3 > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 11:54

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The local dealership is actually offering a $296/month lease right now on a 2019 Titan 4x4 Midnight Edition, and that sounds like a helluva deal to me.

Downside is if you lease a Nissan, you end up with a Nissan.

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > E90M3 09/16/2019 at 11:58

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I’m ok with that. I actually like Nissan. Yes, some of their current offerings are outdated, or just kinda meh. But the Titan is a solid truck from what I can tell. I still like the 370Z. And I still love the GTR. Nissan has always had a special place in my heart, lol. 

promoted by the color red > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 12:00

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How about a Subaru Forester? Capable off-road with a healthy amount of cargo space. 

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 12:04

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Why a full size pickup? Try out the midsizers first perhaps?

I test drove the new Ranger, like it. More manageable everyday in city/suburban driving where 90% of the time it will be.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/2019-ford-ranger-test-drive-review-1833466238

Some recent comparison tests also put the Colorado on the same pedestal as ranger, if not better

They updated the tacoma for 2020 with standard safety, android auto apple car play, LED lights, power adjustable seats- plus that legendary resale and reliability means you can resell it at no loss essentially

BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 12:05

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78k trouble-free miles since new in just over two years with a 2016 F-150 XLT 2.7 EcoBoost.

I would have a look at it again and keep it in the running. Even if you opt for a 4x2, be sure to look for one with the locking rear. That’s honestly the best truck on the market, even when I consider how nice my neighbor’s 2019 S ilverado and my best friend’s Ram Rebel are.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 12:07

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if you dont really NEED a truck why go for the biggest stuff out there? If you liked the F150, go for a Ranger. The Tacoma’s are nice. If you are a Nissan van the Frontier is still for sale. The old Spo rt Tracs are a great looking truck and a smaller but still very capable.

HammerheadFistpunch > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 12:12

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Tundra to o expensive? Man, around here you can usually negotiate them down to tacoma money on account of it being at the end of its lifecycle and not selling nearly as well as the Tacoma.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 12:12

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Isn’t the current, just -released RAM far more highly regarded than current offerings from Ford and GM at the moment?

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 12:18

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what about an SUV/rugged crossover?

Cash Rewards > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 12:19

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Used truck off Craigslist for house stuff. You won't care as much if it's only a few crand with a couple hundred thousand on the odometer

Pickup_man > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 12:23

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I’m g enerally still a fan of Ford, I prefer the 5.0, not for gotta have a V8 reasons, but for, I trust it to go 20 years and 200k miles with less trouble and expense than an EcoBoost. Aluminum body is a huge plus for me, the 15+ interiors aren’t my favorite. If looking at used F-150's it’s best to avoid the 5.4 unless they have documented proof that the cam issues have been fixed.

I don’t think I’ll ever willingly buy a GM product, they do lots of little things that I feel are poorly designed, overlooked, or cheaped out on. They tend to be solid and reliable trucks though so if you like them and don’t find anything that stands out as terrible to you then you’ll probably be happy with one.

Ram seems to be killing it lately . Reliability surveys show them still not being great, but I know several people who own newer Rams, and have spent plenty of time in and around them and I really like them. The new ‘19's are the nicest trucks on the market, hands down.

Got no problems with the Nissan, the Titan seems to be a solid truck, it doesn’t really offer anything that one of the Big 3 does better or cheaper, but if you find a deal on one I wouldn’t dissuade you from buying it.

The Tundra is horribly outdated at this point, and expensive, but if you want to keep the truck until the sun stops burning I guess the Tundra is for you. If you plan to get rid of the truck anywhere before 200k then I see zero reason to subject yourself to a Tundra.

Quick notes on the small trucks.

Colorado/Canyon are decent little trucks, nothing really special, but solid and nice enough.

The Tacoma is a really solid truck overall, goofy seating position not withstanding, the powertrain really shows it’s age however, and prices are insane.

The Ranger really reflects the old platform it’s built on, but it’s still a nice, modern, small truck.

Gladiator is fun but, lots of wind noise on the highway, rides like a Jeep, feels a bit small compared to full size trucks I’m used to driving. I still have an unexplainable  desire for one.

Rainbow > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 12:26

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I don't know if this is still a thing, but if you live in the US and you're buying new, get it in Canada. Trucks are (or were?) a lot cheaper up there for some reason.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/16/2019 at 12:27

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Oxymoron?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 12:30

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There’s an 06 Ram 1500 crew cab 4x4 with the 4.7L currently in my family’s stable. It’s sitting on 240k miles currently.

Over it’s life it has needed a water pump, 2 alternators, a fuel pump, 1 complete brake rebuild, 1 suspension rebuild.

It’s a WI truck that gets daily driven and still looks almost new inside and out.

The new Rams with the 3.6L are supposed to be great trucks that get respectable mileage, I don’t think you’d be wrong to grab one up.

Spaceball-Two > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 12:30

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I have a F150 and I love it. I opted for the V8 for the extra power. Pretty much goes anywhere and the mpg isn’t  that bad. I average around 20. Quality is decent and the only issue I have had so far was an alternator replacement at 70k miles.

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > Pickup_man 09/16/2019 at 12:38

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Thanks for all the input man. Glad to hear the F150 issues aren’t as widespread as the crap I’ve had to deal with on my Fusion. 

M.T. Blake > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 12:39

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Tundras are too much? I can find them under 40k new , similar to other brands.

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 09/16/2019 at 12:47

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Honestly, I just like the feeling of having a full-size. I’ve driven Tacomas and Frontiers and all before, and they’re fine. But I just like the size and space of a full-size.

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo 09/16/2019 at 12:50

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I haven’t ruled it out completed. I just wasn’t sure how widespread the issues were with the F150 TCU. I’ve had the same issue with Fusion and was basically told by Ford that that’s just how the transmission is and there’s nothing they can do about it. My dad was told the same thing when he took his F150 in. But his is a few years old though, so maybe the issue has been fixed since then.

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > OPPOsaurus WRX 09/16/2019 at 12:54

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I honestly just like the full-size trucks better. I like how they feel. I like the space. And for the stuff that I actually do need a truck for, the full-size works better. 

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/16/2019 at 12:55

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I mean, I’m not opposed to a Tahoe or a Durango R/T. But none of the others really tickle my fancy. 

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 12:57

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I bought a 2017 2.7 ecoboost F-150 a couple of year ago. It is a very good truck, and the 2.7 ecoboost is a deeply impressive motor (especially for towing work). In 37k, I’ve had not issues with mine. UOA is coming back with great reports on it, so I’m at this point expecting pretty considerable lifespan out of the motor.

However, if you don’t need the modern 1/2 ton- truck towing capacity, you might look at the midsize options.  They’ll be better to drive if you don’t need the capacity.  Something like a Tacoma that will take your further off-road, doesn’t seem to depreciate, be better to drive, and will have a lifespan of from now on would be my pick if my towing needs were lighter.

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > Spaceball-Two 09/16/2019 at 12:57

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That’s not bad then. I do still like the F150, but if I got one, I’d go EcoBoost. I’ve listed to too many Gale Banks interviews , lol. The things that man can do with a turbocharged engine...

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > HammerheadFistpunch 09/16/2019 at 12:59

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I don’t personally know anyone around here that’s bought one, so I’m not sure about how they’re negotiating right now. I don’t particularly care for the looks of it either. It’s a little bulbous looking compare to the others. 

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > Rainbow 09/16/2019 at 12:59

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I’m in the south. I’m not going all the way to Canada for a truck, lol. It’d cost me more to get there than I would save in buying it there, hahaha. 

HammerheadFistpunch > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 13:00

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Thats a fair criticism , though I think next the the Titan the Tundra is going to be one of the better deals out there right now.

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > Cash Rewards 09/16/2019 at 13:02

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No, this is going to replace my daily, so not buying a beater. 

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > promoted by the color red 09/16/2019 at 13:03

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Need towing capability more than anything. The For ester is not suited for that, lol.

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > HammerheadFistpunch 09/16/2019 at 13:05

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I mean, I haven’t completely ruled it out. It’s just not top of the list. If the right deal comes along, I’m open to any of them , hahaha.

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 09/16/2019 at 13:10

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Towing is going to be the main reason I need it. But I like the bigger space of a full-size too.

Nothing > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 14:07

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When I was test driving a few months ago, the Ram Rebel was my favorite. Loved the interior. The F150 was ok, but the interior let it down for me. FCA be damned, if I was to buy new today, I’d be getting a Rebel, it just felt like a better place to be.

I had a ‘12 Tundra CrewMax that I sold in ‘14 for the FoST. Test driving  crewcab trucks, I had forgotten how MASSIVE the back seat space is.

You could always get a Gladiator Sport S.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 14:15

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I know newer Nissan Armadas are supposed to be a very nice alternative to the Tahoe

Cash Rewards > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 14:21

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That's my point, though. You said you were thinking about German sports sedan, too. Get the sedan for daily duties, just spend 5 grand less on it. Get a beater truck for all house projects. That way when your German sports sedan is in the shop, you got a spare truck. Best of all worlds. 

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > Nothing 09/16/2019 at 15:42

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I guess I need to go drive a regular F150 and see how that is. The one I drove was a King Ranch, so it wasn’t a fair comparison to the rest, hahaha.

And unfortunately I don’t have the cash to be buying new I don’t think. I’m looking at a few years used. Let someone else take the initial depreciation hit.

The Gladiator is cool, but I need more towing ability than off-roading ability. I

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/16/2019 at 15:44

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Yeah, but I just don’t care for how they look. The took a few too many design queues from the Infiniti side with the QX80 or whatever it’s called these days. I mean, they don’t really look bad. Just, weird. I guess I can always go check that out and see how it is. The last time I drove a QX80 was back in 2014, and it was pretty nice. The Armanda shouldn’t be too far off of that I would imagine. 

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > Cash Rewards 09/16/2019 at 15:49

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As much as I would love that compromise, there’s no way the wife is going for that, lol. I don’t really have the space for a third vehicle at the house (no garage). 

Bylan - Hoarder of LS400's > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 17:22

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Ive driven a Durango RT for a few days and it was freaking awesome. It was very comfortable and the 5.7 Hemi had plenty of get up. The 8 speed transmission was also great, sometimes too many gears to play with but it would chirp tires on launch. Insane cargo space, nice interior. Definitely rides better than a pickup truck. Id say test drive one to see how you like it. 

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 09/16/2019 at 17:32

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as far as driving, they’re pretty identical. The Armada looks better to me, it’s something I’d consider in the future. It’s perhaps a tad dated, but I think the interior looks super nice to me.

It’s the same as the Infiniti. Not trying to sell you on it, just seems like a good option for the money IMO.

The Durangos are great too, a really good looking crossover, and with a hemi ? Yes please!

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/17/2019 at 09:25

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Yeah, I guess the Armada is worth giving another look out. Driving the QX80 was very nice. It was just, well, huge. I gave it the nickname “Mammoth” while I had it because it honestly reminded me of an elephant or something (yes, I know elephants and mammoths aren’t the same lol). I’m already going to be at the Nissan dealership checking out the Titan, so it’s not like I’d have to go out of my way to check out the Armada, lol. I appreciate you adding that to the list. I would’ve completely overlooked it.

I don’t think the Durango counts as a Crossover though, lol. I think it’s pretty much full-fledged SUV as it always has been. But yeah, SUV with a 5.7 Hemi? That’s why I’m really into it, hahaha. Plus the 2018 + has the same hood/grille/bumper  as the SRT which looks badass.