Pickup Thoughts

[Ryan T]

So I recently accepted a new job which increases my pay by a considerable amount and cuts my commute down to about 100 miles a week. In addition we are actively searching for a home and I have started to do a lot more work on our farm. So for those reasons I'm looking to buy a pickup truck. My budget is $16k. That's all I'm willing to spend. I have driven about every truck out there but I wanted some thoughts on those trucks MM'ers have owned. It needs to be at least an extended cab, or a quad cab if possible. It also has to have 4x4. From my research it would be an extended cab 2004-2006 F150, extended cab 2003-2005 Silverado 1500 or a quad cab 2002+ 1500 Dodge Ram. I'd love a diesel but we already have a big truck to tow the heavy shit, but I would be doing some towing (under 5k) with this truck. This would be driven 11 miles each way to work. Thoughts?

[WRXtranceformed]

I have to give big ups to the Tundra. I've owned / driven 3 Toyota trucks and all of them were awesome...from my little 4 banger pickups to the Tundra.

[.RJ]

F150. Done.

[TorinoCobra070]

Raptor.


But from your list, F150 for sure.

[Kaan]

F150...

[fiveoh2go]

F150. Done.

+1, it's been the best selling truck in the US for longer than you've been alive.


Bored? Watch these Ôåô

Frame strength
Suspension & Brakes
4x4 Hubs
Axle bearings
Front structure
Bumpers
Cargo box
Silverado shortcuts
Tundra shortcuts

LOL @ the Toyota --> Bed shake/frame test

[Dave]

F150 (though I bet you could get a NICE 7.3 Powerstroke for that kind of coin...)


But if you already have access to a truck, AND already have the Jeep, I'd have to ask why. Just get a utility trailer and call it a day...

[WRXtranceformed]

So what you're saying is Chevy makes better engines, Ford makes stronger frames, and Toyotas will outlast all of them?

I'm assuming you've also watched the Top Gear episode where they try to kill the old Toyota pickup instead of just Ford fanboi propaganda?

[fiveoh2go]

That Top Gear episode was all CGI. :lol:

[caa337]

Toyota Tundra

[Steve85]

Unless you are pushing something to the absolute limit you will not notice a difference in capability. Reliability is also a toss-up. You're left with...drive'em, pick the one that fits you best.

I personally don't like the ford interior and have a general preference for Chevy. I had an 03 Suburban and then a 2000 Silverado (sold it at 200K) and loved both. Both had the 5.3 and towed the vette with ease on a 16' full deck trailer.

[JohnC]

But if you already have access to a truck, AND already have the Jeep, I'd have to ask why. Just get a utility trailer and call it a day...

This. Save your money.

[WRXtranceformed]

That Top Gear episode was all CGI. :lol:

The part where the truck was in the ocean was CGI?

It must be just like the Ford guy completely disassembling the Chevy truck's bumper before the video segment and then pulling it apart and exclaiming how easy it is to take apart. :lol:

[fiveoh2go]

It must be just like the Ford guy completely disassembling the Chevy truck's bumper before the video segment and then pulling it apart and exclaiming how easy it is to take apart. :lol:

No, that was real. Just like the Toyota horribly failing at the frame stiffness test :mrgreen:

[HAULN-SS]

Generally Chevy will come with more standard features that you want such as locking differentials and such. I do think the Chevy engine is better as well. Dad has a 2006 crew cab 1500HD and it's been nothing but awesome. Tows and Goes just about anywhere

[PDenbigh]

Ryan, I'd suggest looking for a 05-09 F150 5.4 FX4. It is a really nice option package, a bit heavier duty suspension, limited slip, good rear ratio, etc. My 2001 F150 has been an incredible truck. I can't believe all the stuff I've done to it, and yet it still rides and drives great - nice and tight, few-to-no squeaks, no rattles, etc. It has 165k on it now.

Plus, there are so many of them that you can get parts anywhere, should you ever need one, and anyone can work on them. The used aftermarket is big too, due to the shear number of them sold. It probably won't have the absolute highest HP rating of trucks of the same year, but in my opinion it is hands down the best combo of "Everything" from features, power, utility, comfort, price, etc.

And with the 5.4, you could tow just about any "normal" thing you would need to tow.

Good luck on the search!

[D_Eclipse9916]

I like the Ford's just simply found the GM center console and storage spaces way more convenient. Plus I almost puke everytime I see that stupid circley shaped steering wheel in the Ford.

However, both will do the job and I think both trucks have their strengths and weaknesses. IMO I drove a Tundra and thought it drove like shit (had tons of horsepower) but still rode like shit for a truck. And that Tundra frame test is absolutely right, I got HORRIBLE bed shake driving the tundra.

[Ole]

GM. Had Fords - nice trucks but ride rough. Dodge will get you a new trans every 3-5 years. Japs still need work on rigidity. GM has more creature comforts in their trucks and are easier on the driver. My dually now has 200k very hard miles, still drives smoother than some new trucks

[BLINGMW]

LOL @ the Toyota --> Bed shake/frame test

wow, that test sucks! I bet my car would fall apart. :oops:

[DLingenfelter]

I voted Chevy, my dad had a silverado (04 with the 4.8) and it was a great truck. They ride smooth, the engine is an LS motor so you know it's good.

The Fords had this habbit of shooting spark plugs out of the rearmost cylinders due to lack of threads for the spark plugs in the head. The spark plug shooting problem might have been cured by the year-span you've selected.

I'd avoid the Dodge at all costs because they're pigs on gas and have poor reliability (unless diesel powered).