For this week’s roundtable, I’m going to solicit the wisdom of the Refugees to help my dad out a little bit. His trusty hunting transport finally died after 20 years of service, and now he’s thinking he’s in the market for a replacement. I’m a bit biased because I have a RAM, but I’m also a realist in that I got it cheap mainly because of the reputation they have for completing going ass up on their transmission. I’m also a little partial to Tundras, seem to hold value, nice size and power, and and is a sharp looking truck, to boot.
Anyway, the needs are simple. Can tow a trailer and haul well under a ton, roomy for the grandkids, reliable, but also isn’t got to cost an arm and a leg. Seeking used, late 21st century teens.
So, to cleanse my favoritism, I’ll put it to the council of learned Refugees to help point us the way…so, today’s roundtable…what truck – or opt for an SUV or whatever that can tow a trailer and drive on dirt roads – would be the go-to…and why?
Might stir up some sentiments about your favorite old beater, while we’re talking about it.
Have at it in the comments.
I grew up with Fords and am a proud F250 Diesel owner. However I think the heavy duty trucks each have their own redeeming values and qualities. Each manufacturerer can make a good case why their truck is superior but in the end I think the differences come down to personal needs and wants.
I use my truck as a tool and use it as such just about every day as much as a personal means of conveyance so for me the SUV is out.
And lastly, the only new truck I’ve ever purchased was my first one. These trucks are too expensive to pay anything close to sticker price so get a nice one to two year old truck with low miles and buy the extended warranty.
If the trailer is 5k or less get an F150 with the 5.0. Do not get a 3.5 boost. 2015 and newer ride much better than the older f150s.
Always been a F-250 diesel guy. However, my 2016 started getting the death wobble & Ford would not stand behind their product. I’m now part of a class action lawsuit v Ford.
Recently jumped off the cliff and bought a GMC 2500 diesel. OMG!!! Cadillac of all trucks. I’ll never go back to Ford!
That was my question diesel or petrol…inline six is a bad mofo…GO DAWGS!!
I have never owned or bought a truck so I am of no help to you there. My favorite beater was a late 1960’s model Subaru. Total POS. It burned up points and distributor rotors so often I kept a dozen of each in the trunk. When the car died, as it often did, I simply pulled over, replaced the points and rotors and I was on my way. I paid $400 for it, drove it for a year and sold it for $400. To this day, it’s still the only car I’ve ever owned that retained 100% of its value.
If reliability is the number one factor I would say Toyota. Either a Tundra, Sequoia, or Land Cruiser. The 5.7 V8 engines (Tundra & Sequoia)are known for exceeding 200k miles easily with minimal issues. The 1VD-FTV 4.5 liter twin turbo diesel the 200 series Land Cruisers are well known for going for miles and miles as long as you replace the timing belt every 100,000 miles plus regular maintenance.
The price for a used Toyota will be more than the American brands, but you can usually find good deals and I think it is worth it for the reliability.
I’ve never owned a Dodge, but between the the F-150’s vs. Chevy/GMC’s I’ve owned the Fords have been more reliable.
If I had to replace my GM truck, a 5.7 Tundra would be in the mix.
My 2010 Tundra is going strong- no issues other than some wear on the leather seats.
Americuh by god for your truck needs
GMC-Chevy1500…too quote Ludacris
lady on the street but freak in da bed = lady on the street but a beast in da woods/hauling and pulling a trailer(with a polaris) and a bed full of bird dogs in crates…
however trucks don’t really exist in Europe unless you are a farmer…so one can dream of olden days.
“Can tow a trailer and haul well under a ton”. Probably don’t even need a truck then.
I have a 2018 V8 Nissan Titan that pulls my fishing boat pretty easily. It has been reliable so far, but Nissan did have some cylinder machining issues in some that have led to motor replacement.I get about 24 mpg on the highway and about 16 pulling my 20 foot boat. This is my 3rd Nissan. Had a hard body 2-door, then a Frontier king cab, and now this Titan. All have treated me well. (Poor man’s Toyota) BTW, the Tundra has more towing capacity but gets shit gas mileage.
I would not go with a Dodge. Cousin had multiple problems with his Dodge, had to replace the motor (Cummins at that), AC didn’t work etc a friend had to replace the trans in his half ton gas truck among other friends with problems.
GM and Ford gas trucks,I’d stick to the 6 speed autos not the 8 and 10s. 5.0 Coyotes are good motors. The GM V8s are good if you don’t get displacement on demand or delete it.
5.7 Tundras are good trucks
How much do you want to pull? Car trailer, utitlity trailer, boat, 5th wheel?
I’d go used to save some cash and to get what I want.
Tip to keep your AC working: have it on all the time. People that turn it off and let the windows down get surprised when it gets hot and then it doesn’t work anymore. I think the reason is that the seals which keep the coolant in dry out and it leaks. Temperature isn’t an issue in modern vehicles because they can mix heat with the cool and maintain whatever temp you want. Use it or lose it!
It was a control module that finally fixed it.
So, all you guys like driving your truck?
You know what follows that!
Auburn SUCKS!
Thank you for stepping up
I’ve always been a super duty owner, current one is a 2015 with over 250,000 miles on it. Never been worked on, dead reliable for me, I’ll probably never buy another one.
But you don’t need something like that.
I generally think half ton trucks are all the same, I would just get the one that has the best interior.
Ooooo. I love truck talk. My current daily driver (county supplied) is a plain jane ’16 F150 with the little six cylinder. Regular bed, regular cab, power nothing, 4×4. Will pull a greasy string out of a fat hog’s ass but only with the hubs locked. 0-60? Don’t make me laugh. It’s also one of my favorite trucks ever.
I ended up with Got Sr.’s 2000 Super Duty when he passed. It’s the 7.3, has 380,000 miles and still runs like a top. I use it around the farm and plan on getting 500k out of it then giving it to a grandchild, if I ever have one.
And then there is the Raptor. Not just any Raptor, though. It’s the Roush edition, 2018, twin turbo V-6, tuneable Fox suspension. Charcoal Grey with matte black trim and apparently every option that was available. I got a deal on it and I’ve only seen one other since I bought it in ’20. I love it. The damn thing looks like it needs a speeding ticket just sitting in the driveway and if you get into it the turbo’s literally sound like a jet. The suspension ain’t no joke and yes, if you hit a terrace just right it will get airborne and land with barely a bounce. Yeet.
Got Sr. must have been a hell of a man. I also drive a 2000 F250 Super Duty with the 7.3. 358,000 miles and still runs strong. I bought it new in 2000 and it is the last one I’ll ever buy. I do have a CRV to keep the Ford’s miles down plus regular is cheaper than diesel.
I’ve had them all: Ford, Chevy, GMC, and Rams. The two best I ever had were both diesel F250s (one with the 7.3 and the one with the current motor which I think is 6.7). But your dad does not need a diesel to tow light loads. I had transmission problems in one of my RAMs, and also the GMC which I had given to my son. I’d probably go with a F150, which is what my dad always drove until recently.
One thing you might think about is your dads age if he’s getting older. My dad is getting into his 80s and is a little shaky driving, especially a four door full size truck. He just got a small truck which he doesn’t like as much, but admits he drives better. If he gets tired of it, I am going to try and steer him to a two door F150. I bought my oldest son one of them used (I think it was a 14 model with a six cylinder engine and it was perfect. No problems, could lightly tow, and was easy to change oil, etc. Its used a lot as a fleet truck.
I’ve still got my 2005 F-150, about 145k miles on it. I kept my wife’s zippy little sedan Volvo 10 years ago when she upgraded to a 4-Runner and rotated back and forth between the two. It’s been a fun car to drive with good mileage.
Having said that, I think father time will finish off my truck before the mileage will (current money spent on little problems are starting to scare me), and I’m really leaning towards a Tundra or Tacoma. Everyone I know who has one seems to love them, and I plan to drive it till the wheels and engine fall off. Wife will probably do the same with her 4-Runner. Obviously we aren’t car enthusiasts and buy for long haul.
Anyway, I’m just following along to see if there’s any other reason for me to shop around besides a used Toyota truck.
One more thought: whatever you want, buy now. Talking heads on the radio say the tariffs will increase most new vehicle prices by 25%, and if that happens used vehicles won’t be far behind.
Yep, doing this within the month for that very reason.
Chevy long bed V8, 4 doors with rear wheel drive. I have had this truck since 1995 and have had zero problems with it. Haul a dog box or pull a 24-foot boat, no problem.
whb209