Where do folks go for consumer info on Pickup trucks

[Rob]

I'm a couple months out from replacing my 2003 3/4 ton avalanche.  I am NOT a truck expert or even a truck novice.... 

Where do folks go to find out good info on trucks?  I hear people say things like"stay away from ford XYZ engines made from 20XY-20ZQ".

Toying with getting an updated Consumer Reports subscription and researching there. 

When I start looking in earnest, here is where I am headed:
-I know I want a full sized truck, 3/4 to 1 ton.
-Looking hard at Diesel.
I am not sold on Ford/Chevy/Dodge/Toyota, but I do like the idea of a Ford as they did not accept any bailout money... 
-Looking at new (if I have to), or lightly used (prefer used, under 50K miles)

I tend to drive trucks into the ground.  I would still be driving my current truck if it was not in the need of some significant repairs.

Thanks in advance!

[Rob]

BTW, I am looking this thread over so no need to repeat that info (unless you want to!)
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,211467.0.html

[Blacktail Sniper]

When I was looking, I found a decent condition/priced diesel truck and had zero knowlege about diesels.

Posted a question about the truck  on here and gots lot of good info and shared experiences.

So, you are going in the right direction, good luck.

[whacker1]

Rob, I am in the same boat, but it sounds like I am further along in the process.  I had it narrowed down to 2015 & 2016 Ford F350 lease returns and low mileage trade ins.  I love the duramax motor and Alison transmission in the GMC/Chevy lineup, but I just haven't liked the body style or interior.  The Ford is where I was preferential.  I figured out that I didn't want to be the Guinea pig on the 2017 all aluminum body, so I decided to seek the savings of the low mileage 2015 & 2016's.  I am more than happy to give you what I have learned.  p.m. me if you want specifics of what I have figured out, as I am happy to share.

[Rob]

Thanks!  expect a PM as I get closer to knowing what to ask...

[jackelope]

All of the info you're looking for is handily located right here on Hunt-WA.
 

[jrebel]

If you drive them into the ground...new is not a bad option.  A lot of time you can buy lifetime oil changes for under 1 thousand bucks and you will save a tremendous amount of money over the life of the vehicle.  My 2006 dodge has 170K on it an has had oil changes every 3K.....which equates to roughly 57 oil changes or $5,700.  I plan on another 57 too.    

As for new, I really like the Cummins or the Ford diesels.  We run both at my places of employment and they both have awesome power.  They are on full size ambulances that weigh approx eleven thousand pounds and they still generate enough power for any situation.  The one thing I will say....the cummins has always been a good motor.  The fords are still relatively new, though they are showing promise.  I would have a hard time buying anything but a cummins if I were replacing mine tomorrow.     

All the newer trucks take DEF so I guess that is just something a guy has to get use to.  Cannot comment on the Chevy's as i have never driven one. 

[Crunchy]

I am likely to pull the trigger on a new rig in the next month.  Leaning towards a Ram 2500 diesel.  Once you decide on the truck, finding where to get the best deal is the hard part.

[Rob]

Thanks, what is DEF?  Is that the additive that needs to be mixed with the fuel?

[whacker1]

Thanks, what is DEF?  Is that the additive that needs to be mixed with the fuel?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid.....It has a separate tank, and it is used to keep the emissions cleaner.  5 - 6 gallon tanks depending on the make of the Diesel and model of pickup.  been told they are good for about 1000 miles or so depending on driving habits.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_exhaust_fluid

[Rob]

Gotcha. 

[Fl0und3rz]

All of the info you're looking for is handily located right here on Hunt-WA.
 

[Clearcut]

I have a 16 ram 2500.. so far so good. An the DEF fluid on daily driving habits will last 7500-10,000 miles no problem except if towing heavily .

[Skyvalhunter]

All of the info you're looking for is handily located right here on Hunt-WA.
 

Now that's funny, right there!!

[netcoyote]

I wouldn't waste a dollar on Consumer Reports...unless you are concerned about things like cup holders and stuff unrelated to most of what you are using a truck for. I've found them mostly irrelevant. Best bet is to do some googling and search through the forums related to the various models. Most of the input is from real owners with real problems or recommendations.  Don't rely on a single forum post but look for trends. Do a lot of people comment on the same issue on the same vehicle? One bad comment by someone with an axe to grind does not constitute a trend. After awhile you'll start to form opinions about certain models and certain features that you want to look for, or avoid.
I drive 2 second generation Dodge Rams with Cummins engines. They have quirks, but I have got through the major problems with both rigs and found them to be good rigs. Older trucks can be a crap shoot and the 2nd gen Rams left on the market are getting a little long in the tooth. Beyond that I can't make any other recommendation. Good luck with your choice!

[Magnum_Willys]

IMO: If you want/need a 3/4 or one ton you want a diesel - for power and mpg there is no alternative.

Dodge will save you a few bucks new or used.  Unless you are a Chevy fan or your wife will be driving the Dodge is tough to beat.  Women (and guys) like the Chevy comfort. 

Ford - If you are a Ford guy there is no other option.  If you are not a Ford guy why start unless you need/like the extra 900# carry capacity due to aluminum body.

Half-ton Dodges are the same size as 3/4 and one tons.  If you aren't hauling or towing a lot and can get by with 8000# tow limit the eco-diesel is an option.   Save $10k on cost and get 25% better mileage.

All of them nowadays are very nice !  All of them dent in breeze. 

[Bofire]

I find consumer report an excellent source of information. Most folks have no idea how they get the long term information on products. That said they do almost nothing on 3/4 ton rigs. A brief description. In the latest auto edition it says the following;
Chev. 2500 HD brief description, rated BAD-reliability and average-customer satisfaction.
Ford F-250 brief description, rated BAD-reliability, average-customer satisfaction
GMC same description as Chev, same ratings
Ram 2500, brief descrition, reliability-BAD, average-customer satisfaction
Toyota Tundra, brief description, says it is "out dated" compared to others but, rated very good-reliability average customer satisfaction.
Nissan Titan, brief description, reliability-below average, average-customer satisfaction.

I personally think the big 3/4 diesel trucks are about all the same, go for the best deal you can get.
Carl

[Alchase]

Here is Car and Driver's reviews of 2017 trucks (for what it is worth)

http://www.caranddriver.com/best-pickup-trucks

[thinkingman]

Consumer Reports has been comically inaccurate in my experience.

[fish vacuum]

Most of my truck opinions are based on the experience of coworkers, friends, and my own rigs. I would never buy a Dodge because I've known so many people who had major problems with Dodge vehicles.

[thinkingman]

My experience with Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Tacoma, and 3 VW Passats over 440k miles is directly opposite of what CR reports

[jackelope]

Thanks, what is DEF?  Is that the additive that needs to be mixed with the fuel?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid.....It has a separate tank, and it is used to keep the emissions cleaner.  5 - 6 gallon tanks depending on the make of the Diesel and model of pickup.  been told they are good for about 1000 miles or so depending on driving habits.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_exhaust_fluid

Normal driving, a tank of DEF should last around 5k miles or so. Your mileage may vary. Manufacturers should build in some sort of holster or containment setup for a backup 5 gallon jug of it somewhere in the truck. It's nasty stuff.

[KFhunter]

All of the info you're looking for is handily located right here on Hunt-WA.
 

ain't that the truth, everyone wants to defend their purchase...


So I got a 2016 Colorado....... 

[Alchase]

All of the info you're looking for is handily located right here on Hunt-WA.
 

ain't that the truth, everyone wants to defend their purchase...


So I got a 2016 Colorado....... 

KFhunter, what do you like or dislike about your Colorado?

[Scheindogg]

My experience with Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Tacoma, and 3 VW Passats over 440k miles is directly opposite of what CR reports

Of which of those cars have you had good experiences with, and which bad?
And what made them bad if so?

[thinkingman]

My experience with Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Tacoma, and 3 VW Passats over 440k miles is directly opposite of what CR reports

Of which of those cars have you had good experiences with, and which bad?
And what made them bad if so?

Do a search and you can see my long, whiny road with my Toyota Tacoma.
There are a bunch of recalls on it and Toyota is doing everything possible to NOT do the right thing.
My VWs and Jeep were/are awesome.

[Bob33]

A lot of time you can buy lifetime oil changes for under 1 thousand bucks and you will save a tremendous amount of money over the life of the vehicle.  My 2006 dodge has 170K on it an has had oil changes every 3K.....which equates to roughly 57 oil changes or $5,700.  I plan on another 57 too.    

[Special T]

#1 do not put DEF fluid in the diesel tank! You will be purchasing expensive injection pumps and or injectors!
#2 3rd gen ram 2500 trucks and 3500s main difference is the springs. Buy a leaf pack from a one ton from some one doing a lift and you are most of the way there.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[jackelope]

#1 do not put DEF fluid in the diesel tank! You will be purchasing expensive injection pumps and or injectors!
#2 3rd gen ram 2500 trucks and 3500s main difference is the springs. Buy a leaf pack from a one ton from some one doing a lift and you are most of the way there.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Haha...if it's a 6.7 Powerstroke, you'll be replacing the complete fuel system to the tune of $8750.00+tax.

[Special T]

#1 do not put DEF fluid in the diesel tank! You will be purchasing expensive injection pumps and or injectors!
#2 3rd gen ram 2500 trucks and 3500s main difference is the springs. Buy a leaf pack from a one ton from some one doing a lift and you are most of the way there.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Haha...if it's a 6.7 Powerstroke, you'll be replacing the complete fuel system to the tune of $8750.00+tax.

I know some one who did it on a brand new peterbuilt... $20+k later....

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[jackelope]

#1 do not put DEF fluid in the diesel tank! You will be purchasing expensive injection pumps and or injectors!
#2 3rd gen ram 2500 trucks and 3500s main difference is the springs. Buy a leaf pack from a one ton from some one doing a lift and you are most of the way there.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Haha...if it's a 6.7 Powerstroke, you'll be replacing the complete fuel system to the tune of $8750.00+tax.

I know some one who did it on a brand new peterbuilt... $20+k later....

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

You know it's bad when Ford/Motorcraft sells a kit.

[Special T]

#1 do not put DEF fluid in the diesel tank! You will be purchasing expensive injection pumps and or injectors!
#2 3rd gen ram 2500 trucks and 3500s main difference is the springs. Buy a leaf pack from a one ton from some one doing a lift and you are most of the way there.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Haha...if it's a 6.7 Powerstroke, you'll be replacing the complete fuel system to the tune of $8750.00+tax.

I know some one who did it on a brand new peterbuilt... $20+k later....

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

You know it's bad when Ford/Motorcraft sells a kit.

The emmisions fiasco isnt to save the environment. Its to sell parts

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[KFhunter]

All of the info you're looking for is handily located right here on Hunt-WA.
 

ain't that the truth, everyone wants to defend their purchase...


So I got a 2016 Colorado....... 

KFhunter, what do you like or dislike about your Colorado?

I had a lot of problems at first, it took 3-4 trips to the dealer to chase down a wiring problem but once that was fixed I've really been enjoying it.  I read a lot of complaints about the seats but after a 3500 mile road trip to southern California and back I love them.  Make sure they fit you 

I really like all the traction, torque management and stabilitrack stuff for daily driving, but when you need it off there's no way to turn it 100% off.  Yes, there's a dual zone switch to turn it off partially, then hold the switch longer and it supposedly turns it all off but it doesn't.   You have to remove a fuse.

I was hoping for better MPG. On the cali trip running 75 I got just a stitch under 20MPG, it fell off a cliff beyond 75 so I put cruse on 75. I also have the stock mud/snow tires not a highway tire.

transmission sucks.  It shudders and doesn't shift right because it's trying to save fuel all the time, so it's always a gear or two too low on a motor with no torque and falls on it's face a lot then you have to slam the throttle to get it to down shift.   Very annoying but fixable with a tune or throttle doohickey I did some reading about   The V6 is a good motor but it's not about torque.  It's a direct injection Camaro motor


I think I got a lot more bang for the buck with the Colorado VS the Tacoma, but maybe not after resale as the Tacoma will retain value better.  I got a 2016 Z71 trail boss.   The new ZR2 is very interesting though, 8 speed transmission, lockers and more ground clearance.  Wish I would have waited.

[Alchase]

KFhunter, nice review

[jstone]

I am thinking of getting a new truck this fall. going to get rid of my 2003 f-350 6.0. I think I am going back to gas. I don't tow enough to justify the diesel truck. Looking at the GMC Denali in gas. Any one have one? What mileage you getting?