Truck buying

[xd2005]

So it's time to buy a truck. we already sold the second car (1 day on Craigslist...didn't expect it to go so quick), so the clock is ticking.

So I've decided it needs to be 4x4, Access cab size (not crew, but full back seat), 6.5'+ bed, and automatic. I'm leaning (heavily) gasoline and probably 1/2 ton. 

Now it's just deciding what to get and I'm completely torn, so thought I'd throw it out to you guys for your thoughts.

I do have Consumer Report (CR) ratings, so I've had that influence me some. They are not too hot on the Dodge Ram or Nissan Titan, so I've shied away from them. The truck will be used as a daily commuter (although it's only a couple mile trip for me to work and back) and for hunting/camping trips, and general stuff aroudn the house. My hope is one day to throw a camper on the back (nothing big, just something to keep me and the family dry and warm while hunting).

My main focus has been on the Chevy Silverado 1500 (although I drove a 2500HD, which I liked but not at 10-11 MPG), Ford F-150, and Toyota Tundra.

My thoughts thus far:
Silverado - CR isn't too hot on it for a few years, so I have a little hesitation.
F-150 - All around fine truck. Not much to complain about.
Tundra - Smooth ride (seemed car-like...at least the 2010 I drove). I like the look, particularly of the older models. Looked like it had the lower payload capacity of most of the full-size trucks, which provides a little concern due to the potential of a camper.

Finally, I'm still stuck debating new vs. used. Pretty much everyone has 0% financing or cash back incentives on new, but they're also still in the $30k+ range. Used, since they don't have the incentives, it seems like it takes quite a few years for there to be much of a difference between the new and used. Because of that, I'm kind of thinking either bite the bullet and get new or go 5+ years old and pay <$15k and hope it works out for the next 5, give or take, years.

Since I know just about all of you have gone through this process, what lessons have you learned and advice do you have?

Thanks!

[butcher98951]

We bought a 2009 Ford F-150 FX4 love this truck no prob so far, i have always bought chevys but after buying the FX4 i will never go back to chevy... awsome trucks..

[coop2424]

I Just got a new tundra and absolutely love it and could not be happier.  It has airbags on the rear which has allowed me to haul some pretty heavy loads and it was like nothing was in there.  Also got to love the smooth ride and the resale value if you ever have to sell it.

[xd2005]

I Just got a new tundra and absolutely love it and could not be happier.  It has airbags on the rear which has allowed me to haul some pretty heavy loads and it was like nothing was in there.  Also got to love the smooth ride and the resale value if you ever have to sell it.

Which engine did you get?

[Heredoggydoggy]

Just don't get a Chevrolet Colorado 4x4 or a GMC Canyon 4x4.  When my 1991 Ford Ranger 4x4 was totalled in an accident, I needed another vehicle and bought the 2007 GMC Canyon 4x4.  That thing has cost me more in maintenance in 3 years than the Ranger did in the 16 years I had it.  A while back I was at a buddy's house, and he was on his computer, and called "hey, look at this!"  On the Consumer Reports site they had a list of about 16 "Worst of the Worst" vehicles, and the Chevy Colorado 4x4, and the GMC Canyon 4x4 were on that list.  All I could say was "yup, I can confirm that."

[mebco09]

You won't go wrong with a Ford.

I was a Chevy guy, up until the bailout.

My thought was: Chevy always had better motors, better looks (maybe) and got better mileage. 

When I bought my latest pickup, which is a Ford, I realized what I was missing!  The new Fords are tight trucks.  Nice quality and well thought out.  The Chevys?  loose and cheaply built.  For years driving chevys, I just lived with the door lock mechanisims that fell out, uncomfortable seats, crappy heater controls, oil leaking from behind the dash, slipping transmissions etc.  Chevy has good motors with lots of power and as good mileage as you can expect, but in my old age, I really like not having to fiddle around with little stuff on a new truck the way I did with all my Chevs.

[coop2424]

I Just got a new tundra and absolutely love it and could not be happier.  It has airbags on the rear which has allowed me to haul some pretty heavy loads and it was like nothing was in there.  Also got to love the smooth ride and the resale value if you ever have to sell it.

I got the 5.7 and So far have been extremly happy with it.  It for sure has some power.  It probably is more power than I need right now but I do not see the point of the 4.6 to get 1-2 better gas mileage if that. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Which engine did you get?

[xd2005]

So I was looking at the Edmunds.com True Cost to Own section (http://www.edmunds.com/ford/f-150/2011/tco.html?style=101307070) and it shows the maintenance on the F-150s to be almost twice as much as the Tundra and Silverado. Anyone know why?

[383man]

You won't go wrong with a Ford.

I was a Chevy guy, up until the bailout.

My thought was: Chevy always had better motors, better looks (maybe) and got better mileage. 

When I bought my latest pickup, which is a Ford, I realized what I was missing!  The new Fords are tight trucks.  Nice quality and well thought out.  The Chevys?  loose and cheaply built.  For years driving chevys, I just lived with the door lock mechanisims that fell out, uncomfortable seats, crappy heater controls, oil leaking from behind the dash, slipping transmissions etc.  Chevy has good motors with lots of power and as good mileage as you can expect, but in my old age, I really like not having to fiddle around with little stuff on a new truck the way I did with all my Chevs.

that seems a bit objective, i am on my 3rd silverado now, upgrading from a 2001 standard cab, to a 2007 extended cab, to now a 2009 crew cab, loved them all, they have all been tight trucks, no issues, seats are comfy as hell, the heater controls in both are dual climate control electronically controlled units, spectacular control. and the 6 speed hydrostatic transmission is smooth as it gets, and my half ton truck is rated for 9500lbs. I tow a 6500lb toy hauler with 2 quads and loaded down and it pulls it with ease. I assume your chevy's were older models, but the new trucks are amazing, if you ask me that is...lol

[Armadillo]

So I was looking at the Edmunds.com True Cost to Own section (http://www.edmunds.com/ford/f-150/2011/tco.html?style=101307070) and it shows the maintenance on the F-150s to be almost twice as much as the Tundra and Silverado. Anyone know why?

I really do think hands down chevys are smoother riding and more quality than fords. Its all about how well you maintain them and how you treat them but typically ive always seen more maintanance done to family owned fords than family owned chevs

[Caseyd]

I'm sure this is going to turn into a chevy vs ford topic 

Honestly, you won't go wrong getting either one. Just comes down to which one YOU like better (body style, interior etc) 

You are on the right track of looking at the options of new vs used. Like you said if you go used you are going to have to get a couple years old to not end up paying the same. Then you have to worry about warranty left etc....Just focus on actual amount paid not monthly payment.

Dad just got a new crew cab ltz chevy at 0% zero down. Talked em down 8k. Theres always room to talk or walk 

[SeaRun1]

Another vote for the Tundra.  I bought a 2011 six months ago.  I also bought the 5.7 TRD in the same configuration you are looking at.  I love this truck.  I had a V6 Tacoma for 13 years and still drive that as well.

On a Turkey trip up to Okanagon awhile back I got 19.1 mpg for the trip.  I have no complaints with the truck except for the Ipod/radio interface which I think is horrible.

SeaRun1

[Wanttohuntmore]

If your really thinking of throwing a camper on it, I'd seriously look at a 3/4 ton truck.  The half tons are very limited on the type of campers you could haul in them.  That said I bought a brand new 2008 Tundra with the 5.7, and it's been great so far.  I pull a 7500 lb trailer with it, though when doing so only get about 8mpg.  Running empty on I90 I get about 15.5 w/it.

[FC]

So I was looking at the Edmunds.com True Cost to Own section (http://www.edmunds.com/ford/f-150/2011/tco.html?style=101307070) and it shows the maintenance on the F-150s to be almost twice as much as the Tundra and Silverado. Anyone know why?

Easy: Ford builds junk, GM and Toyota do not! Of those I would recommend the Toyota, look at some of the access cabs. Personally I would try and find one with a 3.4l V6 for a little bit better gas mileage but the V8 is a good motor and pretty easy to maintain.

My best advice would be to mentally pick the trucks you like and then go find and drive 3 of each to get a good idea of how they should feel.

[KFhunter]

those little pop up campers would be good, easier to get around with them on there and still lightweight - this is just an image I pulled off the net, but I'd assume you'd want something like this for the back of a Toyota.