Looking for some truck advice, please

[johngalt]

I've been reading about direct injection engines that leaves me a bit suspicious of them. One issue I already knew about is the carbon buildup on valves. Since the gas is injected directly into the cylinder instead of the throttle body above the valves, the gas can't clean them.

Apparently some engines also have poorly designed PCV systems. Contaminated oil is sent back to the oil pan, causing increased wear of internal parts.

Because of these issues, there is some doubts that a DI engine will last as long.

 

[Leatherman-Cowboy]

Worked as Commercial Fleet manager with both Ford and Chevy.
Not making a commercial, so look at each. Spend your money the way you see fit.

There is no doubt-Ford is the best choice. Best selling for 39 years.
Here are some basic comparisons on the 1500 series from both.
V6 Ford-Chevy
Hp 325 285
Tq 375 305 All you have to do is look at each web page, in both the 1500-2500 series.

I have a diesel, FORD, and it blows the gas engines away. The biggest thing with diesel is the oil change $ 95 or so. Do it your self. Diesel will last an easy 200-400 . The resale will always be much higher.

Def is here to stay--all big rigs have it also. The fluid is not expensive. DEF range will vary depending on reg driving or towing.

Thank you,

 

[Cpo1944]

Like SC Mike,
I also have a Tundra and while it has never given me any trouble I really just don`t like it. I have always been a Ford man and regret leaving that camp. I will say , I have been considering getting an off road camper and the 5.5 foot bed eliminates any slide in truck camper, so I`m stuck choosing a trailer. Just something else to ponder.
My adopted son/friend, a professional Landscaper loves his Ford Diesels and I think he now has 250,000-300,000miles on them . He just had to replace a starter on one of them. First problem since he bought them,and they were used, not new. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[bmc5733946]

I worked for a department that bought 100-200 pickups per year from one of the big three, both gas and diesel. In the twenty years with the dept. I saw many more repairs and far more dollars spent on our Ford fleet than the GM or Dodge fleets combined, gas or diesel. I've been retired for two years but the guys still there say it's still the same. Obviously experiences differ.

Brian

 

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

My only suggestion is that make sure you get a Warranty that covers ALL

the Computers and Electronics on the truck.

The Wife's 2010 Tundra has had several recalls related to the brakes and

the latest had to do with power window switch causing a problem.

Wife got 3 notices about the switch, the 3rd finally fixed it.

Also, Toyota trucks have had frame rust thru problems where Toyota

bought back more than a few trucks.

On the Wife;s Tundra, there are a few parts Not galvanized and rusted thru.

My 2006 Chevy Trailblazer SS has several Computer problems and several

recalls ALL relating to electrical problems.

I just got a recall about the headlight module causing a problem.

I hate taking our vehicles in for recalls,

Lots of wasted time at dealers.

 

[Tom S.]

Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, recalls are a part of life. Vehicles have evolved to be so much more complex and sophisticated that there is far more chances for something to go wrong. Manufacturers test their vehicles, but there's only so much time between introduction and start of manufacturing that there's no way they can catch everything.

I have no problem with recalls. Yes, it's a pain in the butt, but at least the company is acknowledging a problem and fixing it, something they tended to ignore in the past. And many recalls are on items that keep us safe, so that's a good thing in my eyes.

 

[steamloco76]

The GM 6.0 gas in a 2500/3500HD is an excellent engine that lasts and lasts. It doesn't get great mileage, but it it's inexpensive to own as far maintenance and issues are concerned. Gas and Go!

I have a friend who owns a test well drilling outfit and they use the Chevy K2500 4X4 HD trucks with the 6.0L engine. The trucks really hold up well to heavy use and towing. He gave up on diesel power when they started with the exhaust fluid.

 

[dougb1946]

My better half has given me the nudge to get a new truck.
I currently have a 2002 C1500 which I bought new and has been a great truck. 2 problems, its not a 4x4 and we have a 26' trailer we would like to start using again and it will eat my truck up in the hills and mountains.
I pulled it from Ky. To Va. When we moved and it wasn't fun.
I've narrowed it down to a 1 or 2 year old C2500 or an F250, 4x4. I could go either way depending on price, cond., etc.
I can't decide on deisel or gas. The trailer is very occasional use so not an over riding factor.
Any advice from those who know?
Thanks

You guys with new trucks, always bragging.

 

[chaparrito]

You guys with new trucks, always bragging.

Every time I look at a truck for sale 3 years old or less my nose starts to bleed.

 

[CBus660R]

I have a friend who owns a test well drilling outfit and they use the Chevy K2500 4X4 HD trucks with the 6.0L engine. The trucks really hold up well to heavy use and towing. He gave up on diesel power when they started with the exhaust fluid.

I'm a Ford guy through and through, but I'll not say a negative word about the GM V-8s. Starting with the LS1 in late 90's Vettes and F-bodies, the Gen III and newer small blocks have been great. Lots of power, good MPG relative to displacement and power, and durability.

 

[CBus660R]

Every time I look at a truck for sale 3 years old or less my nose starts to bleed.

Tell me about it. I paid $19K and change for a 4 year old regular cab F-150 4x4 with the base V-6 (not the turbo Ecoboost) and 55,000 miles and I did good based on KBB, NADA, and what I was seeing advertised on the 'net.

 

[Farmer17]

Don't over look the Nissan Titan, for a half ton truck it is built really tough and I hauled over 3/4 ton in it several times and it acted like it wasn't straining one bit. They are built tough and mine lasted 10 years and 265K with very little spent on repairs. When I sold it it still had the original muffler, starter, alternator, fuel pump, rear shocks, ball joints, etc. My wifes Buick and my daughters Dodge Charger both wore out the ball joints in under 120K miles.

 

[WardenRoss]

I just purchased a new F150. She's my third regular cab, short wheelbase (RCSB), since 1972. Great trucks all. That 5.0 Coyote motor is unreal.

Be sure to test drive a new F150. They are remarkable trucks.

 

[model70hunter]

Had a 2000 F250 super duty 7.3 diesel. No problems, my wife got scared of the 285xxx miles and made me buy a new one.

Ford F150 4WD Sport super cab. Excellent throttle response, i.e. burns rubber. Easy on gas, it is so quiet it is unreal.

I had the dealer shop until he found a Sport XL with all XLT options inside, blue tooth, electronics and more. Saved about 4 K.

I have had it 1 year this month. I would not take a new any other brand for it.

Wish I was rich I would have kept the old Super Duty for just farm duty, it was one awesome truck.

 

[johngalt]

I'm a Ford guy through and through, but I'll not say a negative word about the GM V-8s. Starting with the LS1 in late 90's Vettes and F-bodies, the Gen III and newer small blocks have been great. Lots of power, good MPG relative to displacement and power, and durability.

I'm a bit biased, but I think GM V8s are among th best there are. People like to scoff at the pushrod design, but it allows for a very compact engine. Good power, very durable, and cheap to maintain.

 

[CBus660R]

I'm a bit biased, but I think GM V8s are among th best there are. People like to scoff at the pushrod design, but it allows for a very compact engine. Good power, very durable, and cheap to maintain.

I love a good pushrod motor too. As you noted, they allow a compact motor relative to displacement. Ford's 4.6 (281) mod motor is a bigger package than the old 302/351 Windsors they replaced. I wonder what a Windsor with modern head design would do? Well, I guess we know, just look at what GM is doing.