Posted 2005-04-29 8:33 AM (#629) Subject: what's the best truck for me?
Posts: 26
Location: santa barbara, ca
here's what i haul-2H BP steel slant. there are some major hills here. definitly i want a 3/4 ton... I am on a budget, and am investigating buying a new truck, possibly the stripped down contractors model without all the bells and whistles. i can't afford diesel and dont really need 4WD but of course that would be nice to have... i sure don't know a lot about trucks but here's the little i do know - i would be fine with the small engine ( 6.0 or 5. something), fine with a gear ratio of 3 .73 vs. the larger one, must get the tow package, and would put the Prodigy in.... Currently i have an ancient one- ton Chevy duelly that is giving me major problems and i just want to unload it and get something really reliable. I could get a NEW chevy 3/4 ton contractor model ( roll up windows, etc, bare bones but with all i need ) for $22,000 inc. the rebates.... PLEASE give me some advice. I made a horrible mistake buying this old one-ton and it has been a nightmare.. but that's another story.... Chevy? Ford? i am pretty paranoid about used at the moment, unless of course i knew it had one owner and all records.. thanks, you guys are great...
Posted 2005-04-29 6:02 PM (#630 - in reply to #629) Subject: RE: what's the best truck for me?
Posts: 50
Location: Colorado
Oh man, You are asking for the timeless Ford versus Chevy versus Dodge debate.
I think a truck like you describe (heavy duty 3/4 ton, with tow package, and "base" v8) from any of the big three would do what you are asking just fine.
For pricing, you may want to check out http://www.cardirect.com/ I just went there are priced out a base models 4x2 in 3/4T from all three, and the prices are all very very similar. Pricing from this site, may be useful in negtiotations with the dealers.
If someone tells you that brand X, is the hands down most reliable, I would ask them to show you some statistically significant data that backs that up, I have never seen any. Some people will swear by any one of the big three, and others will curse them. The good news, is that they all have much higher quality and longevity today than they did not so long ago.
As for base engines, Chevy has a 6.0L engine, and Ford has a 5.4L, both have almost identical horsepower and torque numbers (300hp and ~360ft-lbs). Dodge has a 5.7L "Hemi" that does have the advantage in power (345hp, 375 ft-lbs), but all reports that I get from Dodge owners is that the Dodge's also have a notable difference in gas mileage (on the order of 3 mpg less than the Chevy/Ford). Unfortunately the manufactures do not list gas mileage for their three quarter ton trucks. You can find manufacturer specific sites for each brand and ask what people are getting with theirs. From the people I have asked, for highway driving (no trailer) I would expect something in the 16-19mpg range for the Ford and Chevy, and maybe 14-16mpg range for the Dodge, but it certainly can vary.
Honestly, I think you should go with whatever one you like best (looks and ride) and who gives you the best deal, because you could get real winner, or lemon from any of them. They ALL should be much better than your "antique"
Good Luck,
P.S. If you are interested in a "stripped" model, I would agree on going new. Interest rates are so low right now, and It will be very hard to find a used model with few options, unless it was a real "Work" truck and these trucks tend to get "worked" pretty good.