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Pickup Truck Advice
#8228345
04/07/21 05:07 PM
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 937
Sauerkraut
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OP
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 937 |
This is really the only forum I'm active on, so I thought I would post this here.
I'm looking to buy a used pickup and can't figure out what to look for. I'm not looking for something new (too expensive and too many bells and whistles).
Here's what it will be used for:
- Towing hay trailers, fertilizer buggies, light construction materials (stone, lumber, etc), brush/firewood - Occasionally taking a 5 year old to kindergarten (preferably a extended cab or crew cab) - Navigating hunting leases / mountain roads (4X4)
So in summary, I'm looking for a 4x4 with a back seat that is capable of some moderate towing.
I've been looking at older F-150's and F-250's (gas or maaaybe diesel) primarily, but I'm open to suggestions.
My major concern is reliability, so what are some specific models, years, engines, etc. that are very reliable at higher mileage?
I would say the absolute top of my budget is 20k as I'm trying to pay cash and not take any debt on.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
p.s. You should know that I'm not a "truck guy", i.e. my ideal Saturday isn't spend under my truck.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." - Ecclesiastes 9:10
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: Sauerkraut]
#8228382
04/07/21 05:33 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 11,542
rickym
THF Celebrity
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Joined: Jun 2015
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: Sauerkraut]
#8228396
04/07/21 05:40 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,860
The Dude Abides
THF Trophy Hunter
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Used truck market right now is crazy! $20K may not get you very much truck.
I am still looking for the perfect apron, one with reinforced knee areas would be perfect.
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: Sauerkraut]
#8228399
04/07/21 05:44 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 69,271
NORML as can be
^^Cut the Cord^^
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^^Cut the Cord^^
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 69,271 |
You don't have much money then stay away from a diesel they cost big bucks to fix
(R-TX) .-- " TCNN CURL CRLB VFF VRNO AYR SNDL CGC TLRY MSOS "
_=====___=________==-
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: Sauerkraut]
#8228409
04/07/21 05:48 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,572
redchevy
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I would pick a ford or GM 3/4 ton with a gas v-8. My personal preference of the two would be the GM with a 6.0, but ive owned and worked on them in the past so my familiarity with them is the reason why, i think the fords would be fine trucks as well.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: Sauerkraut]
#8228411
04/07/21 05:49 PM
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Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 19,158
TCM3
THF Celebrity
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Do not forget to entertain strangers, For by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels Hebrews 13:2 (R-TX)
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: Sauerkraut]
#8228416
04/07/21 05:59 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,530
reeltexan
THF Celebrity
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"If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under." Ronald Reagan
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: NORML as can be]
#8228418
04/07/21 05:59 PM
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 937
Sauerkraut
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You don't have much money then stay away from a diesel they cost big bucks to fix Yeah this was my concern with diesel. I love those 7.3L Fords, but they're getting pretty old and I'm worried about maintenance.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." - Ecclesiastes 9:10
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: The Dude Abides]
#8228424
04/07/21 06:04 PM
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 937
Sauerkraut
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Used truck market right now is crazy! $20K may not get you very much truck. Unfortunately you're right about this. What's shocking to me is that you can pay $20-30k for a pickup with 100k+ miles or you can buy a new one for $35k. They just don't depreciate.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." - Ecclesiastes 9:10
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: reeltexan]
#8228426
04/07/21 06:06 PM
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 937
Sauerkraut
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Leaning towards a gas F250. Do you know anything about the 6.8L V10? I know people generally weren't crazy about the 6.0L diesel, but I never hear anything about the gas engines.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." - Ecclesiastes 9:10
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: Sauerkraut]
#8228446
04/07/21 06:17 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,225
Rustler
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,225 |
Leaning towards a gas F250. Do you know anything about the 6.8L V10? I know people generally weren't crazy about the 6.0L diesel, but I never hear anything about the gas engines. I'd much rather have the 6.2 gas than the v10, having owned both.
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: Sauerkraut]
#8228454
04/07/21 06:24 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,954
unclebubba
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2011
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An F250 is going to be higher priced than an F150. I had a 2004 F150 that went past 340,000 miles. Not sure how far past as I traded it, but it was the most reliable truck I ever owned. I'd imagine that you could get a newer truck with less miles if you go the half ton route. You stated that it would be used mainly for towing, but you did not state how many pounds you were going to tow. If it is on the heavier side, yeah, you are going to need a 3/4 ton. If it is on the lighter side, and half ton will do the job, and repair costs will be much cheaper.
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: unclebubba]
#8228462
04/07/21 06:30 PM
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 937
Sauerkraut
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Posts: 937 |
An F250 is going to be higher priced than an F150. I had a 2004 F150 that went past 340,000 miles. Not sure how far past as I traded it, but it was the most reliable truck I ever owned. I'd imagine that you could get a newer truck with less miles if you go the half ton route. You stated that it would be used mainly for towing, but you did not state how many pounds you were going to tow. If it is on the heavier side, yeah, you are going to need a 3/4 ton. If it is on the lighter side, and half ton will do the job, and repair costs will be much cheaper. We currently use a 1998 F-150 to tow the hay trailer, so I don't think it would be too much of an issue. That's definitely a consideration. It's an 18ft bumper-pull, so maybe 1800-2000lbs plus maybe 3000-4500lbs of hay. Max I think we're looking at 7000lbs, and that wouldn't be daily by any means, just on occasion.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." - Ecclesiastes 9:10
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: Sauerkraut]
#8228484
04/07/21 06:46 PM
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,774
spacejunkie
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: Sauerkraut]
#8228530
04/07/21 07:23 PM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,523
freerange
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,523 |
It seems any thread about anything related to pickup trucks is destined to get lots of play on here and go several pages. Since this one is very generic I anticipate it may never end. Im just glad this is in Off Topic and not under Hunting trucks section. Sauer, for what its worth I am right up your alley. I dont usually buy new trucks either. I dont spend saturdays under my truck either, for sure not. Reliability, 4x4, some towing and everything else you mentioned is what I look for as well. I bought an 06 Tundra in about 2010 with 40k miles on it and it has 267000 now. Its been great. Im not sure how much longer it will go so im considering doing something similar again but probably one year away. If I was buying used I think Toyota is the way to go since I would be nervous to expect to put a lot of miles on any other used truck. But like I said, im not a truck guy so im sure others will completely disagree.
At some point in life its time to quit chasing the pot of gold and just enjoy the rainbow. FR Keep your gratitude higher than your expectations. RWH
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: Sauerkraut]
#8228535
04/07/21 07:26 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11,658
GusWayne
THF Celebrity
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11,658 |
Tundra if you want gas
Cummins is you want diesel
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: freerange]
#8228546
04/07/21 07:38 PM
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 937
Sauerkraut
OP
Tracker
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OP
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 937 |
It seems any thread about anything related to pickup trucks is destined to get lots of play on here and go several pages. Since this one is very generic I anticipate it may never end. Im just glad this is in Off Topic and not under Hunting trucks section. Sauer, for what its worth I am right up your alley. I dont usually buy new trucks either. I dont spend saturdays under my truck either, for sure not. Reliability, 4x4, some towing and everything else you mentioned is what I look for as well. I bought an 06 Tundra in about 2010 with 40k miles on it and it has 267000 now. Its been great. Im not sure how much longer it will go so im considering doing something similar again but probably one year away. If I was buying used I think Toyota is the way to go since I would be nervous to expect to put a lot of miles on any other used truck. But like I said, im not a truck guy so im sure others will completely disagree. Hmmmmm. Hadn't thought of a Tundra, that might be a good call. I currently drive an '04 Taco and love it...just can't quite handle what I need it to.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." - Ecclesiastes 9:10
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: Sauerkraut]
#8228759
04/07/21 10:13 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,530
reeltexan
THF Celebrity
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,530 |
I have a buddy with the gas 6.2, it's been a tank. All his kids grew up in it and drove it when they got old enough. He still has it though he's bought several new trucks over the years.
"If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under." Ronald Reagan
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: freerange]
#8229041
04/08/21 02:03 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,954
unclebubba
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,954 |
It seems any thread about anything related to pickup trucks is destined to get lots of play on here and go several pages. Since this one is very generic I anticipate it may never end. Im just glad this is in Off Topic and not under Hunting trucks section. Sauer, for what its worth I am right up your alley. I dont usually buy new trucks either. I dont spend saturdays under my truck either, for sure not. Reliability, 4x4, some towing and everything else you mentioned is what I look for as well. I bought an 06 Tundra in about 2010 with 40k miles on it and it has 267000 now. Its been great. Im not sure how much longer it will go so im considering doing something similar again but probably one year away. If I was buying used I think Toyota is the way to go since I would be nervous to expect to put a lot of miles on any other used truck. But like I said, im not a truck guy so im sure others will completely disagree. Some may completely disagree. But Toyota has a reputation for reliability for a reason. They are reliable. Ford has done some great things in the last 20 years on reliability as well. Dodge and Chevy, not so much.
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: unclebubba]
#8229060
04/08/21 02:20 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,649
Sneaky
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,649 |
It seems any thread about anything related to pickup trucks is destined to get lots of play on here and go several pages. Since this one is very generic I anticipate it may never end. Im just glad this is in Off Topic and not under Hunting trucks section. Sauer, for what its worth I am right up your alley. I dont usually buy new trucks either. I dont spend saturdays under my truck either, for sure not. Reliability, 4x4, some towing and everything else you mentioned is what I look for as well. I bought an 06 Tundra in about 2010 with 40k miles on it and it has 267000 now. Its been great. Im not sure how much longer it will go so im considering doing something similar again but probably one year away. If I was buying used I think Toyota is the way to go since I would be nervous to expect to put a lot of miles on any other used truck. But like I said, im not a truck guy so im sure others will completely disagree. Some may completely disagree. But Toyota has a reputation for reliability for a reason. They are reliable. Ford has done some great things in the last 20 years on reliability as well. Dodge and Chevy, not so much. Yep.
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: Sauerkraut]
#8229089
04/08/21 02:43 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,530
reeltexan
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,530 |
"If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under." Ronald Reagan
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: The Dude Abides]
#8229094
04/08/21 02:45 AM
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,309
Stump_jumper
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,309 |
Used truck market right now is crazy! $20K may not get you very much truck. Yep, and probably not the most reliable 1/2 ton gas powered truck ever built which us a Tundra.
2017 Tundra 5.7 CM 4x4 2006 Champion 2200 Bay Boat
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: unclebubba]
#8229131
04/08/21 03:10 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,660
Dustnsand
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,660 |
It seems any thread about anything related to pickup trucks is destined to get lots of play on here and go several pages. Since this one is very generic I anticipate it may never end. Im just glad this is in Off Topic and not under Hunting trucks section. Sauer, for what its worth I am right up your alley. I dont usually buy new trucks either. I dont spend saturdays under my truck either, for sure not. Reliability, 4x4, some towing and everything else you mentioned is what I look for as well. I bought an 06 Tundra in about 2010 with 40k miles on it and it has 267000 now. Its been great. Im not sure how much longer it will go so im considering doing something similar again but probably one year away. If I was buying used I think Toyota is the way to go since I would be nervous to expect to put a lot of miles on any other used truck. But like I said, im not a truck guy so im sure others will completely disagree. Some may completely disagree. But Toyota has a reputation for reliability for a reason. They are reliable. Ford has done some great things in the last 20 years on reliability as well. Dodge and Chevy, not so much. I don't think Ford, Dodge, or Chevy are any different as far as reliability. You may get a lemon in any brand and may get one that last forever in any brand. People that think one is way better are just fanboys like Superduty.
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: Sauerkraut]
#8229138
04/08/21 03:14 AM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 18,567
ducknbass
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 18,567 |
If you're looking at half tons look at the tundra.
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Re: Pickup Truck Advice
[Re: Dustnsand]
#8229175
04/08/21 03:42 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,649
Sneaky
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,649 |
It seems any thread about anything related to pickup trucks is destined to get lots of play on here and go several pages. Since this one is very generic I anticipate it may never end. Im just glad this is in Off Topic and not under Hunting trucks section. Sauer, for what its worth I am right up your alley. I dont usually buy new trucks either. I dont spend saturdays under my truck either, for sure not. Reliability, 4x4, some towing and everything else you mentioned is what I look for as well. I bought an 06 Tundra in about 2010 with 40k miles on it and it has 267000 now. Its been great. Im not sure how much longer it will go so im considering doing something similar again but probably one year away. If I was buying used I think Toyota is the way to go since I would be nervous to expect to put a lot of miles on any other used truck. But like I said, im not a truck guy so im sure others will completely disagree. Some may completely disagree. But Toyota has a reputation for reliability for a reason. They are reliable. Ford has done some great things in the last 20 years on reliability as well. Dodge and Chevy, not so much. I don't think Ford, Dodge, or Chevy are any different as far as reliability. You may get a lemon in any brand and may get one that last forever in any brand. People that think one is way better are just fanboys like Superduty. Or maybe they’ve spent a lot of time in all of them, in true work environments, and they’ve formed an experienced opinion. I know that’s rare, but it does happen.
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