So tell me about pickups

Gator

Gator

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I'm going to start seriously shopping for a truck. What I want is a half ton, extended cab or four door. Don't really need a 4WD but wouldn't turn it down if it was the right deal. But my knees aren't what they used to be so I'd really prefer a 2WD just because it's a little easier to get in.

I'm favoring a Chevy Silverado ( GMC Sierra ) but would not rule out a Ford F150. Do not want the "work truck" model. Unless there's things I really don't know I'm just not a fan of the Dodge or Toyota but I'm trying to keep an open mind. There's nothing I plan on having to haul or tow except the occasional odds and ends from Lowe's. In a perfect world I may buy a fishing kayak later this year but that's not definite.

I've read about issues with I think 2007 and later Chevys and the AFM/DOD issues and how that can sometimes cause lifter problems. But how common is it really? Enough so that I just totally rule out the Chevys all together?

I think I want a V-8. But what are the pros and cons of the V-6's that I may not be aware of. I'm leery of anything turbocharged just because of the possible additional maintenance.

Would rather not spend over $20K and I would prefer not have anything with more than 150K miles. I am not in a bind to purchase a vehicle right away, I can be patient to try to find something decent.

And sometime before or after the truck purchase I have a 2012 Honda Civic Coupe I'll be selling.

So tell me what I don't know. I'm sure this will not be anything like 9mm vs .45ACP..............................

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The afm issues seems to be wide spread. But you can buy those trucks with issues for cheap cheap money. I've bought and flipped 6 in the last couple years, did the work myself and made between 8-10k profit. If you can do the work yourself it's about $900 for parts and reprogram. Shop wants between 1800- 2500 for repair.

I wouldn't let that sway a decision, just be prepared for the fix.

The 5.7 dodges are nothing to overlook either. More power, similar mileage as the others. I have an '18 ram and absolutely love it even after the main ride being a diesel. I still have a diesel but not as a daily driver anymore.
 
My last 3 trucks where an F-150 5.0, an F-150 5.4 and an F-250 5.4. Put about 150k on each and the only issue I had was one coil on the F-250 went bad and the 150 5.4 tranny started skipping at 120k...a fluid change and friction additive cured that.
 
GM's AFM/DOD can be defeated electronically with a $100 "chip". Maybe Dodge/Ram's as well? I installed/downloaded a tuner on my '13 Silverado 1500 that will do the same as part of the tune.

My kid cousins run a very successful mobile mechanic business & recommend Chevy or GMC. I believe they said some of the Fords can have tranny issues & that the Rams have tranny probs & sheet metal issues.

Per their advice when looking at GMs, listen for tapping when running & run away if you hear it- AFM/DOD's killed a lifter & the fix is a new cam & lifters, which requires pulling the heads. They're also known for oil pressure sending units dying, but that's a $80, 45 minute fix. Around '09 or '10, they switched to the 6-speed 6L80 trans, which is a stronger tranny than the 4L80.

Going on a year & 17K miles on mine so far & loving it, with no issues aside from that oil pressure sending unit. 5.3 engine, crew cab, 4x4, rides like a Caddy, boogies on down the road & gets 15mpg in town, 16mpg highway. Glad I bought it this time last year though, as used prices have gotten flat stupid.
 
"I can be patient to try to find something decent. "
that is a good plan, since the trucks i have priced
this year are way over $20K except for the GMC
with "unknown" mileage and a broken windshield.
 
The '12-'19 chevys all had issues. Mainly the lifters.
Dodges that end in .6 have bad problems that I can't remember.

Don't know enough about ford's to have an opinion other than we use em at work the biggest issue spark plugs blowing out, it can be fixed once, but it can happen to the same plug a 2nd time and then it's basically a new motor needed, tho all our work trucks are 350s or 450s so not sure it applies to f150s

Early 2000 chevy with the 5.3 have always been good

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
 
Just some more random bits to throw into this conversation blender:

I’ve been a Dodge guy since 02. They’ve been great. Only self-inflicted issues. Currently have a ‘21 Laramie with a few niceties. It’s the cats meow…the dogs bark…whatever you want to say. It’s got more balls than other trucks when I want to flex some muscle. It’s got more creature comforts than I deserve.

In my opinion Fords are too common and boring to look at. Yes they more than get the job done quite well, but you look boring while doing it. The interior can be nice on the higher end models, but it’s otherwise basic.

Same goes for Chevy.

GMC’s are comparable in my opinion to Dodge. They look solid and offer a nice interior.

Foreign jobs, I have no say in because I’ve never owned one. Probably never ridden one that I can remember. At risk of sounding like Hank Hill, I’d say foreign full-size trucks are like watching a woman drummer. It’s just weird. She may lay down a beat that is tough to find better, but your brain is saying “that ain’t quite right.” Small trucks, I guess they’re ok.

Anyway…I digress. Dodge. Sorry to all the guys who drive trucks that I just trashed. I’d be pissed if someone called my truck a woman drummer too. But then again my truck doesn’t make anyone think of that.

Oh, and to point out the obvious, you ain’t getting into a truck that’s worth your time right now for $20k. If you can wait it out, buy something after this supply chain stuff is worked out. I bet there’ll be sales galore when things normalize and the dealerships can’t charge rape prices.
 
Great. Now it’s a fashion show.
Let me get my hose and lipstick on.
BRB
 
If it weren’t for 1/2 ton 5.3 chevys, 5.7 dodges (or anything Chrysler with a “.7” In the displacement) and the current run of Kia’s, I’d probably never have to change a motor at work. I currently have three bays tied up at work. 2 5.3 jobs and a 5.7 dodge that was going to be just a cam install, but the guy ran it long enough to trash the main/rod bearings.

To their credit, the gm 4.8/5.3’s typically get a good 250k miles before dying. The 5.7 hemi’s however fail at the drop of a hat. Absolutely terrible engines.

In all my years as a mechanic, I’ve never had to replace a Toyota v8…..never even had to replace a headgasket on one. I have regular customers with 600k mike tundras. Take a wild guess what’s in my driveway….
 
Gator said:
Would rather not spend over $20K and I would prefer not have anything with more than 150K miles.
Click to expand...


You'll have a hard time getting something from this decade for less than $20K.

Get your money together and get on Facebook marketplace. When you find a truck drop whatever else you're doing and go look at it.
 
DirtySCREW is a 17 F150 5.0 V8. I could have bought an '18.... but I didn't want that start/stop crap.on the truck.
"OH you can disable it with...."
I don't want that crap on my truck!

About 25k miles and not 1 problem. Have 17.2 MPG for the life of the truck mileage. I can get low 20s on highway no problem.

I love my Ford truck.

But there is no denying Toyota. They make nice trucks too. Seen many many Yotas with 3, 4, 500,000 miles on them. You will pay more for a toyota...but it might save you in the long run.

I've heard, have not confirmed, the 22 Toyota Tundra are turbocharged V6s.

Me...I like V8s. Thus why I got the 5.0! Tried and true...naturally aspirated. I didn't want ford's turbo v6s either.

DS
 
Last edited:
DirtySCREW said:
DirtySCREW is a 17 F150 5.0 V8. I could have bought an '18.... but I didn't want that start/stop crap.on the truck.
"OH you can disable it with...."
I don't want that crap on my truck!

About 25k miles and not 1 problem. Have 17.2 MPG for the life of the truck mileage. I can get low 20s on highway no problem.

I love my Ford truck.

But there is no denying Toyota. They make nice trucks too. Seen many many Yotas with 3, 4, 500,000 miles on them. You will pay more for a toyota...but it might save you in the long run.

I've heard, have not confirmed, the 22 Toyota Tundra are turbocharged V6s.

Me...I like V8s. Thus why I got the 5.0! Tried and true...naturally aspirated. I didn't want ford's turbo v6s either.

DS
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You doing short trips in the truck, or towing hauling? I have not calculated the mileage, but the truck says I’ve been averaging 20mpg since new. No towing, and occasional hauling. I drive like a grandmaw.
 
fieldgrade said:
You doing short trips in the truck, or towing hauling? I have not calculated the mileage, but the truck says I’ve been averaging 20mpg since new. No towing, and occasional hauling. I drive like a grandmaw.
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A lot of short trips....and in spring /summer I tow my zero turn for yard jobs. I don't get on highway much except to go to my moms...20 miles away .

DS
 
So what's the story on the Ford 3.7 DOHC V-6 ? Probably going to look at one with 44,000 miles on it in a 2011.

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LeeMajors said:
The afm issues seems to be wide spread. But you can buy those trucks with issues for cheap cheap money. I've bought and flipped 6 in the last couple years, did the work myself and made between 8-10k profit. If you can do the work yourself it's about $900 for parts and reprogram. Shop wants between 1800- 2500 for repair.

I wouldn't let that sway a decision, just be prepared for the fix.

The 5.7 dodges are nothing to overlook either. More power, similar mileage as the others. I have an '18 ram and absolutely love it even after the main ride being a diesel. I still have a diesel but not as a daily driver anymore.
Click to expand...
The Dodge RAM 1500 with the hemi get better MPG than my Frontier with a 4L V6. More capacity and power.
But the Frontier is still best value in the small(ish)/mid size pick up.
 
Gator said:
So what's the story on the Ford 3.7 DOHC V-6 ? Probably going to look at one with 44,000 miles on it in a 2011.

.
Click to expand...


This what I bought, $21K, so I was able to stay close to what I wanted to spend. Truck is exceptionally clean, interior is flawless. I'm happy.

Thanks for all the advice and opinions.


truck2.jpg


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I love my 2003 Z71 avalanche drives like a car but capabilities of a truck mine is sitting outside with 4 sheets of t-111 and 20 pt 2x4x8 as we speak and its all in the bed with the tailgate up
 
Dealership just went through the motor on a 18 GMC because of lifters (59k) thankfully it fell under there powertrain warranty. Hit me up when you sell the Civic. My youngest is getting her license in July
 
vaskeet said:
I love my 2003 Z71 avalanche drives like a car but capabilities of a truck mine is sitting outside with 4 sheets of t-111 and 20 pt 2x4x8 as we speak and its all in the bed with the tailgate up
Click to expand...
Absolutely LOVED my 03 Avalanche when I had it. Only sold it because I needed something bigger to pull a camper.
Drove it for over 10 years (a record for me) and sold it with 260k on it.
 
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