[RockCrusher]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

Considering trading in 2 of our 3 cars for a truck - maybe a Tundra SR5… I’ve only owned SUV’s - Volvo &
Merc mountaineer and German Cars, bmw, benz. Vw’s.

I’m not asking what you personal prefer - but what are the pros and cons based on your experience?

My thinking is - we find ourselves needing a truck often - my son will likely get whatever I buy in 5 yrs - and I’d rather him be in a truck - trucks these days have come a long way in terms of styling and interior comfort and accessories.

Obv slower less nimble, no driver engagement - but I could lift it off road it tow with it and load it up with toys for a weekend away easier.

Owned a Dodge D200 (3/4 ton) pickup. A M-B Metris cargo van. And currently I own a Honda Ridgeline.

Pros: I guess at the top first thing is the vehicle has lots of utility if one needs what it has to offer.

Ridgeline has 4 full size doors and room for 4 adults. Any stuff though has to go in the bed. (There are tie downs and I could get a cover if necessary.)

Ridgeline can tow a 5000lb trailer with a 600lb tongue weight with 2 people on board.

One sits up high and thus one has good visibility vs. a passenger car. Lots of glass.

One steps up into the truck. So a bit easier to get in and out of.

Interior a bit more roomy.

Cons: It is a truck.

It is big. One needs to keep that in mind. All the time.

Ride can be a bit harsh. The D200 was hopeless.

But really the van rode well and so to does the Ridgeline. Not Lexus like but not bone jarring either.

Of course gas mileage is nothing to write home about. The D200 barely managed 14mpg. (4.56 rear gears.) The van was better. Maybe 20mpg. The Ridgeline is between the D200 and van. The Ridgeline averages a bit over 18mpg around town. About what the M8 gets. But the Ridgeline gets this with 87 while the M8 requires 91. (The Ridgeline is the first gasoline engine that is spec'd for 87 since my 1996 Mustang GT. Anyhow both the Ridgeline and M8 get driven the same way. Nothing wild and crazy.

The D200 and van ran good. So too does the Ridgeline. The van had a 4 cylinder engine turbo charged with good power and torque. The Honda engine is a V6 but is not turbo charged. However, Honda has tuned the engine for the job it has to do.

The van was a comfortable vehicle around town. And the Ridgeline likewise. On the highway too. The van I drove 4K miles to CA and back and it was quite a nice experience. While I have not had the Ridgeline on a long road trip a few weeks ago I drove it 120 miles on the highway -- about 2 hours behind the wheel -- and I was comfortable the whole time and so was my passenger.

Bottom line is the vehicle is a pick up truck and is not a passenger car. It can be a passenger vehicle and if full of passengers it has room -- albeit in an open cargo bed -- for stuff. But the vehicle is large.

Even if not full of people and their stuff it can carry the odd/awkward stuff from a boxed recliner to bicycles and everything in between.

I have to say so far I'm pleased that I have a pick up truck. For my daily driver I had considered another 230i xDrive but at $52K it was $12K more than the Honda. (Granted I got $4K discount off the sticker price of the Honda but I don't think I would have been able to negotiate a discount for the 230ix.)

The Ridgeline provides utility that the M8 just can't match. And even though I don't drive the Ridgeline loaded to max with stuff empty it is a nice daily driver.

[XutvJet]

My wife really wanted a Tacoma crew cab back in 2020 but there was no way our family of 4 could fit in it for even 1 hour trips. She wanted the truck to transport her paddleboard to the lake which she paddles 4+ times a week. I convinced her to look at the 2020 4runner and she fell in love. She could roll down the back window and shove the paddleboard in the back with about 4' hanging out the back. The 4runner was also plenty big for the family and it has a ton of space in the back, it can tow, throw stuff on the roof, or hang it off the back with a cargo rack that mounts to the OEM 2" hitch.

I like driving it and it is unreal in the snow and off road. The new 4Runners are way better power wise and MPGs. The new Tacomas are also a bit bigger too.

I seriously considered a new F150 5.0 single cab/short bed 2WD to replace my 2016 M235 6MT. That lightweight 5.0L can haul some serious butt (high 12s stock). I had rented tons of F150s for work over the last 20 years. I also rented a lot of Tundras, Rams, Silverados, Tahoes, Expeditions, and Suburbans. All were generally good. When it came down too it, I just couldn't justify the money on a NEW truck and used prices are still stupid. The F150 I was looking at was a basic as you could get, even down to cloth manual seats and a rubber floor. That truck has an MSRP of freaking $44K!!!?!

I drove an OG M2 DCT and fell in love. I just couldn't spend $44K on a basic truck and the build quality was hilarious plus the Ford/GM 10 speed automatic isn't super reliable. I bought a mint low mileage 2018 M2 DCT for $38K back in November and decided to put off getting a truck for a few years. I still really want one, but I'm going to get a 2020-2022 Nissan Frontier 4X4 extended cab with a full bed. They're very reliable, cheap to buy, cheap to fix, and easy to work on.

Todays trucks just are not reliable and easy to work on like they used to be. Ford, GM, Toyota, and Ram all have MAJOR transmission and engine issues with their full size trucks now. It's disappointing.

[TheWatchGuy]

ive daily driven trucks for a decade plus. I use them for work and tow quite a bit. The worst part is parking. Tight parking lots, street parking, anywhere that its tight, can suck.

Ive had half and 3/4 ton trucks. Chevy/GMC, Ford and Ram.

My last truck, 2017 Ram 1500 w/ the 5.7 hemi was one of my all around favorites. Towed a decent amount with no issues, was comfortable and had a nice drive. Didnt have any issues in 100k miles/5 years.

Current truck is a 22 f150 lariat w/ the 3.5 ecoboost. a nice truck, definitely more fun with cheaper and more tuning and modding available for it, but it feels more like a truck. Also not as good a tower. My heavier trailers make it not feel as planted as the Ram.

My next truck will either be a Ram again, or the f150 w/ the 5.0 if its still around. The Ram because i like the look and feel, but the f150 w/ the 5.0 and turbos or supercharger is an easy 10 second truck. Overkill for a work truck? Maybe, but YOLO.

As for Toyotas, none of my field guys drive them; some of the office staff do. They are fine for commuting, but seem to have issues once you start loading them up.

[floridaorange]

^That’s what my neighbor down the street said as well - ram seems to be very popular among those who know - followed by f150. His 2023 tundra had 8 recalls he finally traded it in. Couldn’t imagine parking

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

^That’s what my neighbor down the street said as well - ram seems to be very popular among those who know - followed by f150. His 2023 tundra had 8 recalls he finally traded it in. Couldn’t imagine parking

Isn't the F150 the best selling truck in the US? Don't quote me on that. There are a ton of options out there for pickups, it can be very challenging to narrow it down to one. I started out by hopping online and deciding if I wanted full-size or mid-size; once I got past that, I decided what cab style I wanted (extended, crew, etc) and went from there. My advice would be pick two or three criteria that are non-negotiables then start hunting.

[TheWatchGuy]

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

Isn't the F150 the best selling truck in the US? Don't quote me on that. There are a ton of options out there for pickups, it can be very challenging to narrow it down to one. I started out by hopping online and deciding if I wanted full-size or mid-size; once I got past that, I decided what cab style I wanted (extended, crew, etc) and went from there. My advice would be pick two or three criteria that are non-negotiables then start hunting.

Ford's F series is the best selling, yes.

I will say, my anecdotal experience is i dont see many new f250s/f350s on jobsites or delivering materials. Its almost all Ram 2500/3500 and GM 2500/3500.

With truck prices skyrocketing lately, Rams tend to provide the best bang for your buck. Can typically get a Ram for 5-10% cheaper than a similarly optioned Ford.

[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

^That’s what my neighbor down the street said as well - ram seems to be very popular among those who know -

Ram with the I-6 Cummins diesel seems to be the preferred pickup by LTL hotshot drivers, who can't tolerate wheel-stop time cutting into their schedules.....

[floridaorange]

Across the street is a new f150 and a new ram sport - so I’m staring at both daily. The ram makes the f150 look like comparing an M3 with a Camry. I originally was told by a frontier owner rams were not well made but I’ve always liked them so this thread is great confirmation for getting one.

[TheWatchGuy]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

Across the street is a new f150 and a new ram sport - so I’m staring at both daily. The ram makes the f150 look like comparing an M3 with a Camry. I originally was told by a frontier owner rams were not well made but I’ve always liked them so this thread is great confirmation for getting one.

didnt even think those were real people

[spazzyfry123]

The work trucks I lease are all variants of new Ram 1500s. Rebel, Laramie, Sport… all have been great without issues. We easily put 100k miles a year between them. Had GM (Chevy and GMC) before that with transmission issues and another with a pile of electronic woes. Another with suspension issues right off the lot that could never be resolved and ultimately bought back.

Can’t say that I’m a “Ram Guy”, but experience has been positive. Seemingly has negated negative reputation of prior generations. I drive an old F-150 every day because I’m a cheap bastard, but I’ll likely be getting something new in the coming year or so. Lot of bang for your buck with Ram.

I can say that I am a “Toyota Guy,” but I’m not sold on recent offerings. I think it would be a long discussion between an F-150 with the 5.0 and a decent Ram. Raptor if I just put all the chips into the center.

[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by TheWatchGuy

didnt even think those were real people

...or their opinions about anything automotive was worth listening to.....

[gregarious]

Coming from two 2 3 series and another on the way, (M3 oh yah) my F150 Lariat 5.0 is my DD but less enjoyable as such. Eats whatever winter throws it. Pothole season is not an issue. Packs up easily for family ski trips. Serves as a tow vehicle. Comfortable. Nice features. Soulless but sounds good when I get on it. Great highway cruiser. Awkward in small spaces. Parking garages are a nightmare. Build quality is a disappointment. I’ve decided to keep it long term. I don’t feel like rewarding Ford for over priced decades old flaws they seem to never fix Gen after Gen. It’s probably the most practical vehicle I’ve owned though. I worry about a major engine or transmission failure given the quality issues with all full size truck manufacturers. Most hold up but consistency in quality of production is lacking at Ford and has been for a while. Buying a truck should be based on your use case profile. Spec accordingly. Other more engaging vehicles will serve you better if towing and payload are less critical or not required.

[proyecto2000]

In the last 10 years I have owned a 2015 Tundra and it was ok comfort wise but horrible on fuel.
2019 F150 3.5 ecoboost. Great on fuel, amazing cabin space and comfort but terrible quality as it was always in the shop. Dumped it before the warranty was up.

Have had 2023 Tacoma for 1.5 years and sucks after having an F150. Truck is small, cant fit a rear facing car seat without having the passenger seat touching the dash, cramped as hell, fuel economy is abysmal especially if using 4x4 in the winter. very dissapointing truck to be honest but resale is unreal!

Will hopefully trade it in for a 2025 Tundra in 3 months and see how it goes

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by TheWatchGuy

didnt even think those were real people

I'm real. Current Frontier is a solid pick if you want a mid-size. It's an old school truck you can buy new.

[dscabra]

My experiences with truck ownership over the years...

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 (5.9L): Transfer case failed at 30k miles
2001 Ford F-150 (5.4L): No major mechanical issues
2004 Ford F-150 (5.4L): No major mechanical issues
2007 Ford F-250 (6.0L diesel): In spite of the horrible reputation that the 6.0L had, I drove this truck for 16 years with no catastrophic issues. Diesel repairs are very expensive, however, and I had three major repairs over the life of the truck that totaled over $13k (turbo, fuel injectors, bed plate seal)
2023 GMC Sierra 1500 (6.2L): No issues two years in but watching the 6.2L engine failure issues closely

[3798j]

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

I'm real. Current Frontier is a solid pick if you want a mid-size. It's an old school truck you can buy new.

Agreement from another Frontier owner..."Solid" describes it well...and it handles much, much better than its competition.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by 3798j

Agreement from another Frontier owner..."Solid" describes it well...and it handles much, much better than its competition.

Yours looks lifted. If so, what kit did you use?

[3798j]

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

Yours looks lifted. If so, what kit did you use?

It's not...stock '22 4XPro.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by 3798j

It's not...stock '22 4XPro.

Looks really good. I have the same one, color too, just the 2wd version.

[UncleWede]

I dd a 2002 GMC Sonoma 5-speed until 2 years ago. Gave it to my son who also got the 2005 325. He bought a new Tesla 3.

2 years ago (almost to the day) wife bought me a new Tacoma 4x4 Access cab. Yeah, we've had 4 adults in it on a number of occasions, but they weren't happy. Which means nobody wants to be in my truck!!!

I had Luna Taco tuned and it was night/day difference. I still average close to 20 MPG driving around town, get up near 30 on longer trips if it's not LA traffic.

2 oil changes and one tire rotation, just shy of 20k miles on her. Wouldn't trade it for the ridiculous prices that are being offered.

[ezaircon4jc]

Isn't a Frontier the same as a Ranger?

[dscabra]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

Isn't a Frontier the same as a Ranger?

No. The Ford Ranger and Mazda small trucks were the same truck.