Pickup Decisions...

[ruthiebaby88]

When buying a heavy beasty pickup, are you more concerned about it's age or it's mileage?

Would you prefer a 95 with 75,000 miles over a 2004 with 130,000?

Useful life for gas vs. diesel? For me useful life means it has no more than the occasional problem crop up and things are not falling off when I touch them (like in my old Honda). It means I don't have to think about my vehicle too much besides getting the routine maintenance and listening for things that go bump. I'm ok with checking fluids once a day - but don't mant to have to add oil frequently or pour water in the radiator or things like that.

How much would you sacrifice to get a diesel over a gas engine?

[DCBarger]

My DW gets a new car about every 10 years, but I always buy used. Take your time, try to buy from the original owner and see how they take care of their stuff. Worked out for me so far. My DD is a 05 Tahoe I bought 3 years ago with 70k, got 130k on it now with only scheduled maintenance. My current dually I bought just over a year ago with 40k on it. Its a 2000, gas 454 that obviously never got driven. Would love to have a new diesel dually but with 2 kids in college, not in the budget. Used works for me....

[ruthiebaby88]

Wow - that one was a survivor!

[hotrodfords]

Just a data point for you on what sound engineering and proper maintenance can do: My dad has an '89 Chevy 2500 light duty 3/4 ton he bought new in 1989. It was put to pasture 3 years ago with 435,000 miles on it, 350 small block/overdrive.

The heads were not off the shortblock until 7 years ago when it passed 380,000. It still has the original, un-rebuilt shortblock in it (it is however dead now). The first trans went out at 180,000 and he got around 100,000 on each trans after the original. Rear differential was rebuilt at 280,000. New radiator every 100,000 miles (glued together, not a great design), new intake manifold every 180-200K (they warp). Fuel pumps around 130k.

It was used in our family run/sole proprietor machine shop. We routinely put 3k lbs in the bed and drove the snot out of it. One month we put 10,000 miles on it - dad was chasing new customers out of state.

Dad was absolutely anal about 3,000 mile oil change intervals and it was serviced at the same trans shop every year almost it's whole life.

My point here is "older" doesn't mean "done", and I wouldn't hesitate to buy a truck with 80K on it and plan on driving it another 100K if you know what you're looking at.

Good luck in your endeavor.

[ruthiebaby88]

Thank you for the feedback!

[Farmerjon]

We bought our 87 f250, gas 460 when it was 9 years old and it had around 100,000 miles on it and it had a fifth wheel hitch in the back. it was in very good shape and we used it for hauling alot of very heavy loads , Over 20,000 lbs with a goose neck and over 12,000 with the bumper pull. and we didn't replace it until 2002, when we bought our 2000 f350. We still use that 87 for short distance hauling, under 50 miles ,
The 2000 we bought it with 78,000 miles on it but it was in excellent shape at 2 years old.
Those 2 trucks were trouble free and very good buys.
Now we broke the trend and bought a new truck because It's probably my last truck and I wanted the 6.7 with that new exhaust brake .
But one key that has worked for us is we have always bought the best truck we could afford with out any payments.

[Reddog1]

A blowout can scare you with an empty truck. Depends on the circumstances.

Wayne

[work2fish]

Reddog1 wrote:

If you are willing too max out your credit, live beyond your means, live pay day to payday, there has been lots of valuable information here. I also ask, what is your yearly income? Is this your only interest in life? Are you willing to dedicate your future on payments which include 18% or more interest?

I don't know anybody who would have to pay 18% these days except those with very poor credit. My last vehicle loan was at 2.5%, for example.

Now, if you are nervous about the payload, why not step it up to a 1-ton? I don't think the cost should be that much more and you won't feel like you're skirting the payload limits.

I own a relatively new diesel and had a gas truck before this (no camper on the latter, though). The main reason for getting a diesel is the camper + boat + family + mountains lifestyle I have here in Colorado. I couldn't be happier, but I have not had to make any repairs. There are sensors in the truck that tell me when I need an oil change and they have been ~7,000 miles apart both times. Lots of oil, this is true, but this truck is a beast and is worth it.

I have lots of experience buying used cars for myself and others in the family. I rely on a set of emailed questions (I can PM you those if you want), the Carfax report (I like vehicles with two owners or less) and a followup phone call to get a sense of this person's integrity. The last thing is often the most important: finding out whether or not the owner kept full maintenance records. This tells me both the repair history of the vehicle and gives me a sense of whether or not the owner takes care of his/her stuff.

Good luck on your search,
Mike

[yosemiteford]

ruthiebaby88 wrote:


Was at the dealer today and told that a 3/4 ton could carry anything less than 9.5 feet and not to worry about the weight. 'Everybody's doing it!'

I purchased a Lance 1010 and very happy with it, but if I had the option of repurchasing I would go smaller and lighter. My dealer said the same thing, but I've had a blowout that scared me. A lighter camper would give me a little bit self assurance. I am about 800 pounds over when wet.

[DieselBurps]

Listen to Reddog, he's driving an immaculate 12 valve Cummins! I own two, and my father owns one also. They will provide protection against any EMP strikes as well;)

[Reddog1]

ruthiebaby88 wrote:
With these heavy duty vehicles, is there anything in particular to watch out for that would tell you that it has been pushed harded than it should? I know a lot of people out there don't care about their tow ratings and work those trucks pretty hard. ...

In my opinion, you are getting close. I have stated what I have, and it has not been challenged. Why? Does it not work? Is it because it does not smell new?

At the risk of my post being deleted, it is my opinion that most people's choice in buying trucks and TCs is based on monkey see, monkey do. This comes from manufactures sales hype, like "best in its class". Personally, I would be interested in knowing someones background before I followed their lead. No disrespect intended, but I gotta say if someone has never changed their own oil, for what ever reason, I question their knowledge on that subject.

If you are willing too max out your credit, live beyond your means, live pay day to payday, there has been lots of valuable information here. I also ask, what is your yearly income? Is this your only interest in life? Are you willing to dedicate your future on payments which include 18% or more interest?

Wayne

[ruthiebaby88]

With these heavy duty vehicles, is there anything in particular to watch out for that would tell you that it has been pushed harded than it should? I know a lot of people out there don't care about their tow ratings and work those trucks pretty hard.

I get worried when I see trailer brakes or a 5th wheel frame in the bed, but I guess not too many people buy these unless they want to move something heavy.

Was at the dealer today and told that a 3/4 ton could carry anything less than 9.5 feet and not to worry about the weight. 'Everybody's doing it!'

Even the camper manufacturers brochures tell indicate that the lighter models are made for 3/4 ton or even 1/2 ton trucks. However, when you add 1000# to the wet weight for passengers and stuff, its pretty hard to stay under the truck manufacturers written recommendation. Maddening. I suppose it would help if I got a regular cab, but what fun would that be?

[twodownzero]

wintersun wrote:
A diesel is great for towing 12,000 pound and heavier trailers. For camper use it is like having a Hummer to go grocery shopping. With a gas engine it does help greatly to have low 4.10 or 3.73 gears so the engine can spend more time in its power band without a lot of gear changes.

I would go with the new truck which is going to have air bags, ABS breaks, and often a 5-speed or 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a 4-speed. The extra speeds are overdrive gears.

It is also easier to find OEM and aftermarket parts for a newer truck, and that includes a situation where you need a water pump or alternator replaced when out on a camping trip.

I would be careful to note both the gears used (check using the VIN) and the capacity of the gas tank. Many older trucks have 26 gallon tanks while newer ones can have 36 gallon and the extra 10 gallons translates into more range before filling up again and when hauling a camper the MPG will be at its worst.

Diesel engines cost more to buy and twice as much to maintain and four times as much to repair. Easy enough to check the cost of a head gasket replacement or new set of fuel injectors for a diesel engine- it will be a shock but better to get it now than when you have a truck that needs to be repaired.

Diesels also require more frequent oil changes and fuel filter changes and need two batteries for starting. There are also far fewer places that can do diesel repairs which is again a factor when out on the road on trips.

This is a bunch of nonsense. The CLEAR choice of commercial use is diesel. It isn't because of loyalty. It's because it makes sense--because of fuel costs and durability.

No new truck comes with a 4 speed transmission anymore so that is moot as well.

No pickup made in the last 40 years does not have a water pump or alternator available at every parts store in america.

Diesel engines cost more to buy because the way they create combustion requires a much heavier duty engine. The consequence is that they are made to last MUCH longer than their gas counterparts.

Diesel engines do not need more frequent oil changes per the manual. They will require more oil when the oil is changed. The fuel filters do need to be changed regularly, at least at every second oil change or so. The two batteries in my truck that came with it in April of 2005 when I bought it are still in it; I'm not sure why the fact that it has two batteries makes any material difference.

I can't imagine paying what they want for a new truck these days but if I did, I sure as hell wouldn't buy one with a gasoline engine. No commercial vehicle made to carry a load would use a gas engine. Maybe if I only kept my vehicles for a few years, it'd be different, but I drove to work this morning in a vehicle that I bought when I was 19 years old; perhaps others have money to burn.

[wintersun]

A diesel is great for towing 12,000 pound and heavier trailers. For camper use it is like having a Hummer to go grocery shopping. With a gas engine it does help greatly to have low 4.10 or 3.73 gears so the engine can spend more time in its power band without a lot of gear changes.

I would go with the new truck which is going to have air bags, ABS breaks, and often a 5-speed or 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a 4-speed. The extra speeds are overdrive gears.

It is also easier to find OEM and aftermarket parts for a newer truck, and that includes a situation where you need a water pump or alternator replaced when out on a camping trip.

I would be careful to note both the gears used (check using the VIN) and the capacity of the gas tank. Many older trucks have 26 gallon tanks while newer ones can have 36 gallon and the extra 10 gallons translates into more range before filling up again and when hauling a camper the MPG will be at its worst.

Diesel engines cost more to buy and twice as much to maintain and four times as much to repair. Easy enough to check the cost of a head gasket replacement or new set of fuel injectors for a diesel engine- it will be a shock but better to get it now than when you have a truck that needs to be repaired.

Diesels also require more frequent oil changes and fuel filter changes and need two batteries for starting. There are also far fewer places that can do diesel repairs which is again a factor when out on the road on trips.

[bcbouy]

i bought my 2012 2500 from a leasing company 5 months ago.it had complete service records,no damage claims and a warranty till 2017.52 thousand kilometers on the odometer,and the hour meter was reasonable. over 20 grand less than a new one.i looked a a diesel for 8 grand more but i really dont need that much torque.sure a diesel lasts longer than the hemi,but will the truck last for 300,000 miles?i don't think so.up here gas is cheaper than diesel by around 15 cents a litre.makes no sense to buy new when you can get a really good pre owned if you look around.i found an f250 almost the same as the ram,for even cheaper.the wife liked the ram better

[Dakota98]

jimh425 wrote:
Chevy's are strong than a Ford & especially a GMC? There must be a typo somewhere. 🙂 Aren't the GMCs and Chevys the same? What do you mean by stronger?

Since we're talking used trucks here.
That's what I'd like to know.

apparently they are. OP seems to think so.

I guess it comes down to whether we are doing a REAL comparison of available used trucks to buy in our area or doing online basic information searches & not knowing the difference. apples > apples / apples > to oranges or walnuts > nuts. They're all fruits, aren't they ?

or maybe even, ---- just knowing that GMC & Chevy are both GENERAL MOTORS, How can it be. 😉

I'm still trying to figure out if I should be using Nitrogen in my front tires and air in my back tires. It's a Dodge, does that make a difference ? :B