Basic work truck

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NavyVet88

NavyVet88

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Who makes a really good and dependable basic work truck? I'm specifically asking about the most basic factory load out model between ford Toyota Chevy dodge etc. the ones with no power windows, no touch screen navigation, none of the fancy stuff.

If I was in the market for a good work truck, who would you reccomend and why? Im asking because they are the cheapest price wise and I don't need all the other bells and whistles. I just want a truck.

I did drive a 2013 F150 XL with the 3.7L Eco boost and I liked it. It was plenty roomy inside for me it held up to the job very well(security) where it literally ran 24/7.
 
Up by me if you want a new one, you would probably have to order it brand new from the factory.

If you don't mind well used and abused, there is a large pool company that usually has a few of these for sale.
 
Originally Posted By: NavyVet88
Who makes a really good and dependable basic work truck? I'm specifically asking about the most basic factory load out model between ford Toyota Chevy dodge etc. the ones with no power windows, no touch screen navigation, none of the fancy stuff.

If I was in the market for a good work truck, who would you reccomend and why? Im asking because they are the cheapest price wise and I don't need all the other bells and whistles. I just want a truck.

I did drive a 2013 F150 XL with the 3.7L Eco boost and I liked it. It was plenty roomy inside for me it held up to the job very well(security) where it literally ran 24/7.

A stripper reg cab 2wd truck is going to be pretty cheap on the used lot I believe? I'd start there and start making low-ball offers, maybe one has been sitting for quite a while? A 4 cyl manual would be even cheaper if its not a toyota.
 
Originally Posted By: RISUPERCREWMAN
Look into the Tradesman line of Trucks from Ram. I have a 2500 & love it. Does the work needed & no useless frills to pay for.


I have been eyeballing these for awhile actually. I don't know about the dial transmission though.

Tradesman 1500*
 
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They all make a basic work truck trim level, but most dealers don't keep them in stock. You need to find a dealer that specializes in commercial/fleet sales. There's one Ford dealer near me that only sells trucks and does mostly commercial and fleet sales. They always have a bunch of the work truck models in stock.
 
The trouble is few dealers stock them, and if you don't want a white one, you will have to order it.
Second problem is the deals are usually for extended cab models, and with a fair option load, including 4x4 in many cases. In the end, some of those trucks are cheaper than a plain jane 2wd model you have to order and wait for, and with few discounts available.
 
If reliability is the principal concern, I would recommend the Tundra. Interesting thread on Tundratalk about towing. One very ardent Toyota supporter had the data/experience. http://www.tundratalk.net/forums/tundra-...king-ranch.html

I was impressed by the Ram, Silverado, and the F-150. Ultimately, I bought the Tundra because reliability was my main concern. The Tundra doesn't ride quite as well, isn't as fuel efficient, and doesn't have quite the features at the same price point as the other three, but it holds resale better and has better reliability ratings.

I'll say this: all of them make great trucks.
 
Originally Posted By: Miller88
Does the Tundra even come in a single cab / long bed configuration?
I've seen one in short bed; maybe there is a RCLB option. They certainly are rare, and since they don't seem to have made it into fleet sales, probably not apt to become any more popular.

They look really odd in four door and long bed--that is not common around here, although I have seen one on a dealer lot, new.

I had a couple of RC's (albeit mini truck) and I wouldn't go back to one. EC, maybe. Where I daily drive mine the extra door to toss the laptop/bags/groceries/shopping in is just too useful. If I was working with the truck, maybe, although a backseat area is still out of the rain for tools etc.

Just a slight devil's advocate. There are too few RCLB's on the road.
 
Fly out to LA and buy the F-150 of your desires off Craigslist in a single weekend. Drive it home. Anything you want from a new one sold two years ago to a 1973 Camper Special. Prolly 500 for sale on any given day. Parts are everywhere and so are Ford dealers if you get in a pinch. Independent tuner shops in most big towns that can work on Ford EFI all day any day. Diesels if you want them. Tradesmans Beds if you want that.

Why anyone would buy a new truck just to start loading lumber and rocks and plants and firewood I'll never understand... If it's really going to go to work, why take the hit on the first weeks depreciation?
 
My dad was coming down to visit, I asked him if he'd help me do some work on my car, he bought me a truck instead
blush.gif
 
Originally Posted By: itguy08
There is a reason Ford sells the most of 'em, closely followed by GM. When time is $$ you buy what is dependable.


I agree, Though Ford vs GM is a toss-up when you add Chevy & GMC together.

The Tundra is a good truck....But we are not comparing Cars here, Toyota doesn't win by default. They don't even offer 3/4 or 1 ton versions which pretty much washes them out of the "real" work truck category.
 
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