So I'm not trying to make you mad because I see you said NA only in earlier posts (I didn't want a turbo, either), but I would recommend the new Colorado line. GM over-engineered the heck out of the 2.7L turbo 4 in a good way (https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/gms-2-7l-deep-dive.365475/) and it doesn't require 91 octane fuel. I was a Toyota Tacoma guy, and although I'm only at 13k miles, I haven't looked back. Feel free to ask me any questions!
Midsize truck shopping
- Thread starter dlundblad
- Start date
Full agree, have agreed with that for years.
There was a time when a service boxed 3\4 ton was cheaper than a standard bodied 1\2 ton.
Of course most people buy trucks to be cool only, not to actually do anything with them.
I would note with exception to the new 3.0 Duramax canyon\colorado. Those thing are pretty impressive for what I have seen in power and performance and MPG. Plus small enough to be nimble in town.
Plus 3\4 tons dont have all the BS like the halftons do.
Most people buy trucks to be cool yet a 3/4 ton is suggested here despite it not fitting my needs? I’m confused.
Would you daily a 3/4 ton 500 miles a week?
The point was, a 3\4 ton is much more robust for doing what trucks do, which is hauling and towing. You get a lot more bang for your buck, and none of the issues with AFM, or even emissions testing in most states.
A 1\2 ton is a great option for those wanting something full size and 4wd, for inclimate weather.
Some occasionally want a large bed for hauling, but a nicer ride......I get it. My above statement was for people who tow and haul a lot.
Your needs are what they are. It was not suggestion toward you.
Yes I do and have in the past 15+ years daily drive a 2500 Suburban or 3500. I recently sold the 2500 Suburbans, but still drive my 3500 or K30 to the store or whatever, as long as my wife is not going.
In the past, I did drive 500+ miles a week, in a 3500.
Also, my point was fuel mileage. The newer 3.0 Duramax in the smaller trucks are commonly getting 28 -35 mpg, much more than the 1\2 ton of any maker....still has a bed capable of carrying stuff, and smaller package.
I am not a good example, as I like capability over efficiency.
I can see how a Maverick night be viewed as expensive, they are pretty capable and are really more of an Escape/Bronco Sport with a trunk. It was just a suggestion, a Hybrid would probably get 40-ish MPG which might be nice at 500 miles a week. id have to be a 25 (ie new) to get an AWD Hybrid too.
I personally would probably pick a Nissan out of you original 2 suggestions.
I personally would probably pick a Nissan out of you original 2 suggestions.
Well blow me twice, Cant believe the price on that puppy.
2nd Gen Tacoma. Old enough parts are cheap, Bullet proof drivetrain, Cheap enough to buy, easily upgraded to carplay/ andriod auto radio. What more could you need?
No, but I'm not sure if I want to daily a 1/2T either. The ride I'm sure has gotten better, but it was nice to move from a 2010 Tundra (base not TRD) to a 1999 Camry.
Then again, in today's vehicle wars, driving a Corolla makes me feel like a cockroach. Sitting on the ground, blinded by every poorly designed F150's headlights. And nearly everyone else. Bleh. Miss the utility of a truck, or at least something with a real "trunk".
Was looking at an older Frontier yesterday, trying to justify the low mpg... am a Toyota guy at heart but also a cheapskate.
I have a whole list of older vehicles I would entertain dailying. The issue is finding a clean machine and fighting rust.
Well blow me twice, Cant believe the price on that puppy.
2nd Gen Tacoma. Old enough parts are cheap, Bullet proof drivetrain, Cheap enough to buy, easily upgraded to carplay/ andriod auto radio. What more could you need?
An older Toyota as you and another mentioned or even a GMT400 would be very ideal for me.
Fighting rust is hard... been doing it for a while, and have kinda given up in the last few years. Need to get back to that.
But starting out, one wants the least rust. At least some of the Taco's would come with new frames! but then there's every other piece of hardware.
GMT400... iconic. I think you have to go far, really far, to find one that isn't rusty. Or be prepared to break out the wallet. Love the looks but man, I love ABS in the winter.
We are talking much more money with any sort of 3/4 ton and a diesel 1500. I’ll pass on both. Given my needs, either would be a silly choice.
I’m not sold on the long term ownership of the 3.0 either, but that’s just me. Apparently the 2025 is different/ better, but I’m not willing to find out. I’ve heard good things about the GM 6.6. My employer just bought several vans with this engine. They drive great. I still don’t need a 3/4 though.
I wish GM made a 1500 with the 4.3 ecotec still. I’d definitely entertain that. They still use them in the vans.
Here’s ours. The fact that it’s a 2WD and a manual saved it I think. It belonged to her grandfather. He only put 30k miles on it since buying it in 1996.
The year ranges you are looking at the GM twins have the 3.6L NA engine.
When you need it, you need it. With truck prices sky high these days, mid size truck value is greatly diminished.
Don't know why the 3/4 ton talk is even brought up. A mid sized truck is great for a homeowner that rarely tows, but needs to haul stuff for home improvement projects without hassle. With the smaller footprint they're great to daily and easier to park.
There is always a guy that thinks a 3/4 ton is the right thing for 90% highway solo use and needs it to tow a coleman pop up.
You see these guys in the city parking lots with nothing on the hitch, and nothing in the bed taking up 2 space in parking lots.
Im not anti 3/4 at all - I have one for work at work.
Right tool for the right job.
I can think of exactly zero times I’ve needed a 3/4 ton truck for non work/ home use.
I had a Datsun PU that did tons of work, moved many households to new homes, went to the dump, carried firewood, on and on. Even did a little tree work! I had 3 Toyota pickups, all 22RE engines, that served me well. One made it to over 500K. Our Trusty Tundra is not for sale even though people keep asking.
Ridgeline.
Maybe he wants a "real truck"......you know-one that has "body on frame".....