need advice buying new truck

[1 FMF]

current truck is 1989 F250 with 7.3L diesel and needs to go.

I'm considering Ford, Dodge, Chevy, and GMC 1/2 ton pickups. I'd like to keep price around $25000, and no higher than $27k.

My requirements are 8' bed and 4-wheel drive. I prefer the larger 5 liter v-8's over the smaller 4 liter for the various models. And I'd like an extended cab if price permits, otherwise I can live with a std cab. It'll have the tow pkg so I can at least haul a 20' bayliner, weight w/trailer about 2800 lbs. And occassionally a 24' at around 6000 lbs, but that's only 1/10 of a mile from house to boat ramp on neighborhood street.

What was interesting, is I did a recall and TSB lookup at owbersite.com on 2004 models: F150, Ram1500, Silverado1500, and GMC sierra.
Here's how that count breaks down:

code:

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04 Recall 04/03/02 TSB



F150 1 29/ 43/ 87

Ram 2 2/ 0/ 1

Silverado 4 164/259/220

Sierra 4 155/247/220

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Silverado and Sierra are GM products and most recalls and tsb's were the same for each. That doesn't give me too much confidence in GM products. Aside from the front end looks of the new F150, that seemed to be the best deal, with dodge a close second. Can anyone comment on the reliability of these two trucks? What's good and what's bad about them? My main concerns are that I am able to service and maintain the truck myself. And which would have the most reliable auto transmission, and differential? It would be nice if I could get a manual with the 5-liter V-8's. Dodge forces the auto on you with the hemi.

 

[JohnBrowning]

A guy I work with just got a 2004 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4x4 short box 5.7 Hemi V8 for $25,000 Dollars new. We get a suplier discount so that might have helped. Dodge is hurting right now and they are hungry for sales. If you can walk away from the table then you can make a good deal. Get the invoice information and do your home work. I think you get more functional bang for the buck with Dodge!

 

[c_rossman]

I think you can get a better deal finding one that is about 2-3 years old, Probably save you about $8000 easy. Most bugs are worked out by this time anyways so less trips back to the dealer and just fix it yourself.

 

[jorton]

I like Ford but maintenance is difficult because the engine is located low and close to the fire wall. Replacing spark plugs is about a 5 hour job on the 5.4 and one fuel rail has to be removed.
Buying a truck thats 2-3 years old is a good idea. Get it at the dealer and pruchase an extended powertrain warranty with it for paece of mind.

 

[msparks]

I can't believe your not getting another diesel.

If you were to narrow it down to diesels the Cummins would get my vote. I don't like the 6.0 PSD it has had some problems in the last year.

I don't know if you will like the fuel economy of any of the current gasoline trucks. It seems all the auto makers are bigger is better. With no regards to fuel economy.

Go with the 2500 Dodge with the cummins turbo diesel.

 

[buster]

I'd definitely go with the Dodge. You get more for your money. I'm waiting until the fall when they clear out 2004's. In the mean time, I'm paying off some debt. The 5.7 Hemi is an awesome engine. Not sure how reliable it is yet bc it's new, but it has a ton of power.

 

[Robbie Alexander]

quote:

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Originally posted by msparks:
I can't believe your not getting another diesel.
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Maybe he's waiting for the new Toyota's comming in a few years.


If you were to narrow it down to diesels the Cummins would get my vote. I don't like the 6.0 PSD it has had some problems in the last year.
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Good choice with Cummings


I don't know if you will like the fuel economy of any of the current gasoline trucks. It seems all the auto makers are bigger is better. With no regards to fuel economy.

Go with the 2500 Dodge with the cummins turbo diesel.

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Like another responded, .... DO the research and see what it tells you. Make an informed decision and have no regrets no matter what the outcome.

Every MFG has their own problems and advantages. Select the ones that buttress your goals and desires the best.

I have known several WRECKERS that say it does not matter in their line of work, it is all about what you like, because diesel or gasoline, in a HD truck it all works out about te same/.... 240-360K it's time to retire the normal truck on the market...
Based on that alone, I'd say pick a HD truck that has benefits you like and treat it right and you should be fine.