New Truck recommendation

[Gillsy]

Hi all. I have a Pilot and a Camry. Recent circumstances require me to get rid of my Camry and replace it with something that has more utility. A pickup truck seems to fit the bill. 80% of the time this will be used for mall crawler duty, but I will need to drive on poor mountain dirt roads occasionally and pull a small trailer (5k lbs or less) on those roads. There will be snow and mud on those roads too. I'm a fairly big boy with long legs, and like my comfort. I'll also need the truck to fit at least 5 people. I typically keep my vehicles for a long time (at least 200K, but typically 250K miles) and hate repairs, so reliability is probably my #1 criteria. I had a 2021 chevy 3.0 diesel for a while, but the noises that thing made WHILE THE ENGINE WAS OFF scared the hell out of me (clicks, whistles and rumbles when I approached it with the key in my pocket), so fearing eventual electrical gremlins I sold it--plus the price of diesel in my area was 25% higher than gas, negating the mpg advantage. F-150s are too dam expensive, Tundra turbos are now junk, and I don't fit in Tacomas. I'm thinking of a 4x4 Frontier SV, or a base model Chevy extended cab with the 2.7L turbo. I know nothing about Ram, other than the fact it's a Dodge made by some someone with a less than stellar reputation. FYI, I have no "little guy, big truck" ego. So, what the heck should I buy?

In my lifetime, I've owned the following, 84 F150, 86 Mazda B2200, 89 1/2 ton Silverado, 03 GMC 1/2 ton, 05 GMC 1/2 ton, 2010 Frontier, 2016 F150, 2018 F150, 2019 Titan, and a 2021Ram 1500 with 5.7 hemi. The Ram is the very best I've ever owned with a current 44,000 miles. If I had to buy another new truck tomorrow, it would be a Ram (not interested in the 3 liter Hurricane). Some have suggested the new style Frontier. The two things I really hated in mine was too much heat from the vents while my feet were still cold (dealer verified proper operation), and the large turning radius. It was a PITA to park. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[meep]

The Ridgeline is AWD.

Yes….. but you’ve got to look at what the back axle is rated for. That same (? Similar?) system in the mdx has a limited torque output through the magnetic axle clutches before they slip. It’s something like 145 ft/lbs per half shaft on the MDX, which gives a total thrust (hand math) of 220 pounds or so. I’d be hopeful they might eek a bit more out in the RL…. Hopefully a lot more, but if it’s the Same system then it’s good for helping in rain and snow but not rain and snow and an extra 5000 lbs.

 

[rbk777]

The Ridgeline is pretty much the Pilot with a different body. From personal experience, it will shake itself apart if you frequent rough mountain roads. I don't mean to offend anyone, but it's basically a station wagon that looks like a truck--not for serious use.

 

[rbk777]

Just realized I never posted what I got--went with a Ridgeline Sport AWD after all. Did a lot of research and realized that my mountain road trips would be relatively few when all is said and done, and thus the Ridgeline was all the truck I needed. The tie breaker was the back seat---it puts the Frontier's to shame. And commuting in a 2500HD was just too over the top for me. The build quality and reliability reputation of the Honda are 2nd to none as well (I've owned several Honda v6s before, and all have gone 200K+ miles with no repairs). So I guess I'll eat my words in the above post. Funny how one's opinions can change based on time and circumstance.

 

[burbguy82]

Just realized I never posted what I got--went with a Ridgeline Sport AWD after all. Did a lot of research and realized that my mountain road trips would be relatively few when all is said and done, and thus the Ridgeline was all the truck I needed. The tie breaker was the back seat---it puts the Frontier's to shame. And commuting in a 2500HD was just too over the top for me. The build quality and reliability reputation of the Honda are 2nd to none as well (I've owned several Honda v6s before, and all have gone 200K+ miles with no repairs). So I guess I'll eat my words in the above post. Funny how one's opinions can change based on time and circumstance.

i think that is a great choice, but i also think that many peoples opinion on what a truck is, does not typically include a ridgeline. They are cool though, good luck to you

 

[Kira]

went with a Ridgeline Sport AWD after all.

Best of luck with it.
What year and mileage?
No, I didn't go back and read the entire thread to see if you were a "new vehicle only" shopper.

 

[goingplacesanddoingstuff]

Just realized I never posted what I got--went with a Ridgeline Sport AWD after all. Did a lot of research and realized that my mountain road trips would be relatively few when all is said and done, and thus the Ridgeline was all the truck I needed. The tie breaker was the back seat---it puts the Frontier's to shame. And commuting in a 2500HD was just too over the top for me. The build quality and reliability reputation of the Honda are 2nd to none as well (I've owned several Honda v6s before, and all have gone 200K+ miles with no repairs). So I guess I'll eat my words in the above post. Funny how one's opinions can change based on time and circumstance.

This shows remarkable scout-mindedness. Good on you!

 

[Exhaustgases]

Kenworth or Peterbuilt, you can pretty much spec everything you want on one. Ya asked for a Truck recommend.

 

[rbk777]

Best of luck with it.
What year and mileage?
No, I didn't go back and read the entire thread to see if you were a "new vehicle only" shopper.

2025, for $38,250 excluding tax/registration fees.

 

[Cujet]

F150 STX 2.7L. Really hard to beat that deal right now. Reliable plenty powerful and priced right

 

[Cujet]

Why bother with a half ton when a 3/4 ton is better long term and within reach for his mountain roads.

I thought the same thing until I drove the 250/2500 trucks for a bit on rough roads. Tough to take for a guy who expects quiet comfort

 

[CKN]

Hi all. I have a Pilot and a Camry. Recent circumstances require me to get rid of my Camry and replace it with something that has more utility. A pickup truck seems to fit the bill. 80% of the time this will be used for mall crawler duty, but I will need to drive on poor mountain dirt roads occasionally and pull a small trailer (5k lbs or less) on those roads. There will be snow and mud on those roads too. I'm a fairly big boy with long legs, and like my comfort. I'll also need the truck to fit at least 5 people. I typically keep my vehicles for a long time (at least 200K, but typically 250K miles) and hate repairs, so reliability is probably my #1 criteria. I had a 2021 chevy 3.0 diesel for a while, but the noises that thing made WHILE THE ENGINE WAS OFF scared the hell out of me (clicks, whistles and rumbles when I approached it with the key in my pocket), so fearing eventual electrical gremlins I sold it--plus the price of diesel in my area was 25% higher than gas, negating the mpg advantage. F-150s are too dam expensive, Tundra turbos are now junk, and I don't fit in Tacomas. I'm thinking of a 4x4 Frontier SV, or a base model Chevy extended cab with the 2.7L turbo. I know nothing about Ram, other than the fact it's a Dodge made by some someone with a less than stellar reputation. FYI, I have no "little guy, big truck" ego. So, what the heck should I buy?

I saw your original post on this-and yes all these noises were normal and explained in other places.
I have a 2023 Silverado-and it makes many of the same noises when I turn it off-all Silverado's do. Out of curiosity-did you ever pursue EXACTLY what they were?
So- my recommendation is something twenty years old or a Nissan Titan. But contrary to what others will post-there is still plenty of electronics in that as well.

 

[CKN]

I considered the Titan-still am. Why do these things sell in such low numbers?

Nissan Dealers are the worst-and they are 10 year old power train technology.

 

[super20dan]

at this point 10 year old powertrain tech is a big plus!

 

[meep]

Just realized I never posted what I got--went with a Ridgeline Sport AWD after all. Did a lot of research and realized that my mountain road trips would be relatively few when all is said and done, and thus the Ridgeline was all the truck I needed. The tie breaker was the back seat---it puts the Frontier's to shame. And commuting in a 2500HD was just too over the top for me. The build quality and reliability reputation of the Honda are 2nd to none as well (I've owned several Honda v6s before, and all have gone 200K+ miles with no repairs). So I guess I'll eat my words in the above post. Funny how one's opinions can change based on time and circumstance.

Glad you got what you want. I also downsized from a half ton to a Tacoma and have been pleased with the change. There are a few things I do which I’ll have to re-figure out how to do with the smaller bed, but in most ways I’ve been fine with the smaller truck and a 15% savings at the pump. I do miss the ford on the interstate however - the full-size dominated there in terms of comfort over speed.

My widow-neighbor has a silver gen1 RL from her late husband. She still takes care of it and drives it a couple of times a month for a 3 hour round trip. If she tires of it, I might be tempted to make her an offer - for a small project vehicle or maybe something to go through and sell to someone else or perhaps fix up with my son. Right now, however, it keeps her connected to her late husband and she benefits from having it.

 

[Sienna dude]

Frontier with the V6