Used pickup truck recommendations

[huntershaven]

I am beginning a search for a used pickup truck that will be used as my main transportation in the Yuma, Arizona area while my girlfriend completes a chaplaincy program she hopes to get into (out of three other locations - Witchita, Kansas City and St. Louis) and it will be a year long program.

Currently I live in central Missouri and so does one of my parents, though we both have family in eastern Kansas. She has some family in Yuma.

My concerns are a dependable driver for roughly 1,600 mile one way trips from Yuma back to the eastern KS-western MO area and then the same back to Yuma without complaints. I also need something that has weight capacity as we will need to carry what we need to take there and have it fit back in if we might move to a new job for her after she completes the program.

I also need something that is either easily worked on, even if it has fuel injection, or I need something that will run a very long time between major maintenance jobs where I can care for the smaller regular maintenance items myself.

The truck needs to be comfortable for long distance trips, if not in the ride, at least in room and well built seats.

Mandatory features are a reliable manual transmission, at least air conditioning for desert environments, good power to pull through the mountains with little trouble and a high payload capacity. I will likely put a camper shell on it for out of the elements storage, but may use a trailer to move extra cargo.

I have some time to find one, but I want to know what to look for and what things to avoid in the way of problems that may not be easily apparent on a used vehicle.

Aside from four wheel drive, air conditioning, cruise control and a decent radio with cassette or CD, the truck doesn't have to be fancy for me. While fuel economy is a concern, I wouldn't buy a pickup as a fuel sipper, I am buying it as a heavy hauler and long distance all weather/terrain cruiser.

My girlfriend has a 95 Toyota Corolla for her daily driver and she would have that for her work. I may pick up a motorcycle for mine for the Yuma area, so fuel economy is not as much a concern as reliability and ruggedness.

What would you all recommend?

[American_Infidel]

1-ton Chevy.

[lost1]

I have been using Dodge trucks for many years. Many times they are not as comfortable as Chevy or Ford, but it seems they always get you there. It seems to me that the Dodges are a little less expensive (used) than the others. When I think about the number of Dodges sold compared to the Ford and Chevy sales there are many less of the Dodges sitting along side the road. If comfort is a big issue think about the comfort afforded when walking miles down the road from a stalled truck. I have tried all of them and would rather drive a Dodge running on three cylinders than walk away from a good looking, easy riding Ford or Chevy siting there looking pretty.

[MYellowRose]

If you can go with a small one I recommend a Toyota Tacoma. If you need the larger one I'd opt for a Tundra. They are an excellent vehicle and very reliable on the road. They also have an excellent reputation regarding maintenance and breakdowns. Like anything though you do need to keep up the preventive maintenance.
I had a Tacoma back in the '00/'01 time period and drove it from here, San Antonio, up through OK, over to St.Louis area, then on to a small town in NE IN, don't remember the name of the town. I then came back the same way except for a side trip down into the Ozarks, this was in August '00. In February '01 I went from here to Dixon Springs, TN, just northeast of Nashville. On the way back I went up to the St.Louis area again, then came south and home. I didn't hit a lot of snow and of course the roads were kept clear but I didn't have any trouble on either trip. Oh yes, I DID NOT have 4 wheel drive on it. I did make sure to have the oil changed as soon as I returned home both times.
I found the truck very comfortable and usually got 25-27 mpg on both trips. I think it's a very road worthy vehicle and if I decide to get another pickup I'll opt for another Tacoma.
Good luck with finding something you like.

[DM]

Everyone has there own idea what pu is best and to be honest it will end up being what's been best for "them"... I'm no different, i've owned Ford, Chevy, and Dodge so i'll tell you what's worked best for me, and what "i" would buy... (i have 3 pu's right now)

I'd be looking for a 81 to 87 3/4 ton Chevy or a 81 to 92 1 ton Chevy... I picked those years because they have less computer controls in them. I picked Chevy because they have by far been the most reliable for ME. They also have the most parts available for them, and have the best interchangability between years. On "average", equilly equiped, the Chevy will use a little less fuel than the others too.

If your going for something newer, i'd still stay with a Chevy....

I didn't pick the Toyota because it's smaller, has less carrying capacity and cost more to work on and have fixed....

To be honest, you will have to find the pu's in your area that are in good shape and then make your choise.

Good luck with your pu hunt!

DM

[huntershaven]

I think, given the variety of terrain and climates I will be facing, regardless of where I will go to relocate with my girlfriend, I'd like to have four wheel drive for winter weather.

Road riding comfort is not so big for me as even my 1994 Mercury Sable rides rough after more than 150,000 miles. What I do want to know is, in 1-ton model pickups only, which brand (Ford, Dodge, Chevy/GMC) has the best four wheel drive system in terms of reliability and easy of repair by someone outside of a dealer garage?

Also, I know I prefer all mechanical controls (hubs and transfer case engagement) for reliability and simplicity, but is that all it is cracked up to be? What manufacturer and model of transfer case and hubs should I look for, if that is even a concern?

Also, if I am looking for a 1-ton in particular, which engine displacements are the most reliable, torque powerful and easiest to work on in the Chevy/GMC, Dodge and Ford 1-ton product lines?

Yes, I did read all the above posts. I'm just trying to get as much information as I can just in case I can't find a decent quality Chevy 1-ton but can find a Ford or Dodge.

I also know that diesels add a premium to the used market value and the wallet to fuel up and maintain in oil changes, but I think I'd tend to one over a gasoline engine. However, I don't know the build quality of the current and past offerings. Can anyone help me there?

Thanks so far for the information. It's very helpful.

[jim]

In a couple of years, I'm going to need another PU, and want a full sized 1/2 ton. I'm considering getting an older model and doing a rebuild so that I don't have to purchase a new one. New is way too high, especially for an old fart like me. Might be willing to spend 5K and do the job right.

Right now, I'm trying to decide between a 350ish gasser or an older diesel with a standard. Light pulling ability (2 horse trailer) would be a plus too. Any advice?

jim

[candy]

hubby is a Ford man, but even he has come around to admitting my Toyota Tacoma 4x4 is a sweet little truck.

They go for ever and are not gas hogs.

Hard to find a reasonably priced used one though. People buy them and hang on to the truck. They don't often resale them.

Like Harleys they hold their value.

[DaNgEr_KiTtY]

i have owned ford & chevy pick ups. i cant really say which is the most reliable because people have opinions from their own experience. my 2005 sierra already has a new engine in it at 35,000 miles! sometimes you get a lemon but at least they fixed it at no charge. overall i have had good luck with chevy/gmc. one thing i would do to this truck you are describing is put in an over sized radiator. this will help keep the engine cool while hauling big loads through the desert & mountains.

[Joe]

Hi

I bought a used 96 Dakota wt v6, easiest truck I ever worked on, fuel mileage is decent (truck came with a "California pcm"), except for the fuel injectors, most parts are cheap.

Gm truck are also easy to work on, Ford always seem to need special "ford tools" in my experience

Good luck

[keitholivier]

Huntershaven:

You must be kidding that you would choose a 4x4 pickup for 1600 mile road trips !!!! That sounds like willingly inflicting pain on both your body and your wallet for no good reason.

If you need to haul stuff that far, get a Uhaul trailer and rent it 1 way, unless you already own one.

If you need winter driveability, get an extra set of wheels and fit snow tires, for petes sake ! Just consider that northern europe has a pretty serious winter and virtually nobody has a pick up, let alone a 4x4. If it must be a pickup (a bad choice in my book) then get a 2wd Tacoma. It at least has something less than a rock hard ride and your kidneys will thank you for that.

Pick ups are cramped, uncomfortable, heavy, thirsty beasts. They do the job they were "originally" intended to do just fine, but they do most other things badly. Men generally are too busy trying to be macho to consider their own comfort.

I have a buddy who has gone through life as a serial pickup owner and he once took a trip with me in my Audi A6 and he couldn't believe the difference that it makes sitting in a car that was actually designed to keep you comfortable on long trips. In winter, the heated seats allow the cabin air to be kept cooler thereby avoiding the red eye and stuffy nose syndrome that one normally has with overheated car interiors.

Please at least consider your options. If you can, try to avoid making a commitment to buy until you have done the trip in a rental car similar to what you intend to buy. Otherwise you may be sorry.

[BIGGKIDD]

I have owned the big three chevy dodge ford they are all good trucks if taken care of. Certain years have problems. Like the late 90s dodge transmissions let go. But the 80s modle dodge trans. last for ever. As far as the transfercase & rears they are all made by DANA / SPICER in the heavy trucks that are older. I would HIGHLY recomend diesel if you can stand the noise (thats the only reason I dont have diesel) the millage and reliability are much better. If I had to choose a new used truck right now it would be a mid to late 90s ford 7.3 manual trans 4X4 duelly extended cab but not 4 door they are to long and hard to turn around. The diesl is a must for milage as all my current gas trucks get 10-13mpg while the diesels get over 18 in most cases and as high as 23 I've been told. I own one dodge on ford and one chevy right now and have vary high miles on all and they are all good trucks.
Hope this helps.
Larry

[WileyCoyote]

I have owned Fords and Dodges for many years, but I have never been happier since I bought my Toyota Tundra. Baby is high-rise and can plow thru anything; doesn't get stuck but is heavy enough to provide good wind resistance and stability. She gets 24 MPG on average. Her ride is far superior to any car I've ever owned, even after four years of some really cruel abuse! LOL She will tow anything I put on her without a problem, and I have loaded her bed until just short of scraping the wheel wells with the tires, and she just powers up and goes without dragging or hesitation. When I put my foot in the carbuerator, she LEAPS forward! This is one unstoppable vehicle.

My brother says that most people where he lives (mountainous ID) have left the Chevys, Fords, and Dodges and are switching to Toyota because of durability and longevity. He just dropped the 2 wheel drive tranny out and loaded in a 4-wheel drive from a wrecked Toyota, and it powers down when he needs it in heavy snowfall.

We are now diehard Toy fans!

[Rancher]

Most everyone probably has had experiences with different trucks. I can not comment on all of the makes but I can give my experience.

I bought my first truck in 1948. It was a 2-year old Dodge. I owned one Jeep PU back in 1965. All of my other light trucks have been 3/4-Ton and 1-ton Dodge Trucks. (My heavy trucks have been International, Freightliner, Kenworth and GMC. I do have a Ford F550 that we use on the ranch as our service truck.) Since the late 1950's I have owned two or three light trucks at a time for use on the ranch by myself and the hired men. Most years I owned three but sometimes I owned two. About 25 years ago I decided that at least one of my trucks would be 2-wheel drive since the 4-wheel drive trucks are only needed on the ranch off the road in bad weather. (I now have two trucks, 2-wheel drive, with 4-wheel drive for the others.) Since then I have always owned at least one truck that is 2-wheel drive. That is the one that gets the most miles since it is the one that gets to town, pulls our trailers the most, etc.
Here in Colorado I rotate tires on my light trucks and car every Spring and Fall. In the Fall I install studded snow tires and in the Spring I put on the Summer tires again. Studded snow tires reduce the need for tire chains on our mountain roads and mountain highways, even pulling stock trailers.
Normally I trade light trucks about every 200,000 miles and I have yet to ever wear out any truck that I have owned. After I trade a truck I usually see someone driving it around for some time after I have traded it in for a new one.
We always make sure to service our trucks and machinery on schedule and I keep a detailed, complete service record of every vehicle so I can provide the service record when the vehicle is traded for a new one. I have found that this enhances the trade-in value.
When Dodge came out with the Cummins Diesel engine I have never again bought a gas truck. I still have one but it will be traded before long.
I have no experience with other makes of light trucks but I expect to be a Dodge customer for life so long as Dodge keeps making tough trucks.

[Northern_bushrat]

My suggestion would be a Nissan V6 pick-up, they used to build them with a full-sized box. Can't kill that thing. Super reliable. Mine started finally acting up at age 18, and that's after 6 winters up north with regular cold starts at -20 F temperatures. Fancy new trucks would only cough and die, and this baby would start right up. Great on gravel roads because of low centre of gravity, won't easly roll into the ditch as some other trucks. Also great on gas.

[remington]

KeithO- To me trucks are the most comfortable. It must be the way they sit. I ache all over after a few hour car trip but can sit a pick-up for days

[High_Desert]

When I bought my last truck, an 01 Silverado, I sized it for my driving 99% of the time. Since I am empty 99% of the time, I bought the 1/2 ton with the 325 V8. It rides like a car and to be honest and is very comfortable. When I do need to haul or tow it does fine. Its not a speed demon, but who speeds when you have a trailer on the back.

I have hauled a car trailer with two large pieces of machinery on it over the Cascade mountians and did not have any issues. I shudder to think how much that load weighed. Would a 1 ton have done a better job? you bet, but I don't need a 1 ton except a couple times a year.

Living out in the country, I could not imangine not having a truck.

As a side note, I am in manufacturing and have been studying Toyota for over 10 years. My next truck will be a Tundra based on my faith in how they run their plants and my how they take care of the customer.

Good luck on your search.

HD

[NowKnowYe]

Living in Michigan, I feel a trifle guilty that the small pickup truck I'm leaning towards is the Toyota Tacoma....but I'll get over it eventually... ???

[NowKnowYe]

I done it. I (excuse the pun) will "pick up" my used 2005 Toyota Tacoma this week. Hope I made the right decision.....

[Winston_Smith]

What model Taco did you get? I've been looking for a 02 to 04 double cab 4x4 but as of yet haven't found anything priced realistically. For the price these go for used I almost think it makes more sense to buy new. Hey post pics of your new ride!

[logansackett]

I tend to agree with the 1 ton theory, unless you are going to be doing a lot of towing or hauling its overkill and expensive on fuel. A 3/4 ton will more then cover all your bets. Unless you have some wrenching under your belt, go with a gas engine, you can do a lot on those yourself even on the side of the road. I dont have much expieriance with dodge, but ford and chevy both have readily available parts. I would also recomend older years, they tend to be more reliable and fool proof due to less in the electronics dept. absolutly go with manuel hubs, again more reliable and easier to work on. My personal opinion for what its worth would be 60 to 72 ford f 250 4x4 hi-boy usually I go for standard but for all those miles I recomend auto.

[WRTN]

See if you can find a 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 with the HO Cummins diesel & six speed manual transmission whose owner has already had the fuel injection pump replace with the updated pump and the fuel system from the tank to the injection pump update.

Once these 2 issues are dealt with, these are very reliable and economical trucks. I have had mine since new in August of 2002 and it was getting about 20-22 mpg on the highway.

Since installing a set of 90 hp injectors and Edge EZ the truck gets about 25 mpg on the highway. Locally it gets about 20 mpg.

I bought this particular model because it was the last of this particular body style and the only thing Dodge on the truck is the body and interior. The axles are Dana, transmission & transfer case is built by New Venture, and the engine is built by Cummins. All very reliable and top shelf components.

[NowKnowYe]

Here 'tis....
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll22/smattayou/1933498976.jpg

[NowKnowYe]

Winston_Smith
It's a basic Regular Cab...nothing fancy...my first truck ever!