Pondering a Pickup...

[seeker_two]

I think I've hit the point where I'll soon need to trade in my trusty Frontier for something a bit larger....something in the half-ton, extended cab range...probably 1-2yrs used. I've looked at the players, and my top three end up being the Tundra, the Silverado, and the F-150...however, I kinda like the Rams (despite hearing of some mechanical problems). It's mainly going to be my commuter vehicle (so good gas mileage is a must), but I do need the bed space for moving light "Home Depot" type loads, brush & limbs, and the occasional furniture (my wife has plans....evil plans    ). No heavy towing in mind, so a V-6 is good...don't mind a V-8 if the gas mileage is good....

What do you all think? Which do you prefer?

Also....does anyone here have any experience with the variable displacement engines that Chevy & Dodge use on their trucks? Are they worth having?....or should I just stick to the regular engines.

Thanks in advance.....   

[Ranger Dave]

FORD
Family has owned them for years no problem

[Timothy]

Believe it or not, I have a Ranger with a V6 and have put nearly 1500 lbs into the bed with no real problem.  I get 20+ mph and saved nearly 10 grand over a base F-150....going on 7 years now and have only had to repair the flex-tube part of the exhaust and replace the rear shocks.  Both of which I was able to do myself.

It's my wifes daily driver so the mileage is low but since you're not planning on towing, if you don't mind the ride of a small truck, the Ranger might work for you.

I won't give GM or Chrysler another dime of my money! 

The Tundra is a great truck but so is the Tacoma....again for what you're using it for, why buy the larger of them?

[shooter32]

I have an 02 Tundra and love the thing!  4.7 V8  TRD 4X4. Other than routine maintenance and a set of tires, I've had NO problems.  18 in town and 24 highway.  The ride of the Tundra is also a big plus.

[tfr270]

Get as much truck as you can in the range you want. I'm a Ford fan. I drive an F-150 Supercab FX4 2004. The V-8 engines are the way to go. You will be disappointed in a V-6. My two "do overs" in the truck would be to go ahead and get the SuperCrew cab and get a column shifter instead of the flow through console with the "stick" shift. If you are looking for a used truck 1-2 years old I'd get a 2008 F-150 Supercrew cab with the V-8.

[Sponsor]

[JC5123]

Currently driving the '08 Tundra. Best vehicle I have EVER owned. Half ton with 5.7L V8 and a six speed transmission. 17City, and 23 Hwy. The Transmission is a huge plus, basically what they did was take the Allison Trans and tweek it just enough to avoid patent infringement. Works like a dream. Also the engine pumps out a lot of power. 381hp and 401fp Torque. Warranty is not a s good as some, but Toyota has long been know for quality and longevity. Not to mention that Obummer doesn't control them.

[Timothy]

Tundra owners.....take notice...as well as other models....

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx

[tombogan03884]

Toyota Tundra provides AMERICAN JOBS. they are built in the Bay area of Ca.

[Badgersmilk]

Get the Toyota IMO.  Why support UAW producing an inferior, over cost product?

ALL manufactures have had recalls, but at least as a whole the Japanese produduct is worthwhile.  We all know it's sad but true.

[JC5123]

Tundra owners.....take notice...as well as other models....

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx

I looked really close at this, but I really don't see how this could be an issue, unless you are prone to putting the accelerator all the way to the floor. Of course, I don't have all weather floor mats either, so I guess it's not a problem for me.