Originally Posted By: Johnny2Bad
I've always owned a truck since my early 20's ... I'm retired now.
For reliability, I found the GMC/Chevrolet makes to be superior to Ford and Dodge/RAM, but both of those have their fans, and the difference is not massive. If you are careful and buy a good example, that is more important than brand loyalty.
GMC/Chevrolet also have the cheapest replacement parts. Dodge/RAM next, and Ford the most expensive. Again, a truck is probably the least expensive vehicle to own with regard to replacement parts, so this may not be a huge issue for you.
The reason Fords cost more is because for some reason Ford likes to change parts in a very brief cycle, so that a difference of three years in Model Year probably means the parts are not interchangeable. GM tends to use the same part for a long time, making them inexpensive to produce, plus that attracts aftermarket manufacturers because the effective market for a given part is much larger, leading to a greater potential for profit.
I don't find Dodge/RAM parts to be notably expensive from the dealer, but you can't expect the same aftermarket support as you get with GM trucks, so you probably will be buying from the dealer whether you like it or not. There is a cost penalty to that situation.
In a full size truck, you may as well get the small-block V-8 motor ... it doesn't matter whether that's a GM, Ford or Dodge/RAM make. There is not much difference in fuel economy between the small V8's and any V6 (or Ford's inline 6 if you are buying that old), and if you are actually using the truck as a truck ... that is hauling or towing loads ... the V6's struggle and burn more fuel than the V8 does. If you are driving around empty all the time, the V6 might offer a fuel economy advantage, but that begs the question as to why you are driving a truck in the first place.
The Dodge/RAM V6's are decent motors, perhaps the best of the Big3 offerings, it's not about the quality of the unit. You just don't save much gas ... maybe none at all ... in a full size truck with that size of motor. Get the smaller V8.
A 2WD truck will be much cheaper to operate than a 4WD unit, especially a used one. There is $2,000 worth of front end work every 4WD truck needs every 80,000 miles or so, versus perhaps $800 worth if 2WD. Labor costs can up those numbers considerably, depending on where you live and who you get to do the work. You might be buying right at the point where you need to throw more money at it almost from day one. Take that into consideration when pricing your used truck.
If you don't NEED a 4x4, don't buy a 4x4. They handle much worse than a 2WD truck does, they don't stop as well, they give up some payload because they are heavier, and they cost more to maintain. If you need one, by all means buy one, just don't buy one "because".
I've never had problems with a 2WD truck in the occasional off-road excursion, so honestly assess how often you think you would need that facility. Once or twice a year is not enough; you could spend money on better tires and probably be just as good off road if it's only occasional. [censored], you could spend money on tow trucks and still be dollars ahead, for that matter. Think about what you need versus what you want.
The Japanese trucks have their following ... they are popular all along the West Coast, for example. But they do not do the same work as a full size pickup from the Big3, and although they are reliable, they are also expensive to repair. You will, for example, need to replace O2 sensors if you keep the truck long enough. Reliable does not mean never buying parts. The key feature is they are more manouverable and are nice on things like logging roads due to being smaller. They don't carry or tow as much, although many people don't need to carry more than 800 pounds or tow more than 5,000 pounds, if you do they won't do.
The Hemi motor is a gas guzzler. Just so you know.
There is some merit to the idea of buying a trailer and not a truck at all. The problem with that is the car or SUV that can haul a decent loaded trailer is not exactly an economy vehicle, and will be burning more gas than your Honda Civic. So you don't really save anything in the long run.
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You are so right and everything makes sense. Sometimes I find it weird too, one person sitting in a huge/monster truck and driving on the free way, not sure how they can afford the gas? In west coast and east coast, I have seen japanese trucks being driven for commute purposes. I have rarely seen someone hauling big loads, other than Big3, as you mentioned.
I don't need to buy, because I want it. I am just considering it because I think it can be helpful. But like I said, I don't need to tow everyday and I really don't need a truck on daily basis, so I am really reconsidering my idea based on the input from all of you truck owners.
