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Looking at buying a used truck - need some feedback

Posted on 4/7/12 at 10:12 pm
Posted by Tuscaloosa
14x Award Winning SECRant user
Member since Dec 2011
50634 posts
Posted on 4/7/12 at 10:12 pm
I thought about putting this on the OT, but knew I'd get better - more informed responses from the OB.

I'd like to buy a used full size truck for my hunting, boat hauling, and general use for the next few years.

I've got a budget of about $14K.

I'm looking at GMC Sierra, Ford F-150, and Toyota Tundra. I'd like it to have 4 doors, and be 4WD.

My questions for the OB are this:

1. Should I also consider diesel engines? Is there any real benefit to having a diesel engine for general use and light hauling?

2. How many miles should I expect to be able to put on the trucks I mentioned above? I've driven a car or a small truck for most of my life. Should I stay away from trucks that already have 150,000+ miles?

Thanks for any input you guys can provide!
Posted by BigHoss
Offshore
Member since Apr 2010
3366 posts
Posted on 4/7/12 at 10:14 pm to
Traded in my 99 gmc Sierra z71 in November for a 2012.

It had 250000 when I got rid of it. And still running like a champ
Posted by Tuscaloosa
14x Award Winning SECRant user
Member since Dec 2011
50634 posts
Posted on 4/7/12 at 10:21 pm to
quote:

Traded in my 99 gmc Sierra z71 in November for a 2012.

It had 250000 when I got rid of it. And still running like a champ


Awesome. I'm kinda leaning towards the Sierra because it seems they get a little bit better gas mileage, and I've seen several for sale with a crap ton of miles on them.
Posted by Boats n Hose
NOLA
Member since Apr 2011
37248 posts
Posted on 4/7/12 at 10:23 pm to
quote:

1. Should I also consider diesel engines? Is there any real benefit to having a diesel engine for general use and light hauling?

No, I wouldn't get one unless you have to pull a bigger boat or trailer often. Not really worth it IMO.

And I wouldn't spend 14K on a truck with 150000 miles on it. I'd probably be looking for something with half that if possible. The Tundras will probably cost more, just because Toyota trucks hold their value longer.

I will say we have a 98 Ford Expedition with the 5.4 in the driveway coming up to about 200000 miles with no issues other than normal maintanence. I'm a little partial to Fords
Posted by TexasTiger
Katy TX
Member since Sep 2003
5343 posts
Posted on 4/7/12 at 10:23 pm to
03-06 are the year models I would look at.

Should not have to hard of a time with gas at almost 4.00 a gallon to find one in that price range. 4dr and 4 wheel drive.

I don't know if you can find a newer model Tundra in the range you are looking for thou.

the 5.3 and 5.4 the chevy and ford engines for those years were solid. It really comes down to the body style and personal prefrence I think.
Posted by Tuscaloosa
14x Award Winning SECRant user
Member since Dec 2011
50634 posts
Posted on 4/7/12 at 10:30 pm to
quote:

No, I wouldn't get one unless you have to pull a bigger boat or trailer often. Not really worth it IMO.


Gotcha

quote:

The Tundras will probably cost more, just because Toyota trucks hold their value longer.


I've noticed that I really like the 2006 body style on the Tundra. I've also noticed that the 05-06 Tundras with 4WD are hard to find. Not sure if they just didn't make many of them, or if they're just so popular that people don't let them go.

Posted by Tuscaloosa
14x Award Winning SECRant user
Member since Dec 2011
50634 posts
Posted on 4/7/12 at 10:32 pm to
quote:

03-06 are the year models I would look at.


That's exactly what I was thinking and have been browsing. There are some really good looking trucks that were built during those years.

Thanks for the input!

Posted by DownshiftAndFloorIt
Here
Member since Jan 2011
72255 posts
Posted on 4/7/12 at 10:36 pm to
quote:

1. Should I also consider diesel engines? Is there any real benefit to having a diesel engine for general use and light hauling?


Diesels are heavy as shite. They are terrible off road trucks. They are strong as shite though and will last much longer than a gas burner. Maintenance on them is expensive to put it mildly. If you're not doing alot of pulling or putting a ton of miles on it, a diesel is probably a waste of money and much more truck than you'll ever need.

quote:

2. How many miles should I expect to be able to put on the trucks I mentioned above? I've driven a car or a small truck for most of my life. Should I stay away from trucks that already have 150,000+ miles?



Depends on what it did it's whole life and what it is. I would feel comfortable with a toyota tundra with that many miles if it hasn't been abused. Not so much the other two.
Posted by thejudge
Westlake, LA
Member since Sep 2009
15197 posts
Posted on 4/8/12 at 12:33 am to
2000 chevy/gmc 2500. that year they made one 4 door 4wd short bed with the vortec 350. 3.73's..its was the 89-98 body style. you can get em for 10000. they are hard to find but thet are beasts.

similar to this but with the 350. beautiful truck
LINK
Posted by DownshiftAndFloorIt
Here
Member since Jan 2011
72255 posts
Posted on 4/8/12 at 12:36 am to
They still offered a manual transnission also
Posted by thejudge
Westlake, LA
Member since Sep 2009
15197 posts
Posted on 4/8/12 at 12:45 am to
yee

here ya go. id buy it.

LINK
Posted by Tuscaloosa
14x Award Winning SECRant user
Member since Dec 2011
50634 posts
Posted on 4/8/12 at 1:06 am to
quote:

2000 chevy/gmc 2500. that year they made one 4 door 4wd short bed with the vortec 350. 3.73's..its was the 89-98 body style. you can get em for 10000. they are hard to find but thet are beasts.



I like it. What kind of gas mileage do those things get?
Posted by thejudge
Westlake, LA
Member since Sep 2009
15197 posts
Posted on 4/8/12 at 1:22 am to
12/15...carfax 1 owner indigo blue is a geeat color. i fricking want it

id buy on now except i picked up a 2000 escalade 4wd 350 with 78k miles imnfixing to toy with. they offer em with a 7.4....dont get that one...

a whit 4d was my dream truck. fricking surgeries last year ruined it.
This post was edited on 4/8/12 at 1:25 am
Posted by Dandy Lion
Member since Feb 2010
51403 posts
Posted on 4/8/12 at 1:39 am to
Diesels have much less pickup, but much more longevity.
Posted by Boats n Hose
NOLA
Member since Apr 2011
37248 posts
Posted on 4/8/12 at 8:11 am to
My uncle has one of those, but 2wd. Beast of a truck. Don't see many like that riding around.
Posted by Nodust
Member since Aug 2010
22804 posts
Posted on 4/8/12 at 8:17 am to
Diesels suck in mud. They are very heavy. If its going to be a camp truck $15k will get you something really nice.
Posted by DownshiftAndFloorIt
Here
Member since Jan 2011
72255 posts
Posted on 4/8/12 at 8:31 am to
The day i signed the papers on the truck i have now, my uncle called me and told me there was a 98 gmc single cab long bed 4x4 with a 350 and 5spd for sale in kentwood. 95k miles and same money i paid for mine
Posted by Boats n Hose
NOLA
Member since Apr 2011
37248 posts
Posted on 4/8/12 at 10:27 am to
I like the cab space in yours. I couldn't get a single can truck smaller than the one I have now. I need more space than mine has half the time really.
Posted by DownshiftAndFloorIt
Here
Member since Jan 2011
72255 posts
Posted on 4/8/12 at 11:43 am to
Extra cab is for extra shite

I might as well take the seats out of mine. It turns into a closet during hunting season.
Posted by Boats n Hose
NOLA
Member since Apr 2011
37248 posts
Posted on 4/8/12 at 12:21 pm to
I want a crew cab just to fold up the back seats and use for storage during hunting season
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