Pick my next 1/2 ton pickup

[Moccasin]

My dealer also has a lifetime power train warranty if you buy new from them and get serviced at their dealership or another GM dealership for those that live far away.

 

[HuntHarder]

I got a Veepeek Bluetooth adaptor and the OBD Fusion App setup today - mainly wanted to know when regens are happening on the 3.0 and how long I can go before regening. Anxious to see the data. Big fan of the 3.0 baby duramax so far!

What exactly does the Veepeak and OBD fusion app do? I am always looking for more crap to buy. lol

 

[cuerro viejo]

At times it seems the 6.2 gremlins appear to be random events. I've heard of various year models having bad batches of lifters, cams, etc. I had a 2018 in the midst of those "bad batches" that I ran to 100k, and is now at 200k with no issues...just change the oil and run the crap out of it. So who knows. But if you get bit by it and its not covered under warranty its gonna be expensive.

Three friends with Escalades 22-24 go boom. One with 12k

 

[77TMK]

My dealer also has a lifetime power train warranty if you buy new from them and get serviced at their dealership or another GM dealership for those that live far away.

It's worth digging the fine print as to what they consider powertrain. Some are written to specifically cover only the most unlikely-to-fail parts. The parts most likely to fail are warrantied a short amount of time, and often not at all. On top of it all the maintenance schedule may be part of the warranty, so only the most rigorous adherence to the maintenance plan with correct evidence of it (VIN# on service receipt for example is the worst I've seen) will count if you need to make a claim.

Just gotta love the auto industry. It's about as layered with deceit as the financial market.

 

[Moccasin]

It's worth digging the fine print as to what they consider powertrain. Some are written to specifically cover only the most unlikely-to-fail parts. The parts most likely to fail are warrantied a short amount of time, and often not at all. On top of it all the maintenance schedule may be part of the warranty, so only the most rigorous adherence to the maintenance plan with correct evidence of it (VIN# on service receipt for example is the worst I've seen) will count if you need to make a claim.

Just gotta love the auto industry. It's about as layered with deceit as the financial market.

That’s absolutely the case and the reason I didn’t get a diesel. None of the emission systems are covered in a diesel when I asked the dealership to spell out what exactly is covered.

 

[CorbLand]

Sounds like you have had good results from your current Colorado. Why not just get a newer Colorado?

 

[270quest]

What exactly does the Veepeak and OBD fusion app do? I am always looking for more crap to buy. lol

It’s a Bluetooth plug-in and then an app that connects on your phone and plays through the CarPlay. The app allows you to customize real time data from the truck and see it on screen. It gives you the option to monitor anything and everything you could imagine from transmission temperature, exhaust temperature, coolant temperature, Regen cycles, anything you can imagine.

As you can see in the pic for my truck I set it up so I could understand when a regen was going on, my percentage left to when a regen would start, and approximately how many miles I average between Regens.

 

[270quest]

Also side note - had to make a 50 mile round trip today to pick up my sons elk from the meat processor - averaged 28+ miles per gallon in the baby duramax…I can live with that.

 

[HuntHarder]

Thank you!

 

[StuckInTheEast]

It's worth digging the fine print as to what they consider powertrain. Some are written to specifically cover only the most unlikely-to-fail parts. The parts most likely to fail are warrantied a short amount of time, and often not at all. On top of it all the maintenance schedule may be part of the warranty, so only the most rigorous adherence to the maintenance plan with correct evidence of it (VIN# on service receipt for example is the worst I've seen) will count if you need to make a claim.

Just gotta love the auto industry. It's about as layered with deceit as the financial market.

Spot on...Just delt with one recently...
If that "lifetime" warranty is provided through a company called 'Premier dealer services"...better have every maintenance/repair record and be ready for a fight...and better not have anything aftermarket, or a tool box on it...absolutely terrible to deal with. Only 3rd party warranty company I've black listed in 22 years.
Crooked as can be...and they provide alot of the 'Lifetime' deals around the midwest.

I'd love to hear some reports on the 3.0l Dmax between 100-200k miles not a ton of those out there yet...we don't see many of them but have 2 friends with them and extensive repairs under warranty. Both unloaded or planning to once warranty expires. They liked the trucks, just not the extent of repairs required when both take excellent care of them and don't push their limits at all.
I've driven them, we do service work on a few lower mileage units presently.
I don't mind how they drive and the mileage is pretty impressive. I just don't trust the long-term reliability of them or that parts will be available when needed.
Almost all of the 1/2ton are getting to the point where inevitable repairs that cost near half the value of the truck at higher mileage are going to be the norm to keep them going.
Engineered obsolescence...can't sell as many new vehicles and keep those shareholders happy if they last reliably out of warranty period.
Between that and the EPA requirements the manufacturers have to meet, the consumer is not going to fare well with vehicles anytime soon.

Pick your poison, take a sip and smile, it's only money...can't take it with you in the end. Buy whatever one you like the most. Hope for the best, plan for the worst.

I'm a bitter old cuss about cars and trucks after watching what the auto industry has become around me over the last couple decades... I hate them all, don't listen to me
Buy whatever excites you. If you only keep it till 100k-150k you'll probably be ok with any of them...or you'll just have to pay a big repair bill or two. Life goes on.

 

[77TMK]

Buy whatever excites you. If you only keep it till 100k-150k you'll probably be ok with any of them...or you'll just have to pay a big repair bill or two. Life goes on.

Ya ain’t alone. I bought a brand new F150 fully accepting it is a 5-7 year appliance. If it wasn’t for hauling family I would be driving a shitbox with wheel hub 4x4 and no heat.

 

[rootacres]

Sounds like you have had good results from your current Colorado. Why not just get a newer Colorado?

It’s a good point. My needs are going to change during the lifespan of my next truck. I don’t want to run into a situation where it’s not enough. Or at the edge of its capability. Plus, I spend ~1000 hrs a year behind the wheel. Something more comfortable would be nice and I need a change of scenery. This Colorado has been very good to me overall though. I can’t complain.

 

[Perrin713]

Owner of a 2024 Elevation 3.0 Duramax here with 2600 miles. Opted for the max trailering package. Truck is very comfy, has more bells and whistles than I really need. Fuel mileage is fantastic. Low 20s around town and low 30s on the highway. One major issue I had was truck was in the shop for the entire month of December with fuel delivery issues. I believe I picked up bad fuel at a local station. Technician didn't believe that, but had zero issues prior to the fill up. After new filters, new fuel rail (debris in 2nd fuel rail) and endless trips back with a check engine light I think the problem is fixed? At least I hope.....
All in all would I buy another one? I'm not too sure! I'll see how this issue pans out over time.

 

[Jon C]

4500lb boat would be at the extreme end of Tundra capability.
I would(and have been) focused on GMC 3.0 (I'm not a fan of the styling but GMC is miles better than Chevy) or a 3.5 Ecoboost F150.
As previously stated, an XLT with the 302A package is the sweet spot for styling and content.
I have a 2015 F150, 302A Sport with 173k miles and I would buy another in a minute.

Pulled a 8500# boat and car hauler loaded with demo well over 5000 pound with a 2013 tundra. The trailer wasn’t set up great for boat and suspension didn’t love it. Car hauler was nothing. I had a 2011 Chevy with a 5.3 and that didn’t love 5000#

 

[2ski]

You should get a Hennessey Raptor R. That's what I would do....

 

[randy66]

Spot on...Just delt with one recently...
If that "lifetime" warranty is provided through a company called 'Premier dealer services"...better have every maintenance/repair record and be ready for a fight...and better not have anything aftermarket, or a tool box on it...absolutely terrible to deal with. Only 3rd party warranty company I've black listed in 22 years.
Crooked as can be...and they provide alot of the 'Lifetime' deals around the midwest.

I'd love to hear some reports on the 3.0l Dmax between 100-200k miles not a ton of those out there yet...we don't see many of them but have 2 friends with them and extensive repairs under warranty. Both unloaded or planning to once warranty expires. They liked the trucks, just not the extent of repairs required when both take excellent care of them and don't push their limits at all.
I've driven them, we do service work on a few lower mileage units presently.
I don't mind how they drive and the mileage is pretty impressive. I just don't trust the long-term reliability of them or that parts will be available when needed.
Almost all of the 1/2ton are getting to the point where inevitable repairs that cost near half the value of the truck at higher mileage are going to be the norm to keep them going.
Engineered obsolescence...can't sell as many new vehicles and keep those shareholders happy if they last reliably out of warranty period.
Between that and the EPA requirements the manufacturers have to meet, the consumer is not going to fare well with vehicles anytime soon.

Pick your poison, take a sip and smile, it's only money...can't take it with you in the end. Buy whatever one you like the most. Hope for the best, plan for the worst.

I'm a bitter old cuss about cars and trucks after watching what the auto industry has become around me over the last couple decades... I hate them all, don't listen to me
Buy whatever excites you. If you only keep it till 100k-150k you'll probably be ok with any of them...or you'll just have to pay a big repair bill or two. Life goes on.

My 3.0 dmax is at 123k. See my post #27. Right now I have a coolant leak but I think that was caused when the timing chain issue was fixed since they pulled the cab off to pull back the tranny.

 

[LittleForkHunter]

Just some food for thought OP...
I've worked on them all and have many acquaintances in the repair industry in both independent and dealer shops...
GM is in a bad place quality and supply wise. It's not improved much since the covid years.
Lifters/cams/crankshafts/high-pressure fuel pumps leaking into block on all v8 gas engines since 2014/extensive 6,8and 10spd transmission failures, transfer case/actuator issues. Many of these failures under 100k on well maintained/not abused vehicles, Suspension components not holding up as well as they used to either.
The bigger issue is supply of parts to make repairs. I hear "sorry, that's on back order" more GM than all other makes combined these days.

I dont have any type of brand loyalty, but GM is on the bottom of my list from a long term quality and product support standpoint from 22 years of first hand experience.
Some people love them and have decent luck but I've seen to many major failures to ever consider a gm vehicle myself as i keep everything well beyond warranty...maybe an L5P Duramax with 6spd Allison being the lone stand out.
As others have said the f150 in 5.0L or 2.7L are decent options. Rear springs could use some help on them, easy fix. The 10spd trans supposedly was ironed out for 2022+ models...prior to that they have some extensive issues and are seeing fair number of major failures north of 50k miles.
I love my pre '22 5.7L tundras. Hands down the most long term reliable 1/2ton made in my experience... but they do lack in pay load and fuel economy.
In stock form they ride great, lifted/leveled cheaply with oversized wheels/tires...not so much.
Only weak point on Suspension is rear springs...easy fix with air bags, RAS or custom springs. That said, I wouldnt drive one everyday the mileage you do unless fuel expense is zero issue. Stock you can average 15-16...17-18 highway...bigger wheels tires 13-15mpg...they are thirsty.
My 2016 crewmax hunting/camping rig weighs about 8500lbs loaded...over 9k coming back from wyoming with 3 butcher elk last year(far from stock Suspension)...we averaged 11.6mpg round trip over 3k miles.
That same truck unloaded at about 7800 lbs moves 6k lbs loaded trailer just fine...you know its there, but it doesnt struggle towing it...
all the tundra talk is irrelevant to whatvyour after, they dont fit your bill...more just debunking a couple things posted by others earlier on the tundra.
I've not seen many Ram mentions...short of exhaust manifold bolts breaking, front axles/stub shafts and some wheel bearing and ball joints the 1500 rams with 5.7L have been pretty solid in regard to major powertrain issues to north of 200k on the regular. I see more very neglected Rams than others for some reason. Many come in unsafe to be on the road, but engines still run and trans shift fine.Have seen a few lifter failures but nowhere near the volume of the GMs. They do little better on the fuel than tundra but not a lot.
If your gonna buy new its all pretty irrelevant, just pick whatever you like driving the best, buy the extended warranty upfront and re evaluate when you get near warranty expiration...Id still avoid GM though, warranty no good if truck is down indefinitely waiting on parts to become available.

I am proudly still running one of those rams with the 5.7. it's been trouble free less the manifold bolts and cv boots. 220k and I am intently following this thread as I am probably looking to upgrade soon. Too bad the 5.7s are a thing of the past. It seems to get that reliability in a ram a guy will be stuck with the Pentastar V6 which might be good enough for most.

 

[rootacres]

You should get a Hennessey Raptor R. That's what I would do....

Well when you buy your next truck let us know how the Hennessy R is lol.

 

[rootacres]

I am proudly still running one of those rams with the 5.7. it's been trouble free less the manifold bolts and cv boots. 220k and I am intently following this thread as I am probably looking to upgrade soon. Too bad the 5.7s are a thing of the past. It seems to get that reliability in a ram a guy will be stuck with the Pentastar V6 which might be good enough for most.

My brother has a 5.7 Ram, 2014 I think. Powertrain wise I think his has been good. My business is on the refinish side of the auto industry. Rams just scare me with the rust, coatings issues among a few other things. A friend of mine bought a 24' with the Penistar after riding around in my brothers. So I'll have a couple samples to go off of here over the next year.

 

[2ski]

Well when you buy your next truck let us know how the Hennessy R is lol.

Had i wome the mega millions(i only buy a ticket if it's a billion $ jackpot) i was gonna buy 5!