Pick my next 1/2 ton pickup

[rootacres]

Hello All,

I was looking to get some feedback on some trucks. Who's logged some serious miles on these models?

Here's some info on my use case for context. I have a 2019 Colorado with the 2.8L diesel. I bought it new, it now has 225k miles, I drive a lot. The truck has been great. I will be looking at new pickups in the next 12 months. Fuel mileage plays a roll, though none of the gas engines are great. I tow, but not heavy. I own a boat, the whole package is maybe 4500lbs loaded. The other items are lighter. I don't see a scenario where I am towing north of 9000lbs in the next 5 years.

Reliability and comfort are priority for me, fuel mileage is a consideration, 4x4 is a must, locking rear diff or G80.

The oldest Ford I will look at will be 2021 after the refresh, unless there's a screaming deal on a 2020. The oldest GM I will look at would probably be 2022 after the interior refresh baring a crazy deal on a 2021. I am not nuts about Stellantis products, sorry Ram guys. Growing up in metro Detroit Ford/GM played a big impact on incomes for my family and relatives so it's unlikely I will buy a Tundra.

What say you?

Thanks guys

Let's keep the discussion cordial, these are just metal things we ride around in.

PFA

 

[wnelson14]

I had a Chevy 3.0, 2023, truck was awesome great fuel mileage. Had minor electrical problems around 12k miles. after a combined down time of 8 weeks and finally getting a new engine harness (small wiring short was the root issue) the issue was resolved, and Chevy agreed to buy it back at a crazy good price. Only $6k off of what I paid new and 40k miles.
I would buy another one but I would stay away from “Covid part” years roughly 2019-2023.

 

[sndmn11]

View attachment 813957

Sell me the Colorado and get the 1/2 ton diesel with metal chain instead of a rubber belt.

 

[Ucsdryder]

I’ve said it on here before. The baby duramax is great. I’d buy another in a minute if I wanted to spend that kind of money. But I don’t.

The 6.2 is a gas hog but feels like you’re driving a sports car.

I wouldn’t touch a ford at the moment.

With the amount of driving you’re doing buy a nice rav4 hybrid and keep the Colorado as a hunting rig!

 

[wildwilderness]

I have the Silverado 3.0 diesel. not many miles on it yet but the mileage is good- about 24 around town. Usually get 30+ mpg on long trips- highway/freeway. I bought it used for a good deal with about 35,000 miles on it. In Alaska diesel is usually cheaper than gasoline so a win win for sure.

 

[displacedtexan]

Only way I'd get a non Tundra half ton is a turbo engine. Lol

I'm a diesel guy, (and drive A LOT) so I lean towards the Duramax. The few I've been around impressed me.

That 3.5 EcoBoost has proven itself as well.

 

[rootacres]

I had a Chevy 3.0, 2023, truck was awesome great fuel mileage. Had minor electrical problems around 12k miles. after a combined down time of 8 weeks and finally getting a new engine harness (small wiring short was the root issue) the issue was resolved, and Chevy agreed to buy it back at a crazy good price. Only $6k off of what I paid new and 40k miles.
I would buy another one but I would stay away from “Covid part” years roughly 2019-2023.

Yeah, the covid parts scenario is real and it is concerning. I don't think I will buy new, and going back pre 2020 may not happen. We shall see, Im hopeful by buying gently used any covid issues had been sorted out by then.

 

[Oregonmuley]

I'm also in the new truck shopping mode and never really been a Chevy guy but the new Trail Boss with the 3.0l diesel sure looks like a possible good/great choice. I've seen them listed for decent prices. I also tow a boat a lot so that should make for a good combo

 

[satchamo]

I have a 2021 f150 5.0 STX. It’s the best “value” in trim packages on the f150. It’s been reliable motor and drivetrain wise. The computer and electrical is particularly buggy. The screen won’t work sometimes and the buttons don’t do what they should on the touch screen but it always resolves when the truck is shut off and restart.

My biggest gripe has been the shake at 80 mph or so. The whole truck vibrates bad. I took it in multiple times after buying it brand new and they tried all sorts of things but never resolved it. I eventually just got sick of bothering with them and let it be.

The other issue is the interior is cheap - like my kids have scratched it up easily and just leaving something leaning against my door wore a big ass mar in the plastic.

So yeah it’s not perfect but mechanically it’s been good. I just drove it 44 hours round trip and beat the living shit out of it on AZ national forest roads without a hiccup.

I’ve been a lifelong GM guy but after having every Silverado I owned rust out and burn oil, I lost faith in them. I’d buy another ford before a GM or Ram in a heart beat even with my grips.

 

[rootacres]

I’ve said it on here before. The baby duramax is great. I’d buy another in a minute if I wanted to spend that kind of money. But I don’t.

The 6.2 is a gas hog but feels like you’re driving a sports car.

I wouldn’t touch a ford at the moment.

With the amount of driving you’re doing buy a nice rav4 hybrid and keep the Colorado as a hunting rig!

Good info, thanks.
Parking is tight where I am at, otherwise 2 vehicles would probably happen. Burning up a vehicle every 6-7 years would sting less if it wasn't an expensive truck.

 

[270quest]

My 2023 Silverado CC z71 4X4 3.0 LZ0 duramax has been the best truck I have owned to date - disclaimer, I have had it since July 23, so only around 17/18 months and 24k miles driven, but it has been awesome. I have gotten up 28 MPH on freeway trips, 22-23 running around town, and typically get around 15-16 while pulling my travel trailer around the hills. Very refined truck and smooth ride. I did put 33" 10 ply BFG tires on it and a 2" front level.

I do make sure to get it out on the freeway at least once every couple of weeks and let it run to make sure I am not getting any build up from the diesel and I always use HOTSHOTs fuel supplement on every fillup, but so far 24k trouble free miles. The only negative I have found is it does like to drink DEF when towing heavy.

Not sure what prices are like today, but i got mine for around 52k last summer - high trim RST (Heated seats, heated stearing wheel, 20" wheels, power seats, bed liner, basically everything short of leather in that trim)

 

[Maddog58]

Just got a 2025 Chevy Trail Boss with the 5.3l. It took me awhile to decide on which motor and almost went with the diesel. Decided after all the bs on my last diesel truck I didn’t want the emission issues.

 

[HuntHarder]

My '24 at4 3.0l diesel has been solid so far. I put king's suspension on it with icon Uca's. Rides like a dream and great mileage.

 

[shooterrdy]

My company has a 2013 3.5 eco boost crew cab with 380K miles never been touched
1 person drove it and took excellent care of it but that says a lot

 

[77TMK]

The '21 to current F-150s are pretty much the perfected F-150, and I highly advise tracking down the 5.0L V8 models as the current administration has done a lot to prevent their existence.

2021 to current F150
V8
XLT 302A is the best value. Lariat is a hell of a lot more money for cheap leather, a paper cone sound system, but the 4A transfer case can be advantageous to some.
FX4 (although the regular 4x4 often has a rear locker anyway, but you will want to check)
Max Tow package with 3.73 gears


I spent months chasing around on what truck to grab to replace my tiny ass Tacoma and couldn't be happier with a current F150 with the above specs. The 3.5 EB was updated around '20 and I've not heard any issues besides the obvious people refusing to do oil changes. It's faster, tows better, and has a tiny bit better fuel efficiency, but it's still a V6 and sounds like shit inside the cabin.

 

[rootacres]

Sell me the Colorado and get the 1/2 ton diesel with metal chain instead of a rubber belt.

Lol everything is for sale for the right price. . For a hunting rig these trucks are pretty great. I just did a 3k mile trip hunting in CO and WY with an ATV in the bed. Averaged 22 mpg on the trip. Spent plenty of time in 4wd. Didnt really hit anything gnarly enough to push the off-road capability but the low end torque was great to have. Something nobody talks about is having an exhaust brake in the mountains. I did the ike gauntlet, on the downhill 4th gear held 70 mph / 3k rpm, turned on the cruise, didn't need the brakes.

 

[Steve300xcw]

I'd skip the wannabe cars and snag at least a 3/4 ton if I wanted a full size pickup.

 

[77TMK]

I'd skip the wannabe cars and snag at least a 3/4 ton if I wanted a full size pickup.

do you also advocate for 338 Lapua Magnum to hunt Florida whitetail at 50 yards?

Really not seeing how a full size pickup is a wannabe car.

 

[rootacres]

do you also advocate for 338 Lapua Magnum to hunt Florida whitetail at 50 yards?

Really not seeing how a full size pickup is a wannabe car.

There's clowns in every forum. I don't think he read the OP. No reasonable person will want to spend 40k miles a year in a 3/4 ton unless they have to. Also no reasonable person would consider a machine that can tow 10k+/- pounds or put nearly a ton in the bed, a "wannabe car".

 

[PredatorSlayer]

Hello All,

I was looking to get some feedback on some trucks. Who's logged some serious miles on these models?

Here's some info on my use case for context. I have a 2019 Colorado with the 2.8L diesel. I bought it new, it now has 225k miles, I drive a lot. The truck has been great. I will be looking at new pickups in the next 12 months. Fuel mileage plays a roll, though none of the gas engines are great. I tow, but not heavy. I own a boat, the whole package is maybe 4500lbs loaded. The other items are lighter. I don't see a scenario where I am towing north of 9000lbs in the next 5 years.

Reliability and comfort are priority for me, fuel mileage is a consideration, 4x4 is a must, locking rear diff or G80.

The oldest Ford I will look at will be 2021 after the refresh, unless there's a screaming deal on a 2020. The oldest GM I will look at would probably be 2022 after the interior refresh baring a crazy deal on a 2021. I am not nuts about Stellantis products, sorry Ram guys. Growing up in metro Detroit Ford/GM played a big impact on incomes for my family and relatives so it's unlikely I will buy a Tundra.

What say you?

Thanks guys

Let's keep the discussion cordial, these are just metal things we ride around in.

PFA
View attachment 813957

A 2020 or 2021 Tundra is about as bullet proof a truck as you can get.

Its also more american than fords or chevy’s apparently