trucks again

[JPB3]

I drive a fair amount 20k+ annually..

Want to stay with gas, decent milage is a plus. But I drive pretty conservatively so coax the best milage out of a vehicle.

Been driving 1/2 tons but thinking 3/4 as well. Had a bunch of Fords and Chevys and pretty much stuck on one or the other.
If the Tundra had decent milage with the 5.7 I'd have had one. With the engine issues on the news ones I'm out for awhile ..

Seems like there's a stigma with all the new vehicles so choose and hope for the best, I guess. However, any advice here would sure be appreciated !!!

Thanks

 

[tony]

Do you need a truck that big to commute ?
My ford ranger averages 23-25 mpg.

 

[AndrewMT34]

I have a V8 tundra with a small lift and lots of extra goodies. I get about 13.5 mpg.

If I was primarily focused on fuel economy I think the Chevy 1/2ton duramax’s are where I would go.

Like others have said, if you don’t need a full size truck the Ford Rangers are awesome.

 

[roosiebull]

I drive a fair amount 20k+ annually..

Want to stay with gas, decent milage is a plus. But I drive pretty conservatively so coax the best milage out of a vehicle.

Been driving 1/2 tons but thinking 3/4 as well. Had a bunch of Fords and Chevys and pretty much stuck on one or the other.
If the Tundra had decent milage with the 5.7 I'd have had one. With the engine issues on the news ones I'm out for awhile ..

Seems like there's a stigma with all the new vehicles so choose and hope for the best, I guess. However, any advice here would sure be appreciated !!!

Thanks

What is the heaviest thing you will pull?

My current pickup is a Colorado zr2 and absolutely love it for what it is, but hate it for being a Chevy. It has 103k and has turned into a nightmare… finally wouldn’t start a couple days ago, but the list of BS with the pickup is way longer than that

I know you can get a pos with any brand, but this one has cured me of ever wanting another Chevy

We also have a tundra we bought new in 21, and it’s been completely flawless, I just hate full size pickups if I’m not pulling something. The fuel mileage is not great, but reliability is the most important feature of any vehicle, and it’s not terrible if you drive it easy

Research as much as you can before spending money, because they are a big investment currently, and turn into a bigger investment if you make the wrong choice.

I’m going back to a taco, and am probably going to lose my ass on my current Chevy in the process

 

[Weldor]

Not really a truck, how about the Jeep Gladiator diesel.

 

[7mm-08]

Why? The search bar is a useful tool and this subject has been discussed extensively on this forum.

 

[Hydra6]

I have 170,000 miles on my 2015 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4. No issues. Decided I wanted a new truck in retirement.

Bought a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 6.2 with only 14000 miles as Certified GMC used vs paying much more for new.

Punchline - a fuel pump control module failed with no warning leaving wife and I stranded on road. Towed to dealer I bought it from (certified warranty). It took 30 days to get the part. There are multiple GMC/Chevrolet trucks sitting at that dealership waiting on a myriad of parts.

Talked to the two service writers (older guys like me - been at multiple brand dealers) - they said do not buy any new/newer vehicle - they all have issues plus cannot get parts.

I kept the Ram to use as just a PRS range vehicle loaded with my stuff. Glad I kept it!

I am selling my 2019 GMC after it is finally fixed. Debating on getting 2014 to 2021 Tundra (definitely not the "new" Tundra) or a current gen 4Runner (not the 2025).

 

[StuckInTheEast]

As others have said and speaking from experience of working on all brands for over 20 years...GM quality has been terrible long term since about 2007. Initially they seem nice enough but WAY to many major power train issues at around or under 100k and way too many parts availability issues even being few years out from the covid shortages. The cost of replacing engines and transmissions has gotten a whole lot higher too in last few years.
F150 with 6spd and 2.7L eco boost hasn't been terrible and likely best your gonna do for mileage in a full size that's also reasonably reliable to north of 100k.
I get asked the "which truck to buy" question multiple times a week...I dont really have many good answers for people anymore other than avoid GM and anything newer than 2020 from about anyone overall quality last few years is just bad.
3/4 ton and good mileage doesn't really exist. Any diesel option if you don't need a diesel isn't going make sense on paper with the added costs upfront, and in maintenance and repairs...But the power/torque is nice even just for regular driving use. Getting the problematic stuff out of the exhaust system is getting harder and harder though. Not sure that'll ever change much even under the Orange man's administration.

 

[pacoalcracker]

Well, I bought a new 2024 F450 crewcab 8' box dually 8 months ago and I really like it. That diesel has power let me tell ya. However, I kept my 2003 Dodge Ram 2500HD quadcab 6.5' box with the HO 305hp/555 ftlbs torque 5.9 diesel, garage kept, rust free, no body damage and 111,000 miles, just in case. It's been a wonderful truck. I highly recommend finding one in real nice condition and low miles. You can easily get over 500K miles on these trucks without even trying hard and they are not bad on fuel mileage.....way better than the Tundra for sure. My buddy is buying a new GM 2500HD next year.....I wished him luck. I recommended a F250 or F350srw diesel for him wanting to pull a new large 5th wheel RV. Been a GM man for 40 years and no more of those trucks for me. I would buy a GM car though.

 

[keystone112]

I’m only getting 22 mpg on my 2019 Ranger. Not really different than the full size options.

 

[StuckInTheEast]

Comparing diesel to gas mileage is a wash with diesel prices $1/ gallon more...19mpg from a diesel pretty close to same fuel costs as 14mpg from a gas rig so wouldn't get too hung up on that.
You can get 500k out of anything if you put enough repair money it. One major fuel system failure on common rail diesel can cost you as much as a fresh engine AND trans on a gas rig real fast...just something to consider. They don't all fail by any means but it'll make your check book cringe if your unlucky enough to have that problem.
Other option is a solid used 6.2l/6r100 f250 with modest miles and buy a run around gas getter car if you can tolerate it and don't really need a truck most days.
I've got 4 trucks and most my miles go on a Rav4 at 30+mpg.
If you want to appreciate 15-18 mpg I've got 8.1L chev 2500 on 35s with a dump insert you can borrow for a week..8.5mpg on its best day...with a tail wind
My last bit of input will be this...if your not mechanically inclined and buy used find a reputable independent shop and pay for an inspection...it can save you alot of money and heartache and may give you negotiation leverage too if problems are found and you still want to buy.

 

[AK Troutbum]

Comparing diesel to gas mileage is a wash with diesel prices $1/ gallon more...19mpg from a diesel pretty close to same fuel costs as 14mpg from a gas rig so wouldn't get too hung up on that.

I guess it all depends on where you're located. Diesel is usually cheaper than gas in southcentral AK and currently it's about $0.20/gal. cheaper.