Help me pick a 1/2 ton p/up!

[bernse]

I am probably going to be in need of a pickup in a few months. I am asking for suggestions.

I will be putting on a *lot* of highway miles, so important things are:

1) Fuel Economy
2) Comfort
3) Price

I want something that has a bit of power, but not a killer on fuel if I can avoid it. I am having a lot of difficulty finding fuel economy ratings for trucks. I am especially curious what the Titan and Tundra are like espescially compared to the new Ford.

 

[notfred]

New F-150.

 

[Squisher]

I have no idea about the trucks, but check out www.fueleconomy.gov for mileage ratings.

 

[radioouman]

Nissan Frontier would probably get the best mileage... Maybe the Toyota too.

If you only need a half ton, then I'd look at the small ones.. Dakota is a great truck since you can get a V8 in it. The 4.7 liter V8 is a great engine and gets the same gas mileage as the six cylinder in the Dakota.

 

[bernse]

Thanks for the link squisher! I wish it had 2004 in it!

I require a full size for my job, and I've already ruled out Dodge due to their awful milage. Thanks for the ideas though.

 

[Cyberian]

Do you need a 'full - size' P/U?
What will you be hauling, except for yourself?

Would a Ford Ranger or Chevy S-10 be big enough?

 

[ElFenix]

radioouman - compact trucks are NOT half ton trucks

the 6 cylinder with stick is going to get you the best mileage on any 1/2 ton truck, if you only need the space vs a compact. the chevy with the 4.8 V8 isn't bad.

 

[bernse]

Originally posted by: Cyberian
Do you need a 'full - size' P/U?
What will you be hauling, except for yourself?

Would a Ford Ranger or Chevy S-10 be big enough?

Yes. I will be putting things like big industrial gearboxes and parts in the bed, and while the actual "capacity" of a smaller pickup may be OK, I'll need the physical size (especially the width) of a full size. In addition, I may use it for towing a 5th wheel trailer for holidays. A compact is definetly out for that.

 

[bernse]

As well, I want an extended cab that can actually fit an adult human being in the back!

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: bernse
As well, I want an extended cab that can actually fit an adult human being in the back!

get the chevy with the smaller V8 then, good discounts on them and better mileage than most, plus the extended cab is quite nice.

 

[radioouman]

Originally posted by: bernse

Originally posted by: Cyberian
Do you need a 'full - size' P/U?
What will you be hauling, except for yourself?

Would a Ford Ranger or Chevy S-10 be big enough?

Yes. I will be putting things like big industrial gearboxes and parts in the bed, and while the actual "capacity" of a smaller pickup may be OK, I'll need the physical size (especially the width) of a full size. In addition, I may use it for towing a 5th wheel trailer for holidays. A compact is definetly out for that.

Then you might as well buy one of the new trucks that have just been redesigned. I think that the new Ford F150 would be the best bet. Nissan Titan would be a good choice too, but I personally would wait until the second year since Nissan is new in full size trucks. I wouldn't buy a Chevrolet just because it is still roughly the same truck that it has been for the past 10 years. Of course the Chevy is a nice truck and gets good mileage.

 

[Vette73]

If you want a extended cab go GMC or Chevy. They re-did their cab just for the fact to make it big enough to actually have a normal size person back there.
Also look for one with the smaller V8. Will have a ton of power but get better gas milage. And get teh GMC and Chevy dealer to fight each other on terms and price. Same truck, so let them slug it out and get a great deal.



DAMM. ElFenix beat me to what I was going to say ^

 

[Grouchyoldguy]

Originally posted by: radioouman

Originally posted by: bernse

Originally posted by: Cyberian
Do you need a 'full - size' P/U?
What will you be hauling, except for yourself?

Would a Ford Ranger or Chevy S-10 be big enough?

Yes. I will be putting things like big industrial gearboxes and parts in the bed, and while the actual "capacity" of a smaller pickup may be OK, I'll need the physical size (especially the width) of a full size. In addition, I may use it for towing a 5th wheel trailer for holidays. A compact is definetly out for that.

Then you might as well buy one of the new trucks that have just been redesigned. I think that the new Ford F150 would be the best bet. Nissan Titan would be a good choice too, but I personally would wait until the second year since Nissan is new in full size trucks. I wouldn't buy a Chevrolet just because it is still roughly the same truck that it has been for the past 10 years. Of course the Chevy is a nice truck and gets good mileage.

In 1999 Chevy changed the body style, engine and interior. Other than that it has been the same for 10 years. [sarcasm meter explodes]

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: radioouman


Then you might as well buy one of the new trucks that have just been redesigned. I think that the new Ford F150 would be the best bet. Nissan Titan would be a good choice too, but I personally would wait until the second year since Nissan is new in full size trucks. I wouldn't buy a Chevrolet just because it is still roughly the same truck that it has been for the past 10 years. Of course the Chevy is a nice truck and gets good mileage.

the silverado was new for 1999...


oh, and the tundra isn't really a half ton truck, it's not really much bigger than a dakota.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: bernse
Thanks for the link squisher! I wish it had 2004 in it!

I require a full size for my job, and I've already ruled out Dodge due to their awful milage. Thanks for the ideas though.

For the most part, the 2003 and 2004 models will have similare mileage, but Your Mileage May Vary, hehe.

 

[bernse]

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
For the most part, the 2003 and 2004 models will have similare mileage, but Your Mileage May Vary, hehe.

Actually, I wanted to see the specs on the Titan. Anyone know?

 

[radioouman]

Originally posted by: bernse

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
For the most part, the 2003 and 2004 models will have similare mileage, but Your Mileage May Vary, hehe.

Actually, I wanted to see the specs on the Titan. Anyone know?

I don't think that the specs are officially released yet. However, it only has one engine/transmission choice right now, and only comes in either quad cab or extended cab. I do like the rear seat in the Chevrolet Silverado extended cab.

 

[Zebo]

Looks wise dodge with hemi and factory 20's is very nice. Silver with limo tint.


Quality probably the f-150 but I hate the looks.

Best all around is the chevy.

 

[ElFenix]

1) Fuel Economy - Chevy, Ford, Dodge
2) Comfort - Dodge (its huge), Chevy/New Ford, Old Ford
3) Price - Old Ford, Chevy, Dodge, New Ford

 

[bernse]

Does anyone make a 1/2T with a diesel anymore?

 

[amdskip]

Originally posted by: bernse
Does anyone make a 1/2T with a diesel anymore?

I don't believe so.

How big of a 5th wheel trailer are you talking about pulling? 1/2 tons can pull them but a 3/4 will be much better.

 

[RagingBITCH]

bernse - since you don't have a profile I can't click it to see where you live, but does your state have a state fair? The TX one just started last week, both the Titan and new F150 are at the Vehicle Convention Center. I haven't had a chance to go yet but everyone is saying the Ford's interior is much nicer. There hasn't been a real hands on Titan vs F150 test yet and probably won't be until at least next year.

 

[LAUST]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
1) Fuel Economy - Chevy, Ford, Dodge
2) Comfort - Dodge (its huge), Chevy/New Ford, Old Ford
3) Price - Old Ford, Chevy, Dodge, New Ford

Looks good to me

 

[LAUST]

Originally posted by: bernse
Does anyone make a 1/2T with a diesel anymore?

Nope, last one I was was back in the 87 GM box body style.. damn I wish they did though.. I would love to have a duramax in my truck

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: bernse
Does anyone make a 1/2T with a diesel anymore?

Rumour was ford will have a V6 diesel next year. Main problem is these new trucks can't handle the mass of a diesel engine. think 7-900 lbs vs. 1300-1500 lbs. engine. Plus the allison tranny needed to withstand the high tq.