What truck should I get?

[Scarpozzi]

I've got an '86 F150 that's starting to have some brake-line issues and other pesky things from age. I could continue to fix it, but it's somewhat of an eyesore and I'd like to get a decent truck to drive until it starts having those kinds of problems. I considered getting another used truck like a mid-90s truck, but people are jacking up the prices to $6-8k depending on who is selling.

I saw a sales billboard somewhere offering a Silverado 1500 for $12,995. Has anyone else seen them this low for a new truck? I'm sure it only has a V6, but that's fine for hauling the small boat I have....plus it's better on gas milage. Has anyone seen any other promotions going on for trucks lately or know of any coming up? Thanks,

-Scar

 

[jpeyton]

$12,995? That sounds like a deal for a basic truck. The new 2007 Silverados are coming out, so that's probably why they have a deal on the older ones.

 

[olds]

My thought on trucks.
If you are going to get a truck, get a truck. For my purposes, trucks start at .75 ton and have V8s.
A V6/.5 ton might be OK now but what happens when you want/need to tow something bigger? Buy another truck.
Lots of guys (not saying the OP) buy too small a truck then tear it up by towing/hauling too big a load.

If you only want a V6, .5 ton, Chevys are good trucks. Stay away, far away, from Dodge.

 

[Preyhunter]

Don't buy into the thought that the V-6's get a lot better mileage, either. That smaller engine has to work much harder to move that heavy truck around. Real world numbers might give you 1-2 mpg more with much less towing/hauling capability. That was the case with Fords, anyway.

 

[Raduque]

12995 is a hell of a deal. I'm guessing local dealership, probably has overstock? The Chevy website lists base MSRP on the 06 as 16715.

 

[ArchCenturion]

I recently bought a 2003 6 cylinder Ford Explorer Sport 5 spd for about 11k and it seems pretty decent. I get about 18 mpg average, I haven't tried hauling trailers or boats with it yet, but im pretty sure it can take some of the smaller stuff.

one thing i find wierd about it is that the manual is rated for less hauling weight than an automatic, everything else being the same.

 

[Ktulu]

Seriously, there isn't much difference in mpg for fullsize pickups when it comes to v6 vs. v8 other than price. The v8 will at least allow you to haul more when needed.

 

[Summitdrinker]

shop around and see were you can get the best deal on a new one or used one, I wouldn't say any full sized pickup is better than the other

if your buying used aviod dodge with junk automatic trannies

 

[Zach]

You didn't say what you did with the truck.. how small is the boat?

I say be an individual. I get 25mpg with a i4 Nissan.

 

[batmang]

get a tacoma, those can fall off cliffs and not have a scratch.