any factual opinions welcome

[etlsport]

well just based on a recent experience one thing i can tell u to look for is the amount of oil each vehicle takes.. i rang up an oil change for an F350 the other day.. it took 15 quarts.. it came out to like 70 bucks just to do an oil change.. maintenance costs that high will offset savings from fuel economy

[Gussie2000]

My 1rst choice will be a GMC (chevy) ,2nd a F250 isn't a bad choice at all.

On the opposite side of the street (japanese) i'll look at the tundra with the iforce technology.

Have a comparison of all those big guys & that can help you clear your thoughts a bit.

[Riff Raff]

Hmmm, diesel (no thanks). The only thing that's really cool about diesel trucks is that they have the same MPG whether the truck is fully loaded or empty. If you plan on hauling heavy loads on a regular basis; then yes, go diesel. That's why most General Contractors/Home Builders have heavy-duty diesel pick-ups because they are always hauling heavy stuff to/from the build site. If your new truck is just for a weekend-warrior with very little hauling/towing involved, then I'd re-think my priorities.

Other than that, diesel trucks are frickin' noisey (clackitty-clackitty-clackitty) and smell terrible like rotten eggs. Plus, have you noticed at the gas pumps that Diesel Fuel costs more than Premium-Unleaded??? Sorry, but no thanks.

As far as Brands-- all of the Big-Three are pretty good. Personally; I'd go for the "Cummins" version just for sheer re-sale marketability, as they're quite popular among prospective buyers. Incidentally, didn't Isuzu make a diesel powered mini pick-up back in the '70s/'80s called the D-50 ??? It looked really simular to the Chevy LUV 4x4 mini pick-up of the same era. Hmmm, time to ponder.

[VX1032]

Gotta go with a Chevy in this case, or the GMC. They ge the duramx, which was designed by ISUZU. Therefore you get to sort of stay in the family, and they make the best oil burners out there.

That being said, why the heck would you want a fullsize pickup? Please tell me you need 17000 pounds of pulling power, otherwise, stay away.

[Joe_Black]

What's your mission parameters for the desired truck and are you set on new? I ask as there's a lot of difference between new diesel full-size trucks and previous models as currently they're more focused on power rather than economy whereas older models the opposite, but can still get the job done if you're looking to tow.

The VX is the only gasonline powered vehicle we have left besides motorcycles and race cars, and will be converted as soon as funds become available. Diesel is so much superior to gasoline and one of the best parts about it is that you can make it yourself if you need to! :bgwg:

[taylorRichie]

Still trying to figure out how one can have a factual... opinion.

All of my opinions are factual, in that it is a fact, that they are my opinions

I think what you are after is peoples opinions based on real world experience and knowledge of the topic.

IMO having dealt with all of the Big 3 diesels at one point or another, you'll be fine with any...

The new dodges have the best interior (IMFO)

Chevy GMC have the best Tranny (IMFO)

Fords have the best resale, and a great balance of everything (IMFO)



Plus right now is the time to buy... actually end of last year beginning of this year... but now is good too... My buddy just bought a new Dodge for $20,000 OFF sticker... Brand new 2008.

[WormGod]

Still trying to figure out how one can have a factual... opinion.

If you have ever hear me give my opinion, rest assured, you can guarantee it is factual. You have my word on it.

Make the trip to VA. There is a Dodge/Chrysler dealer in Roanoke who is selling his entire inventory for 40-60% off STICKER. He is a dropped franchise and has to unload the cars before July 10th. Some woman was interviewed leaving there in a new fully loaded Nitro saying she paid $17k for it. I can only imagine what other deals they have on trucks there. Unfortunately, I have friends in "utility" businesses and they can't say enough bad stuff about their Dodges. They swear by their Fords though. And IMHO (there it is!), I would only touch a Chevy if I were looking for an oversized stroller to tote a soccer team around in.

Why arent you considering import trucks at all and is diesel a must? My EX's mother uses Tacomas on her ranch and those things are unbreakable. They surprise the hell outta me.