Considering new truck - Opinions?

[CZSteve]

Currently have an older '98 12Valve Cummins 3/4 ton quad cab; love the truck but looks like there is a strong demand for my model and might be able to get a nice price for it - I don't 'need' a Diesel and thinking of getting something newer.

Towing needs are usually just a couple of PWC's on a double trailer and a 24' pontoon just once a year for annual maintenance and cleaning - keep the toon in a slip and even then we're only talking about 3000#'s.

Looking for a late 00's half-ton crew cab pick-up.
I tend to hold on to vehicles for awhile so longevity and cost of ownership are primary factors.

Thoughts between the different mfg's?
- '08-'11 Nissan Titan
- '08-'11 Chevy / GMC 1500
- '08-'11 Toyota Tundra
- '08-'11 Dodge 1500
- '08 Ford F-150

I'm leaing towards the Titan; like the look inside & out along with features; the price point seems to be better than Chevy & Toyota.
I limited the Ford to '98 because I really do not like the exterior look of the new Ford design at all.
We have two kids (10 & 11); planning on a full 4-dr (crew cab) and want the rear air vents so it at least 'appears' that I care...

Opinions?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[ZacUSNYR]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

Titan first came around in 03 as an 04 model.

The rear ends are junk and any of the titans out there have had issues or will have issues with the rear end. The rest of it is solid though.

I'm on my second newer Frontier and love my Nissans, but they do have their quirky issues - go check out Nissan Titan Forum: Club Titan Forums for more information on them. The 5.6 also loves fuel.

 

[CZSteve]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

Crud... Meant '08-'11; not '98-'11 - long day already...

I have read that the Titan did have some rear differential problems but supposedly they were corrected in '08 and the corrected version has a finned differential cover. I've also read that mileage is so-so but it seems that it's on par with the other rigs if you're comparing similar size motors.

Do plan on joining a Nissan forum or others depending where I end up; figured I'd start here since already a member and also hoping for more of an unbiased opnion compared to what you might find on a dedicated forum.

Thanks!
SA

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

I would keep the truck myself. the Dodge with the diesel gets better mileage. then if you need more power out of the 12Valve, a turbo back 4" and a fuel rack "adjustment" will get you some decent power.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

Goody another opinion page

Any of the trucks you mentioned will pull what you have. The gas models will burn a lot more fuel then the diesel pulling the load. Your 3/4 Dodge has larger brakes then the 1/2 ton and if your pontoon trailer does not have them, well keep some extra room.

Guy that runs the local dock I see him many morning bring a rental pontoon down the hill back to the marina. He has a late model 1500 Chevy, and every morning he does it, by the time he is at the bottom you can smell and see the front brakes smoking.

 

[CZSteve]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

Thanks Scott; not helping...
I'm an old gear head and have played around with the 12v a bit; #11 fuel plate, 7x.012 injectors, BHAH, exhaust, & clutch - just some minor stuff; not into 'Rolling Coal' or burnouts, too old for that cr@p.

I really do like my 12v; initially got because I found a good deal on it and wanted to brew Bio-Diesel which I did for a few years before we moved a little while back.

Just started thinking about it would be nice for a new'er' truck; especially if this rig could fetch $10k+; then yesterday I had to quickly merge onto the freeway and love how that diesel will get up and go when needed - definitely torn about selling or not; figured I'd post an add and see what kind of repsonse there is.

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

I'll chime in because I'm a believer in running a vehicle until it is no longer financially feasible to repair it. You obviously know your way around a garage. I'm sure the truck is also paid for. Every month you drive that truck is like putting another $4-500 dollars in the bank. I say keep your reliable old diesel! As long as the cost of maintenance and repairs do not exceed 50% of the monthly payment of a newer vehicle, you will always be ahead of the game. You know you'll miss your old truck!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

I worked at Cummins, so I am fond of them. Also, Dad is still driving his '96 12 valve 3/4 ton 4x4 with about 300k on the clock. did need to get the trans re-built at 212k. only thing done on his is the 4" stainless exhaust because it was about $500 cheaper than stock aluminized. thing makes a great plow truck with a full cord of wood in the bed.

as I stated, I would keep it.

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

Keep the old Dodge...I'm somewhat looking for a new TV as well...The Cummins are my first choice! Of all the trucks you posted I like the Toyota because of the 5.7L and I have the little brother, the Tacoma.

If you could find a way to keep it as a dedicated TV, then you're ahead of the game. Only problem I see is people want them diesels and are willing to fork out the extra bones for 'em...I like the gassers too?!

Good Luck, post what you end-up with!

~Brett

 

[redneck joe]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

You may get a good price, but your old diesel will outlast many of what you are looking at. Keep it and buy a bigger boat. I'm at 240k miles planning on keeping until 500+

 

[superbenk]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

I love driving my Titan and it's super roomy inside, but as said above, the rear end is junk. Mine blew at around 50k miles. Also the Titan brakes are somewhat weak. 08+ is best! but still pretty much the same as an 04/05 (finned aluminum diff cover came in 05, new rear came in 07 & slightly bigger brakes came in 08). Nissan keeps threatening to release a new diesel Titan so it could stir it up some.

 

[quad59]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

My brother in law has the Tundra and he likes it. Ive been in the back and there is less room than my 11 Dodge supercrew 1500. Having pulled his boat with his and mine, mine pulls better and has a better ride when under tow (his words not mine). Mine has the Hemi, 4x4 with towing package. I looked into others when I was putrchasing and I like the Dodge for many reason, but stupid as it sounds, I like my flip up center consoul so I have the option of a 6th passenger if need be. The fords and Chevys that I looked at didnt have that option. The Ford dealer wouldnt come close to the price the Dodge dealer did, and Ford would only give me 2.9% interest Dodge was zero. After rebates, and what not and some bargaining from a customer who had purchased 6 vehicles from this dealer I was 10k below MSRP out the door.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

Keep your truck. You can buy a lot of repairs for what payments would be. If you're just aching for that new car smell, spend some money on paint and maybe a new interior. Upgrade your AM-FM radio to a satellite receiver. Buy a can of "new car scent" spray.

If your truck is dependable, paid for, parts are still widely available for it, then you will end up paying a lot just to get what you already have. Why would you do that?

The only reason I even own my Ranger is because I blew a transmission seal on my 19 year old Taurus station wagon, the repair was four figure, I needed a replacement the same day (I was moving) and had a lot of problems finding parts for the old wagon. I think that was justifiable. I don't see your situation as anything close.

 

[mrdancer]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

I agree with the others that you have a great engine there with the 12-valve. However, if you have "new truck fever", you might hold out and consider the new Dodge half-ton diesel:


2014 RAM 1500 Eco Diesel Review and Road Test - YouTube

You can get a Tradesman model for around $28k. Cheaper than some of the competition's gas options.

 

[worntired]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

Are you wanting 4x4 and a bigger cab? If not, I would stay with what you have. If you're looking at getting into something with 4 wheel drive and a bigger crew cab, why not look into a gas model 3/4 or 1 ton? The mileage usually isn't that bad, but you get a ton more room than you would with a 1/2 ton. Usually you can get into these trucks a lot cheaper since people are normally looking for the diesel model. Just something more to think about.

 

[younggun]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

I agree on keep the dodge but if you do want a new one. If the f150 has the 5.4 that is a great motor. My dad has an f250 with the 5.4 in it and he has towed 20000 pounds of cows through the mountains with it( no I would not recommend it) but he did it. Now he just uses my 99 f350 with the 7.3. We currently own 3 ford truck and all have over 225k and have had very few problems. We had a Chevrolet for about a year and it was in the shop more than on the road. Just my experiences. But if the 12 valve runs good its hard to beat them. I want one just to build because parts are so cheap

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

You can get a Tradesman model for around $28k. Cheaper than some of the competition's gas options.

There is a reason for that! Dodge has never been known for reliability... Yes, someone might post that they have had bulletproof luck, but national stats don't lie, they are at the bottom of nearly every reliability ranking out there. Chevy ranks extremely high, ford and toyota basically exchange places.

In any case, I'm in the keep-it camp also. If you are hard set on something else, given your desire for resale and lack of upkeep costs, its a no brainer, go with the Tundra or chevy. (better resale on the tundra, POSSIBLY lower cost of ownership on the chevy. I think the tundra looks better, not as generic as the chevy and a little more unique, I'd go with that.)

 

[alldodge]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

There is a reason for that! Dodge has never been known for reliability...

.

:facepalm:

 

[matt167]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

I'd count out the '08 F-150.. The 3V 5.4L's have cam phaser issues that can be pretty major and if your looking for an Scab than that is likely the motor that you will find in it. I have an '07 4.6 XL model ( same as '08 ) with the tow package 4x4 and 3.73's and while I like it, the heaviest I have towed was a fully loaded 2 horse trailer ( 4,500ish Lbs ) total and thru the hills the weight was noticeable on it


Dodge vehicles do tend to have reliability issues that the owners seem to not admit but the same can be said about Ford and Chevy also. Friend of mine has an '08 1500 quad cab and it is a nice truck.

 

[briangcc]

Re: Considering new truck - Opinions?

Dodge - or service. The dealers around me are useless. They wanted to swap out my tranny when it was a bad motor mount causing my issue. They were shocked I was taking my vehicle out of their shop to a tranny shop to have a 2nd opinion. Tranny shop charged me $50 for the diagnosis and a fluid change in the tranny. My sister has a Jeep and has also found out first hand that the dealer is useless.

Only Dodge dealer I've found that I could trust was in Grove City PA - 4 hours away!


I've owned (2) GMC Sierra 1500's, 5.3L 4x4 and I won't own one again. Too many weird problems with them. My buddy has a '12 Chevy Avalanche with the 5.3L and its anemic when pulling my boat. Constantly hunting gears on flat land.


I'm on my 2nd Tundra Double Cab 5.7L 4x4 and love them. Only two problems on my '07 Tundra - water pump went under warranty and the transfer case was starting to go at 103K. The double cabs are a little small but the Crew Cabs are immense in the back seat. I'm 6'4" and I have no problems setting the front seat in a Crew Cab Tundra and then being able to climb in the back. There's just gobs of leg room. And standard for the '14 model year is a rear camera.

But if you're happy with what you have now, I'd keep it if its paid for. You'll have a lot of reserve towing power when you need it.