As some of you know, I lost the brakes in my dakota and crashed into an accord. Needless to say, I no longer own a Dakota. I'm looking to get a new truck. I'm a pellet guy, so ideal would be for it to hold a ton of payload. I'm also looking into getting a boat in the next year or two. A small lake 4 -person fishing boat. Probably around 5k lbs w/ trailer. A family is also possibly right around the corner, and my 'sports car' won't do for loading a car seat in the useless back seat. (plan is for this to be a 2nd vehicle for me/3rd for the family). I started looking at trucks that fit the bill, and the $$$$$$$$$$ on these things are ridiculous. New is out of the question. I looked back at some used trucks, and even i had two options there too-- ridiculously expensive or 200k miles on it and rusted out. So, I'm thinking that maybe a full size SUV is the better option. A few I spotted on CL were half the price for similar condition vs it's pickup truck variant. I can get a trailer for the pellets instead of using the bed. I'll have a hitch for the boat anyway. 4x4 is a must, those loading ramps are SLIPPERY with algae/etc I'm not too concerned with mpg, as it will be a limited use vehicle when we need to get stuff, tow stuff, or have to go on vacation or something. Of course, the higher the better, but i expect 15mpg may be max, and even less while towing. There are some diesel 2500 suburbans around that seem reasonably priced (7500) but they are all up there in mileage (150+). I worry not so much about the engines as I do misc stuff like bushings, lines, hoses, etc. Any suggestions? things to stay away from? did the suv thing, wish you got a real truck instead?
I do not want to start a A vs B vs C manufacturers debate so, personally I would want a four door long bed 2500 series pick up truck. Preferably diesel, manual.
Brian, I've got just the truck to fit your bill! It has always been reliable and dependable. As a matter of fact, the older it gets, the better mileage it gets! (Due to the fact that there is actually less body weight to the truck, but appearances aren't everything, right?) It has 103K on it and is 4WD with new 10 ply tires on it! (Well, new retread tires with only 1000 mikes on 'em) Since I started smoking cigars, the inside of the truck smells more like a french cathouse than a wood hauling truck, but just light a cigar and you won't even notice the overpowering air freshener! Never mind the air noise while you're driving down the highway at the speed limit; just be glad you got going that fast! (You should really be wondering about what condition the brakes are in by now, anyway). Yess Sirreee, just let me know when you want to pick it up!
I was sorely disappointed when my new suv advertised as 4x4 but in actuality was an AWD. We don't have algae or boats but I was stranded a few times getting to my home in the snow while blocking neighbors from getting home too (oops). My next suv was a true "truck base w true 4x4" when needed. It also had AWD, but I could lock in the hubs when needed instead of relying on a computer chip to decide in the AWD mode..... I was never stuck in the snow with that one.... A few observations that might help
If you can't get a pickup, an SUV with a good trailer is the next best thing. Diesels are typically more expensive to maintain when mechanical work is required but they also usually last longer. Being able to do some of the work yourself will definitely help. I don't think 150k on a diesel is a lot, especially on a diesel suburban which I don't think would have been used to haul or tow much more than an RV or boat. Should still be lots of miles left.
I'm not really a Ford fan but my GF has an 04 explorer 4 door and other than basic wear stuff it's been problem free @ 110,000 miles. Lots of room (it has 3rd row fold up seating). Gets 15 MPG on the low end. V6
And some of them are not really true 4x4 or AWD either .... Our pilot is labelled a "4WD" but it inst really in the traditional sense of having a locked transfer case. What it actually is is front wheel drive with an on demand system that sends some torque to the rear via electronic clutch packs when it detects front wheel spin. But without a true locking transfer case or center diff it cant really lock up the rear completely and you can still get into situations with only one wheel turning. And even AWD with 3 diffs can leave you with one wheel spinning if the conditions are right (like that slippery boat ramp or on black ice). I looked and looked and cannot find any common agreed definition so I decided that I'll call real 4x4 anything with a traditional transfer case that locks the center (so even if you have open diffs front and rear at a minimum always 2 wheels turn). AWD a system with 3 diffs that is always on (even if they are all limited slip) and I call systems like the Honda a pseudo-AWD. Its more confusing than ever as there are vehicles out there that can do either 2WD, AWD or 4x4 selectively with center diffs that can be open, limited slip or even lock up like a transfer case. (This is actually a neat idea as you could use the AWD diff mode for snow driving to keep the good steering feel , and still have the option to lock up into 4x4 locked transfer mode if you get really stuck or hit the mud)
There aren't many, if any, vehicles that will lock up the front differential so both front wheels spin all the time...most behave like a limited slip system...
An E-locker for the front would be awesome, but they're probably afraid of some knucklehead running locked on dry pavement and toasting the front end...so they don't offer them.
I've owned a lot of performance cars including a wrx STI with an adjustable center diff. honestly, i'll take awd over 4wd in the snow any day. You can actually still turn. That car was unstoppable with a set of snows on it. Passed trucks going up hills and waved. lol Tires matter the most. I got around just fine this winter after crashing my truck in december in my lowered RWD sports car (hyundai genesis coupe) because I have michelin pilot alpines on it and it has a limited slip. If i were governor, i'd make snow tires mandatory like Canada does. Annnnnny way.... I'm not partial to any brand. Honestly, they all have their faults in various places. I don't think an explorer or blazer sized vehicle is going to be strong enough.
Yeah,,, I missed the 5000lb boat in the equation . That would max out an explorer for sure. Fact is I think the hitch on the GF Explorer is only rated at 3500. This same dilemma (mileage/hauling capacity) has twisted my mind several times also. I sold my 1 ton 5 years ago and bought a V6 S-10 and a trailer. Mileage totally sucked on the 1 ton and the twice a month hauling capacity wasn't warranted. The S-10 trailer combo works out pretty good for me. One of the biggest pluses I found is the ramp/low loading height .
Yeah, I REALLY like the new colorado. It has the size i want with the mielage i want with the towing capacity i want. but all said and done with a radio and something besides vinyl seats, its 40 grand :/ or about 4x what i really want to spend
Holy $#(*%(*$ $40k for a Colorado? Are they kidding, when the absolute top of the line loaded Tacoma or Frontier is only in the low 30s. Granted those are both dated but with prices like that Toyota will eat them for lunch when the '16 Tacoma hits showrooms.
the v6 long bed z71 without even going crazy with options is 37k as i config'ed it. add in bed liners, covers, tow stuff and it crosses 40k. the starting at price is for the 4 cyl 2wd is 22k. add 4wd and its 26k. add v6 and its 27k
I've driven SUV's for the last few years, and I'm pretty happy with the capability that they bring. The SUV's have been my primary vehicle, and have done well as a jack of all trades type of vehicle. The gas mileage frankly sucks, but I don't drive that far to work, so I can overlook that. I've been quite happy with both of the last two models I've had, and both would fit what you're looking for, as long as you got the right package. My current SUV is a 2011 Dodge Durango Citadel with the Hemi. It seats 7 people comfortably, and tows over 7K lbs. The Hemi is a blast to drive, and I've never wished for more power. The gas mileage sucks, and it takes 89 octane, so it's painful at the pump sometimes. The interior is excellent, and it rides very well for a SUV of it's size. It is a HUGE improvement over the last generation. The backup camera makes it much easier to hook up a trailer. Really, really like this car. Go look at one in person. They're pretty good looking and performing cars. My previous SUV was a Mercury Mountaineer, which is the twin of the Ford Explorer. My Mounty was the V6 w/o the tow package, which meant I was limited to 3500 lbs towing. I went over that occasionally, but not by much, and not for very far. Either way, it had no issues with 4K lbs. The V6 with the tow package can tow about 5200 lbs if I remember correctly, and the V8 is rated for closer to 7K IIRC. I liked that car too. It didn't ride as nice as the Durango, but it got the job done quite nicely. Today...if I had 25K to spend on a vehicle...I think I'd honestly strongly consider a beater truck for hauling and snow duty, and spend the rest of the money on a fun car to drive on a day to day basis in decent weather. Unfortunately, I'm anal about parking cars in the garage, and I only have a two car garage. Wifey's minivan gets one spot, and my SUV gets the other. Someday...
I'm going to be honest. Overload a half ton like the rest of America. You won't be hauling boats and pellets everyday. Look into chevy suburbans. I pull 8k lb boat with it a few times a year and bagged pellets fit just fine in the back. I've had 15oolbs in the back of mine. Ok, ice melt but weight is weight. Bulletproof 5.3 motor. Selectable 4wd. Much cheaper insurance than my avalanche that sits on the same dayum frame. Half ton parts are cheaper than larger brothers also! I bought a 2004 with a bad motor for 1000. Junkyard motor 600. Labor to install and swap a bad injector 1000. All in for $2600.
Wow really???? What was on this config? I walked out of the showroom with my loaded TRD Offroad for 32 last year. They had a Baja edition on the lot they where asking maybe 36 for... never heard of one go for more than that. Which gets me to thinking... that 40k Colorado probably isnt actually selling for that much at dealers...
