Truck questions from a sedan driver.

So i have been thinking about finally getting a truck. I mostly use my car for commuting but getting a truck would have some benefits for me. The price of my trade in will probably be pretty good right now.

My issues are:
- I have a lot of snow so 4wd or awd is important. We had 21 inches with one storm last winter.
- I have a family so while I like 2 seats, I probably need 4(+). Currently I have a young family of 3. It will likely grow.
- I would like to do some moderate hauling, maybe some wood from time to time but not on a regular basis.
- Getting a full size piece of plywood, or drywall in the back would be great. At the moment, I just have to deal or cut things down in the big orange parking lot.
- An SUV or cross over type would likely be fine too, as long as I could get a hitch(Subaru?). On a regular basis, I mostly just move chicken feed at 250lbs a trip. Any car should be fine with that.

I was thinking of a 'small frame' truck. Maybe a Tacoma, Honda, or a Ranger? I know these are "girl trucks" but I also don't want to commute in a 4 ton. For what it's worth, I am not commuting right now but I may need to in the future. My old commute (pre covid) was 36 miles one way. Without a commute, I probably drive 50-80 miles a week.

Maybe a 6 cylinder hatchback would be more economical?

Is a used truck ok? What red flags should I look for?

How many miles are trucks usually good for?

Do they still make them in 5 speed? I am rusty but I can drive a stick.

 

Sounds like a ranger or other midsize crew cab truck would do the trick for you. You could probably get away with even less of a truck, but then you will have less capabilities for towing/ hauling. Any of the options that have a bed will haul a full sheet of plywood. Even a 5' bed with the tailgate down will haul plywood just fine. There's even a couple more options for those that commute more and haul less, but still can do what most people will need. The upcoming ford Maverick will get around 40 mpg. Then there's the Hyundai pick up too. Yes, the maverick, Hyundai and Honda are not really pick up trucks in that they are unibody based, but most don't need all that heavy load capacity.

 

Oh, and the only two remaining manual transmission trucks are the Tacoma and jeep gladiator

 

So, here's something to consider. My buddy recently bought a Silverado 1500, 4 door with the small Duramax diesel engine. The diesel was a $2K option. Being full size, it has a lot of family room. Mileage is unreal; normally he gets 28-30 and seems to get better as it breaks in. Wicked towing power. He's into MG's/Austin Healy's etc. and he recently drove from Mass to Georgia to pick up an old MG. Empty trailer down, loaded trailer back and he got 18 MPG! Hard to justify a "small frame" truck with numbers like that!

 

Go easy on me here... It sounds like 18 mpg is pretty good? If I understand correctly, it might be better to go with a full size truck because they can be relatively economical for commuting?

 

I haven't heard of the maverick but you are right. That is on point. 20k-ish is also a lot more appealing than the 35k I was expecting.
So cars are unibody and a truck has a pivot point for more flexibility? Maybe I heard about this as a kid. Is this called a universal joint?

 

Why standard do you just want one? New automatic get better gas mileage. Are far easier to find.

first thing go climb into then and see what’s comfortable. New trucks are taller than you remember. Price used right now here is unreal!

example buddy has top of line Dodge Ram 40k mikes dealer offered more than he paid!

 

So my limited experience with trucks, is that the mileage is worth having something heavier and with more capabilities.
I drive 80 mi/day, and haul a small.trailer when near home for firewood or building material, or dump runs. So I like the capabilities of the bigger motor and truck vs. Ranger types (cars with beds).

Unexpected findings that I now know, and therefore will always be a truck person:
1) where other vehicles can't, I can. I ended up hauling kids to camp through a vicious snow storm. Not planned. Glad I wasn't in a car. I have taken on the odd job that made a little play money, cutting up a tree and hauling it off got me a few hundred bucks. No more hauling half loaded trailer loads and gingerly driving with a car....mulch, wood, dirt, building materials.
2: safety. Trucks are taller above traffic, are better seen and better visibility from, in all directions. Passengers are a little higher out of the way in accidents with cars. Heavier, better constructed (metal vs plastic), and WAY better traction in all kinds of weather. Then add 4 wheel drive. Fuel economy, heavier and a bit more expensive parts: isn't so nice, but that is a small price to pay for a bit of safety.

The money made on small projects, saved on firewood scrounges, and general ability to help out when others need it....worth every bit.

Sca

 

Toyota makes some durable trucks!






Top Gear crew couldn't kill one.

 

Sure used is ok! My current Tundra has almost 190,ooo and it's has a LOT more to go. BTW, the Taco isn't a girl truck.

 

I have a 2017 Nissan Frontier 4x4. Bought it new in 17. Has a 4.0L v6. No issues so far and I commute with it daily.

 

I would probably go with an automatic. A few years back, manuals cost a lot less. I guess this is no longer the case.

Good point on the height, I should hit up a lot and see how they feel. My dad had a ranger in the 90's and that is the last truck I have really been in. I still remember that smell.

My current car isn't very valuable but I think I can about break even on it, even after adding a lot more miles. That is what started this whole conversation. Given that the used cars are so expensive, I will likely buy new if I can swing it.

 

used trucks are like the compact tractor market way over priced. for just a bit more one can buy new with a full warranty. I do not know much about the 1/4ton units ( ranger ect) I can say that my friend with a 2020 F150 4x4 crew cab 3.6 turbo was getting apx 28- 30mpg on the freeway in the warmer weather. ( iirc the ranger wasn't any better) when the cold hits that will drop a bit. Pulling a loaded trailer - 15mpg. Nothing new there. Now he just got a 2021 F150- due to dealer offering more than he paid for it trade in wise,+incentives and all and ended up with more truck than he had and $100 less a month payment- I do not know any details beyond that. There is or was a shortage on new trucks( cars also ) due to computer chip shortages. Right now besides my 03F250 diesel I have an 16 Escape 2L turbo. it 's ok but a bit small. Minimum about 95 miles a day about 30mpg hwy. at the time I got it 1/2 ton trucks were avg. 17-20 mpg. hwy.

 

I’d probably just keep the car and get a beater truck for “truck stuff”

 

in this market, yes I did. I paid about $8300 off MSRP. I have heard countless people that have gotten very close to MSRP for a used 2-3 year old truck on trade lately. I had to fly to Louisiana to get that deal though.