Posted on 07/20/2005 3:17:05 PM PDT by Alberta's Child
I've been spending the last few months mulling over a new vehicle purchase, and I'm hoping to get some input from Freepers who may have purchased a full-sized pickup truck in the last couple of years.
I currently drive a 1994 Ford Explorer, and I rented a 2005 model for a weekend this spring while mine was having some work done on it. I'm not thrilled with the current generation of Explorers, mainly because the driver's seat feels more cramped due to some of the safety features that have been added over the years (airbags in particular). I looked into the next larger size of SUV (the Expedition), but they cost quite a bit more than the Explorers.
A while back I became very impressed with the Ford F-150 pickup truck, which provides Expedition-like size for a lot less money. I've done extensive research on the vehicle and found that it may not have the best track record in terms of reliability, though it appears that some of the problems with the 2004 model year have been corrected in 2005. I decided to wait until the 2006 model year comes out, since I figure the truck will only get better as some potential problems are worked out, but after doing some more research I'm wondering if this wouldn't be a great time to buy a 2005. With the Family Discount that GM and Ford are offering on their vehicles, the prices I'm seeing are incredibly low (I've priced a well-equipped F-150 for just a couple of thousand dollars more than I paid for my Explorer in 1994).
I'm looking for help on a couple of things:
1. Does anyone out there own a 2004 or 2005 Ford F-150 4x4? Is there any wisdom you can offer on the vehicle?
2. I'm pretty much a Ford guy when it comes to trucks (for one big reason you'll see below), but I'm not totally sold on the F-150. Is there anyone out there who has owned multiple full-sized pickup trucks in the last few years who can offer some positive/negative points on several different brands?
3. Any other comments/suggestions that truck owners can provide?
My Explorer has about 270,000 miles on it, and it still runs very well so I'm looking to keep it until it dies. This is the kind of use I can expect for a vehicle -- 20,000 to 25,000 miles per year, and I intend to keep it for at least ten years.
I've got some specific technical questions that I'd like to run past someone who knows these trucks very well (particularly the Ford). I'll post them below as replies after I get some input here.
I bought a new Econoline in 1982 when gas prices were high as were rebates on "gas hogs". Worked out OK as oil prices did eventually fall.
We have a Dodge Ram 2500 with a Cummins Turbo Diesel. We get 20 mpg, and ir's still running strong and reliable after 150,000 miles.
My only reservation is that without much in the way of windows, the thing is a little unnerving to back up in. If you're buying new, though, windows are an option.
the f-250 beercan is a MUCH better truck. I had to put a new engine in the 150 at 130,000 miles, and that 302 was wierd - it cost my 2k for a short block (usually around 1k).
Seriously look at Dodge with the new "MegaCab", especially since you seem to need the four-door option. Dodge and GM are better at building engines than Ford, with regard to appropriateness. The ford Triton engines are good high-rpm engines, but tend to be weak on torque and weak on low-rpm performance, and are really better suited to cars than trucks. The GM VorTec engines, particularly the 6000 and 8100, are much better suited to truck usage, as is the Dodge Hemi. Obviously the diesel story is different (if you would consider one). The Dodge Diesel is almost certainly overkill for what you want. The Powerstroke and DuraMax are probably pretty evenly matched, and are pretty good light truck engines. The powerstroke has history behind it (though the new engine is a new design), but the Duramax is an extremely well-designed system.
Also, and this is more of a personal thing, I have found that the Ford interiors aren't as ergonomic as the GM and Dodge. The driver's seat tends to be a little more shallow from seatback to front edge of the seatpan than the other two makes, and the switchgear is funky. Also, I have never liked the Ford transmissions. I don't know that much about the new Dodge autos, but the GM autos are much more sturdy.
I'm currently driving a 2003 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 with the extended cab. My only regret is not going with the super crew. I made up for it by lifting it 6 inches and adding mudders with custom wheels 8>). Anyway, I've had in the last five years a 2002 Chevy Suburban and a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. I just like the way the Ford looks but the others were great vehicles. Go with a diesel engines if your looking for hundreds of thousands of miles.
My biggest problem with a diesel is that I live in a state (New Jersey) where diesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline.
"A Tital will drive away from anything -- except a gas station!"
Cool you've got a Hummer! I want one but the boss says no.
I don't think a van will do it for me. I sometimes need to climb curbs and ride off pavement for work.
I've had 97' F-150 4x4 for the last five years . Great truck! However, my next truck will most likely be the Nissan Titan . Awesome piece of machinery and has lured over many F-150 owners .
Just don't buy some disposable Kia or some such car and finance it for longer than it will last.
Does this apply to the new (post-2003) F-150s, too?
We just bought a Dodge Dakota Quad Cab with a V-8 engine. We got a good deal on it, looked and looked and finally found "the one that was waiting for us to buy it". We did not start out looking for a pick up truck, btw, but hubby is 6'5" and it was this or a used caddy and I did not want a caddy (said I'd need to get a fur coat to go with it!).
I'm no judge of these things but hubby, always a Ford man for trucks, LOVES IT! Loves it, loves it, loves it. Of course he is not going to use it for heavy work, but I'm sure it could be used for that. He says "it's a lot of truck". Part of why he loves it may be because it is his first brand new vehicle ever.
If you have particular questions I'd be happy to pass them on to the hubster.
Good luck, whatever you get!
Just don't buy some disposable Kia or some such car and finance it for longer than it will last. (Sorry, didn't read your post.)
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