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.
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.
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.)
If gas milage is a concern buy all-weather gear and a motorcycle. You'll be thanking me later.
I have a couple friends who have been having transmission trouble with Dodge trucks from early this decade. I have no info about whether this has been sorted out, but it is an EXPENSIVE fix, and my buddy is now on his third. Ach!
I'm naturally averse to anything from General Mistake, but I also have little info on the performance of the Ford pickups.
My only warning regarding the Ford is that if you are buying a diesel, be sure to hear one first: Ford diesels usually sound like a tumble dryer filled with marbles and baseballs. The F-150s use the reliable (almost indestructible) 5.4l modular engine gasoline, IIRC, and I recommend them highly (as I have the 4.6l modular in my Crown Vic).
I've take 3 F250 Super Duty 4X4's over 250,000
An Explorer- 300,000
Escort-200,000
2003 250SD 4X4 at present (minor vacuum pump leak fixed under warranty)
Any major probem with any of them was "operator induced"
The Chevrolet SilveradoHD has been reported to be the most dependable truck in its segment during 3 years of ownership by JD Power & Associates. In an SUV check out the Chevy Equinox AWD or FWD. Short track record, but it offers fuel economy and room. The GMC Yukon has recieved the same accolades as the Silverado HD in the large SUV segment.
You may want to rethink that Ford thing.
Ping to read later.