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ALANSD · 03-31-2017, 05:33 AM

There are many of us who cannot spend 40-60,000 on a truck. Or will not.
I have had three very good vehicles in the past 16 years of towing an Airstream, and hope to get another one in the next couple of years.
F250 Diesel extended cab 1996 model. Hated the noisy smelly, harsh ride. But it ran like a champ.
Excursion Ltd 2000 model V10. This was the awesome tow machine I never should have sold but miles were getting close to 200K and no longer taking kids along meant no need for three row seating. Only issue was the park plug breakage that Fords had suffered with.Miss this one.
Expedition 5.4 V8 2006 model. My present ride. Now has 154,000 on it and runs well. Had the spark plug issue which set us back a lot of cash to repair, and recently a fuel pump replacement. But overall has been very dependable and decent on fuel if you call 11-12 towing decent. Might get 200 out of it or more.
Regular mass air sensor cleaning is helpful. And a spark plug change every 50,000.

So what to consider next? I am open, though I prefer a Ford, Dodge or Toyota to Chevrolet. Just haven't had good GM experiences.
Would like a diesel but not sure if the price justifies it.

Thanks for sharing ideas and please no arguing!

rostam · 03-31-2017, 07:09 AM

My suggestion: Toyota Tundra, 2007-2008, with 5.7 liter V8. Under $20k. Reliable, powerful, and will last a very very long time (and good resale value).

malinois38 · 03-31-2017, 07:45 AM

For me this is an easy one. A big 8 cyl truck, Tundra would be my first choice and F-150 would be my second.
Here is why. Any deisel is out of warranty at this price point, and that scares me. The F-150 ecoboost is also out of warranty at this price point and the twin turbo's also scare me when the warranty is done. Both carry potentially very expensive fixes.
Also, be prepared to buy a vehicle with 100,000 or more for that price range. This is where the one owner, private sale can pay off. You get to meet the owner and find out how he/she treats their vehicles. I am one of those guys and have people standing in line when I sell used.

Good luck!

dkottum · 03-31-2017, 09:24 AM

If you're looking for experience rather than just another opinion, our 2012 Ram 5.7 Hemi was smooth and powerful, inexpensive, trouble-free and very fuel efficient (20+ mpg hwy, 16 mpg mixed driving). Our 2006 Tundra was none of those.

Mollysdad · 03-31-2017, 09:30 AM

I'm shopping now and I scour the ads every day. (I'm going a bit newer because I'll have a trade.
My first choice is a Toyota Tundra, 5.7, double cab (not crew cab) SR-5, gas (not flex fuel), no four wheel drive, under 40,000 mi., Certified used car if possible.
Why the Toyota with it's poor gas mileage? Because I've had a Ram, and a friend had a diesel Ford, and I'm convinced the Toyota will save me money in the long run.

ALANSD · 03-31-2017, 09:59 AM

I tend to like that, the Tundra is rough on gas though, no?

SCOTTinNJ · 03-31-2017, 10:06 AM

I've been very pleased with my 2012 F150 5.0 V8. An XLT with around 40-60,000 miles should be hovering around $20k. Something like that or the 5.7 Ram would be on my short list.

Mollysdad · 03-31-2017, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

I tend to like that, the Tundra is rough on gas though, no?

Yes, but my Ram averaged 11 mpg, without a trailer, and the minor stuff all fell apart. I'll take my chances with a Toyota lasting 100K miles.

rostam · 03-31-2017, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Yes, but my Ram averaged 11 mpg, without a trailer, and the minor stuff all fell apart. I'll take my chances with a Toyota lasting 100K miles.

I would bet that it would last many more miles

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/heres-...-mi-1776141464

shineybullet · 03-31-2017, 11:13 AM

I spent a long time looking before I found what I was looking for . It's a fully loaded including power moonroof ,2007 Silverado duramax very low mileage
My advice is decide what you want and don't get in a hurry to buy it , look for a private seller lots of great trucks on Craigslist

malinois38 · 03-31-2017, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

I tend to like that, the Tundra is rough on gas though, no?

2008 Tundra CrewMax, 4x4, 5.7L with 135,000 trouble free miles....13-17mpg overall and 10 mpg towing my 28' AS. That is not just another opinion, that is experience. IMO getting 0-60,000 trouble free miles from a 1-3 year old vehicle should be expected. It does NOT scream reliability to me. What a vehicle can do after the 100,000 mark defines reliability in my book.
Take this test as you search for your used vehicle under $20,000. Look at same year trucks with 8 cyl engines and similar body configurations, mileage etc. Then look at the price disparity between them. You will then find the Tundra will demand the highest $ of the bunch. There is a reason for that. Better yet, look in your classifieds for used trucks, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford etc...Very few, if any Tundra's. There is a reason for that. Most of them get passed down to family or friends.
Would I like more payload & better gas mileage? Absolutely, but reliability/longevity trumps all in my book.
Ok, I'm done. Do I like my Tundra? Yes I do, and there is a reason for that..I work hard for my $ and demand the best value for my hard earned dollars.

Good luck in your search and let us know how you make out!

wildhorses · 03-31-2017, 12:34 PM

I just bought an '09 Chevy Express 3500 Extended Van w/6.0L gas engine - love it and tows nicely. The added bonus is we can literally fill it with bicycles, adult beverage coolers, dirt bike, etc. - literally if it fits it ships. I have even put my EzGo golfcart in it once. It has ~107k miles and I bought it for $9k.

I get ~13.4 mpg towing.

guskmg · 03-31-2017, 01:29 PM

If you have never experienced a GM Duramax with the Alison tranny. You are missing some real torque, great mpg, and reliability. Mine 2007 has 120,000 miles pulling a 34' slide with no problems. Just do all the schedule maintenance. I added full air ride before a trip to Alaska what a difference that makes to any 3/4 HD. My wife says it's time for s new one, I hate to give up my tricked out old reliable work horse.
guskmg

Quicksilver6 · 03-31-2017, 03:18 PM

I agree with the Tundra folks. Best truck made!

pappy19 · 03-31-2017, 03:26 PM

For the money, you can't go wrong with a used F-150. Get one that has just come off of a 2-3 year lease and do a Carfax to check on the service done during warranty. Many of the return leases will still be under the original warranty. I would stay away from foreign made vehicles, the cost to fix them is prohibitive in many cases. The Toyota doesn't make a great work truck due to their weak frames and plastic tailgates. Any shop in the nation will work on a Ford if need be, but not so much foreign makers. Not starting a war here, just the facts. The F-150 is a very popular TV and there are many reasons, but mostly reliability and toughness.

wvstreamer · 03-31-2017, 03:41 PM

Tundra. 100k. Feels and runs the same as new. Pads and rotors at 98k and regular recommended service. My 7th Toyota and overall cost of ownership is low and reliability is high. Tow 31 classic. 1st west trip ever beginning in April with the Tundra. There are lots of good choices. Happy shopping.
Dave in WV

banderabob · 03-31-2017, 04:45 PM

We have a 2008 Expedition with 184,000 miles. The cost to replace a cracked manifold and timing chain tensioners was such that we spent $8,400 and put in a new engine (3 year unlimited mileage warranty). Visually it looks like new, and with the new engine it's good for years to come (if we don't get the itch to change!). How's that for under $20,000?

cando · 03-31-2017, 07:53 PM

I have had a 2007 Tundra 4x4 and pull a 25' AS for 121,000 trouble free miles, now drive the same truck in a 2012 with 100,000 miles on it. The only thing I ever changed on either truck was oil, filters and a set of tires on each. Not even brakes had to be replaced. The O7 was better on fuel though both (including the 12) are better than the other trucks I have owned (11). I would recommend the Tundra and am looking for a new one this summer/fall though I really wonder why other than this one is five years old. Good luck with your choice.

ALANSD · 04-01-2017, 06:44 AM

I don't need a work truck. I'm retired and work as a musician. So I haul stuff inside. Amps and guitars and such. An extended cab truck would do or one that has room behind the seats, or a cap.
I am deciding whether to sell the Expedition now while its only got 155K on it. And has newer tires, and services.
Thanks all

Pat.Mann · 04-01-2017, 07:28 AM

If you like the Tundra but in SUV configuration, we have had good luck with our Sequoias (2007 with our 23, 2008 5.7l when we went to the heavier 27). You will have to search to find one under $20,000, and the 100,000 mile rule probably applies here. The one complaint I have about the 2008 and newer ones is that the 3rd row seats don't remove readily - they just fold down, leaving a slight slope downward out the back which can be a pain. Mileage is 9-12 towing our 27FB, 12 on the level at 55 with no big winds, closer to 9 or less uphill or trying to keep up with that Texas traffic. Newer than 2010 the tow rating drops below 7,000 lbs as I recall, but for 2008-2010 it's 9,000-10,000 depending on the version. No Toyota diesels, at least not yet.