OT - Talking Cars Tuesday - Pick-a-Truck
Last week we had a great discussion on Modern Muscle - without actually counting it seemed like the board's preference was for the Mustang, then Challenger, then Camaro (which matched the Q1 sales numbers).
So this week, let's get even more riled up with pickup truck loyalty on the line. There's a reason that people can sell Calvin-peeing-on-a-logo stickers. That said, pickup trucks do a LOT more than they did even a decade ago.
There are $30K work trucks - Chevy still has a W/T trim. There are $80K trucks that have about 13-cows worth of leather on the inside and can work all day and still take the family to a nice dinner. There are fast trucks, trucks that can tow more than a regular drivers license allows, desert-running from the factory trucks, and all the truck anyone can want with the ride of a car.
By my count, there have never been this many trucks with this many different goals on the market:
Ford F150 & Raptor, Ford Super Duty, Ford Ranger, Chevy Silverado, Chevy Colorado, GMC Sierra, GMC Canyon, the HD GM twins, Ram 1500 & 2500/3500, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Titan/HD, Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator
So - similar rules as last week - let's say your car payment/insurance is the same and you have a magical parking spot, but this time you're footing the bill for gas. If you don't have the need for a magical truck, which one would you get for fun?
As much as i love the Raptor, I would go with the Super Duty.
Magical? A Shelby F-150 Super Snake.
Realistic? Probably one of these new Jeep Gladiators.
EDIT: Apparently we all love the Gladiators. That's awesome.
How about a GMC Sierra with a 4 inch lift and a Callaway supercharger at 560 hp? Ridiculous, I know but it's still awesome.
I live in Chicago and commute about 14 miles each way, so I'm prioritizing fun. Also, based on my username, you can guess.
Give me the 6 speed manual and a soft top and full soft doors and I'm in.
I love Jeep pickups and have owned one, but the new 4 door looks like crap. They had several concept 2 doors that were beautiful.
There's a local company named American Expedition Vehicles that's been making a much more off-road worthy Jeep pickup called the Brute. Even comes with an optional HEMI:
That thing looks like it has no idea what it's trying to be.
Was at the dealer for fuel system problems on my son's TJ last week. (Bad gas from 7 months storage - didn't have time to figure it out myself.)
They unloaded a red sport Gladiator while I was there and had three guys bidding on it immediately. Apparently they had a black Rubi over the weekend that lasted ten minutes. Both gone before I could even sit in them.
Really interested to drive one of these. Biggest concern is the longer wheelbase - but heck my '08 JKUR is on road about 97% of the time, and I tow more than I offroad, so maybe the Gladiator is the way to go. Just hope they bring the diesel version of both soon ...
I'm an F-series guy, so I'll take an F-150 Lariat for fun around the homestead. If I had a camper or boat to drag around, I'd go with the F-250 Powerstroke. They do truck things, but ride and handle just like a nice car.
Ford F-series trucks have led the world in sales forever, for a reason...
Not quite in forever! There have definitely been years over Ford's 30+ year streak that they claim to be the #1 selling pickup where the combined Chevy & GMC sales have been > Ford sales.
That said, the last few years the GM twins haven't come close. But Ford does say "F-Series" sales to count the Super Duty too. Also, it's all marketing and all the made up categories let everyone claim to be a class leader, and the points are made up and don't matter anyway.
Kinda like the points here!
/ducks
I just got a new Jeep wrangler JL last year but I really want a new gladiator! People seem to really hate all of Chevy's new front ends but I don't know, I like them. Especially in the darker, blacked out trim packages.
I'll never own a truck. They're just not my style. The closest thing to a truck I would get is a Jeep Wrangler (Moab or Rubicon).
The closest thing I'd ever get to a truck is a hatchback. And I use it as a truck more than most truck owners.
Damn, man. Won't drink whiskey and won't ever own a truck. I'd have to think the only thing we may have in common is a love of Michigan.
That went over like a fart in church
He forgot to mention the part about how he loves fruit flavored dildos to stir his tasty drinks.
I started with a 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton and have owned:
'72 Datsun Pickup
'89 Jeep Comanche - really quick truck and pretty nimble, one of my favorites
90's Dodge Dakota - bla, but great lease - $1,200 for 1 year 12 k mile lease
00's Chevy S10 - easily the worst I have owned a true POS
'03 Chevy Silverado - extended cab, pretty nice size
'05 Chevy Colorado 4x4
'15 Chevy Silverado
'17 Chevy Colorado
Full size truck now are huge - my '15 Silverado extended cab was like driving a bus. I'd stick with my extended cab Colorado or a new extended cab Ranger or the Jeep if they made a 2 door version.
That's a bummer about your S10. I have a 1998 S10 that does 100 miles per day round trip with no complaints and 237,000 miles.
Also have a 2003 Silverado 1500 LT which has heated leather and premium sound system for a lot less than a new one. It'll go forever.
Based solely on looks, Ranger and Gladiator, in no particular order.
Have an F150 platinum, that I bought when I moved to South Dakota (when in Rome). I said I would never own a truck, and now I am not sure I will ever go back. Handles beautifully (sport mode is hilarious and fun on a truck that size), and I tow and/or use the bed every fricking weekend. The massaging seats arent bad either...
A Ford Raptor and it's not close. The only reservation I have at all is towing capacity, but I have nothing heavy to tow. It's my "dream car," if there is such a thing.
My assistant pastor heard that I'm a Ford Raptor fan a few months ago. The next Sunday there was a plastic velociraptor toy on my desk with a Ford sticker on it. I still have it.
Ford just launched the Ranger Raptor overseas. Looks fantastic and I could even fit it in my garage. Not for 0-60 fanatics but for those who like/need to go off-road. I've told my wife that I'd save gas because I could now draw a straight line between where I am and where I want to go.
FCA (owner of Chrysler/Dodge brands) is developing what they call a "Raptor-killer". Think it's code named T-Rex or something should be out soon.
Officially it's the "Ram TRX". And it's got a Hellcat.
I'd go Ranger Raptor if we're talking factory spec. If wer're talking wild ass dream truck then it's have to be a Ranger pre-runner with long travel suspension. I'd drive that beast everywhere.
I would say a Raptor or possibly a Lariat. And if I wanted to go more luxury, a Navigator.
For those saying that new Jeep truck. Correct me if I’m wrong but it’s still in a Jeep Wrangler frame right ? It’s not even a truck.
You're wrong! Heavily modified the frame and whole back end.
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a26990240/2020-jeep-gladiator-by-the-numbers/
https://www.caranddriver.com/jeep/gladiator
Jeep claims the Gladiator shares less than 50 percent of its parts with the Wrangler JL. While numerous factors play into reengineering the Wrangler's DNA for work as well as play, the basic building blocks consist of an entirely new frame and Dana 44 live axles front and rear. The frame measures 30.6 inches longer than that which underpins the current Wrangler JL four-door and gives the Gladiator a 137.3-inch wheelbase, a considerable 19.9 inches longer than that of the Wrangler JL 4-door. While the Wrangler's five-link coil-spring suspension design is used up front, at the rear is a Gladiator-exclusive five-link design with forged steel trailing arms and a Panhard rod. The setup positions the trailing arms under the frame rails, while the rear gas-tuned dampers face forward to provide consistent damping for ride comfort and load management.
A truck is the one sort of vehicle I've never had, have really no use for, and aren't really interested in. I'm a car guy. I like to drive. Fast. So I guess the Raptor if I had to pick?
Or one of those turbocharged Chevy trucks from the early 90's?
I have always wanted a diesel car though. So maybe a diesel truck would be cool. As long as it came with a boat.
Yeah, I'm with you there. I like the idea of trucks, and God Bless the people who buy 'em for $60K/pop, but they aren't my gig.
There was a Dodge Ram with a Viper engine that hauled ass. Trucks can be fast because they can be light. I am a huge DIY’er and cannot live without a truck.
I asked for this particular thread, because I'm debating whether to take the plunge and buy my first truck. I don't have a boat or anything else worth towing, and I'm not concerned about mileage. What I basically want to know is which (from F150, Silverado, Ram, Sierra) is the best ride? Which handles most like a car in snow, has the best AWD performance? It's my understanding that the new Ram has the nicest interior, but are there any specific bells and whistles that separate any of the above from the pack? I drive a lot for my job (probably 20K miles a year), so I really need something that's fun to drive. I'm not terribly hung up on looks although that Ford King Ranch looks pretty nice. So, let's say, $45K budget... what's the best bang for my buck?
I loved how my 2016 Ram 1500 handled and it has a surprisingly good turning radius as well which makes it easier to maneuver in parking lots. I haven’t driven the other brands but I was pleasantly surprised by that truck.
I had a 2015 Ram Big Horn and switched over to a 17 F-150. Ram has nicer toys on the inside but the F-150 it just a better driving truck. I snowmobile during the winter and found hauling and the 4x4 far better in the Ford. I don't really think you can get a bad truck now a days from any manufacture.
vlady,
not sure about the cost, but this looks like it could be your ride. looks like its a 64WD, give or take a few...
Oddly enough, parking is easy because you do it anywhere you want.
If you can find a Ram 1500 with air suspension that'll have the cushiest full size ride.
If you really need a car with a bed occasionally get a Honda Ridgeline.
I bought a 2013 F 150 lariat in 2015 for around $25,000 instead of the $55,000 list price tag. Handles great, ride is awesome, tow a 6,000-lb travel trailer on occasion. Couldn't ask for more.
Full sized trucks are comfortable but are large. If you like large SUV’s then they are a fit. I will probably not buy another full sized truck, too many good midsized options now. Ranger or GMC/Chevy are more car like in size.
My favorite pickup truck is one that is paid off!
Was a Ram guy for many years. Owned and operated a small roofing business for almost 20 years mainly subcontracted the labor portion of the big roofing contractors. Been in the business 35 years, so ive always have had a truck. I had as many as 38 employees when i subcontracted the miami marlins new retractable roof 2011/12. I could buy a a standard ram 4 door 1500 for a crew under 25k back then. Yes, im an idiot for buying fucking roofers brand new trucks.
As i got older I got tired of the grind of subcontracting. So went to work for my biggest customer. The owner is from a wealthy UM family. The owner's father supposedly was besties with both Bo&Woody. And is always right on with his inside info. On Friday's he would always know what players were held out for injuries.
So I used one of my last crew trucks for work, that way I got a monthly truck allowance which was extra income for me with a paid off truck. When the transmission fried. So i needed a truck but wanted no payment.So our family mechanic found a 2006 2500 Chevy Silverado 2 door 4WD Utility bed with 205k miles.Perfect for a roofing supervisor, the AC will freeze you out, for $5800. My employer offered me $7k for it lol. All I've done is buy 5 HD Firestone tires$900hadt to replace the transfer box(4WD)$2k,water pump $130 and the starter $100 for parts.was just hoping to get a year out of it. The transfer case sucked but other than that love this truck .Good solid work truck. Still driving it today. 40k miles later. It's like an old friend because i probably drive a minimum of 20-30 hours a week for onsite visits of projects. My first Chevy and my first experience replacing a water pump with a automatic belt tensioner and serpentine belt. Not a big deal for a mechanic but I don't have every little gadget tool. The clutch fan was the worst part to break free with limited tools.
Have a great day everyone and please hug your loved ones daily!
You will never go back to a car once you do it. Enjoy!
Jeep Gladiator is a cool entrant in the market. It's over-priced compared to other options but brings the Jeep offroading capabilities and mystique. I think it needs 1-2 years to work out issues and find its price point in the market.
Not really a truck guy but I'd take a luxurious one if I had to take one, GMC Sierra Denali
I drive a '15 2500 HD Denali Duramax. It's fantastic and has already saved my family's lives after a pretty bad collision with a semi truck. A full frame swap and bed and bumpers later, she's as good as new. I have no problem towing or winching or going off road. The diesel is heavy though, so even with a lift, I'm careful off the beaten path. No jumping around like a raptor. 125k on the odometer and I've never had an engine or transmission problem. Holds value well.
I agree, though I'd rather have a Ford King Ranch. I mean, check out the leather on these seats:
That's good cow right there.
trucks, you say? heck, we've got herds of trucks! come on down, we're giving 'em away!
we have at least one of each major US brand. all diesels. crew cabs with one extended cab. i have no brand loyalty whatsoever but i have owned the most F350's and use one as my daily driver. i will say that is my favorite other than it is literally too fancy. heck of a truck though. stupid fast for a 8400 lb rig, nice stereo, quiet, yada yada. trucks have changed in the 40 yrs i've been driving them.
I've had 2 Silverado 1500's. First one was an '07 when they made them HD. Then had a '14 Silverado when they didn't specify them as HD but they still were better than the prior few years' runs. Now I have an '18 Chevy Duramax 2500HD Crewcab with the puck system. Love it to death. Would never dream of going back to the 1/2 tons. The only thing I may consider getting when I get a new one is a Super Duty. Had one of those extended cab V10's years ago. Absolutely loved that thing too.
I had a 2016 Ram 1500 Big Horn and I enjoyed that truck a lot. It featured a lot of good “luxury” items without dropping fat stacks to get them. We purchased a new travel trailer and I’ve decided to upgrade to a 2018 Ram 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins. It’s just a W/T model, but wowzers is that thing powerful. I also prefer the simplistic 2500 body style over my last 1500. As far a new favorite (looking) truck? Hands down the GMC Sierra, she’s a beaut. Much better than the new Ram 1500, Silverado 1500 or Ford F-150. The new F250 Superduty (grey) is a close 2nd.
Also, fun fact. I taught myself how to drive a manual transmission in a "borrowed" Ford Ranger. When I was 14.