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4130biker

4130biker

PM me about Tantrum Cycles!
May 24, 2007
3,884
450
As bikeriders yourselves, I wanted to get some opinions on buying a new truck. Here is what I'm thinking, and any input from your own experiences would be awesome!
I'm going back and forth between an F150, and a newer Tacoma.
Here's what I want:

4wd
4door
2005-2008

Do you recomend either of these trucks more than the other?
I like Ford, but I'm a little skeptical of reliability, although I've heard it's getting better (2006+).
I have a Toyota, and think they're great, but I'm a little worried that it may be a bit cramped in the bed area and the long beds are way more expensive!
Thanks for your help
 
kickstand

kickstand

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2009
3,441
392
Fenton, MI
Chevrolet Silverado 2007-2008.



My college room mate had the 2003 ford supercab, I had a 99 silverado (newer style) and then the newer 2007/08 style crew cab silverado, both of my chevy trucks were great, and I personally liked them better than the fords.

My crew cab had the ultra short 5.5' bed, but I never found it to be ridiculously small when compared to a 6' standard short bed.

You are also comparing a mini truck to a full size truck, you should first decide how big of a truck you need, and then go from there.

Toyota pretty much owns the mini truck arena. Whereas I think Chevy makes the best 1500 Followed by the Ford, then as much as I hate to say it the toyota is nicer than the dodge.
 
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4130biker

4130biker

PM me about Tantrum Cycles!
May 24, 2007
3,884
450
The newer tacoma has been upsized and is Toyota's answer to the f150..
The tundra seems soooo huge- I wanted to get something with decent gas mileage too..
I'll check out the Chevy's- thanks for the input
 
buildyourown

buildyourown

Turbo Monkey
Feb 9, 2004
4,832
0
South Seattle
Well, what do you want to do with the bed?
I have a '07 long bed Taco. If you want to put 4 DH bikes in the back, it is really tight. I can carry 4 w/ gear, but I use the Sportworks rack.
I'm also 6'1" and have spent many nights sleeping in the back under the canopy.
Overall, it's a very nice truck that combines many car like creature comforts into a truck that can handle serious weight.
The biggest rub about a 2-3 year old Taco is that you can buy a new one for the same price.
You should be able to go back to '05 on the Taco though. Even though it's the first model year, I haven't heard of any serious issues.
 
kickstand

kickstand

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2009
3,441
392
Fenton, MI
SkaredShtles said:
Be VERY wary of someone from Fenton, MI making vehicle recommendations. :p
Click to expand...

It is very true I support the domestics. I don't like Toyota more from a political stand point then a quality stand point. I've owned a toyota mini truck, and although not impressed with mine, I have still wanted a 4 door tacoma many times, but it's just never won me over compared to the Chevy Silverado, and I was also comparing apples and oranges, with the mini tacoma and fullsize silverado. I have owned and my family has owned MANY fullsize chevy's all well into the upper 100,000 mile ranges. I've never had a quality complaint with my Chevy Trucks, and neither has any of my immediate family, non of whom work for any automotive manufacturers fyi.

I can't see a Tacoma stacking up with a 1/2 ton truck, but I have not honestly looked that closely at a tacoma since probably 2006 or 2007.

The tacoma is a proven good truck, I wouldn't touch a Tundra when compared to a Silverado or F150.

F150-Silverado is personal preference many times, and I personally think the Chevy is a slightly nicer truck, though they are both very nice trucks with good quality that can get most jobs done.

Anyway i Had the newer '07 Silverado, the back seat of the crew cab was super roomy in comparison to the extended cab I previously had, nice full sized doors, etc. and 20 mpg highway was pretty easy to accomplish, 23-24 mpg took some work but was able to be nailed down.
 
Quo Fan

Quo Fan

don't make me kick your ass
Mar 31, 2006
5,909
36
Here. I'm just not sure where "here" is.
I own a 98 Tacoma with a standard bed (6') and an aftermarket cap. I have no problems putting our bikes in the back (I use a Saris Triple Track) with all our gear and enough luggage for a weekend road trip. I have close to 200,000 miles on her and fully expect to get to over 300,000.
 
R

RaindogT

Monkey
Dec 22, 2005
186
0
Kansas City
I have a '95 flatbed F-350 that I'd sell you.... Diesel. I'd think that you could get 2.5 T. of your favorite aggregate AND 3 or 4 DH bikes in the back..... :D
 
H

homepiece

Monkey
May 22, 2006
234
0
OHIO
I traded in my Nissan Titan for a new Silverado z-71 a few months ago. I test drove several of the newer trucks and have spent a bit of time in the f150s and Tacomas. The Titan and Silverado are the best 2 in the class in my mind with the ford coming in right after them. You will be able to get much better deals on those used than what you would on a Tacoma. The prices on tacos just don't fall very much. They are a great truck, but have a high demand in the used market.
 
kickstand

kickstand

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2009
3,441
392
Fenton, MI
buildyourown said:
Tacomas are made in America, by UAW workers. Unlike most Chevys, which are made in Canado or Mexico. Just sayin'
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I won't give you an economics lesson on where the bottom line falls, seems every car thread has to turn into this.

I am a supporter of the big three, there I said it.

But I also think I have given a pretty fair and unbiased opinion on trucks based on what I have owned and what i have shopped for. I have spent a lot of time in all three of the fullsize trucks using them as work trucks, have owned a toyota, and multiple chevies as personal trucks and spent a lot of time in the others.

Good luck with your choice, truck shopping is fun.

FYI I paid 29k out the door for an LT2 Chevy Silverado z71 4x4 crew cab in November of 07, just noticed today on the lot they had used trucks (didnt check mileage, was poking around at a jeep wrangler that caught my eye) in the 25-29k range, so they held their value pretty good.
 
Kntr

Kntr

Turbo Monkey
Jan 25, 2003
7,526
21
Montana
Ive owned both an F150 and a Silverado. I bought a brand new 04 F150 supercrew and had it a few years. I loved that truck. I got 21 mpg on the hwy before I lifted it and put on the big tires. I just bought a Chevy last week and dont have as much drive time in it yet. I did get lucky and found a gem. Its an 02 extracab with only 37,000 miles. I got it for $15k. Both trucks drive completely different. The ford was smoother, quiter, and the fit and finish was just better. The Silverado is nice too, but just feels like a car. It drives nice and has a lot more get up and go though. The Ford felt slow and the Silverado feels a lot more powerful. The backseat in the Silverado extracab has a lot of room... almost as much as the 4 door F150.

I looked at a lot of Toyotas before I got the Silverado. Used Toyotas are just too expensive. I couldnt justify spending $15k-$20k on a Toyota with over 100k miles. You can find low mileage Silverados and F150s around $15k. Drive them and it will be a lot easier to decide.

Here is a pic of my F150 before I sold it.


Here is a pic of the Silverado. I have a lift and bigger tires going on soon.
 
demo 9

demo 9

Turbo Monkey
Jan 31, 2007
5,910
46
north jersey
I currently have the Tundra crewmax -LOVE it. **** gasmiliage-truth-it sucks. However, the power is unmatched as is the speed. I have an 05 sierra extended cab. When it traded it in, this is what it needed. 4 tires, 4 brakes, tranny, diff, and big steering issues. This happened between 55,000 and 60,000 miles. I fully expect to get 200,000 with the toyota. It will burn way more gas, but read online and go watch reviews on youtube, basically wins them all. I would 100% expect the tacoma to be of the same quality if not better because it is proven, I will agree that it kinda sucks that the Big 3 cant make a truck as reliable. (and fyi i am particular to the ride of a GMC) But they did get themselves into the big debacle that is called our economy, and my guess is that when they keep seeing the tundra (and tacoma) they will change. *dodge has stepped up with a faster ram and independent rear suspension i am told*
 
IH8Rice

IH8Rice

I'm Mr. Negative! I Fail!
Aug 2, 2008
24,524
494
Im over here now
chuffer said:
hmm. still dont see mention of 4x4. does Ferd not offer such a monster or am I blind? I see 4x4 E-series around every now and then, but I wonder if they are factory?
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they used to offer them and they were a factory option. ive worked on plenty of custom car audio systems in them and they are great trucks...pretty high off the ground in stock trim too
 
buildyourown

buildyourown

Turbo Monkey
Feb 9, 2004
4,832
0
South Seattle
chuffer said:
hmm. still dont see mention of 4x4. does Ferd not offer such a monster or am I blind? I see 4x4 E-series around every now and then, but I wonder if they are factory?
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I don't believe Ford ever offered a 4x4 van. All those ones you see around are conversions. There are several companies that do it. Basically, take a brand new van and wrap $10k around it.

I chevy does or did. Not sure if you could get it in a Diesel. No solid axle though.
 
kickstand

kickstand

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2009
3,441
392
Fenton, MI
demo 9 said:
I currently have the Tundra crewmax -LOVE it. **** gasmiliage-truth-it sucks. However, the power is unmatched as is the speed. I have an 05 sierra extended cab. When it traded it in, this is what it needed. 4 tires, 4 brakes, tranny, diff, and big steering issues. This happened between 55,000 and 60,000 miles. I fully expect to get 200,000 with the toyota. It will burn way more gas, but read online and go watch reviews on youtube, basically wins them all. I would 100% expect the tacoma to be of the same quality if not better because it is proven, I will agree that it kinda sucks that the Big 3 cant make a truck as reliable. (and fyi i am particular to the ride of a GMC) But they did get themselves into the big debacle that is called our economy, and my guess is that when they keep seeing the tundra (and tacoma) they will change. *dodge has stepped up with a faster ram and independent rear suspension i am told*
Click to expand...
Your post is filled with horrible grammar, non sensical sentences, mis-spelled words and a recommendation to check out vehicle reviews on youtube? Did you want to show us the silver creak test video where the tundras bed damn near falls off in the bumpy road test?

Needed tires are 60,000 miles? Gee you don't say, that has everything to do with the truck and nothing to do with the tire or the driver. Brakes, 60,000 miles, how long did you expect them to last? forever, if it needed tires I am not too surprised it needed brakes.

Tranny, how come what was wrong? Try to give us something like the torque converter was burned up becase of ...... rather than, because it was junk. The diff was bad? Really? Again, what did it need? Bearings? spiders? limited slip was bad? gears?
 
demo 9

demo 9

Turbo Monkey
Jan 31, 2007
5,910
46
north jersey
kickstand said:
Your post is filled with horrible grammar, non sensical sentences, mis-spelled words and a recommendation to check out vehicle reviews on youtube? Did you want to show us the silver creak test video where the tundras bed damn near falls off in the bumpy road test?

Needed tires are 60,000 miles? Gee you don't say, that has everything to do with the truck and nothing to do with the tire or the driver. Brakes, 60,000 miles, how long did you expect them to last? forever, if it needed tires I am not too surprised it needed brakes.

Tranny, how come what was wrong? Try to give us something like the torque converter was burned up becase of ...... rather than, because it was junk. The diff was bad? Really? Again, what did it need? Bearings? spiders? limited slip was bad? gears?
Click to expand...


Brakes had to be warrentied TWICE because of salt affecting the ABS, pads were done regularly, as were rotors as needed, however, when a truck needs 4 rotors and 4 pads way sooner that it should have (im told from the shop i go to)*omfg i dont have a degree in automotive*

Tranny, could not tell you which exact part(s) were bad, but it clanked every time it changed a gear, and there were a few (mayb 20ish) where pulling a trailer up a hill it fell into neutral. As for the Diff, The limited slip never turned on, and when/if it did, it would have trouble turning off, had a few places look at it to find "no problem" with it.

As for What truck to pick, i can tell you Toyota is not being bailed out, and dont get started with consumer reports. (which seems to love the Big 3 :rolleyes:)

Lastly, i am sure if you have a stock 1500 truck, you can find it being pulled backwards or smoked on a quarter mile (loaded or unloaded) by a tundra.
 
chuffer

chuffer

Turbo Monkey
Sep 2, 2004
1,557
901
McMinnville, OR
buildyourown said:
I don't believe Ford ever offered a 4x4 van. All those ones you see around are conversions. There are several companies that do it. Basically, take a brand new van and wrap $10k around it.

I chevy does or did. Not sure if you could get it in a Diesel. No solid axle though.
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kinda figured they were conversions.

i wonder how much of a pain in the ass the conversion to solid axel / 4x4 is. not really "in the market,' but it is one of the few big three vehicles that even makes me think twice.
 
kickstand

kickstand

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2009
3,441
392
Fenton, MI
chuffer said:
kinda figured they were conversions.

i wonder how much of a pain in the ass the conversion to solid axel / 4x4 is. not really "in the market,' but it is one of the few big three vehicles that even makes me think twice.
Click to expand...

Depends on what you start with and how good your fab skills are. Also depends on what you want to end up with. For the average I can change my oil, swap my brakes, and trouble shoot a bad alternator kinda guy probably not a project you want to tackle over a weekend.

For someone with a Welder, some understanding of suspension, and a few extra tools and a buddy to help it isn't horrible. I see a lot of conversions around here, I think there are 3 or 4 I see regularly, not sure if they are professional jobs or if they were done by the individual though.

Any decent 4x4 shop should be able to handle it....you're in texas you should have some decent choices locally.
 
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Sandwich

Sandwich

Pig my fish!
Staff member
May 23, 2002
21,076
5,989
borcester rhymes
I wish they actually imported mini trucks...not the slightly larger than midsize taco and colorado. the dakota hardly even qualifies as midsize.

Gimme a hilux or L200, with a nice turbo 4 pot and awd.
 
H

Hulkamaniac

Monkey
Oct 10, 2001
501
0
Germantown, MD
I work in the alternative fueled vehicle industry and routinely have, at fingers end, a host of trucks from all the manufacturers to test, drive, de-engineer, promote, show, etc. Every individual is going to have their brand loyalty stamped on their chest and spout that brands virtues at every opportunity. The truth is, at present there really isn't a "bad" truck on dealer lots right now. If you honestly assess your needs and wants, choose a price point, compare apples-to-apples in model offerings, and test drive with the above points in mind you'll find the "right" truck for you.
 
kickstand

kickstand

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2009
3,441
392
Fenton, MI
Sandwich said:
I wish they actually imported mini trucks...not the slightly larger than midsize taco and colorado. the dakota hardly even qualifies as midsize.

Gimme a hilux or L200, with a nice turbo 4 pot and awd.
Click to expand...
Gimme an old school chevy luv or even a nissan or mazda from the late 70's early 80's. pre 84 toyota mini truck with no rust, now those were cool mini's

Hulkamaniac said:
I work in the alternative fueled vehicle industry and routinely have, at fingers end, a host of trucks from all the manufacturers to test, drive, de-engineer, promote, show, etc. Every individual is going to have their brand loyalty stamped on their chest and spout that brands virtues at every opportunity. The truth is, at present there really isn't a "bad" truck on dealer lots right now. If you honestly assess your needs and wants, choose a price point, compare apples-to-apples in model offerings, and test drive with the above points in mind you'll find the "right" truck for you.
Click to expand...
True statement. Today's half tons are capable of doing as much work as 3/4 and 1 tons of the 80's and early 90's. Yet ride as smooth as a car and have some awful nice comforts and gadgets to boot.
 
IH8Rice

IH8Rice

I'm Mr. Negative! I Fail!
Aug 2, 2008
24,524
494
Im over here now
buildyourown said:
I don't believe Ford ever offered a 4x4 van. All those ones you see around are conversions. There are several companies that do it. Basically, take a brand new van and wrap $10k around it.
Click to expand...
they were factory options.

demo 9 said:
As for the Diff, The limited slip never turned on, and when/if it did, it would have trouble turning off, had a few places look at it to find "no problem" with it.

As for What truck to pick, i can tell you Toyota is not being bailed out, and dont get started with consumer reports. (which seems to love the Big 3 :rolleyes:)
Click to expand...
you can turn the limited slip off on a Silverado???????

Ford has not been bailed out either. and the Fseries trucks have been the best selling VEHICLE in the U.S. for over 19 years.

Sandwich said:
I wish they actually imported mini trucks...not the slightly larger than midsize taco and colorado. the dakota hardly even qualifies as midsize.

Gimme a hilux or L200, with a nice turbo 4 pot and awd.
Click to expand...
the Dakota was a fantastic truck, until recently....they are now hideous and might even move to a unibody in 2012..ugh. they were always the largest in the mid size class.

i cant wait for the new Mahindra diesel...
\
 
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demo 9

demo 9

Turbo Monkey
Jan 31, 2007
5,910
46
north jersey
IH8Rice said:
they were factory options.



you can turn the limited slip off on a Silverado???????

Ford has not been bailed out either. and the Fseries trucks have been the best selling VEHICLE in the U.S. for over 19 years.
Click to expand...
engaged sorry, no you cant turn it off, its supposed to come on automatically but mine never did.
 
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