Pickup Trucks

[BigD]

It's the off season for both basketball and football so I am taking advantage of this time to just post about a subject that I am sure many you know a lot more about than myself.

So here is my pickup truck question. I've always wanted a pickup truck but the gas mileage, maintenance, insurance cost, licensing, and initial cost made me hesitate. I was talking with my brother about this subject. He lives in the rural Williamsburg area. I was really surprised when he told me his new GMC Sierra 1500 with the 3.0 diesel engine was getting him approximately 33 mpg highway and 26 mpg in the city. Huh???? It's also a full size crew cab. That's better than what some cars get. So, I got really interested and started googling on this truck and all of the other makes of pickup trucks. There has been some issues with the transmissions locking up on those trucks. People have been stranded 1000 miles from home while pulling a camper trailer when this has happened to them. In fact a You Tube video states that GMC is discontinuing them because of these issues. However, You Tube sometimes exaggerated facts. My brother has around 30K miles on his truck and has had no issue. So who do you believe??? I find it very helpful to just talk to people who are the most familiar with any subject.

Then came the wake up call. That particular truck new was around the upper $80K price range............gulp. Also some of the lifted full size pickup trucks are over $100K. I did test drive a 2025 fully loaded Tundra Crew Cab and it was around the mid $70's K. Also I did test drive the very same GMC 3.0 diesel truck that he owns. Honestly the 2025 Tundra seemed more solid to me. For those prices I can pretty much buy any fully loaded mid size or full size SUV. So there's that to think about.

It seems like everyone out here in Utah has a pickup truck. Some of them are so lifted you need a step ladder to get into them. lol. They are cool looking but well over $100K............. tears. I hear that lifting them really high causes drag and really drops the MPG. I know you guys love your pickup trucks in Iowa and have a lot of experience with them. Driving them, hauling campers and trailers. and just taking the family out for the evening. My special needs son needs to feel comfortable in the second row. so his comfort is important, yet I can't afford to pay $100K for a truck. I don't believe the average pickup driver can afford that much unless they are writing it off on their business expenses.

So I am just looking for honest opinions on what trucks have been best for people that own them. If you have owned different brands which ones have you enjoyed most and why? We all know the F-150 is and has been the top seller nationwide for several years. What I am wondering is why? Is it just the price point because they do seem more reasonably priced with the exception with the "fully loaded all electric Lightening" that is over $100K.

I am including in my post a You Tube video on Pick up trucks and would be open to any comments on what they have to say in the video about pickups. What's your experience been with pickups?

Nobody Is Buying These 14 Pickup Truck Models — Dealers Are PANICKING and SLASHING PRICES!

Nobody Is Buying These 14 Pickup Truck Models — Dealers Are PANICKING and SLASHING PRICES!Join Our Free Newsletter For The Latest Auto News, Car Releases, An...

youtu.be

 

[#1DieHardHawk]

It's the off season for both basketball and football so I am taking advantage of this time to just post about a subject that I am sure many you know a lot more about than myself.

So here is my pickup truck question. I've always wanted a pickup truck but the gas mileage, maintenance, insurance cost, licensing, and initial cost made me hesitate. I was talking with my brother about this subject. He lives in the rural Williamsburg area. I was really surprised when he told me his new GMC Sierra 1500 with the 3.0 diesel engine was getting him approximately 33 mpg highway and 26 mpg in the city. Huh???? It's also a full size crew cab. That's better than what some cars get. So, I got really interested and started googling on this truck and all of the other makes of pickup trucks. There has been some issues with the transmissions locking up on those trucks. People have been stranded 1000 miles from home while pulling a camper trailer when this has happened to them. In fact a You Tube video states that GMC is discontinuing them because of these issues. However, You Tube sometimes exaggerated facts. My brother has around 30K miles on his truck and has had no issue. So who do you believe??? I find it very helpful to just talk to people who are the most familiar with any subject.

Then came the wake up call. That particular truck new was around the upper $80K price range............gulp. Also some of the lifted full size pickup trucks are over $100K. I did test drive a 2025 fully loaded Tundra Crew Cab and it was around the mid $70's K. Also I did test drive the very same GMC 3.0 diesel truck that he owns. Honestly the 2025 Tundra seemed more solid to me. For those prices I can pretty much buy any fully loaded mid size or full size SUV. So there's that to think about.

It seems like everyone out here in Utah has a pickup truck. Some of them are so lifted you need a step ladder to get into them. lol. They are cool looking but well over $100K............. tears. I hear that lifting them really high causes drag and really drops the MPG. I know you guys love your pickup trucks in Iowa and have a lot of experience with them. Driving them, hauling campers and trailers. and just taking the family out for the evening. My special needs son needs to feel comfortable in the second row. so his comfort is important, yet I can't afford to pay $100K for a truck. I don't believe the average pickup driver can afford that much unless they are writing it off on their business expenses.

So I am just looking for honest opinions on what trucks have been best for people that own them. If you have owned different brands which ones have you enjoyed most and why? We all know the F-150 is and has been the top seller nationwide for several years. What I am wondering is why? Is it just the price point because they do seem more reasonably priced with the exception with the "fully loaded all electric Lightening" that is over $100K.

I am including in my post a You Tube video on Pick up trucks and would be open to any comments on what they have to say in the video about pickups. What's your experience been with pickups?

Nobody Is Buying These 14 Pickup Truck Models — Dealers Are PANICKING and SLASHING PRICES!

Nobody Is Buying These 14 Pickup Truck Models — Dealers Are PANICKING and SLASHING PRICES!Join Our Free Newsletter For The Latest Auto News, Car Releases, An...

youtu.be

It really all depends upon what your needs are. If you are planning on occasionally hauling, towing, etc., then a truck can be a great investment.

One of the biggest advantages is that there is no higher competition amongst manufacturers than the pickup segment. That has led to constant tweaking to improve both performance and perks over many years. The full size trucks we have now are nothing like the trucks we had in the 80s in terms of power, gas mileage, amenities, ride, etc. Mine has come in handy more times than I can count.

As far as brand, it's hard to go wrong with any of them really. I lean towards the Ram, especially with their new engines which are great and the driving comfort.

My buying advice would be to use the online services such as Cars.com, Autotrader, etc. There are several, and find someone selling a truck that's 1-3 years old. In some cases, buyers overextend financially with a purchase and you can reap the benefits by getting a great deal. Being able to test drive is ideal, but I don't make that a requirement. I've purchased two vehicles, including my current truck, site unseen and have no regrets.

 

[Grady]

No need to buy new when looking for a pickup. They're built to last years and take a fair amount of punishment.

I bought a 5 yr old 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 in 2012 for about $23,000. I live in the city and am a relatively light user, but that truck is now 18 years old and I've done nothing but change the oil and brakes. Love it.
(Well, there WAS that one unfortunate incident when my wife -- who is from SoCal and not a truck person -- one time was driving it on the interstate between Waterloo & Cedar Falls and turned the fan knob, not realizing it was the knob to move it from 2-wheel drive to SLOW 4-wheel drive. That obviously totalled the 4-wheel drive unit, but I decided to not replace it cause we don't even get that much snow anymore.)
On the other hand, my son bought a Ram 2500, put a pickup on the bed, and has had two MAJOR repairs: a total transmission replacement + something else. Would have been tens of thousands in repairs, but fortunately he bought an extended warranty when he bought it used.
I would certainly want to test drive before purchasing; and if buying it used locally, I always ask if I can contact the previous owner to find out how it was used.
Re: my 2007 Sierra, when I die I told my wife to just dig a big hole on the nearby family farm, put me in the truck and bury the truck on-site!

 

[haydensly]

I will throw this out there, Ford has employee pricing for everyone right now if you do decide to go with a new vehicle. That will save you quite a bit. And you can't go wrong with the F-150.

 

[BigD]

I will throw this out there, Ford has employee pricing for everyone right now if you do decide to go with a new vehicle. That will save you quite a bit. And you can't go wrong with the F-150.

I have seen the adds on the employee pricing which would be a couple of thousands of dollars in savings.

 

[BigD]

Thanks guys those are some great thoughts.

I have also heard that the Rams do offer good comfort for a pickup truck. That is important if you plan on driving long distances. My whole family lives in Iowa, but my wife's family is mainly in the South. So Utah is a significant drive to either location.

 

[RyDogg]

I've got a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation, which has a 4 cylinder, turbo engine. A little less power but not very noticeable. Rides very smooth, better than a lot of SUVs and gets over 20 mpg on highway. I've been very happy with it.

 

[BigD]

I've got a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation, which has a 4 cylinder, turbo engine. A little less power but not very noticeable. Rides very smooth, better than a lot of SUVs and gets over 20 mpg on highway. I've been very happy with it.

Thank you for that insight.

 

[Seth53]

The Mrs. and I live on a farm in the middle of the sticks....near Atkinson IL.

We have a ton of stuff that keeps up busy managing the place, including the need to pull a trailor from time to time. We also own/manage #16 local rentals, so material hauling for those becomes paramount.

So....we recently bought a 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD LTZ-trim Long Bed, red, will all the bells and whistles. (Bose, big crew cabin, GPS, extra tie-downs, LED lights and fogs, etc.). 42K miles. $43K out the door. 6.6L V8. The thing is a brute, can tow/haul anything, but runs and rides suprisingly quiet and smoothly. The 36 gallon tank can be pricey to fill Ours looks just like this one, only ours has the longer 98" bed. We also have the step rails, which without, I don't know how people could get in/out of it!

 

[Seth53]

As an aside and a bit off-topic, I finally privately sold my 2012 Kia Soul with 233K miles and upgraded to this...




...a 2025 gravity gray Kia Seltos EX. The next size up from the Soul, a bit smaller than their largest 2-row SUV, the Sportage.

So far so good. Gets an honest 30mpg with the 2.0L four-banger and CVT. My only gripe are the headlights and fogs are puny....not bright enough. But really liking everything else. $30K out the door. Amazing digitial techology. Mr. Analog here has spent a lot of time learning the new systems!

I also opted for the optional two-tone brown/black syntex interior...

 

[Hawkfnntn]

Yeah I have no idea how many new trucks these companies are selling of those 90k plus ones but that seems like they'll be a market correction for it sooner or later. Who's able/willing to pay 100k plus for a truck geesh. If I'm paying 6 figures for something it better have 2-3 bathrooms with it. That's wild to me.

So my first advice would be like others have said buy used and not from a dealer. Trucks can last 15 plus yrs when treated right. Find something 3-5 yrs old or even more and save yourself 25k-35k maybe more right off the bat. If you don't need all the bells and whistles and can find something that doesn't have those you can save even more. Just depends on your wants/needs for it. There's lots of options out there. Have fun shopping.

 

[haydensly]

Yeah I have no idea how many new trucks these companies are selling of those 90k plus ones but that seems like they'll be a market correction for it sooner or later. Who's able/willing to pay 100k plus for a truck geesh. If I'm paying 6 figures for something it better have 2-3 bathrooms with it. That's wild to me.

So my first advice would be like others have said buy used and not from a dealer. Trucks can last 15 plus yrs when treated right. Find something 3-5 yrs old or even more and save yourself 25k-35k maybe more right off the bat. If you don't need all the bells and whistles and can find something that doesn't have those you can save even more. Just depends on your wants/needs for it. There's lots of options out there. Have fun shopping.

I agree that buying used would be a cheaper alternative. I have to disagree on buying from a dealer. A truck from a dealer lot is more likely to have been inspected and vetted to make sure there are no major mechanical problems. You could even try to find a vehicle that is manufacturer certified (they have multiple check points to ensure quality). But the key is to find a dealer that you can trust. And don't be afraid to walk away if you don't think you're getting a solid deal.

Buying private can be a risky proposition.

 

[BigD]

Yeah I have no idea how many new trucks these companies are selling of those 90k plus ones but that seems like they'll be a market correction for it sooner or later. Who's able/willing to pay 100k plus for a truck geesh. If I'm paying 6 figures for something it better have 2-3 bathrooms with it. That's wild to me.

So my first advice would be like others have said buy used and not from a dealer. Trucks can last 15 plus yrs when treated right. Find something 3-5 yrs old or even more and save yourself 25k-35k maybe more right off the bat. If you don't need all the bells and whistles and can find something that doesn't have those you can save even more. Just depends on your wants/needs for it. There's lots of options out there. Have fun shopping.

Couldn't agree more about the price of new pickups. I saw that regular automobiles are running on a average over $50,000. an From all the reading I have done repossession rates are starting to climb and approaching 30%. Consumers take their tax refunds and use it as a down payment on a new vehicle. However, six to eight month's afterwards the they realize that they got themselves into a mess and just quit making payment's and wait for Mr. Repo to come along.

I remember reading that the AVERAGE monthly payment's are in the $700 to $900 a month range and some consumer's are paying over $1000 a month on their automobile loans. Many have been shocked to realize when they want to go and trade their automobiles in that they are on the average $7000 under water on what they still owe on their automobile.

"To big to fail " could happen here as the major American automobile manufacturer's would likely get bailed out by American tax payers. Won't that be the second time for FORD? Or was that GM we bailed out? It's morally wrong that we have to always bail out these corporate greedy bastards.

Individuals think it don't affect them.......... hahahahaha! Ignorance is bliss. It's just inflation they think.

Most do not realize that INFATION is just a slick word for the "devaluation of the US dollar" which happens every time big corporations or the banks get bailed out. I guess all those finance courses at college came in handy.

I remember my financial advisor who lives in our neighborhood telling me how most of my neighbors are in a financial holocaust. Not surprisingly they are mostly between the ages of 28 to 38 years old. BYU or U of Utah grads and are driving around in their raised pickup trucks (resembling monster trucks) while I am still driving my 2011 Honda CRV. The Hawkeye GOLDEN RULE in our home has always been that if you can't pay off the credit card bill at the end of every month then you don't put the charge on the credit card. No exceptions.

I wonder how many weeks or days it took for most people to go blow all that stimulation money that was given out to families and individuals during the Covid epidemic? Those stimulation checks "stimulated inflation" more correctly stated "devalued the US dollar." We put our checks in the bank and just went along with our normal life style.

 

[BigD]

As an aside and a bit off-topic, I finally privately sold my 2012 Kia Soul with 233K miles and upgraded to this...

View attachment 11458


...a 2025 gravity gray Kia Seltos EX. The next size up from the Soul, a bit smaller than their largest 2-row SUV, the Sportage.

So far so good. Gets an honest 30mpg with the 2.0L four-banger and CVT. My only gripe are the headlights and fogs are puny....not bright enough. But really liking everything else. $30K out the door. Amazing digitial techology. Mr. Analog here has spent a lot of time learning the new systems!

I also opted for the optional two-tone brown/black syntex interior...

View attachment 11459

That's awesome thank you for sharing that info.

 

[BigD]

I agree that buying used would be a cheaper alternative. I have to disagree on buying from a dealer. A truck from a dealer lot is more likely to have been inspected and vetted to make sure there are no major mechanical problems. You could even try to find a vehicle that is manufacturer certified (they have multiple check points to ensure quality). But the key is to find a dealer that you can trust. And don't be afraid to walk away if you don't think you're getting a solid deal.

Buying private can be a risky proposition.

Good advice. If I buy used from a dealer the only way I would do that is if it is certified and I would work out some sort of deal to extend the warranty even further than the normal warranty that they offer under their certified warranty. I know of several dealerships that they will go all the way out to the 100,000 miles on the odometer. A few even go out to 150. 000 on the odometer. That does give a little bit of piece of mind. Some repairs to engines and transmissions can be thousands and thousands of dollars.

In times when I have bought used cars I always demand to see all the service records. Some don't have them, but when I see those times where they have every receipt for engine oil changes, transmission services, tune-ups, brakes, shocks, lube services, air filters, battery service, and regular inspections from the dealerships, then I know that they took care of their cars. Yes, I do have all of that for all of my automobiles.

It's no big secrete that most automobiles and trucks should reach over 200,000 miles if they have been maintained properly.