Best new (Used) truck

[AntleredRuin]

OK so asking about vehicle opinions is always a can of worms, so please try to keep any replies civil.

We are looking to get a truck in the family to replace my wife's 2003 RAV4. We need something with a bed, and my wife wants something bigger, both for visibility reasons, and to keep people from constantly riding her ass and cutting her off. (The Rav4 is just a bully magnet; reminds me of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcmZ1dof3Qw)


She doesn't drive very far for work, so gas mileage really isn't an issue, and we'll take the 4Runner on road trips, anyways.

We're seeing that we can probably sell the Rav4 on CL for around $3500, and that there are several pickup trucks in that same rough price range with 140-200k miles, from 1996-2005, give or take, across all brands.

I'm really just asking people's opinions here on reliability of the different trucks from that era. I know that the Tundra will probably get top billing, this being a Toyota forum, but it never hurts to ask.

I'm no stranger to mechanical work, and I don't mind an older vehicle. I DD a '99 4runner and maintain it just fine. The wife actually kinda wants one that's a bit dinged up; it'll make her look like a bit of a bad-ass. She wants something full-size, but if a mid-size truck has a decent factory lift, she can be convinced. (like the factory lift for the Tacoma; the 96 is way too small, but the 04 is just fine) She wants visibility, and the appearance of being large. Me, I just want at least a 6ft bed. But I HATE Rangers, so those are out of the question completely.

I'm fully expecting to have to do some maintenance pretty quickly; fluids, brakes, spark plugs and wires, radiator, etc, but I don't want to buy a 'project vehicle'.

I'm not particular to any brand, really (I'm leaning towards the Tundra, but can be swayed).

 

[AntleredRuin]

2wd is just fine, as we live in Houston, and an auto tranny is a must.

I'm really leaning towards the Toyota Tundra or Nissan Titan.

I know that the Titan of that era is 1st gen, and had some issues, but I hear that the drivetrain is bulletproof; the issues were really more with warped brake rotors, radiators, and differentials being under-filled from the factory and not having a check-valve breather, leading to them grenading. I'm probably gonna do a brake and coolant system overhaul on any truck we buy, so as long as the rear diff is OK, I'll do a drain a fill, and install a check valve breather, and there we go.

I'd like a Ram, preferably with the Hemi, but the '03s are starting to get out of our price range for decent mileage. I'm not worried about the Magnum engines at all, but I know the auto trannies behind them were pretty weak and needed rebuilds around 150-200k.

I'm seeing very mixed reviews on the F150 and Silverado. Some say that they'll last till 300k, easy and some say they had to trade them in at 100k, due to serious engine/tranny issues.
I know the Ford 5.4 had the fancy 'automatic spark plug ejection' feature that I'd like to avoid, and Silverados give me the 'blue smoke show' all the time, so that leads me to believe they had regular head gasket issues.

 

[Thai]

With what you (and wife) want, Tundra is at the top of my list for sure.

 

[AntleredRuin]

That's what I'm thinking.The only downside is the mileage on the ones I'm finding seem to be a bit higher than the other trucks, for roughly the same price. Maybe 200-230k vs 150-200k.

This doesn't deter me too much, as I know they get to 300k+ pretty easily, which will take my wife several years. I also like the fact that its an older Toyota, and I'm familiar with the basic design/interior styling overall. That, plus small random parts that will fit the 4Runner, making junkyard trips easier, etc.

Any other opinions? I've seen a few '02 F150s with the 4.6 V8 and less than 200k miles for around $2k.

 

[Thai]

How about Nissan Titan??? Nothing special about them but reliable I think. Their resale may not be good.

 

[toyotaspeed90]

I'm not sure why you're discounting Chevy as you've seen some blow some blue smoke. That's probably a sign of a poorly maintained or hard driven vehicle. In, I believe, 2001 Chevy changed the SBC/BBC from the standard 305/350/454 to the LS motors - which are probably the best motors to ever come from Chevrolet. They make good power, they are extremely reliable, they're everywhere, parts are cheap, and they're huge in the aftermarket (swaps) industry.

As far as Chevy does go - steer clear of those that have the ignition system that shuts off 1/2 the engine to "save fuel" - those are junk and might be part of your mixed reviews.


I've had some Fords from the 80s and 90's era - while, oddly enough, I've never had a Ford leave me stranded (that I can remember) - they just nickel and dime you to death with just about everything that goes wrong with them....

If you're looking for an inexpensive workhorse that's nice, find a 2001-2005'ish chevy.

 

[LittleCaesar]

I would personally look for a for a Chevrolet 4.8 or 5.3 engine, with a good body. Avoid them though between 05-07, cylinder deactivation will require a head job somewhere down the road. Stay far away from Fords, repairs won’t come cheap.

If you can find a first gen Tundra with the 2uz in it, go for it. But finding a good one these days is hard.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS JR]

05-06 Tundras are amazing value for what they are. They aren’t bloated like newer trucks, have a 6.5’ bed which kind of hurts turning. Bullet proof 2UZ motors and a great 5 speed auto. My dad is averaging 17 mpg with a lot of stuff in the bed and a good mix of highway driving. He picked up a nearly immaculate limited for ~10k not long ago. Some of my friends on large highway trips have eased 20 mpg out of them with smaller tires. I’d think a 2wd model if running light and conservative on the throttle would do great.