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1178
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11/8/2011
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USA
Edited Date/Time
9/10/2019 12:59pm
In the coming months I'm looking to buy a late model 1/2 ton 4wd, nothing brand new probably 2015-2018. I'm eyeing a couple models and thought you guys could provide some feedback. I won't be doing any heavy towing, probably under 3000lbs. In a quick google search I couldn't find a generic truck forum to ask my questions, I know better than to join a ford forum and ask about chevy and vise versa. I hope to keep this truck 5+ years so durability is very important.
I'm interested in the Silverado 1500, F150, and Tundra. A family friend has a '16 GMC with the 5.3 and I've driven it twice but that engine doesn't feel like a power house at all, to me it feels weak. I like the new chevy styling but that 5.3 just leaves me wanting more. They do make a 6.2 but only in the higher trim packages (leather). I've driven a '15 3.5 ecoboost and I really enjoyed it but twin turbo's and all that stuff makes me question long term durability and what it would cost to replace that stuff if something broke. I did own a 2010 Tundra for about a year in the past and I liked that motor but its very thirsty and the truck in general is huge for a 1/2 ton. I've done some research on the 5.0 ford and see they have some ticking issues and cold start issues. I realize no truck is perfect, just hoping to find one on the lower end of the "could have problems" scale. I'll be putting a pretty substantial down payment on whatever I buy so I'm hoping to make the best decision possible. I appreciate any and all input thank you.
I'm interested in the Silverado 1500, F150, and Tundra. A family friend has a '16 GMC with the 5.3 and I've driven it twice but that engine doesn't feel like a power house at all, to me it feels weak. I like the new chevy styling but that 5.3 just leaves me wanting more. They do make a 6.2 but only in the higher trim packages (leather). I've driven a '15 3.5 ecoboost and I really enjoyed it but twin turbo's and all that stuff makes me question long term durability and what it would cost to replace that stuff if something broke. I did own a 2010 Tundra for about a year in the past and I liked that motor but its very thirsty and the truck in general is huge for a 1/2 ton. I've done some research on the 5.0 ford and see they have some ticking issues and cold start issues. I realize no truck is perfect, just hoping to find one on the lower end of the "could have problems" scale. I'll be putting a pretty substantial down payment on whatever I buy so I'm hoping to make the best decision possible. I appreciate any and all input thank you.
The fords are ok, when I was truck shopping it seemed that for the same price you get a lot more options in a ram or Chevy.
If I was to buy a Chevy I would go with the lt ( lt 1 package) and the z71 off road that trucks looks so good! The 5.3 is a solid motor and it can get some cheep tunes as well. A really good option
Then again I chose a 18 ram the 5.7 is a good motor proven reliable and halls ass. The ram has the best stock warranty as well so keep that in mind. And I seemed that I had way more options in a ram then in a ford, or Chevy. You can find a nice ram 1500 Laramie longhorn 5.7 low miles with air suspension for 34ish, while the Chevy in a high trim is like 38.
Also Nissan Titans have suprised me we bought a few for work trucks and there seem pretty good so far and a bumper to bumper warranty for 5 years or 100k can’t beat that
You can still find some huge discounted 18s for Chevy and ram.
I would stay away from the ford, the 3.5 seems too complicated and the trucks are too pricey
Stick with a 16-18 chevy 1lt z71 and you’ll be happy
Or look at a ram Laramie, Laramie long horn or even a big horn.
I’d stick with Chevy or ram
We have a 08 in the fleet and it’s got 200k pulling a trailer with 5k every mile and it’s now wearing through the jackets
5.3 is a really simple motor and you can tune it to hell
That 16-18 body is super clean with the body color match on the bumper with the z71
The rams are clean to it’s just preference I think the ram has more towing and payload.
Go drive both and see what you think
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It came down to the Chevy and GMC, and I ended up with the Sierra because the option package I got was a little better for the same price. Overall, I do like the the truck, but I don't really love it. I think the exterior and interior styling look good, and the Z71 package is nice. I know what people mean when they say the 5.3 doesn't feel as strong as you would expect for the rated power. I think a lot of that is from being such a heavy truck, bigger tires, and mostly the rear end gear that you get. However, I usually get 22-23 mpg combined, if I am not hauling anything. My Ford always got 15.8.
Get a 16+, the 14-15’s had awful headlights.
The 6.2 is great if you can get it.
I’ve had a 14 Sierra Denali with the 6.2/6spd, loved that truck except the awful headlights.
17 Silverado LTZ Z71 with 6.2/8spd, great truck but didn’t care for the 8spd.
18 Sierra Elevation with 5.3/6spd, good workhorse but the 6.2 was actually better on fuel
Got a 19 Silverado High Country now with the 6.2/10spd and I’m 100% satisfied. First 400 mile trip with it which included 40 miles of very rough dirt roads I got an honest to god 22mpg.
I’ve driven the newer Fords and Rams, I’m not a GM loyalist I just think they make a better truck. I really tried to like the Ram, tested a 17 1500 Limited for two days and was offered a smoking deal on it but ended up with the Silverado instead, the Ram was nice just felt gimmicky.
Vote here for a lt z71 5.3 or a ram Laramie 4x4 5.7
I've owned an F150 too, both motors. They fly compared to the 5.3L Chevy. Mileage is way better on the Chevy though.
Pit Row
Reliable, good fuel economy, better resale than anything else.
Plus they still offer a manual transmission
The hemi is a awesome fast and powerful.
What I want is a ram interior and a 16 Chevy exterior that would look sweet!
And the Laramie longhorn package is super sweet as well! Let us know what you pick up
I loved the Ram engine and being old I like the bells n whistles that the Ram gave me. The air suspension ride was much better than the 5 yr newer Chevy.
I know many people swear by Tacoma’s so I tried one. I’m sorry but it felt like a mini truck compared to the full size models. Maybe the Tundra is better but the Tacoma turned me off of Toyotas.
I’ve had several f150’s over the years and was very happy with their reliability. Not fond of the newer ones with the ignition cut off when you come to a stop, but they are still great trucks
I spoke to a ram rep who said delete the whole thing get the tune and it will run for thousands of miles!
Some guys have 500+ fully deleted. It’s just like any other modern diesel the epa has killed the motor and fucked it up for emissions.
And on the air ride that is an option with any motor package in the rebel, Laramie long horn, and limited.
I say go for the Laramie long horn hemi or diesel air ride with the saddle brown/ back interior
I'd stay away from the upper level Rams with air suspension if long term durability is your goal. Zero chance that crap holds up over time and it would seem to be a pretty costly out-of-warranty repair. Same with the active grill shutters and the other gimmicks that FCA puts on those trucks. Otherwise, I think the 5.7 Hemi is one of the best motors you can get in a half ton.
Two of my buddies have '16 F150s, one with the 3.5 ecoboost and one with the 5.0. The turbo v6 is the better truck motor. Makes gobs of torque at low rpm and was designed from the get-go for truck applications. The 5.0 was originally designed for the Mustang; its a high revving, relatively small displacement v8. It's a solid reliable motor, but for towing and hauling the 3.5 is the better engine.
I have no experience with the modern GMs but I've always heard good things about the reliability of the LS motors.
The Tundra is outdated and overpriced in my opinion.
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