AGC

All,

As you all know I am looking for a pick-up to use as my daily driver (4 miles a day) and as a multi-purpose vehicle for Home Depot and odd jobs around the house. I have never owned a pick-up truck and my only requirements are it must be a 4x4 and extended cab. I have been looking at both GM and Ford products because of price (I am looking at a used under $15k price tag). I have been looking only at 1/2 tom (GM 1500 and Ford F-150) trucks, but came across several 3/4 ton trucks (GM 2500 or Ford F250), I don't really tow anything right now, but might in the future (looking to get a small boat (18')). What do you guys think, should I consider 3/4 ton trucks as well. Also I have a baby (15 month old) and he will be riding in the truck a couple of times a week, so I am also concern with ride quality.

OldGuy

I got all this covered. I had a 03 F150 4X4 extended cab, and now have a Chevy 2500 duramax Diesel 4X4 crew cab.
The 150/1500 is gonna have a superior ride because the supsension is set up for cruising
the 250/2500 is a heavier vehicle and is set up for towing working. The f150 was much nicer on dirt roads. Both are nice cruisers on the hiway though. The extended cab quickly ran aout of room for me and my family, so I got the crew cab. I would not get another extended cab. 4 doors and room for every one is the way I look at it (2 boys one 14, one 9) Your daughter is not gonna get smaller.
Ford seems to have more options Chevey had the better powertrain for the 2500 the duramax/allison tranny setup. I dont think you can go wrong either way its just a truck -get the ford/chevy combo that gets you what you want for the best deal, this is not rocket science or like buying a TT. They are discounting the holy crap outt of the 04 fords and chevys. If you dont go diesel you should be able to get zero percent financing which lets you do other things with your money and use their money for free. Just dont pay for what you dont need like I did on my F150 like leather and a sunroof. My Chevy has cloth no sunroof. Dodge still seems to have quality problems.

Kevin

A/C

If you plan on any towing in the future go with the Chevy 2500.. The 3/4T suspension is heavy duty and usually lasts longer than the 1/2 ton..

AeroGT3RedWing

For a small boat, you don't need a massive towing capacity. If such is the case, go with the ford. Their driveability is unmatched; they drive like a honda civic. they are comfortable, roomy, and very good off road. No matter what, stay away from dodge.

OldGuy

I pulled my motocross trailer the other day for the first time with my Chevy diesel. Holy crap Batman!
it was like nothing was back there. talk about accelleration, plus its nice having 3 turbos! but if you arent doing any trailering, I agree with Redwing my F150 drove like a car.

KRA993tt

Drive them. I got a 2500hd Chevy for towing and it is great. The suspension is stiff and if you are looking for a cruiser I don't think this would be the best choice. But if you are looking for a beast it is nice for loads of about 7000lbs.

Good luck.

Phil

Great advice all..
BUT.....I just don't see being able to buy a duramax or powerstroke 3/4 ton truck for under 15k!!!

OldGuy

Gosh dangit Phil. thanks to you we gotta start reading the whole dang thread!
You coming to Button willow??

Phil

OG,
I won't be able to make the Button Willow GTG. Wish I could...

turbo8

go get a tundra, you can get those for under 15k now..just my opinion i hate all american vehicles and will never buy one

OldGuy

Turbo you are right about cars but trucks thats another matter. you gotta do your research. You cant
buy a foreign Diesel with a heavy duty tranny to pull loads over 2.5 tons so you'll never pull a trailer to the track with your race car and spares.