Which "pre owned" truck/SUV for my tow vehicle?

[Moose-Hunter]

Well, if you believe that other thread, an F150 with the Eco-Boost motor would be hard to beat. And it is only maybe 10-15K over the original target.

IMHO.... And an uneducated one at that... It just seems too complicated. As in way too many things to go astray. I want simple. Well as simple as I can find anyway.

[Moose-Hunter]

Ooooo.... airjer!! I've been resisting the urge to check brands from the other side of the pond. (I know the domestics are loaded with non-USA parts) You know what I mean?

So I should take a gander at these, eh?

[Moose-Hunter]

Man....and I was following this thread so that I could upgrade to a nice pre-owned truck as well. Disappointing to hear how exacerbated your search became!

The search has been ungodly to say the least. Sorry to disappoint.

Searching pre owned, is like the needle in a hay stack just 10 fold worse. There have been a couple that if pressed, I may have bought at a HUGE discount, but not at the asking price or even close. One I found out was a multiple owner auction truck. As in 4 previous owners! And SURPRISE!!! this info was not offered freely. You either need to read the carfax report or really press the saleperson for this info. Then... "IF" they even have it, you get to experience the "song and dance" of why this info doesn't mean much. SHEESH!!!

One truck I looked at came out of a big FLOOD down south!! It had been repainted, new carpet, head liner.... But the "repair" shop had neglected to repaint or replace the seat frames! The bright orange rust color really stood out against the worn grey carpet. To say nothing of the shoddy job hiding the paint job that looked like a 1970's metal flake. Man, you can really hide flaws and damage on photos.

I have more horror stories than I'd care to type. And in such a short mut dedicated search. Oh, I'll still keep my eyes peeled for that once in a life time deal... But I'm not betting the ranch that I'll ever find it.

[CJH]

I don't think that is uneducated at all. Not sure where you get that idea, not really anymore complicated than a modern diesel that has high pressure injection and turbos. I wouldn't tow super heavy stuff with it everyday, but its great for a boat or light trailer and better for whenever you aren't towing.

If you want simple gas V8 power you have lots of options. Hemi 5.7, GM 5.3/6.0/6.2, Ford 5.0/6.2. All domestic, if that's what you are looking for, all good for towing. The Toyota is fine also.

You should be able to find one of the 5.3's easily in your 15k price range, they made about a million of them. Might even be able to find a Hemi. The newer engines aren't going to be that cheap.

[Ryan_V]

I would agree with the tundra as well! My brother in law had one, and that thing was tough! I hear you as far as "made in the good old usa!" But if I remember correctly, my dodge was built in mexico, and my brother in laws toyota was built in the usa! A toyota is as american as most brands, especially the trucks.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Great truck for towing!!!!

agreed, all the power you could ask for and all the stopping power you need!

Just test drive a chevy with a 5.3, a ford with a 5.4 and a toyota with a 5.7. You will see what we are talking about!

[Jim Almquist]

Ooooo.... airjer!! I've been resisting the urge to check brands from the other side of the pond. (I know the domestics are loaded with non-USA parts) You know what I mean?

So I should take a gander at these, eh?

Take a look at this thread

American Made ?

[Jeremy airjer W]

I was looking for that thread, thanks Jim!

[Jim Almquist]

It was a few pages back

[CJH]

agreed, all the power you could ask for and all the stopping power you need!

Just test drive a chevy with a 5.3, a ford with a 5.4 and a toyota with a 5.7. You will see what we are talking about!

You can't compare the top Toyota engine (5.7) to the base/mid engines of everybody else, that's not fair, much less a valid comparison. Might as well compare the GM 5.3/6.0/6.2 or the Hemi to the Toyota 4.0/4.6. The Toyota will feel like a wet noodle.

[hanson]

I haven't new truck shopped in a long time and after driving my 5.3l Sierra for 10 years, I'm getting something bigger next time around. That truck has towed my snowmobiles and boat all over the state but it has sucked a ton of gas doing it.

I was reading on another forum (poster I trust) about a new truck he just bought:

2011 Silverado 1500HD w/ 6.2l and Max Towing Package, 3.73 gears & 6 speed transmission

Was getting 19 mpg highway with it stock. With a cold air intake and custom tune, its 21-22 mpg highway.

In his words, his 2010 Hemi Ram is a "sluggish dog" compared to this truck.

I'm intrigued.

[DTro]

Reading you original post and your requirements, I'd recommend checking out a 4-Runner.

The engines aren't powerhouses at 4.0 (V6) and 4.7 (V8), but they are rated at 5k and 7k towing respectively and you can get 20mpg with nothing behind it cruising around.

Not only that, but they have a more offroad suspension and not built on a soccer mom mini van frame, plus offers a center differential locker for when you get into a bit of a jam.

[Moose-Hunter]

Thanks again for all the advice and responses!

I'm happy to report the vehicle has been chosen. I'm now the proud owner of a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended cab. Equipped with the 5.3 and a bunch of GREAT options any sportsman would enjoy. But not leather! I've also ordered up a Leer 100XL topper painted to match. Also with a bunch of great options

I honestly didn't think I'd ever buy new again. However, with the crop of "pre-owned" that should have been headed towards the scrap yard. Coupled with a GREAT trade in value for my old Ford. In addition to the many buyer incentives, and cash on hand... I walked into this truck only needing a VERY small note to cover the normal taxes/fees and a couple of dealer installed extras I just couln't live without. I'll have the note paid off in way less than a year without any big sacrifices. (Note: This will be paid for with the cash I used to spend on smokes! Quitting has yet another benefit! )

Thanks again folks!!! See ya on the water!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Sweet! Enjoy your new ride!!

I wish I had a topper!!!

[DTro]

Best part of the story is the smoking part. Good Luck with your new truck!

[Ryan_V]

Was wondering what you would pull the trigger on, congrats on the truck and congrats on the source of payment for said truck!

[CJH]

Congrats!!! Good Luck!

[tonkapat]

Well, if you believe that other thread, an F150 with the Eco-Boost motor would be hard to beat. And it is only maybe 10-15K over the original target.

Ford is quite proud of there new 2011 trucks and there prices reflect it. They also have the worst powertrain warranty of the big three 60k versus 100k.

[Powerstroke]

Congrats on the new truck. NOthing feels better than minimal debt and everything you wanted.