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Help selecting a truck!

  
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Help selecting a truck!

 
phuffman phuffman
New User | Posts: 2 | Joined: 06/09
Posted: 06/13/09
08:16 PM

I'm looking to purchase a "new" truck 2004-2009.  I can't decide on Chevy Silverado 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, GMC Sierra, or Toyota Tundra.

Needs:  Crew cab, 4WD, towing 19' Starcraft boat, will be used as 2 vehicle in family of 4 w/ daily commuting.

Any suggestions to limit my search?  I've heard good things about Silverado, but to stay away from 5.3L because of mpg.

Thanks!
- Paul  

 
esanchez esanchez
Administrator | Posts: 1586 | Joined: 07/06
Posted: 06/15/09
10:10 AM

Any particular reason you're not considering the F-150? It has the highest towing capacity of the half-tons. Even though "on paper" it doesn't have the most power, it's not that underpowered. The 5.4 Triton actually has quite a bit more torque than the GM 5.3.

Re: GM trucks. If possible, try to buy one with a 6-speed transmission. That'll give you a lot better fuel economy and acceleration. I want to say they started offering that transmission in late 2008.

Tundra has a TON of power, but is a little flimsy in some other areas. But there are a ton of them sitting on dealer lots right now, so you'd probably be able to make a smokin' deal on one.  

 
usmcsmith usmcsmith
New User | Posts: 6 | Joined: 06/09
Posted: 06/15/09
07:16 PM

If you want something SUPER Spacious I would go with the Tundra CREW MAX  the back see slides forward and reclines more room in the cabin then my suburban.  (If you dont factor in the 3rd row I have).   HOWEVER you lose out on the Bed it is like 4 ft.   Or you can go with the Tundra Double Cab with a 6.5 ft bed.  Less inside more bed though.  Both are V-8s and great trucks.  My wife and I are getting a Crew Max next month when I get out of the Marines.  

 
Rickey07 Rickey07
New User | Posts: 17 | Joined: 05/08
Posted: 06/15/09
10:19 PM

not a bad selection, but if it was me, i would go with the 2009 gmc sierra vortec max.it has a 6 speed transmission and a 6.0L and plenty of power (somewhere around 370hp), and as far as the mpg on the 5.3, its not true it gets great gas mileage.i have one and i average 20 mpg NO LIE!!i can easily get 400 miles out of my 27gallon tank.not to mention the sierra has the best warranty in the buisness.              5 years/100,000 miles.you cant go wrong with it, and if you did get the 5.3 you can still get the 6 speed transmission and easily pull that boat in and out of the water with the eaton g80 locking differential.good luck on your search  

 
usmcsmith usmcsmith
New User | Posts: 6 | Joined: 06/09
Posted: 06/16/09
07:36 AM

Some Toyota dealerships are doing free oil changes for life.  On a full synthetic oil change that is quite the deal  

 
kmical kmical
New User | Posts: 2 | Joined: 09/09
Posted: 09/20/09
03:35 AM

How are you getting 20mpg? Just bought my third GMC Sierra, went with the 1500 SLE 5.3 V8 SFI Engine active fuel mgt, All Terrain package,Off road,18 wheels, 4 speed trans. Love the truck, she's got the get up. I do only highway driving, was hoping for better MPG. Seemed like I got more off my 2001 Sierra with the same features. Are you using the cruise control to get that #? I know the truck still has time to break in, just got it last month. Maybe things will improve.  

 
gabe74gt gabe74gt
New User | Posts: 13 | Joined: 08/09
Posted: 10/11/09
06:26 AM

If you are comfortable, please check for Chevy Silverado 1500  

 
misterrasbury misterrasbury
New User | Posts: 3 | Joined: 10/09
Posted: 10/12/09
06:46 AM

I have a 2000 silverado 5.3 and i get about 450-460 to a tank  

 

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