Advice on buying a used pickup truck

[resolute]

I need to buy a used pickup and am looking for advice. I come from a long line of VWs and I know nothing about trucks. I’m not too lazy to do some research, but there’s such a bewildering array of choices I’m looking for a few tips to narrow it down.

What I’m looking for:
Prefer 2009 or later
Under 100k kilometres
Under $20,000
Automatic transmission
V6 or v8 gasoline (something better than gutless, but don’t need top-end engine)
Crew cab with proper rear seats (2 kids in carseats)

This will be a daily driver for work so must be reliable.

Thinking of Ford F150, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra.

Questions:
Are there any makes that are unquestionably good in 2008-2012 model range? (Tundras seem to be premium priced. F150s are big sellers.)
Are there any particularly bad makes/models or years to avoid?
Are any makes known for rusting?
There are lots of trucks with 150,000 to 200,000 km – is that a lot for a truck? Is that just about the point where you start having issues with stuff wearing out (suspension, etc.). If I pay $15-$20K I don’t want to have to start pouring repair money into it immediately.

Any other general advice from someone with broad experience of trucks (maybe work in a shop?) would be appreciated.

Thanks for any pointers.

[witchcraftz]

Re: Advice on buying a used pickup truck

Know someone who had a Nissan Frontier (2008-2012), it had a lot of problems and he ended up trading it in at Ford for an F150.

Stepdad has a 2013 Diesel 2500 with full package and hasn't had any major issues with it so far and he uses it as a work/towing truck.

Don't know much else about newer trucks. Good Luck!

[danno]

Re: Advice on buying a used pickup truck

My last truck a 04 f150's was pretty solid. But they tend to have cam phaser issues, and spark plugs that break in the block when removing them. Mine had neither issue though.

My ram I bought new is a 2012. No repairs yet at 60k km. Going to trade it in maybe next year for a new one.

[Benjamin]

Re: Advice on buying a used pickup truck

I have 2 pickup's at the moment, one a 2008 Dodge 1500 reg cab short box with a 5.7 hemi with mds w/auto. The other a 2005 dodge 3500 dually quad cab long box with a cummins 5.9, and a 6 speed manual. The little 1500 gets 16L per 100 km, the big 3500 gets 12-13L per 100 km. My Jeep with with 3.0 diesel gets 10.6L per 100 km's and is only 500 lbs lighter the the dodge 1500 and tows better and can hold its own against the hemi.

What do you need the truck for?

For pickups typically around the 100k - 150k km's mark brakes, suspension , engine tune ups are all required. If you are doing towing or hauling large loads would go the diesel route which typically requires a 3/4 ton and prices climb fast.

Diesel world I would stay away from any ford diesel with a 6 in the displacement number. I have heard nothing but problems, even the newest ones I have talked to CAT mechanics that have trucks less then 2 years old on their third engine. GM I don't hear much bad about the duramax+allison, the dmax was an isuzu design and from what I have heard they did very well. Dodge, well I am bias for an inline 6 cylinder, typically better fuel economy and good power.

Gas you have lots of options

Big three, GM has probably the worst engine design with the worst fuel economy and power for the year range you are looking for. I can't say this from an ownership perspective, but I can say this as I did a lot of research in the last 6 months. Interiors were pretty good, and were actually considered better then the dodges before dodge redesigned.

Ford, Not my choice, but the 5.4 is considered strong and from what I have read you will get similar if not better fuel economy then the eco boost. Interiors were considered top before the redesigns of the other 2. Not a big eco boost fan due to the turbo on a gas engine that hauls large loads. The power is there from what I have heard, just worried about how long things will last.

Dodge, Hemi is considered one of the better V8's, interior until the redesign was considered near the bottom. Mine is before the redesign and can attest to the crappy interior. The hemi has power and with the mercedes trans felt it was the best choice for the money. 16 spark plugs cost a little to replace on the hemi, although you can get a smaller engine 4.7 with a manual.

Toyota had a good truck when they first come out, but for the years you are looking for they are not considered top dog. All the handles and plastic parts annoyed me and felt very cheap, but I am used to that. Some swear by these trucks, not all though. In my books toyota does good 4 cylinder engine, anything above that I don't feel they make them very good.

Nissan, don't bother until the 2016's, which is out of your budget.

Go sit and drive which ever model looks and feels right to you.

[resolute]

Re: Advice on buying a used pickup truck

Thanks very much. All your comments have been helpful. Ben, I appreciate you giving me a head start with the research you've done.