Truck Experts?

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by TRIX

if you could mate a 5.9LHO to an allison 6 speed on a chev platform...oh man!

Sacreligious. I'd still take the duramax, its comparable but less noisy and doesnt leak like a seive like my parents cummins did.

[TRIX]

haha I enjoy my duramax too...but for fuel mileage the cummins can be made to achieve ridiculous MPG numbers, also you got that inline six weight balance advantage

[Berger_4_]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Can't say Ive had the same dmax issues on my 07. I've got 90,000km on mine with no issues. Plus its been to the track a half dozen times and driven at 500+hp for 80,000km. Not bad for a truck running at 40% over stock hp. Tell your pops to stop babying a truck thats meant to be abused. Honestly its not good for a diesel to drive it gingerly.

Well, it hasn't been worked as hard as yours had that's for sure, but it's taken a beating. It's an 04, and if I recall correctly, it's got something like 350,000 klicks on it. Maybe it was just the 2004's that were brutal suspension-wise. I know that a couple mechanics said they've worked on, and seen lots of others getting work done on the front end. There's nothing wrong with the engine or drivetrain, it's all in the suspension.

I find those older Cummins to just be way, way too loud...and like burn_this_city said, way too prone to leakage.

[lucky1]

you can get a new '09 Chev, off the lot for a little over 31K + tax......I bought a fairly full load SL GMC 4x4, short box, reg cab for that price...GM has really good rebates on these right now!

[4X4]

I know you're asking about crew cab, and I'm answering with a take on access cab, but I fricken love my Tacoma. Mine is mostly used for 4x4ing around construction sites and hauling materials, so access cab is better, as you can't have the 6' box on a double cab. Also, I don't think you can get the 6 speed manual on the double cab.
But my truck is perfect for me. Fun as hell to drive, damn respectable for hauling and towing (I bought the TRD), and did I mention how fun it is to drive?

If you're buying a truck to haul a 5th wheel or a trailer full of stucco supplies, this is not your truck. If you're buying it to do moderate truck duty and to be a daily driver, this thing is awesome. Tons of storage compartments for tools or whatever you need daily, and still hospitable for passengers (though tall people aren't partial to the back seat of the access cab).
I'll admit that the fuel efficiency is nothing to write home about, but it's not too bad either. And since the thing goes like a bat out of hell, I'm willing to pay a bit more at the pumps.

[TRIX]

I have been in the back of a Toyota pick up...you're 100% right...my word is that small, same with the extended cab Ford super duty, just not made for 6+ footers

[kevman]

Buying in the states - Not always worth it! When I bought my new truck the best price, in USD, I could get state side was ~$5k less then the eventual "out the door" price I got in Canada. After currency conversion and GST I was only ahead $500. Plus taxes, plus flight/travel et al. Now obviously more often then not it's cheaper to buy in the US but it's far from a rule especially if you monitor the incentives.

Don't buy a compact truck to save on gas.
Do buy a compact truck if you don't want a giant truck.
Full size trucks are big and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. If your needs have you hauling 1,000+ lbs regularly then you're going to need a full size truck. If your needs have you hauling 4 dudes and some recreational gear with the occasional home reno load of lumber/dump run then you'll be fine with the compact. Same goes for towing, if you see yourself towing around a big inboard ski boat, go full size. Little compact outboard? compact will do.

The new F150 is one hell of a truck but since I simply didn't need a vehicle that big I decided on a compact.

This leaves the Canyon/Colorado, Frontier/Equator, Tacoma, Dakota and Ranger.

I wanted a quad cab so the Ranger was out.
I wanted a locker so the Dakota was out.
I loved the V8 idea in the GMC's but the terribly cheap plastic interior scared me away from a test drive.

This left me fighting between the Tacoma and Frontier. I've always wanted a Tacoma so I was about to make the purchase until I decided the check out the Frontier. I assumed I'd be able to find a quick fault similar to the previous 3 and write it off immediately. I simply couldn't find a fault and ended up buying a new Nissan Frontier Pro-4x. I can't say enough good things about this truck. It was a hard decision but after a few 1+ hour test drives in each the Frontier was clearly the better choice for me. It didn't hurt that a much better equipped Frontier can be had for thousands less then the comparable Tacoma. I'd go in to more details but Toyota guys are so touchy when you put down their trucks...

[corporatejay]

Originally Posted by 4X4

I know you're asking about crew cab, and I'm answering with a take on access cab, but I fricken love my Tacoma. Mine is mostly used for 4x4ing around construction sites and hauling materials, so access cab is better, as you can't have the 6' box on a double cab. Also, I don't think you can get the 6 speed manual on the double cab.
But my truck is perfect for me. Fun as hell to drive, damn respectable for hauling and towing (I bought the TRD), and did I mention how fun it is to drive?

If you're buying a truck to haul a 5th wheel or a trailer full of stucco supplies, this is not your truck. If you're buying it to do moderate truck duty and to be a daily driver, this thing is awesome. Tons of storage compartments for tools or whatever you need daily, and still hospitable for passengers (though tall people aren't partial to the back seat of the access cab).
I'll admit that the fuel efficiency is nothing to write home about, but it's not too bad either. And since the thing goes like a bat out of hell, I'm willing to pay a bit more at the pumps.

I just bought a Tacoma SR5 Power Package double cab and it has a 6'1" bed. If you get the TRD it's a 5'5".

[Sample00]

Originally Posted by North East Goon

You have $30,000 give or take a couple of thousand and are looking for a Crew Cab (4 door) 4X4. What would you go with, full and or smaller size?

I know you have $30K to play with but I just thought I would toss this out there.
We have a 2006 Dodge 1500 SLT quad cab 4x4 on the lot. we aren't really truck sellers and brought it in for a guy who suddenly disappeared.
its a full load, everything except leather. it has TRX4 Off-Road Package and sport package. Its silver in colour, gray interior. It has a 110,000KM on it.
Its gone through a mechanical inspection with no issues.
We have it listed at $23,995.00
I can let you have it for $19,673.25 and I will add in a one year/unlimited KM Power train warranty with it which will also include seals/gaskets,zero deductible, and car rental.

sorry for the ad but I would like to move the truck as we typically cater to the mini van/car/small SUV crowd here.

[kevman]

Originally Posted by corporatejay

I just bought a Tacoma SR5 Power Package double cab and it has a 6'1" bed. If you get the TRD it's a 5'5".

Automatic Double Cabs come with 6'1" beds.*
Standard Double Cabs come with 5' beds.*

*In Canada, in the USA the choice is yours.

[4X4]

Ah, that's what it was. The tranny. I insisted on the manual. Really would have liked to have the double cab, but at the end of the day, I'm more interested in driving pleasure than whether my friends are comfortable in the back. Screw them. But if you're a family man, the back seat is more than sufficient for a couple of youngsters.

[return to the red]

I have an '08 sierra SLT crew cab, love my truck. Its probably bigger then what I ever will need it for but after test driving a Ford F150, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Titan and Honda Ridgeline I just couldn't bring myself to not buy this truck.

I'm a frills kind of guy that likes the toys and for me the interior was a huge decision. I'm 6'0 and for me the Tacoma just seemed a little to cramped, not to mention I have a few buddies topping out at around 6'4 and they just wouldn't be comfotable in that truck. The Ridgeline, although nice in the interior didn't have much get up and go (this could have been the model I was test driving because I have heard otherwise from a few people). The Titan seemed to have a stiff ride and be underpowered as well, factor in poor fuel economy and that was out the door fairly quick. The decision against the Ford was pure looks, I just didn't like the looks of the F150 interior & exterior.

If I did it all over again I would still choose the Sierra. I should mention as well I have a garage and I have no problem fitting my truck into the garage.

[4X4]

Really? I'm 6'2" and don't feel claustrophobic in there at all. Of course, anyone sitting behind me is eating their knees...

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by 4X4

Really? I'm 6'2" and don't feel claustrophobic in there at all. Of course, anyone sitting behind me is eating their knees...

Maybe it really wasn't the head room that was a problem rather for me it seemed like everything was generally cramped, like i was being squeezed into a box. Don't get me wrong for the longest time I wanted a Tacoma but as soon as I actually got into one I quickly decided it wasn't the truck for me. To each their own I guess.

[kevman]

Originally Posted by return to the red

Maybe it really wasn't the head room that was a problem rather for me it seemed like everything was generally cramped, like i was being squeezed into a box. Don't get me wrong for the longest time I wanted a Tacoma but as soon as I actually got into one I quickly decided it wasn't the truck for me. To each their own I guess.

The biggest difference when it comes to the Tacoma and comfort is whether you like to recline or sit upright. The Tacoma has a very car like high floor and reclined sitting position. Full size trucks have a very up right sitting position. I felt incredibly cramped in a Tacoma because I like to sit upright. This put my knees in my chest since the seat is so close to the floor. On the contrary if you enjoy that low reclined seating position bigger trucks (and the comparatively upright Frontier) are going to make it feel like you can't reach the steering wheel or pedals.

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by kevman

The biggest difference when it comes to the Tacoma and comfort is whether you like to recline or sit upright. The Tacoma has a very car like high floor and reclined sitting position. Full size trucks have a very up right sitting position. I felt incredibly cramped in a Tacoma because I like to sit upright. This put my knees in my chest since the seat is so close to the floor. On the contrary if you enjoy that low reclined seating position bigger trucks (and the comparatively upright Frontier) are going to make it feel like you can't reach the steering wheel or pedals.

exactly! I couldn't put my finger on exactly what it was but that describes my experience with the Tacoma perfectly, Thank you.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by kevman

The biggest difference when it comes to the Tacoma and comfort is whether you like to recline or sit upright. The Tacoma has a very car like high floor and reclined sitting position. Full size trucks have a very up right sitting position. I felt incredibly cramped in a Tacoma because I like to sit upright. This put my knees in my chest since the seat is so close to the floor. On the contrary if you enjoy that low reclined seating position bigger trucks (and the comparatively upright Frontier) are going to make it feel like you can't reach the steering wheel or pedals.

Yeah I'm 6'3" and I think the Tacoma is super comfortable. I was almost at the point of ruling out all Japanese vehciles because they were all too small for a while there, but the Tacoma is killer. I recline waaaaayyyyy back, though. This afternoon I'll put the seat upright to get a feeling of what you're saying. I'm sure you're right.

I had the oppposite experience when buying a truck. I had my heart set on the Frontier because I like the looks of them better and I have a friend at a Nissan dealership I wanted to support. The Tacoma drove so much better IMO that I just couldn't justify getting the Frontier. Plus I played the Toyota dealer off the Nissan dealer and got a wicked price on my Tacoma.

[4X4]

I don't like big open vehicles, so maybe that's why I love the Taco so much. Kinda feels car-like with the shaped seats and the armrests so close. I'm sure a hefty person would feel cramped, but I'm just a regular sized guy.

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by 4X4

I don't like big open vehicles, so maybe that's why I love the Taco so much. Kinda feels car-like with the shaped seats and the armrests so close. I'm sure a hefty person would feel cramped, but I'm just a regular sized guy.

who you calling fat?

[4X4]

Originally Posted by return to the red

who you calling fat?

Heh... Not necessarily what I meant... A big musclehead probably wouldn't find this truck comfortable either!