Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

ezbtr

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May 1, 2002
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Am thinkin at some point in time about gettin newer(2-3 yr old truck.) Has to tow 17' alum boat, V8 w/ some good performance,US made, 4wd optional as long as ltd. slip or rear locker, FOUR door desired(kids etc)decent mileage, RELIABLE, long life,(diesel OK), auto trans., AC, nice. Really like the new Ford quad cabs, but not cheap, have had many Chevy's in past and like em, Dodge's are cheapest, WHY? Don't want any trans. probs from them. Thanks, Heinz
 

JB

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Mar 25, 2001
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Re: Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

Hahaha!! :D <br /><br />Break out the beer and munchies, guys. Here we go again!<br /><br />I'll start it.<br /><br />Tundra is made in US. Has more domestic content than "big three" and more US stockholders than Japanese. Also top rated by Consumer Reports.<br /><br />Okay, guys, CHARGE!! :D
 

NOSLEEP

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Oct 30, 2002
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Re: Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

Get away from that import.. :p <br />You need a reliable Ford pickup.. ;)
 

LadyFish

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Mar 18, 2003
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Re: Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

Nothin like a good ole discussion about V-8 trucks to break the boredom.
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dk990496

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Aug 20, 2003
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Re: Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

All i am going to say is<br /><br />Dodge Ram super cab V-8 Magnum 5.2<br /><br />Does the trick for me
 

KennyKenCan

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Aug 26, 2002
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2,501
Re: Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

Just how many more times are we going to beat this dead topic to death?<br /><br />It don't matter which one, whatever your pocket can afford, I guess.<br /><br />They will all do the job, just some better than others for each particular situation.
 

snapperbait

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Aug 20, 2002
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5,754
Re: Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

See the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet!<br /><br />p.s. I would'nt hit a dead dog in the a$$ with one of them little TOY-ota tundra sorry excuses for a "truck".... :p
 

LubeDude

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Oct 8, 2003
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Re: Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

Im kinda with Kenny on this one! I dont think there are many engine problems much anymore with proper maintenance! It seems to be transmisions that cause all the problems anymore!<br /><br />Buy from an old guy like me that has taken very good care of his truck and has all the maintenance records over the years! If he has used Synthetic oil over the years thats a bonus! The chances of carbon and sludge buildup is not going to be an issue!! I do know that the 4.7 dodge engines without proper maintenance have been showing some sludge problems!!
 

neumanns

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Mar 1, 2003
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Re: Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

That's what I like about vehicle buyers...They dont ask for much so long as it has everything, will do anything, gets good milage, and is cheap!!! :rolleyes: And the worst part is when you find it there will already be a deposit on it. :( My best advice is go into this openminded with no hurry. Sooner or later something will tickle your fancy and it will be exactly what you wanted. ;)
 

steam_mill

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Jan 16, 2002
Messages
413
Re: Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

Let's add some more ammunition:<br /><br />Most Trucks on the road are GM (Chevys and GMC's).<br /><br />I've been a Toyota fan (300 K on a 4runner) and am now a Subaru wagaon fan. <br /><br />If my wife would let me, I'd buy a chevy truck.<br /><br />Why: Parts are the most inexpensive; plenty of aftermarket. Can find used parts everywhere. GM historically does not update their motors or alternators or starter. A small block is a small block.<br /><br />Just my opinion.....and those of my single friends that drive pickups.
 

Ralph 123

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Jun 24, 2003
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Re: Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

Compare the models and reliability data for your self:<br /><br /> http://autos.msn.com/home/reliability_ratings.aspx?src=LeftNav <br /><br />For 2000 - <br /><br />Hey JB the Tundra shows moderate engine problems...<br /><br />The Chevy 1500 & 2500 is showing significant engine and brake problems<br /><br />The F150 moderate engine problems... but great everything else! (I am surprised)<br /><br />The Dodge 1500 moderate engine problems & Tranny problems
 

JasonJ

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Aug 20, 2001
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4,163
Re: Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

I myself am partial to Ford, but you really can't go wrong with any of the domestic rigs built in the last three years. The key is look at the actual truck you are considering. If it looks like it has been really used hard, walk away. You can tell, it will have bolt holes in the bed from a fifth-wheel (lift the plastic bed liner and look if it has one), things like that. Walk away from modified rigs. Lift kits, big tires and things like that just wear a rig out. Try to find a mid level engine, not the base V8. Base V8s were probably worked too hard, big V8s mean they were probably towing something huge, but mid V8s fall right in the middle. The average truck owner won't have hurt the mid sized V8s. Look for a stock, clean rig with low to moderate miles on it. Do a good test drive and have a mechanic look it over if you aren't inclined that way, and you should be alright.
 

Bco128

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jul 6, 2003
Messages
220
Re: Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

Im with dk990496 go for the dodge, with one change...GET THE HEMI!!!!! now as for the tranny probs on the dodges take a closer look as to why they have them.mostly operator not knowing how to tow properly,or hauling towing a load bigger than the truck is supposed to handle, not design or manufacturing ( most of the time) the way to eleminate that is to have the tranny cooler added.solves most probs, think its about a $1500 option.get the dodge
 

John Carpenter

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Nov 1, 2002
Messages
336
Re: Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

In the last 10 years I have had three straight Dodge pickups & have put over 350,000 miles on them without a single problem that was not self inflicted. I've not spent a dime on a tranny problem.
 

aspeck

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May 29, 2003
Messages
19,103
Re: Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

GM all the way!<br /><br />What neumanns said ... everyone wants a low mileage, loaded vehicle with an impeccible maintenance record for next to nothing! That vehicle just isn't out there - even if the dealer "steals" it, he is going to try to hit a home run because those vehicles are so few and far between. And if it is an individual that owns it, he will think it is worth 2 times what it should be worth because of the mileage and maintenance.<br /><br />So, keep looking and good luck with whatever tickles your fancy!
 

rwise

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Jul 5, 2001
Messages
3,205
Re: Most reliable US V8 truck to buy?

Well I got to go with Dodge! Mine is a 1984, stil strong with no problems. A lot of them I see around here are working every day. I would go with the diesel over the Hemi, just mho.<br /><br />Ford, Chevy are good trucks too.<br /><br />Richard
 
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