tips on used pick up truck

[look 171]

My workman got rear ended by a 17 year kid at a stop sign. Destroyed his bed and the truck (toyota)is totaled. I want to buy a 2000-2006 era truck to get him back on the road. Chevy, Ford, or Dodge, Nissan doesn't matter. Which model do we avoid? I have looked on the net for a bit and so much out there are really nice and plush sold through dealers. what the hell happened to private sales, older ones that owner fell out of love with? LA is a tough place with so much that are being driven as daily drivers, maybe I need to look at AZ or something?

[kaisen]

They all have things to watch out for, and 2000-2006 spans generations in many cases.... like a 2003 Ford F150 is nothing like a 2004 F150, etc.

What would be the perfect set-up? V6 vs v8? Small V8 option vs big V8? 2wd vs 4wd? Reg cab, vs Extended or Crew? How many miles are the vehicles in your price range? Would you rather pay more for year, miles, brand, or options?

[yetibone]

Cash for Clunkers killed the used car market, so what's left is just a fraction of what was available before, and priced higher. Sometimes twice as high.

People are hanging onto their old vehicle longer. Usually until something happens that requires repairs in excess of the wholesale value of the vehicle, or when monthly repairs are more expensive than a car payment. Even then, some folks still elect to fix it and keep on rolling for other reasons.

Personally, I think a pre '96 Chevy truck, pre '04 Ford truck, or any Toyota truck without a rust problem, and without a 3VZ-E engine are the easiest and least expensive to own.

[RANDY P]

Ford has a nasty habit of seizing and spitting spark plugs. A GM is easy to live with, an import will cost you, especially a nice one.

[look 171]

A simple extend cab, small v8 or v6 is truck will service him fine. I like to stay under 6-7k. Low mileage is always best, its a work truck but it has to be reliable. A little work here and there is Ok.

2000-2005 trucks falls within my range? They should be OK trucks?

[kaisen]

Under $6-7K?!?

Don't worry about miles or brand, or anything else quantifiable. Just buy the nicest truck you can afford, that inspects well in person. One with proof of the most recent repairs and maint.

At that point you're just buying which clocks have been reset.

There's no real difference between a 120K mile truck and a 180K mile truck. Except price

[RANDY P]

Buy one that hasn't been Vato'd out. That's all.

rjp

[look 171]

I know Ford had some issues with their tranny in those years. I am leaning toward Chevy or GM. If its a couple thousands more for a better product, I an perfectly ok with that. I don't want to end up with a POS that's in the shop every other month. We can't get any work done instead, time will be spend in traffic going to and from the mechanics. Forget that song and dance.

[Scott Douglas]

Probably more truck than you want....

2000 Chevrolet 2500 HD Turbo Diesel utility bed truck

no affiliation etc etc...just trying to help.

[Scott Douglas]

Is this more what you're looking for?

2006 Ford F150 White Work Truck

[look 171]

Thanks Scott. We have a diesel truck he can use. We do a lot of work in the narrow hills (areas where only one car can pass through at a time), so having a big truck like that is a PITA and we always get crap from the neighbors. This will also be his personal, daily driver. If you know anyone that's selling one, please let me know. Thanks again.

[Scott Douglas]

This has a salvage title but looks like what you're looking for too...

2001 Chevy Silverado LS 1500 V8 5.3 Extended Cab (4 Door)

and it's a Chevy.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

Is this more what you're looking for?

2006 Ford F150 White Work Truck

Wow, yes. any thoughts on the reliability on those?

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

This has a salvage title but looks like what you're looking for too...

2001 Chevy Silverado LS 1500 V8 5.3 Extended Cab (4 Door)

and it's a Chevy.

Salvage. Thirteen years old. 2wd. 214,000 miles. And still $4600.

[Scott Douglas]

I haven't a clue on Ford's reliability.
Chevy seems to be OK if taken care of from what I've read.
My only association with trucks has been through my brother who usually buys used and does what work is needed to make them reliable, but doesn't get anything needing major work.

[Scott Douglas]

Originally Posted by kaisen

Salvage. Thirteen years old. 2wd. 214,000 miles. And still $4600.

I hear ya Eric, but that's what's out there here in So Cal.
I've been thinking of a truck but the pickings are usually all used up pretty much or are pricey.

[Scott Douglas]

This guy sounds desperate to get rid of his...

2003 Chevy Z71 Tahoe $6500

opps, didn't see the salvage title...sorry.

[look 171]

Hey Eric,

Nice to see you back here.

What do you think of the at 06 Ford v6? I am starting to read a little about it, as always, its the net, so I am not sure who to trust or listen to.

[kaisen]

The 4.2L was a decent motor -- essentially a punched-out 3.8L, and based from a GM motor

The rest of the truck is pretty simple.

That looks like one to consider

[ledhedsymbols]

Originally Posted by RANDY P

Ford has a nasty habit of seizing and spitting spark plugs. A GM is easy to live with, an import will cost you, especially a nice one.

I believe this is true of the 4.6l 5.4l and 6.8l V-8 and V-10 ford models. I have a 6.8l with one repaired spark plug hole. I don't drive it daily, but the repair seems to be holding up ok. Kind of a PITA to deal with though.