Time to retire the F150

[DaveNay]

I would get something very reliable, sounds like a lot of your current truck issues are maintenance items. Stay away from superduty diesels unless its an old 7.3

I agree about the maintenance issues. They are also likely my fault. We were in a hard situation for a couple of years and some things had to be neglected. Mea culpa.

 

[plainjaneFJC]

The 4runner would be good if you take it real easy when you tow. Just get the thing baselined when you buy it and it will last a long time.

 

[Mark Harley]

I don't think I could live without a Pick up.
I would look for a newer model with less miles.

Try a different make I went from a F150 1/2 ton to a GMC 2500HD crew cab short bed due to having more kids.
This 12 year old GMC is part of the family now and we love it.

 

[DaveNay]

I don't think I could live without a Pick up.
I would look for a newer model with less miles.

Try a different make I went from a F150 1/2 ton to a GMC 2500HD crew cab short bed due to having more kids.
This 12 year old GMC is part of the family now and we love it.

Looks like I am 95% likely to replace with another full size pickup. Leaning heavily toward first gen Tundra but will consider Chevy or Dodge.

 

[Jimmy the Heater]

Don't discount the newer Suburbans and Tahoe's either. The 5.3 is a great engine and they would be able to tow 5k much better than a 4runner. Plus there really isn't much difference in MPG between the mid-size vehicles and the full size ones.

 

[fowldarr]

Or the first gen sequoia, we love ours, I also love my 2nd gen tundra, but sounds like that is above your intended price range.

 

[DaveNay]

Don't discount the newer Suburbans and Tahoe's either. The 5.3 is a great engine and they would be able to tow 5k much better than a 4runner. Plus there really isn't much difference in MPG between the mid-size vehicles and the full size ones.

A Suburban is also on the short list. It has one major advantage that it is an instant approval from SWMBO (she's wanted one for years).

 

[DaveNay]

Well, at the moment I've narrowed the selection down to a pair of Suburbans:

1999 2500 with 7.4l 115k miles -> asking $3900
2003 2500 with 6.0l 137k miles -> asking $6999

Hopefully I should have a new (to me) truck in a week or two.

 

[redthies]

Pics to help us help you? (Or just cause we like pics). I like the 6.0, but not sure I like it $3000 better. The 03 has a nicer interior, but exteriors are a wash. Both will look much better with a couple of inches of lift and some 255 or 285 tires. Is either or both a 2500? This would be a big factor in my mind...

 

[DaveNay]

Pics to help us help you? (Or just cause we like pics). I like the 6.0, but not sure I like it $3000 better. The 03 has a nicer interior, but exteriors are a wash. Both will look much better with a couple of inches of lift and some 255 or 285 tires. Is either or both a 2500? This would be a big factor in my mind...

I don't have pics at the moment...both craigslist ads have expired and I forgot to download the pics. I like the 6.0 a bit better too, but for my planned use (~10K miles per year) it will take 5 years to recoup the cost vs MPG.

Both are 2500

 

[oldestof11]

I have a 8.1L I might be selling. PM me if you're interested.

 

[east_tn_81]

If they both look good save the money and go with the 99

 

[XRrider]

Both are going to need maintenance as you F150 does, you can't avoid it. Unless you get into brand new with a trade in cycle every 3 years or a lease.

 

[DaveNay]

Both are going to need maintenance as you F150 does, you can't avoid it. Unless you get into brand new with a trade in cycle every 3 years or a lease.

I understand that. I have no passion for the F150 anymore. A different vehicle is a different vehicle.

 

[The Grinch]

I prefer the 6.0 to the '454 although a 454 to an 8.1 would be a better comparison.