Clutch
<---Pass
Searchquest?
Do you mean Search Tempest? I can't find anything that pertains to CL under searchquest.
Which vehicle to buy?
- Thread starter Adenylcyclase
- Start date
Searchquest?
Do you mean Search Tempest? I can't find anything that pertains to CL under searchquest.
calicamper
Expedition Leader
Yes sorry Search Tempest set your range and run a search. Great tool!!! Must have for the hunter of good deals ;-)
Clutch
<---Pass
Thanks!
Thought it might of been a new CL search engine.
Good ol' Auto Trader isn't bad either...you can set it up for email alerts when your criteria comes up.
calicamper
Expedition Leader
Just a warning about Auto Trader. Its owned by the same group as Kelly Blue book and the prices are set by Asking prices of DEALERS. Whats interesting is when a dealer negotiates a sale they quote Kelly Blue book or show your Auto Trader comparisons. When a dealer negotiates Trades ie is buying they use Edmunds prices and auction pricing. HMMM?
Cars.com is not owned by the same parent company use them!
Suggestion use Edmunds TMV pricing for your region and compare it to Craigs listings and run for the middle ground for a super clean example.
If your in CA watch out!!! for Sister dealership comparisons. We have entire regions owned by Auto Groups and yes they actually manipulate used car prices. They even try to purchase used cars off Craigs list if they are under priced and cause them heart burn!!! Most of the Toyota dealers in the Bay Area are owned by a LA based Auto Group and yes they dance the fine line on price fixing! Still waiting for Pam Harris our State Attorney to file a lawsuit against these Auto groups for price fixing regions. Given the sales manager word for word actually told me #1 we do not negotiate our prices! #2 Your welcome to drive 500 miles out of our region aka our covered area of owned dealers to find a better deal. His examples ie response to my more than proper offer was sister dealer ship postings of similar vehicles listed for the same inflated prices. After that I vowed NEVER EVER!!!!!! To buy from a dealer Again!!! F=em!!!
I hope Tesla wins the right for direct sales!!! No seriously the Auto Group 500-600 mile region all owned by the same parent company is complete BS. Especially if you can't buy new outside the state! Ca we can't buy a new car that has less than $7500 miles on it without being smacked with a double tax and DMV major harrassment!!!!! Dealers have FAR FAR too much political power and need to be taken out with a shot to the knee caps!!! Seriously!!!
The first auto company that sells a car via Amazon Prime I'll buy their car just for the purpose of showing the dealers consumers are done with em!!!
Cars.com is not owned by the same parent company use them!
Suggestion use Edmunds TMV pricing for your region and compare it to Craigs listings and run for the middle ground for a super clean example.
If your in CA watch out!!! for Sister dealership comparisons. We have entire regions owned by Auto Groups and yes they actually manipulate used car prices. They even try to purchase used cars off Craigs list if they are under priced and cause them heart burn!!! Most of the Toyota dealers in the Bay Area are owned by a LA based Auto Group and yes they dance the fine line on price fixing! Still waiting for Pam Harris our State Attorney to file a lawsuit against these Auto groups for price fixing regions. Given the sales manager word for word actually told me #1 we do not negotiate our prices! #2 Your welcome to drive 500 miles out of our region aka our covered area of owned dealers to find a better deal. His examples ie response to my more than proper offer was sister dealer ship postings of similar vehicles listed for the same inflated prices. After that I vowed NEVER EVER!!!!!! To buy from a dealer Again!!! F=em!!!
I hope Tesla wins the right for direct sales!!! No seriously the Auto Group 500-600 mile region all owned by the same parent company is complete BS. Especially if you can't buy new outside the state! Ca we can't buy a new car that has less than $7500 miles on it without being smacked with a double tax and DMV major harrassment!!!!! Dealers have FAR FAR too much political power and need to be taken out with a shot to the knee caps!!! Seriously!!!
The first auto company that sells a car via Amazon Prime I'll buy their car just for the purpose of showing the dealers consumers are done with em!!!
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AFBronco235
Crew Chief
Okay, back on track after the rants.
I've always driven fords and never had any major complains. Actually, I've only driven OBS (Old Body Style) Ford pickups made between 1980 and 1997. All I can say is that is probably the toughest generation of trucks out there. Right now I drive a 91' Ford Bronco, which uses a nearly identical drivetrain to the pickups so I know the 4X4 portion very well. The front axle is a unique kind of independent suspension called a TTB or Twin Traction Beam, which is basically a drive axle version of the Twin I-bean suspension on they're 2WD trucks. You'll hear a lot of people talking ********** about them, but the reality is that its one of the toughest IFS systems out there. The problems start happening when people lift or modify the front axle and therefore destroy the geometry.
As for comfort, well, I'm 6' tall myself so I know how hard it is to find a vehicle to fit in comfortably, but I've never had a problem with the trucks. I do recommend bucket seats over bench if you don't like having your knees sticking out, but even the bench seats are decent.
Depending on how much you carry, and you seem to be of a minimalist nature, an F150 with the 4.9L (300) I6 engine is surprisingly good on gas, getting 20 MPG when properly tuned and maintained. Not to mention that the engine itself is often refered to as "bullet proof", even by non-ford guys. If you want more power, well, the options are almost unlimted. You can even drop a 460 or diesel in there with room to spare. Transmission option are equally varied, since any transmission made for the F series pickup and mate up to any engine made for the F series pickup, provided the engines and transmission were made between 1980 and 1997, allowing you to mix and match to make your perfect trail rig.
Parts availability is huge, though mainly from junkyards and parts yards. Ford made MILLIONS of the F series pickups and you can mix and match just about any part between them. Heck, I through the dual battery system from an F350 diesel and the brake booster from and F250 into my bronco and it was all bolt in. They're almost like LEGO trucks in that regard. There are some parts that don't cross years, but not many.
What I would suggest to you for your needs is an F150 long bed and camper shell with RTT, powered by the 4.9L I6 (surprisingly powerful actually) with a ZF5 transmission out of an F250/350 (easy swap, as the only fabrication you need to do is drill two holes for the hydroboost and the holes are already marked on the firewall in the engine bay) with a mild lift (if any) of no more than 4 inches using springs from an F350 in the rear and maybe a solid axle in the front if you want leafs up front as well.
I've always driven fords and never had any major complains. Actually, I've only driven OBS (Old Body Style) Ford pickups made between 1980 and 1997. All I can say is that is probably the toughest generation of trucks out there. Right now I drive a 91' Ford Bronco, which uses a nearly identical drivetrain to the pickups so I know the 4X4 portion very well. The front axle is a unique kind of independent suspension called a TTB or Twin Traction Beam, which is basically a drive axle version of the Twin I-bean suspension on they're 2WD trucks. You'll hear a lot of people talking ********** about them, but the reality is that its one of the toughest IFS systems out there. The problems start happening when people lift or modify the front axle and therefore destroy the geometry.
As for comfort, well, I'm 6' tall myself so I know how hard it is to find a vehicle to fit in comfortably, but I've never had a problem with the trucks. I do recommend bucket seats over bench if you don't like having your knees sticking out, but even the bench seats are decent.
Depending on how much you carry, and you seem to be of a minimalist nature, an F150 with the 4.9L (300) I6 engine is surprisingly good on gas, getting 20 MPG when properly tuned and maintained. Not to mention that the engine itself is often refered to as "bullet proof", even by non-ford guys. If you want more power, well, the options are almost unlimted. You can even drop a 460 or diesel in there with room to spare. Transmission option are equally varied, since any transmission made for the F series pickup and mate up to any engine made for the F series pickup, provided the engines and transmission were made between 1980 and 1997, allowing you to mix and match to make your perfect trail rig.
Parts availability is huge, though mainly from junkyards and parts yards. Ford made MILLIONS of the F series pickups and you can mix and match just about any part between them. Heck, I through the dual battery system from an F350 diesel and the brake booster from and F250 into my bronco and it was all bolt in. They're almost like LEGO trucks in that regard. There are some parts that don't cross years, but not many.
What I would suggest to you for your needs is an F150 long bed and camper shell with RTT, powered by the 4.9L I6 (surprisingly powerful actually) with a ZF5 transmission out of an F250/350 (easy swap, as the only fabrication you need to do is drill two holes for the hydroboost and the holes are already marked on the firewall in the engine bay) with a mild lift (if any) of no more than 4 inches using springs from an F350 in the rear and maybe a solid axle in the front if you want leafs up front as well.
calicamper
Expedition Leader
No argument there also regarding playing the odds Ford built like what 600,000 of those in the past 8yrs good chance you can find a complete cream puff low mileage example for cheap too!
AFBronco235
Crew Chief
Wouldn't surprise me. If you go with more of an SUV, go with the Bronco. They're actually starting to go UP in price though, due to scarcity. The well maintained ones go for up to $5000 depending on the area. But that's with NO rust and a good engine and drive train.
Just having a little fun.
Root Moose
Expedition Leader
Also consider Toyota Landcruiser / Lexus LX470 (100 series).
If my budget was above $30k I'd be seriously looking at the 200 series Landcruiser (LX570). We only got the Lexus versions of these trucks in Canada so look south or wait for the Toyota version to appear if you'd prefer the Toyota version and not pay the Canadian "Badge Tax" for the Lexus version (I hate what clueless people do to the car market).
In large urban areas like Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal I've seen one or two Toyota badged 200 series a month appear that someone has brought up from the States.
I like Fords. The older trucks like the OBS are cool. I like the newer stuff too. I'm a wagon guy myself, big fan of the first generation Expedition (w/ 5.4 V8 and uprated driveline) and the Excursion.
The Sequoia has a good reputation. I like the first generation - it's basically a Toyota clone of a first generation Ford Expedition.
Totally ambivalent about GM.
Having been around Jeeps the last 15 or so years I'm completely done with Chrysler anything.
Don't know much about Nissans.
A buddy of mine has a LR3. He hasn't had any issues with it so I guess that stint where Ford owned LR helped shed the old Disco I/II reliability issues. I'm just over 6' and long of leg... my knee digs into the centre stack so I don't fit. The LR4 might be different. I'm still leery of the LR's... not sure I'd buy one with my own money.
Go check out some trucks, drive some stuff, see what appeals and more importantly what fits your physique.
2¢
If my budget was above $30k I'd be seriously looking at the 200 series Landcruiser (LX570). We only got the Lexus versions of these trucks in Canada so look south or wait for the Toyota version to appear if you'd prefer the Toyota version and not pay the Canadian "Badge Tax" for the Lexus version (I hate what clueless people do to the car market).
In large urban areas like Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal I've seen one or two Toyota badged 200 series a month appear that someone has brought up from the States.
I like Fords. The older trucks like the OBS are cool. I like the newer stuff too. I'm a wagon guy myself, big fan of the first generation Expedition (w/ 5.4 V8 and uprated driveline) and the Excursion.
The Sequoia has a good reputation. I like the first generation - it's basically a Toyota clone of a first generation Ford Expedition.
Totally ambivalent about GM.
Having been around Jeeps the last 15 or so years I'm completely done with Chrysler anything.
Don't know much about Nissans.
A buddy of mine has a LR3. He hasn't had any issues with it so I guess that stint where Ford owned LR helped shed the old Disco I/II reliability issues. I'm just over 6' and long of leg... my knee digs into the centre stack so I don't fit. The LR4 might be different. I'm still leery of the LR's... not sure I'd buy one with my own money.
Go check out some trucks, drive some stuff, see what appeals and more importantly what fits your physique.
2¢
superbuickguy
Explorer
Why are you asking about imports on the domestic forum? heck, even Dodge is an import now... it seems kind of silly to be asking here. The answer is Suburban - you know, the best selling, best resale, best room, best mpg vehicle, most reliable, cheapest to fix full-size SUV... but what with your utter hatred of Domestic vehicles, I'm sure you'll buy some import...
Clutch
<---Pass
Buliwyf
Viking with a Hammer
I recommend the 2010+ Ford F150's for your price range and light duty needs. Go for the cheap simple 4.6L. It's a bit cheaper used, and has plenty of power. The 5.0L is fine, just don't bother paying extra for one. Bilstein has 5100 shocks with adjustable settings to level the front of the truck, without stressing the joints like a spacer kit would. I didn't think I'd like the new F150's compared to the imports, but they have a very Nissan feeling quality control and interior now. The older ones, 2001 and older, always felt GM cheap to me.
I liked that truck better than the Tundra, GM, and the Nissan. I liked the Nissan. My friends Titan goes through everything with Cooper STT's. But the Titans dive train must be made out of pot metal. He's torn up a lot of parts. Cooked an entire xfr case. But got a used one from a P&P junkyard for next to nothing. The 6.0L GM engine and trans is tough, really tough. But the GM front diff and suspension is weak IME, the shocks should be replaced immediately, and the interior is the cheapest I've ever seen.
I'm not a huge fan of winch bumpers unless you absolutely need one. A Warn transformer 2 mount and the lightest decent winch you can find is where to go IMO. You'll have to decide how hardcore you want to go. Just remember that adding weight to the nose F's all kinds of things up. For my needs, I don't need the "Vehicle Weight X 1.5" rated winch. I just need a little bump to get rolling again.
I liked that truck better than the Tundra, GM, and the Nissan. I liked the Nissan. My friends Titan goes through everything with Cooper STT's. But the Titans dive train must be made out of pot metal. He's torn up a lot of parts. Cooked an entire xfr case. But got a used one from a P&P junkyard for next to nothing. The 6.0L GM engine and trans is tough, really tough. But the GM front diff and suspension is weak IME, the shocks should be replaced immediately, and the interior is the cheapest I've ever seen.
I'm not a huge fan of winch bumpers unless you absolutely need one. A Warn transformer 2 mount and the lightest decent winch you can find is where to go IMO. You'll have to decide how hardcore you want to go. Just remember that adding weight to the nose F's all kinds of things up. For my needs, I don't need the "Vehicle Weight X 1.5" rated winch. I just need a little bump to get rolling again.
Adenylcyclase
New member
I know, no worries.
Sleeping Dog
Adventurer
I've been in the car business and when new to the industry I asked the GM I worked for at the time where KBB, Edmunds etc got the pricing, he shrugged, saying for the dealership purpose it didn't matter as the actual cash value (ACV)of the possible trade, was derived from the wholesale auction results. ACV being what the car dealer believes your vehicle is really worth and trade value is what it takes to actually make the deal. Typically we'd show trade value based on Edmunds, because it crushes valuation, both trade and retail and set the advertised price off NADA which appears to be inflated. Though the value of NADA is that the banks use it in determining loan value.
Calicamper's suggestion of using Edmund's TMV is a good one. Monthly, I'd check their prices on the cars I was selling to see if they tracked the market that I was experiencing and they were always close.
Jim