Solid Older Trucks

[magnumb]

Looking to get a 2nd truck and a 2nd boat to keep in Florida during the winter so I keep feeding my fishing addiction.
Don't want to spend 60k on a new rig so I'm looking at simple older trucks under 15k and don't want be in the 20-30k range and it will depreciate too quickly and harder to work on.

From my research I'm come up with the following list. Any suggestion besides these? Fords from the 90s don't appeal to me as I had 1 Ford van and 2 Fords truck during that era and all of had constant electrical issues and suspension problems.


1994-1998 Dodge Ram 2500 & 3500-
Pros:

Mechanical injection, very simple engine

Bosch P7100 injection pump
Great low end power

Cons:

Killer dowel pin

Weak transmissions If used for towing a lot or engine mods.

Rust quickly in Midwest



1988-1995 GMT400 GMC and Chevy Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe and Yukon

Pros:

Of all the older trucks I see more of these on the road than any other

TBI 350-Most widely used power plant....from boats to trucks.

700R4 Trans is solid

Good rust free selection in South and West

Cons:

Fuel Pumps. Some report no issues, while others report only getting 80k on 1.

Ignition module can overheat if you don't replace the thermo paste every 5 years or so.

Pickup truck models have rust issues in cab corners.

1995 models have problems with HVAC controls...fixed in 1996



1995.5-1997 Toyota Truck

Pros:

Smooth powerful V6

Solid Trans

Toyota electronics

Cons:

Weak rear leaf springs

CV boots prone to leaking

Dash rattle

Rack and Pinion wear quickly

Water Pump leak on some models

[AndyNegus94]

I had a 2001 dodge CTD and that was the best running/pulling truck I've owned, mine had a manual transmission and sold it with 260000 miles. I've also had 4 gmt400 trucks. All were very reliable and never had any issues you stated. My dad had one and the only issue he had was a fuel pump go out at around 180000 miles and he bought the truck new. If it was me I'd look for a nice used 1998.5-2002 dodge ctd.

[Cain Roberts]

I have a 2000 Ford Excursion V-10 Triton with 309,000 miles on it. No visible rust aside from a few rock-chip areas above the windshield - very unusual for a Minnesota vehicle. No leaks. Since it crossed over 250K I've been bringing it in for a used vehicle inspection every 6 months, just to make sure to catch any gasket leaks or other issues. Been hearing a little piston-slap since about 275K, but otherwise, she runs like a top. Mechanic I've been doing business with for almost 30 years says there is no indication this vehicle is prepared to die any time soon, aside from the odometer.

[ken1okie]

GM 5.3 or Ford 4.6 ........I've owned both. Sold the Ford with 260K on it nothing done to it except normal maintenance and one tune up.
The GM currently has 200K plus and nothing done to it except normal maintenance and one tune up. Drove the wheels off several 5.3 GM company trucks with no issues.

[ken1okie]

I have a 2000 Ford Excursion V-10 Triton with 309,000 miles on it. No visible rust aside from a few rock-chip areas above the windshield - very unusual for a Minnesota vehicle. No leaks. Since it crossed over 250K I've been bringing it in for a used vehicle inspection every 6 months, just to make sure to catch any gasket leaks or other issues. Been hearing a little piston-slap since about 275K, but otherwise, she runs like a top. Mechanic I've been doing business with for almost 30 years says there is no indication this vehicle is prepared to die any time soon, aside from the odometer.

[BigSexyPhoenix]

Mid to late 90's Chevy or GMC Z71 with the 350. Best truck ever.

[magnumb]

Mid to late 90's Chevy or GMC Z71 with the 350. Best truck ever.

This may be my 1st choice....but I think my decision may come down whatever is in the best shape. Most of these will have well over 120,000 and I'm sure there are not too many trucks from the 90s in great shape.....not like today were a truck is more like a car and some never get used for truck duties.

[Warpig556]

You can get newer in the 2500 chevy. I sold my 2004 3/4 ton HD 6.0 with 159k for 12,000 and it had brand new michelin rubber. Mine had all of the short comings fixed....Gauge cluster, Intermediate Steering Shaft and I just had put a new set of brakes on it. -0- rust, -0- dents. I would have driven it anywhere, anytime.

[magnumb]

That is great looking truck!!! If i could find one like yours for 12 I might be a taker.
Not a fan of the newer body styles. I like these and the 2007-2014 Yukon/Tahoe. The newer ones look cheap to me.

[magnumb]

A 1995 Tahoe was in the completed section on the auction site with like 10,000miles and I think sold for 15k. It looked like it was just pull off the showroom floor except the muffler was a bit rusty. If I ever were to see another I might have to grab it. Love the classic lines on these trucks and real solid chrome bumpers.

[SCfisher]

Go GM especially with a 350 or 5.3, I've owned several from new to used and have all been outstanding! Good luck

[DTS]

2001-2003 Ford F-150 4x4 with a 4.6 L. You should be able to find one for 6-8K with less than 150k miles. Mine was a die hard and hardly had any issues, it will pull a 21' bassboat with no issues, will it pull like a diesel no but not bad. The one I had ran great when I traded it in with 235k miles on it. Just my $.02! Good luck. Or if you can swing it a 2011 F150 with a 5.0!

[Warpig556]

That is great looking truck!!! If i could find one like yours for 12 I might be a taker.
Not a fan of the newer body styles. I like these and the 2007-2014 Yukon/Tahoe. The newer ones look cheap to me.

I couldn't pass up the price on a no hassle trade in. I replaced it with a 5.3 half ton 8 speed that tows better than the 2500 HD 6.0

[okiebass]

find a 2000---2006 Silverado with 5.3 in good shape and you are good to go

[smghaley]

find a 2000---2006 Silverado with 5.3 in good shape and you are good to go

As long as all of the brake lines have been replaced.

[Bassmeister]

get something post 98 m/y...then you know you will have the power you need....the vortex and tritons engines had more power and usually better trannys....JMHO

[TBendBassin]

I'm sorry but how could you not have the 99-03 7.3 powerstroke on your list?!?! its the definition of a solid workhorse

[bgproudfew]

I'm sorry but how could you not have the 99-03 7.3 powerstroke on your list?!?! its the definition of a solid workhorse

All day everyday. Even the 6.0 f-250 if you know what to look for and how to maintain them. I agree with earlier posts that 88-98 chevy 1500 was best truck ever made. Also all Cheverolet/GMC 1500 all the way up to current are great. But, with that being said, I'm gonna be the one to say it. As a tow vehichle, just know that the 5.3, and 5.7 won't pull the hat off your head. They will get you there but don't be in any hurry. I hear a lot of GM loyal guys who have owned only cheverolets saying that this model pulls, and that model pulls, this motor/tranny better than that one. I have owned 2 and have pulled many different trailer sizes and I have to say that the 5.3 from 99-current is probably the weakest pulling truck of any half ton I have ever used. My wife's 4 runner with 4.0 v6 will pull my phoenix 920 just as good as my brother-in-law's 2011 1500 5.3. When I noticed that, I actually looked up HP specs to find that they were within 5hp of eachother. I pulled my boat with his chevy today because my truck is out of town and my wife was gone to the beach in the 4-runner. I was really missing my truck. But, to defend them, you will rarely if ever have to work on them. That won't hold true if you get any diesel, trust me. If you buy diesel, especially one in the 15k range, you WILL work on it.

[ggodwin]

Trucks are maintains their value so well these days it's not a bad idea to invest in a high mileage used vehicle.

I just put a motor in my 2009 Sierra. It had 302K miles and lost a lifter which caused my #7 intake cyclinder to stick open. The truck has been fantastic. After driving and pricing everything on the market I decided to keep it. I put a new tranny and engine installed. Jasper Engines offer a 100K mile warranty on their stuff. You can't beat it. The warranty covers parts and labor. So, all you have to do is pull into a Jasper dealer and it gets taken care of.

i spend 8K on it. I had the never wrecked front end rebuilt, new motor, and new Leer Camper top. It's a crew cab with a camper and is the perfect vehicle for pulling this high school bass fishing crew around to tournaments.

You can find a high miles road vehicle for $6K invest another $8K and have a nice ride with 100K mile Power Train warranty. Just another option as you're looking.

[ChrisA]

My 2008 sierra is rusting over the rear tires.