A Predicament to Solve

[Z-06]

Two weekends ago my foster uncle was in Tampa looking for a fifth wheel at the Tampa International RV show. He was really interested in a couple of RV's and is planning to make a purchase soon. In October 2008, he bought a brand new half ton pickup truck and has put less than 3,000 miles on it.

Since he is considering to buy this fifth wheel, he wants a 1-ton, diesel, F350 and does not want to keep more than one truck in his fleet. During our conversation, he offered me his existing truck at almost 60% of the price he paid. The truck is a quad cab, with its most powerful engine, upgraded stereo, cloth seats, 4x4, and other goodies.

Since it is a non-GM truck, my question to you is should I buy it?

Here is my situation:

I really do not need a beast although I want a truck. This truck is just too much of a vehicle for me. Yet, if I end up buying a decent car, I will be spending around same amount of money as he is offering me the truck for. My uncle has already taken the depreciation, and I know for a fact he keeps his vehicles immaculately healthy.

Please advice me.

[vonVeezelsnider]

If it's a Ram or F150, then consider it. If it's a Tundra please run.

If you don't think you need it I would have to think long and hard about the cost/benefit of buying it.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Quit with the suspense and tell us what brand/model pickup it is! (personally, I think it's a Ford F150)

[NOS2006]

Yeah, we need to know what year/model/trim of truck it is and how many miles it's got! Details!

[Z-06]

Yeah, we need to know what year/model/trim of truck it is and how many miles it's got! Details!

I told you about the year, trim, miles NOS - read carefully.

[capriceman]

08-09 Dodge ram 4 door?

If you will like the truck then yes. if not then no. simple really. dodge makes decent trucks.

[Northstar]

You could get '08 Rams for half price brand new...

[Intrepidation]

smallchevy

For the record, next time tell us from the start what kind of truck is, because I still don't know.

[Z-06]

smallchevy

For the record, next time tell us from the start what kind of truck is, because I still don't know.

Come on I need an honest opinion. By telling the truck, I will be biasing the situation.

Let the suspense and speculation rule. I like how Von gave me his advice.

There are 4 options anyways:

1. F150

2. Ram

3. Titan

4. Turd

[PurdueGuy]

You give us essentially no information, but want our advise? How can that advise be worth anything? I think most of us on here aren't so biased that we can't see the value of a non-GM truck.

[pow]

You don't "need" a truck, but you "want" one? If you're not going to use it for towing or work, then it just depends on how desirable you think that particular truck is.

I voted no, because you're going to regret buying something you don't need.

[Intrepidation]

Well Titans have been plagued with quality problems. Tundas have had teething issues, and even so are pretty sub-par compared to what the Domestics make (C-Channels instead of fully boxed frames for instance).

I don't know if the `09 Ram or F-150 were on sale yet, but this is my take for the last gens:

If it's a Dodge I would guess it depends on the motor. The base V6 is a dog and gets crap fuel economy. The reworked 4.7 is a respectable engine and the 5.7 is always a good bet. The last gen was known for it's clever storage and sharp handling (for a truck).

The Ford has higher towing/payload ratings. However this may not big a deal maker if you don't plan to use all 10/10 of it. The Ford has a nicer interior but lacks safety features like side airbags and has limited storage. It rides pretty well for a truck. It's top engine is outclassed by everyone else's top engine.

If he got an `09...

The ram is more powerful, with better powertrains besides that crappy V6, it has a high quality interior, it has lots of clever storage features, it's the best riding/driving truck on the market. If you plan to use a truck for more casual use this is the one to get. I believe it comes with some kind of trailer brake controller.

The new F-150 has more storage features than it used to, and as a crew cab has a flat load floor (which the ram does not), and a nice interior. It also has that tailgate step. It has the highest payload/towing ratings. I know this comes with a trailer brake controller.

If it's an `09 Ram I would suggest it since you seem to want it more for casual use and it's the easiest to live with.

This all being said if you like it, go for it, if you don't then pass on it.

[Z-06]

You don't "need" a truck, but you "want" one? If you're not going to use it for towing or work, then it just depends on how desirable you think that particular truck is.

I voted no, because you're going to regret buying something you don't need.

Thanks empowah.

The reason I do not need one is because most of the time when I do need one I drive my company's pick up truck. However due to new company policy, I cannot use it for personal purposes. Which means, going to Lowes, carrying stuff is out of question. That is the reason why I want a truck but do not need a truck with a lot of dough which I will not be using, like the towing package, etc. A regular cab V6 will do fine for me.

I know my decision, but I wanted to see if I was thinking straight and that is where y'all opinions count.

[Croc]

I resent your decision to play games with us. You want advice? Give information.

PS: You set up the poll wrong.

[ocnblu]

Buy it. The F-150 is a good truck.