Best truck?

[BoondockAngel]

I am looking to buy a truck--a really good one. It will be my first vehicle and I want it to last me a good 10+ years.
Problem is, my budget will just barely allow me to afford a truck, so unexpected repairs will be catastrophic.

So I'm wondering, does anybody know if the Ram 1500 has a history of a known mechanical/technical issue? What I'm pretty much trying to find out is whether I will have less repairs on a Dodge or a Ford.

Thanks!!

 

[Graygoose]

Check out the Ram Express, doesnt have a ton of bells and whistles, but that can also mean less electronics to go wrong.
I purchased my brand new 2011 RC for $20,800 out the door...I see 2013 CC for $26,000...10/100k warranty....

 

[Hemi Joe]

Check out the Ram Express, doesnt have a ton of bells and whistles, but that can also mean less electronics to go wrong.
I purchased my brand new 2011 RC for $20,800 out the door...I see 2013 CC for $26,000...10/100k warranty....

Exactly, if you're on a budget and dead set on buying a brand new truck, you can't beat the Express.

 

[quietpeen]

in my opinion all manufactures have their problems. Seems both ford and dodge have come a long way and are putting out nice trucks. This is a ram site and you are gonna get a lot of responses for dodge obviously. But to say you have less chance of any issues with one or the other is really an opinion. With either vehicle to get 10 years out of it is up to you with not beating on it and keeping up on all regular maintenance.

 

[JimE]

in my opinion all manufactures have their problems. Seems both ford and dodge have come a long way and are putting out nice trucks. This is a ram site and you are gonna get a lot of responses for dodge obviously. But to say you have less chance of any issues with one or the other is really an opinion. With either vehicle to get 10 years out of it is up to you with not beating on it and keeping up on all regular maintenance.

Absolutely dead on advice! Taking decent care of any truck and using it within its known limitations should provide anyone with not less than 300,000 or even more miles of reasonably trouble free use.

 

[Hemi Joe]

in my opinion all manufactures have their problems. Seems both ford and dodge have come a long way and are putting out nice trucks. This is a ram site and you are gonna get a lot of responses for dodge obviously. But to say you have less chance of any issues with one or the other is really an opinion. With either vehicle to get 10 years out of it is up to you with not beating on it and keeping up on all regular maintenance.

This is good advice.

 

[Hemi395]

My father has a 2004 f150 he bought new and has had his share of problems with it. My last vehicle was a 2006 Nissan Frontier and it needed a radiator at 34000 miles. I had a 2002 Explorer that needed transfer case work at 60000 miles and the paint started cracking at 40000. Every manufacturer has their strengths and weaknesses but like people have said, proper maintenance and care of any vehicle will make it last for a long time. So far my Ram has 3000miles on it and all it's really needed was a software update. It's been excellent since I've had it. Dodge has come a long way in the last 5-10 years...

 

[BoondockAngel]

Thanks

Wow, thanks for all the great replies. Lots of good advice and opinions, all of which I will definitely keep in mind as I continue my truck quest.

 

[blrmkrl83]

I'm not trying to talk you out of a Ram, but it is recommended to change all 16 spark plugs every 32,000 miles. It also takes 7 quarts of oil when you change it. The intervals on that are up to 6 months and 8,000 miles. I'm not sure how that compares to the other brands, just something to consider in your decision. I had always been a GM guy until I bought my new Ram a bit over a year ago. I have 32,000 miles on it with no problems. I absolutely love this truck and have no regrets about buying it.

 

[Burla]

Why kill yourself trying to afford something you can't? There are great used trucks out there, 93 to 96 Ford F150's with the 351. Old Toyotas 1991 through 1994, for a smaller pick up. These are cheap to work on and if it has little rust will last a very long time, and I would wager you could find a nice one in the 3k range. I love Dodge but older Dodge's do not have the better history as Ford and Toyo. If you want a new truck a Dodge is a great way to go, but I am of the mind that you should only buy something you are comfortable paying for. If you buy an old truck there are some good investments that you can do to keep them on the road.

 

[Saltillo Express]

I saw a 2001 Yellow Dakota RT on the side of the road the other day. $3500 Made me miss that generation of trucks.

 

[TheMaddog]

best truck out there? no question it's gotta be mine, because what makes mine the best is that it's mine. lol

but if i could get a new truck, brand new, money is not an option, i'd go with a 2013 dodge ram 1500 crew cab, with the black club thing. because one, all exterior mods are just about done. it looks good, i bet it drives like a bat out of hell. just complete awesome truck

 

[audio1der]

IMO it's not worth putting yourself in a pinch for a new vehicle which just depreciates. That is, unless your budget accounts for fun money, savings, wear & tear/maintenance items for said vehicle, etc etc etc.

 

[Etroze86]

There are great deals out there on used Rams so don't count those out. If you are willing to travel to get your dream truck you can save even more than just dealing in your local area. Get exactly what you want for what you can afford don't compromise you won't be happy in the end when spending majority of your income. Finally have fun looking take your time cause that will be the hardest thing to do for sure. Good Luck.

 

[TheSatinPumpkin]

Mine will be 10 years this december and no real issues other than losing a couple of driveshafts. Not bad considering all that's done.

that said there a plenty that had broken trannies and rear ends with quarter of the seat time mine has.

Good luck.

Sent from my SCH-I405 using Tapatalk 2

 

[kkreit01]

It's a crapshot. No matter what brand you buy, you can get a good one, or bad one. I agree with others, that an Express would be your best bet.