Car Buying Questions

[johnnycando]

I'd skip the Ram EcoDiesel all together and grab a Chevy Colorado / GMC Canyon Diesel instead. The Ram uses an Italian 3.0 V6 VM Motori engine that is having issues. The FCA owned company has had issues since they started putting the first gen engine in G. Cherokees and 300's they exported to Europe 5 years ago. The current generation has had more problems in early units here in the States.

The Colorado and GMC Canyon are using the new 2.8 Duramax 4 cyl. One thing to remember, there a THOUSANDS more GM techs with Duramax training vs. Dodge techs with VM Motori training. Dodge guys know Cummins.

Just my opinion.

I mean if you're going for a truck that can do something, a Canyon or Colorado are not it.

Don't get me wrong. The Ecodiesel would only satisfy a very select 1/2 ton segment.

We're talking nearly 10K# GVWR on the Dodge vs. 7K# on the smaller trucks. I do agree with the beauty of the GMC Canyon although. It is cheaper. And it's gorgeous.

A quick motor comparison:

Ram EcoDiesel vs GMC Canyon Duramax Diesel Briggs Dodge Blog

I call the local HS FB games on the radio. I do not own an Ecodiesel, but they are awesome! We get a set of new wheels to go anywhere we want without any cost, but we provide free advertising in return.

We averaged 54 mpg going up and through the mountains, due to mostly downhill driving I suppose.

A week later we averaged 34 mpg on the hwy. Much higher than advertised. Anomaly? Possibly. But epic nonetheless.

 

[BobbyMac]

Hey Wild Bill.....

The site won't let me respond to your PM so here it is...


They are a quality vehicle. The highest rated of all mid sized SUV's and the only one I'd suggest buying with close to 100k.

The only thing I'd really watch for is transmission problems. Look for one that has good service records with tranny maintenance intervals kept up to date. I used to own a few tranny shops and we did a lot of 4Runner 4x4's with 150k plus. If taken care of it's a 250k-300k vehicle as long as you go AROUND Chicagoland potholes. ;-)

Below is a handy site to look at things that go wrong with various car models. It says watch for some simple emission valves too if you are in a testing area. All the Japanese trucks have issues with that, more so than Chevy and Fords at least.

Most Reported Problem Reports for the Toyota 4Runner


Hope that helps.

 

[Wild Bill]

Hey Wild Bill.....

The site won't let me respond to your PM so here it is...


They are a quality vehicle. The highest rated of all mid sized SUV's and the only one I'd suggest buying with close to 100k.

The only thing I'd really watch for is transmission problems. Look for one that has good service records with tranny maintenance intervals kept up to date. I used to own a few tranny shops and we did a lot of 4Runner 4x4's with 150k plus. If taken care of it's a 250k-300k vehicle as long as you go AROUND Chicagoland potholes. ;-)

Below is a handy site to look at things that go wrong with various car models. It says watch for some simple emission valves too if you are in a testing area. All the Japanese trucks have issues with that, more so than Chevy and Fords at least.

Most Reported Problem Reports for the Toyota 4Runner


Hope that helps.

Thanks, man.

 

[Henges24]

This isn't exactly a car buying question but I had no idea where to put this...

Has anyone that owns a newer Chevy ever updated their MyLink themselves? I just bought a '14 Malibu and the album art that appears is really outdated. Obviously not the biggest concern but I'd like to update it if possible.

 

[Wild Bill]

I'm buying a new truck (new or slightly used) and looking for opinions on the Ford F150, GMC 1500, or the Tundra. I'm not a fan of the Titan or Ram but have considered test driving the Ram 1500 diesel.

GMC is a good looking truck but I've heard the newer models do not drive as well as the Fords, and there are a few guys I know who have had a variety of issues with newer model GMs (both Chevy and GMC), namely some engine trouble and surface rust within a year of purchase.

Ford is a good looking truck too, especially FX4 models with a center counsel shifter. The drawback with the Ford is the aluminium body and the V6 engine. Some people love the V6 while others do not. I'd probalby go with the V8 but that adds to the cost quite a bit.

My brother had a Toyota Tundra for years and it was a great truck. I believe they offer the largest cab as well. They are expensive relative to Ford and GMC, especially the used models. The interior, for lack of a better word, looks cheap, and the fuel efficiency is atrocious. They hold their value but I'd probably drive it for a decade or so and that's not a major concern.

I am not a fan of Rams but the ecodiesel is intriguing.

I'd get a 4x4 crew cab regardless of the model.

Any opinions on these trucks, whether good or bad, are appreciated.

 

[goldandblue]

I'm buying a new truck (new or slightly used) and looking for opinions on the Ford F150, GMC 1500, or the Tundra. I'm not a fan of the Titan or Ram but have considered test driving the Ram 1500 diesel.

GMC is a good looking truck but I've heard the newer models do not drive as well as the Fords, and there are a few guys I know who have had a variety of issues with newer model GMs (both Chevy and GMC), namely some engine trouble and surface rust within a year of purchase.

Ford is a good looking truck too, especially FX4 models with a center counsel shifter. The drawback with the Ford is the aluminium body and the V6 engine. Some people love the V6 while others do not. I'd probalby go with the V8 but that adds to the cost quite a bit.

My brother had a Toyota Tundra for years and it was a great truck. I believe they offer the largest cab as well. They are expensive relative to Ford and GMC, especially the used models. The interior, for lack of a better word, looks cheap, and the fuel efficiency is atrocious. They hold their value but I'd probably drive it for a decade or so and that's not a major concern.

I am not a fan of Rams but the ecodiesel is intriguing.

I'd get a 4x4 crew cab regardless of the model.

Any opinions on these trucks, whether good or bad, are appreciated.

I have a Tundra. Love it and wouldn't have anything but. Resale value is great with them too.

 

[Valpodoc85]

I'm buying a new truck (new or slightly used) and looking for opinions on the Ford F150, GMC 1500, or the Tundra. I'm not a fan of the Titan or Ram but have considered test driving the Ram 1500 diesel.

GMC is a good looking truck but I've heard the newer models do not drive as well as the Fords, and there are a few guys I know who have had a variety of issues with newer model GMs (both Chevy and GMC), namely some engine trouble and surface rust within a year of purchase.

Ford is a good looking truck too, especially FX4 models with a center counsel shifter. The drawback with the Ford is the aluminium body and the V6 engine. Some people love the V6 while others do not. I'd probalby go with the V8 but that adds to the cost quite a bit.

My brother had a Toyota Tundra for years and it was a great truck. I believe they offer the largest cab as well. They are expensive relative to Ford and GMC, especially the used models. The interior, for lack of a better word, looks cheap, and the fuel efficiency is atrocious. They hold their value but I'd probably drive it for a decade or so and that's not a major concern.

I am not a fan of Rams but the ecodiesel is intriguing.

I'd get a 4x4 crew cab regardless of the model.

Any opinions on these trucks, whether good or bad, are appreciated.

I have a 2017 F150 with the 3.5 ecopoof. Very comfortable. Wife loves it for long trips. The aluminum body is not a problem and the build quality is excellent. The 3.5 has great power and reasonable economy problem comes when towing. MPG sucks even towing relatively light loads. Friend has a service fleet of 150's for his business about 50/50 v6 poof and V8. He feels the V8 are a bit better. Also Ford is coming out with a mid sized diesel soon for the 150. Won't tow much but maybe you don't need it too.

 

[BobbyMac]

I have a 2017 F150 with the 3.5 ecopoof. Very comfortable. Wife loves it for long trips. The aluminum body is not a problem and the build quality is excellent. The 3.5 has great power and reasonable economy problem comes when towing. MPG sucks even towing relatively light loads. Friend has a service fleet of 150's for his business about 50/50 v6 poof and V8. He feels the V8 are a bit better. Also Ford is coming out with a mid sized diesel soon for the 150. Won't tow much but maybe you don't need it too.

Proof that GM has purchased Autocorrect Inc.


The baby Powerstroke will slot in between the 5.0 V8 and the 3.5 EcoBoost at around 11,500.

Word to the wise to anyone, if you are towing 11,000+ as a habit, get a 250/2500 Series P/U.

Speaking of Ram, an FCA corporate guy was at the local Brewery with a 2019 Ram Lariat. Head and shoulders above any pick up I've ever seen or sat in. Apparently, on sale now at your local dealer.

From the looks of the photoshoot, this might be the exact truck I sat in.

 

[Valpodoc85]

Buddy had the Ram last year. Traded for an f150, said the tranny would hunt and peck around town. Know if they changed that up? Said the ride was smooth.

 

[BobbyMac]

Buddy had the Ram last year. Traded for an f150, said the tranny would hunt and peck around town. Know if they changed that up? Said the ride was smooth.

Well your F-150 has that 10 speed they made with GM and it's the best auto tranny on the planet. Ram got a new ZF 8 speed recently. I jusst looked at the 2019 literature and it said,

"...come standard with an upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission that has more than 40 shift maps. That means the truck's computer can better plan for the situations thrown its way."

So maybe they tweaked the shift mapping but it's not your 10 speed. That's like driving a CVT.

 

[m-araim]

I'm looking into the Subaru Outback. I heard good things about it and also Outlander Sport

 

[BobbyMac]

I'm looking into the Subaru Outback. I heard good things about it and also Outlander Sport

Big difference in size and money in those two.

The Subaru closest to the Outlander Sport is the Crosstrek which is basically to the Impreza what the Outback is to the Legacy Wagon.

In the same $21k-ish range is the redesigned Jeep Compass which looks like a million bucks for that category.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Car Buying Questions

I'm looking into the Subaru Outback. I heard good things about it and also Outlander Sport

I have a 2015 Outlander Sport. Bought it new. At 40k miles, zero problems so far, still have factory tires on it.

We were going to get the Honda CRV, but that was the first year they did a CVT, and luckily I read about all the problems with it the night before we picked it up.

It definitely isnt close to the others in its class as far as looks and aesthetics go, but does the job well, and was about $5k cheaper (probably $10k cheaper compared to the Outback).

If you look at an OS, you MUST get the 2.4, NOT the 2.0.

The 2.4 is plenty IMO for highway, daily driving, etc. The 2.0 feels like a go kart.

My only complaint about the OS is it is very small. The cargo hold in the back is a joke, and the back seat is too small for any adult taller than 6 feet.


Im currently looking to add another SUV. Was looking at Jeep Patriots, but they are deceptively small, and the reviews are consistently horrible. Shifted my focus towards a reasonably priced mid size. My price point puts me in a Ford Edge, but I absolutely love the Jeep Grand Cherokee, reviews be dammed.


*Crusader is the resident auto expert btw. You can take his input to the bank.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

We've managed to hold onto our current vehicles as long as we could but my 07 Envoy is starting to act up again and it's starting to reach the age where something is being fixed every 3 months.

My wife wants a Van and I'm probably going for a truck. I'm doing a lot of searching but I'd be happy to hear other's experiences.

 

[BobbyMac]

We've managed to hold onto our current vehicles as long as we could but my 07 Envoy is starting to act up again and it's starting to reach the age where something is being fixed every 3 months.

My wife wants a Van and I'm probably going for a truck. I'm doing a lot of searching but I'd be happy to hear other's experiences.

Truck choice depends on your needs but for a minivan, it's tough to win an argument vs the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid . It's a plug in hybrid that has a 30 mile electric range before you start paying Big Oil and after you deduct the $7500 FTC, it's $5000 cheaper than a comparably equipped non-hybrid model.

 

[ND87]

You didn’t mention Kia, but we have a Sorento, and here are my thoughts on it:
Decent power (V6), storage, snow handling, good ride, lotsa bells n whistles. Great warranty, roadside and service.
Serious blind spots at A and C pillars.
Crappy city mileage...at least at 4000 ft elevation... like 16 with eco mode engaged. We also have 85 octane as regular, so...
Heavily loaded, on the highway, have enjoyed almost 30mpg.
Weirdly our 15 uses an SD card for nav...which is like 250 toupdate. Hope they’ve gone satellite for newer models.

 

[connor_in]

You didn’t mention Kia, but we have a Sorento, and here are my thoughts on it:
Decent power (V6), storage, snow handling, good ride, lotsa bells n whistles. Great warranty, roadside and service.
Serious blind spots at A and C pillars.
Crappy city mileage...at least at 4000 ft elevation... like 16 with eco mode engaged. We also have 85 octane as regular, so...
Heavily loaded, on the highway, have enjoyed almost 30mpg.
Weirdly our 15 uses an SD card for nav...which is like 250 toupdate. Hope they’ve gone satellite for newer models.

I will also endorse Kia. I got a 17 Sportage EX AWD last April and I love it (my in-laws both have Sorentos and love them too). Not the top of the line as far as gas mileage, especially in city, but decent in country/hwy miles (loved it during this past winter weather). It does NOT have CVT and those are the ones with the top mileage and I don't like CVT yet myself. Very comfortable to drive as far as handling, feel for the road, seats, and logistics of the placement of items in the cab. You get a lot of features for the cost as compared to a number of others in this field (I researched a year before buying), I felt it was the best value especially when you include in its warranty which is one of the longest.

Play with the set up and choices at the websites of the ones you are most interested in and dial in features and cost before getting with dealers. (FYI...the Mazda came in second for me...great looks and handling, but got a few more features, better warranty, and liked the interior feel & set-up of the Sportage better).

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Alright guys, I'm in the truck market. I started looking in the 28-30k range. Need a crew cab for hauling the kids.

$29-30k range with 35k miles or thereabout, I'm seeing 2014-2016 Silverados, Sierras and F150s.

I'm not tied to the big 3, has anyone had a Nissan truck? I've been looking at the Titans and they really seem like the hidden value. They seem to mimic the Tundra with greatly reduced prices. Styling is subjective but they are appealing to my eye.

Anyone with experience/friends with Titans?

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Ok, so the search has broadened. I'm not really liking the used market around me and there are a lot of 2018 models still sitting on the lots. There are a lot of deals to be had.

Now I'm looking lower 40s and it seems like there are tons of options. Anyone want to voice their opinion on their favorite 1/2 ton (in the 2016-2018 years)?

 

[Big23Head]

You didn’t mention Kia, but we have a Sorento, and here are my thoughts on it:
Decent power (V6), storage, snow handling, good ride, lotsa bells n whistles. Great warranty, roadside and service.
Serious blind spots at A and C pillars.
Crappy city mileage...at least at 4000 ft elevation... like 16 with eco mode engaged. We also have 85 octane as regular, so...
Heavily loaded, on the highway, have enjoyed almost 30mpg.
Weirdly our 15 uses an SD card for nav...which is like 250 toupdate. Hope they’ve gone satellite for newer models.

We have a '15 Sorento too and its been great. Ours is loaded. Better MPG than yours, usually around 20-22 city.

 

[Big23Head]

Ok, so the search has broadened. I'm not really liking the used market around me and there are a lot of 2018 models still sitting on the lots. There are a lot of deals to be had.

Now I'm looking lower 40s and it seems like there are tons of options. Anyone want to voice their opinion on their favorite 1/2 ton (in the 2016-2018 years)?

I tend to lean toward the F150 and Silverado/Sierra because I know the engineers that designed/tested them in the early 2000s. I believe Ford is switching to all V6 turbo (eco boost) engines for their trucks next year. Solid power with solid MPG.

I have know a couple people with Titans and never heard of any issues. Depending on how technical you want to get you can go to the NHTSA website to check out recalls and complaints filed (some are BS like any review/complaint system). Most vehicles are quite safe these days but you can review NHTSA tests and IIHS tests for safety too.

If a deal seems too great, one thing I'd try to check out is the title branding. Not all states have or require title branding for the lemon law. They may word the title differently for a manufacturer buy back or not at all.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I tend to lean toward the F150 and Silverado/Sierra because I know the engineers that designed/tested them in the early 2000s. I believe Ford is switching to all V6 turbo (eco boost) engines for their trucks next year. Solid power with solid MPG.

I have know a couple people with Titans and never heard of any issues. Depending on how technical you want to get you can go to the NHTSA website to check out recalls and complaints filed (some are BS like any review/complaint system). Most vehicles are quite safe these days but you can review NHTSA tests and IIHS tests for safety too.

If a deal seems too great, one thing I'd try to check out is the title branding. Not all states have or require title branding for the lemon law. They may word the title differently for a manufacturer buy back or not at all.

Great info, where is the title branding to be found? I'm buying new from what are, I'm assuming, reputable dealerships. Is this still a concern or something more to worry about on the used market?

 

[Valpodoc85]

May want to take a peak at the new ranger. New from low 40's. Not quite a 1/2 ton but has its perks. Towing anything but a jet ski might be an issue for distance. Also my neighbor bought a diesel Colorado lease turn in. Loves it. Says he gets 30mpg on the highway (this may be generous).

 

[Wild Bill]

Ok, so the search has broadened. I'm not really liking the used market around me and there are a lot of 2018 models still sitting on the lots. There are a lot of deals to be had.

Now I'm looking lower 40s and it seems like there are tons of options. Anyone want to voice their opinion on their favorite 1/2 ton (in the 2016-2018 years)?

You can get a 2019 Ram Laramie in the low $40s and it's the best truck on the market right now, IMO, and I'm not a huge Dodge fan. It's impressive relative to the competition.

 

[Irish YJ]

Find the largest Ford dealer (in trucks) within a couple hundred miles of you. If you're willing to go 2018, or 2019 comp/tester with a couple hundred miles on it, you can find some crazy deals. And don't be afraid to offend them with an offer...

 

[Sea Turtle]

May want to take a peak at the new ranger. New from low 40's. Not quite a 1/2 ton but has its perks. Towing anything but a jet ski might be an issue for distance. Also my neighbor bought a diesel Colorado lease turn in. Loves it. Says he gets 30mpg on the highway (this may be generous).

Good grief. 40k plus for a fucking Ranger? Trucks have gotten ridiculous. You guys are stupid to pay that.

 

[Wild Bill]

Good grief. 40k plus for a fucking Ranger? Trucks have gotten ridiculous. You guys are stupid to pay that.

Valpodoc pisses 40k.

 

[Irish#1]

Good grief. 40k plus for a fucking Ranger? Trucks have gotten ridiculous. You guys are stupid to pay that.

Unless you're getting a stripped down version of any truck, prices have been crazy for quite a while now. Several years ago, I bought a used 2008 Lincoln pickup. Fully loaded, sticker price in 2008 was $36K. Today that same comparable truck is over $50K.

I used to buy nothing but new, but I'm over that. I'm with Irish YJ, look for a 2018 or tester, or maybe even a used 2016/17/18 model. Significant savings and you don't take the hit on value when you drive it off the lot.

 

[Big23Head]

Great info, where is the title branding to be found? I'm buying new from what are, I'm assuming, reputable dealerships. Is this still a concern or something more to worry about on the used market?

The used market. Usually 1-3 years old if the deal seems great it is worth checking out. You should be completely fine in the new market.

 

[Valpodoc85]

The new Rangers are not the economy 4 banger that they turned out I the 90's. More like a smaller version of the f150 with all the whistles and bells. They have to be scavenging f150 sales. That being said nice truck that is easier to park. As an aside there is a law in Chicago says trucks aren't allowed on boulevards. They can give you a ticket if your driving down lakeshore drive in your truck (and will if you've got an out of state plate).