Dear Scotty,
I am a production welder. Not loyal to a brand. I am in need of a truck. Down the road a wlding rig may in the works, yes, but right now no. Here are my priorities:
1. I drive 217K highway miles per year.
2. I have a $450 month truck payment limit.
3. Sorry no money to buy one outright.
4. I want a truck that avoids cvt transmissions, I am told by an automotive engineer. Michigan roads are a wasteland of potholes, Madmax disgraceful CRAP.
5. So, my major concern is the least repair issues while i skill up as a welder to afford picing together a welding rig truck.
I plan on going into the market early January 2022. How would you go about searching for a truck that tackles my concerns? I just need reliable transpo that carries my minimal amount of tools: several tool boxes and that is basically that.
Thank you.
Larry Malcheff
Clarification: 217K miles (217,000 miles) a year? Or do you mean 21.7K (21,700 miles) a year?
Adding @USAFdozerpilot and @7-3punchina3-4 to the discussion
I don't think that there are any trucks with CVT transmissions. Since you are doing a lot of highway driving, I would pick whatever fits you. I recommend the Dodge Ram with the Cummins Diesel engine. One owner got his 5.9 Cummins to last 1.5 million miles (and it still using it).
Just about any 3/4 ton pickup made before 2006 should be a good choice for reliability and ease of maintenance.
Check your local utility companies. They often have many trucks for sale that may suit you. They usually only keep them for a specific length of time and do good maintenance on them.
If you’re buying new
1. 6.7 Cummins 3500 just replace the crap wrapped around it as it goes out.
2. 6.7 Powerstroke 250 or 350 great motor, 10 speed transmission is hit or miss.
I’ll be honest and say where I live in blue collar country I don’t see many people driving newer GM diesels. What I see most by far is the RAMs and the Ford Super Duty.
if you’re looking for ol tried and true
1. 5.9 Cummins w/ manual
2. 7.3 Powerstroke
3. 6.6 LBZ GM w/ Allison transmission
In your case I’d avoid gas altogether since you’re thinking of a possible rig in the future. You’ll get the longevity from the diesel and it’ll be an overall better investment for you.
