Hey everyone, I’m a construction worker looking for a new truck (not gonna buy right now, insane market) but I wanna get a reliable truck that can take a beating and before everyone says get a Tacoma , I’m at a financial point in my life where i would like to buy brand new and the new Tacoma’s and made in Mexico (eh yikes) so I’m not sure about that one. I’d be looking at mid size and half ton trucks, heavy duty ones are extremely expensive and I don’t really tow a lot I just load my bed with my tools about 3-400 pounds in my box at a time and sometimes up to probably around 600.
Adding @USAFdozerpilot and @7-3punchina3-4 to the discussion
Clarification: How many years and miles do you need it to last you?
I would be hoping for no less then 10 years, with what trucks cost now days minimum 10 years. I drive about 30k km a year
Clarification: So OP needs a work truck to last at least 10 years and >185,000 miles (or 300,000 km).
I’m not going to talk about Tacoma cause you’re going to have about a dozen people tell you to buy one. If you truly want a truck that will take a beating and still have a chance at longevity you will look at the 3/4 ton market. It’s not like the old days, No one really makes or buys 1/2 ton work trucks anymore because that’s not what the majority of the consumer buys them for. IF you have to buy a 1/2 ton 2013-17 F150 XL or XLT 5.0V8 6 speed transmission is one of the best modern trucks made in my opinion. For a mid size I’d look Nissan Frontier with the base trim package.
To be honest, a Tacoma made in Mexico is still 10 times more reliable than any Chevy, GMC, or Ford trucks made in the USA. I bought a brand new 2021 Ranger and returned it after a week. It’s quality was horrible and braking was weird.
For midsize and for your needs I would go Toyota Tacoma first >> Nissan Frontier second (2019 model year or older since 2020-newer went to newer and not yet proven engine/transmission) >> Chevrolet Colorado third (Duramax engine only with 6-speed AT). Go light on the options so there’s less things to potentially break over time.
For half-ton, I would only consider the Ford F-150 and only up to (and including) 2017 model year: only go for the 1st/2nd Gen 5.0L V8 with 6-speed AT; I would skip any Ecoboost versions. 2018 and newer had 3rd Gen 5.0 V8 which has had issues and the 2021-newer V8’s now have cylinder deactivation. Also, the 10-speed AT has had its own issues and jury is out on its long term reliability.
I'd just do a Tundra and be done with it. You aren't towing much and that way you have a full size truck with great reliability.
If you want a mid-size truck, the newly designed Honda Ridgeline might work for you. Everyone will say Tacoma but I bought a 2021 Ridgeline and for the first 4k miles it has been great. Just something a little different to possibly consider.
Can’t go wrong with either
I would get a new Chevy or Ford in 3/4 ton only or a no later than 2015 Tacoma. Buying new is just not very prudent when you consider the depreciation hit you're going to take. If you want new, consider a lease purchase. Then, if it doesn't pan out, you can dump it and start over.
Thanks everyone for the responses, im actually now leaning towards the upcoming Frontier because it is keeping the same frame, engine and transmission as previous generation just different shell and updated tech. I think i know what ima do.
An older silverado(2007) or an old tundra (2008 and later) or an older f150 with the 5.0 v8. The tundra will just bring you headaches if you try to look at one, so I think ford will be your best bet of those three because it is overall the best truck with the v8.
2007 Silverados are bad news.
That's because they started using AFM technology. Huge mistake.