Big Truck/SUV Question - DPChallenge Forums

Olympus 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Zuiko Digital Zoom

06/14/2006 12:34:29 AM · #52

I can Personally vouch for Brad P. Since I also am a ASE Cert Master tech with L1, and also own an autoshop. I also have known Brad for the Past 10 years due to our Automotive affiliation. Now with that said, the Toyota is a great choice.

DelRioPhoto

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

06/14/2006 12:46:37 AM · #53

With out a twitch of hesitation, buy the Toyota! I have never owned anything other than a toyota. I've also never broke down anywhere (except for a fan belt on my 1991 Toyota Pickup, but that was my own dumb fault for being too lazy to change it when it was time to change it.)

You will get great residual value on your Toyota when it comes time to sell.

You will not have to worry about it falling apart, EVER!

The Sequoia is basically the Tundra and my Tundra pulls my 21 foot ski boat like a champ.

Enjoy your new Toyota! (oh, and what ever you do, stay away from the Dorango, they have had a mess of trouble)

(I do not work for Toyota nor am I a Toyota share holder, just a guy who likes quality cars)

06/14/2006 01:04:53 AM · #54

Just a tip for any Toyota owners:

DON'T use any oil filters other than original Toyota.

I have cut numerous filters open and you would be amazed at what you are NOT getting in the "discount" brands. This is a critical thing on Toyotas with the filter that mounts on the engine sideways (like a 4-cyl pickup) or downward/downward angle (like a 4-cyl Camry), as the cheap filters allow the oil to drain back down and when the engine is started, takes a few seconds before oil gets moving.
I can pull a Camry in the shop for an oil change, and within 20 minutes, I can pull the cheap-o filters off and no oil runs out (open end faces down at 45 degree angle). Do the same with an original Toyota filter, and 4 hours later, oil runs out. 4-cylinder pickups will commonly need a timing chain replacement in about 80,000 miles using el cheap-os. 150,000 using an original equipment filter, as the plastic timing chain guides get destroyed as the chain is slapping around waiting for oil pressure to build up and tension the chain.

Trust me.

MQuinn

Olympus 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Zuiko Digital Zoom

06/14/2006 01:18:05 AM · #55

Originally posted by BradP:

I have seen a 22RE hit 450,000 before needing a T-chain and guides using just Napa Gold filters, I feel there are more factors involved than just cold start. Then Again, if he was pulling a trailer over 10,000 lbs Toyota is out of the question, a Nice Ford 7.3 diesel is in order:)

MikeJ

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

06/14/2006 01:38:31 AM · #56

Sounds like a Canon/Nikon thread.

There are always going to be people that have had no problem with the brand they buy and those that seem to buy only lemons for some reason. I've stayed away from Fords... mostly because you pay more than you should for what you get. We have a Chevy 1 ton extended cargo van that is basiclly a 15 passenger van without the seats. It took us 2 years to find one that had upgraded driver passenger area and rear AC and windows. We can put 7 large dog crates in there with room for other stuff and tow 10,000 pounds of stuff without slowing us down. Other than having to feed the 454 engine that is in it fairly often. Which is why we aren't driving it very much right now. I have also owned a Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram. I currently have a 2005 Dodge Durango with a 5.7 Hemi that is fully decked out with almost everything except the GPS system that I got a good deal with 18,000 miles on it. It will tow almost as much as our cargo van. The one thing I don't care about is that as big as it is inside, it really doesn't have a lot of room. The seats all fold down, but that doesn't give me the room that our 1996 Town and Country mini van does when we take all of the seats out. Having seats that fold down require a lot of room just to store them, which doesn't give you useable space. But my wife likes the heated seats in the winter and the dogs like the leather seats and DVD player in the back. I can get 18 mpg on the highway if I stay under 70 mph. It goes down to about 16 mpg if I use every bit of the Hemi on the open road.

If you think gas prices are going to come back down again someday, you can get some really great deals on SUVs. If you think gas prices are going to stay high and go higher, then you might want to consider the better gas mileage SUVs. Towing is going to affect your gas mileage with most of the SUVs unless you buys something with a lot of power. I get pretty close to the same gas mileage towing or not unless I'm fighting a strong head wind. If you only tow a few times a year, then you will probably want something that gets better gas mileage when you aren't towing. If you make your living towing your trailer, then it might not make any difference and you might appreciate the extra power. I've towed our same 6000 pound travel trailer with the Dakota, Ram and Chevy. The Dakota was fine on flat roads. Slow on hills. I felt it with the Ram when fully loaded and on a steep hill but the Chevy just downshifts and keeps on accellerating. I suspect the Durango would be the same way.

Basically it will come down to what meets your needs, what feels good when you sit and drive it and what looks good to your eyes. And what it costs.

Of all the different cars and trucks I've owned... I can say that I'm deffiently a Canon man. ;D

Mike

06/14/2006 01:57:15 AM · #57

Originally posted by MQuinn:

Mail the check to the same place again?
LOL

06/14/2006 10:45:11 AM · #58

Thanks for all the great insight and feedback everyone
_____________________________________________________

Well did some more test driving yesterday.

Nissan Armada: Didn't like it. Just way too big and clunky. Felt very sluggish. Performed more like a 15-passenger van or bus IMHO. Comfort was okay. Steering wheel felt way too small. Not much get up and go.

Dodge Durango: Performance wise it was fairly impressive. It had good pick up and go, even up hill. Drove better than most. Steering felt comfortable and responsive. Acceleration was really good. It rev'd but didn't growl like the Ford Expedition. Wasn't as nice build quality feel as the Chevy or Toyota. The controls on the dodge were not as refined as the others. Kinda more mini-van'ish. But better than the standard $40,000 Ford Expedition we test drove.

The vehicle I drove was a used/demo model. Apparently used in-house, so it has 6,000 miles but was not sold/registered. Sticker price $32,000 with quite a few options (including sun-roof). And it seems there was further room to negotiate.

I think I'd do it if I could get it for $26,000. Even though I didn't like the color. Anyone know how much it costs to re-paint a truck? *lol*

If so, then that's a choice of

$50,000+ Toyota "Sequoia" w/zero miles
OR
$25,000+ Dodge "Durango" w/6,000 miles

Would it be worth it to save the $25,000 then trade in the Durango in about 4 yrs. By that time I expect the upcoming hybrid SUVs for the 2008/2009 year will be out.

-------------------------

Haven't seen a diesel option for any of the SUVs that I've seen.

06/14/2006 07:23:52 PM · #59

I have a number of full-size Dodge trucks and Durangos in my database of customers, and the repairs have all been basics - no real complaints by the owners and find them to be a decent product. They aren't a Toyota, but I doubt anyone would even consider the comparison. Serviceability is decent and the fit & finish is certainly better than average.

Of the full-sized domestics, I put Chevy #1, Dodge #2 and Ford ~~#12~~ #3. Sorry Ford fans, I won't recommend a customer of mine to buy a Ford, nor do I care for their ease of common-sense service and their history of problems in their powertrains.

If I were making the decision, I would opt for the Dodge (gulp - did I actually say that?) and bank the difference. In 4 years, the Dodge will certainly depreciate a lot more than the Toyota, and time on the used car/truck market will also be longer, but if trading it in in 4 years or so, you won't have private party selling issues.

Message edited by author 2006-06-14 20:11:02.

Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f2.8D

06/14/2006 07:51:00 PM · #60

Originally posted by BradP:

If I were making the decision, I would opt for the Dodge gulp - did I actually say that?) and bank the difference. In 4 years, the Dodge will certainly depreciate a lot more than the Toyota, and time on the used car/truck market will also be longer, but if trading it in in 4 years or so, you won't have private party selling issues.

I was also thinking that if I trade in 4 yrs, by that time most will have had their hybrid full-size SUVs out for a couple of years. I know GM is releasing a hybrid Chevy Tahoe for 2008. And I believe Dodge in 2009. I can't imagine Ford & Toyota aren't planning likewise.

Thanks once again for all the advice.

:)

David Ey

Nikon D80

06/14/2006 09:52:47 PM · #61

Originally posted by eschelar:

Yeah, great policy for backing up... Any kids/animals nearby? They don't always beep. More of a soft crunching sound.
Living in a country where people routinely drive in directions that they are not looking, I can say that this is the cause of MORE than a few accidents... Not all are 'soft' either.
I hope that you do use common sense behind the wheel.

Actually eschelar, I do most of my city driving in reverse, especially if it is raining. The wiper in the rear is much larger. And, if I have a crash, I won't be thrown thru the windshield. The seat back is softer on impact too. Sense there are no airbag sensors in the rear they don't explode in your face either. Ever see one of those suckers go off? They have been known to cause severe injury. Thats why young children aren't allowed to ride in the front seat. I've mounted a device on the rear simular to a cow catcher like they used to put on trains to push those pesky kids and animals to the side. Not sure they are required....I don't think trains have them any more. I'm not sure what you mean by common sense BEHIND the wheel. When I'm backing up I am in front of the wheel.

Message edited by author 2006-06-14 21:54:15.

07/11/2006 05:21:39 PM · #62

Just to update:

We went with the Dodge Durango. It was a pretty loaded SLT. Though I spent some extra to add steps (as I'm a fairly short italian). That said we basically walked out of the door for around $35,000 after taxes + a 100,000/7-year extended warranty (their highest level with $0 deductible).

I think we did well, although I am sure they made their profit no doubt. But I'm fairly happy, especially considering we had seen a used '05 Durango with very basic options and without the HEMI for the same price we paid for this vehicle.

Took it for a nice long road trip halfway across the country and bag and it was quite a nice trip. We also got a year of free satellite radio (which is pretty standard actually) and chose to make it 2 yrs + 3 months for the price of one year. Anyways, we averaged just about 18mpg on the trip. Not bad, as my old mid-size SUV only average about 15mpg.

And yes, today I walk out to discover a small ding in the door. Thank you, whoever you are, for being a rude SOB.

07/11/2006 05:24:44 PM · #63

Congrats!

But

07/11/2006 05:27:53 PM · #64

Will try to get some shortly...

;-)

Also decided to buy a radar detector as it cruises at 75mph with ease.

Message edited by author 2006-07-11 17:28:18.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/11/2006 05:35:55 PM · #65

Satellite, radar, pffff - will it make coffee though?

Art Roflmao

Canon EOS-6D Mark II

07/11/2006 05:44:20 PM · #66

Originally posted by theSaj:

And yes, today I walk out to discover a small ding in the door. Thank you, whoever you are, for being a rude SOB.

Sorry about that. ;-)

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

07/11/2006 06:27:28 PM · #67

Ya shoulda went with this one...my next vehicle.
F650
I WANT ONE!!
They come as a SUV also

Message edited by author 2006-07-11 18:28:16.

kyebosh

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

07/11/2006 06:30:01 PM · #68

I don't know anything about trucks (don't like them) but I have a toyota that's served me well so far. Not far off of a quarter million miles.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

07/11/2006 06:31:49 PM · #69

Originally posted by dacrazyrn:

Ya shoulda went with this one...my next vehicle.
F650
I WANT ONE!!
They come as a SUV also

Oh, that's DISGUSTING, jejejeâ�¢

R.

Art Roflmao

Canon EOS-6D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/11/2006 06:34:28 PM · #70

Originally posted by dacrazyrn:

Ya shoulda went with this one...my next vehicle.
F650
I WANT ONE!!
They come as a SUV also

A must-have option: Onboard oil rig and refinery.

Cam

Sony DSC-F717

07/11/2006 06:43:29 PM · #71

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

Originally posted by dacrazyrn:
Ya shoulda went with this one...my next vehicle.
F650
I WANT ONE!!
They come as a SUV also

A must-have option: Onboard oil rig and refinery.

Ha ! So true.

Congrats on the new ride Jason.

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

07/12/2006 09:18:12 AM · #72

Originally posted by dacrazyrn:

Ya shoulda went with this one...my next vehicle.
F650
I WANT ONE!!
They come as a SUV also

HEY!! It gets 13 miles to the gallon...diesel/biodiesel! :)

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

07/12/2006 10:09:32 AM · #73

Originally posted by dacrazyrn:

Ya shoulda went with this one...my next vehicle.
F650
I WANT ONE!!
They come as a SUV also

All I can think of is someone must be compensating for something.

07/12/2006 01:21:44 PM · #74

Originally posted by BradP:

Satellite, radar, pffff - will it make coffee though?

LOL

Funny you said that, because I expressed that there is so much room above the dashboard that I said they really need to include a "boat mug" and install a "warming pad" to keep one's coffee hot.

;)