What should I buy, Toyota or CTD

[dward]

Im pretty sure what answer I'll get on this forum, but I'll throw it out there anyway.

I've pretty much been a Dodge/Cummins guy having a 92, 94, 01 and 03 so you don't have to sell me on the CTD. My last on was a 4x4 DRW that I carried a camper on. This was a great truck, but I put some $$ into it. The only problems were the lift pump and trans, but once I got started many upgrades were added.

The dually was sold and wasn't a good daily driver. I currently inherited a 94 Ford 2x DRW with the 7. 3 IDI diesel which works well when i need a "truck". I also have a VW Beetle TDI which tows a 5' x 8' trailer which I use most of the time. I still get around 40 mpg towing.

As well as they both work for the intended purpose, it can be a PITA at times. The truck is big and trying to find a place for the trailer can be tough.

My buddy is looking to buy a new Jeep and has a 2011 Tacoma TRD with 8k mi. Problem is that it's a 2wd w/o locking diff. I could probably get it for trade in value of around $22k.

I only drive the VW 1000-1500 mi per month and it is basically worthless as far as cargo space.

If I had a smaller p/u that got reasonably good mileage,(around 20 mpg) I could sell the VW and Ford.

A local dealer has what looks to be a very clean 03 Dodge/CTD, SLT, QC, SB, 4x4 with 60k mi with asking price of just under $25k.

Even though it's 8 yrs older and has 50k more miles than the Toyota, it has 4x4 and can tow a heck of a lot more. With the SB, it's probably not much bigger than the Toy and would be a good daily driver.

I also ride my motorcycles a lot, so I could limit the miles I need to drive a 4wheeler.

Let's hear your opinions.

 

[dward]

Something I didn't think about.
I bought my 03 in AZ, so it had the H. O motor.
What is the easiest way to determine if it's a H. O or the Calif 235 HP.
Also, it's a 3500.

 

[jclark5810]

dward, the easiest way to check is on the drivers side, forward area of the valve cover. They'll be a white sticker with emission info on it, the HP will be stamped there. As far as the truck goes, It sounds like you really don't need a 1 ton truck anymore. That Toyota will pull that trailer fine, not require any maintenance outside of regularly scheduled stuff, and be a lot easier to park. A lot of my buddies have/had them, and as long as you don't try to use it like a truck, you should be fine. By that I mean it's essentially a truck body on top of a car chassis. Everything is... small. It goes down the road nice and gets good mileage. Tires are half the price as well as many other parts. I just wouldn't work it. It sounds to me like you'd be happier going that route. Make sure to ask your friend WHY he's wanting to get rid of a truck that only has 8k miles on it, that's the only thing that concerns me. Is it just to get a 4x4? Also what part of the country you live in factors as well.

 

[HBarlow]

A modern V8 Toyota will not get anywhere near 20 mpg average fuel economy. I have been told my a couple of owners they are gas hogs.

 

[JR]

Id be willing to bet your going to get roughly the same mileage from both vehicles. Bieng a 2wd, the Tacoma may get a littlle better, but Ive got a friend with a 2010 4x4 trd who averages 16 running around empty, and thats country road driving. City mileage would be worse. With 4 wheel drive capabilities and the ability to haul 3 or 4 times the amount, you certainly wouldnt be limited in what you could do with the dodge. On the other hand, if all your going to use it for is running errands, the maintenance and up keep probably wouldnt make it worthwhile to own. Ultimately it all depends on what you will truly use. a 2 wheel drive compact pick up is worlds apart from a one ton diesel.

 

[mwilson]

Id be willing to bet your going to get roughly the same mileage from both vehicles. Bieng a 2wd, the Tacoma may get a littlle better, but Ive got a friend with a 2010 4x4 trd who averages 16 running around empty, and thats country road driving. City mileage would be worse. With 4 wheel drive capabilities and the ability to haul 3 or 4 times the amount, you certainly wouldnt be limited in what you could do with the dodge. On the other hand, if all your going to use it for is running errands, the maintenance and up keep probably wouldnt make it worthwhile to own. Ultimately it all depends on what you will truly use. a 2 wheel drive compact pick up is worlds apart from a one ton diesel.

I had the dubious pleasure over the years of overseeing a slew of Nissan, Chevy(S-10) and Ford(Ranger) small trucks for parts delivery use.

I FINALLY convinced the owner to purchase a 2WD full size Chevy with the V-6 Auto in it some years back. We are now on our third one, all three of our other stores have them as well now. After we purchased the first full size pick-up I noticed all of the other truck dealers doing the same... ...

Fuel mileage is better, less breakdowns and cheaper parts when they do need fixing.

Plus 4 foot wide pallets and plywood, sheetrock, etc. will fit between the wheel wells.

I think one of those 2WD full size pick-ups would suit your needs, as much as I love my Cummins powered trucks they are not good errand vehicles at times.



JMHO.



Mike.

 

[Wayne M.]

FWIW, the truck in my signature is my only vehicle, and vehicle of choice. It does everything I need and then some. I drive it everywhere- even the inner city i agree that it's cumbersome at times and not appropriate, but I don't think I'd want any other truck, even with driving other trucks at work or with friends. Regarding fuel mileage, I don't think you'll get anywhere near it with the toy in the city. I'm amazed at the value the trucks hold- must be a reason.

 

[Regcabguy]

A modern V8 Toyota will not get anywhere near 20 mpg average fuel economy. I have been told my a couple of owners they are gas hogs.

Yeah,I met a Canadian guy in Yosemite who had towed a 25' travel trailer from Alberta with his newer Toyota. His "P" rated tires were history so I recommended installing some E-rated ones. Toyota did equip it with Bilstein shocks. Fuel economy was averaging 7-8 mpg.

Quick trucks but not practical for towing or hauling a truck camper.

 

[Tractorat]

I read your post twice. And although I may have missed it, I didnt see where you said anything about pulling anything (at least anything substantial).



With that in mind, I would buy the Toyota. Gas is less expensive than diesel, and I dont think you will have as many problems down the road. Also, if you're doing mostly city driving, I think the toyota would be a better truck for you. (parking as well as driving).



If your VW can pull your 5x8 trailer, so can the toyota.

 

[MChrist]

According to www.fuelly.com, a v6 Tacoma gets primarily 18-19.

 

[Regcabguy]

Get on the Tacoma forums for the real mpg figures.

 

[MChrist]

Get on the Tacoma forums for the real mpg figures.

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/tacoma/30920-what-is-your-tacoma-averaging-mpg/

Seems 17-19 is the average for the v6
I don't think you specified if its the 6 or the 8.

 

[AABEN]

Im pretty sure what answer I'll get on this forum, but I'll throw it out there anyway.
I've pretty much been a Dodge/Cummins guy having a 92, 94, 01 and 03 so you don't have to sell me on the CTD. My last on was a 4x4 DRW that I carried a camper on. This was a great truck, but I put some $$ into it. The only problems were the lift pump and trans, but once I got started many upgrades were added.
The dually was sold and wasn't a good daily driver. I currently inherited a 94 Ford 2x DRW with the 7. 3 IDI diesel which works well when i need a "truck". I also have a VW Beetle TDI which tows a 5' x 8' trailer which I use most of the time. I still get around 40 mpg towing.
As well as they both work for the intended purpose, it can be a PITA at times. The truck is big and trying to find a place for the trailer can be tough.
My buddy is looking to buy a new Jeep and has a 2011 Tacoma TRD with 8k mi. Problem is that it's a 2wd w/o locking diff. I could probably get it for trade in value of around $22k.
I only drive the VW 1000-1500 mi per month and it is basically worthless as far as cargo space.
If I had a smaller p/u that got reasonably good mileage,(around 20 mpg) I could sell the VW and Ford.
A local dealer has what looks to be a very clean 03 Dodge/CTD, SLT, QC, SB, 4x4 with 60k mi with asking price of just under $25k.
Even though it's 8 yrs older and has 50k more miles than the Toyota, it has 4x4 and can tow a heck of a lot more. With the SB, it's probably not much bigger than the Toy and would be a good daily driver.
I also ride my motorcycles a lot, so I could limit the miles I need to drive a 4wheeler.
Let's hear your opinions.

What would be wrong with buying a Dodge?

 

[dward]

Thanks for the responses.
I'm still waiting to hear from my buddy as to what he can get for his truck on trade. He is going through our Credit Union employee for the deal. She gets the best deal she can on the new veh and shops around to brokers to buy his truck. Its a 6 cyl 4 door Tacoma. He buys and sells a lot and I know the truck is like brand new.
As good of a deal as it may be, I would still really like a 4x4 as I have a place in the mountains that gets snow.
For towing, Im thinking of getting an older travel trailer to keep near the beach. Where i plan to store it, I would be within 20-30 mi of the majority of the campgrounds I would use so there wouldn't be any hills or excessive towing. If I kept it in the low 20' range the Toy would do it, but it would be nice to have the CTD especially if it gets close to the same mileage and isn't much bigger size wise.
I agree the Toy would probably be cheaper to maintain.
Although if I do go that route, for a few thousand more $$ I could get a 4x Toy.
Then again, after reading the post of fuel going to $5-6 per gallon, maybe I Need to keep the TDI.
The concern with the 03 Dodge is the issues such as ball joints, heater doors etc. as well as anything else that will start to fail on a 9 yr old truck.
Financially the best option is to keep the TDI and use the Ford when I need a truck. It's cheap and still registered in Iowa so reg and ins is dirt cheap. But if we always made the best financial move, what fun would that be.

 

[dward]

Update. I just called on the Dodge and it sounds like a very clean truck. Salesman said "it looks like new". Of course.
He will make me a great deal, asking $24,995. So maybe around $22-23k.
The problem is its a non H. O motor so I believe its 235/460 on power.
I had an 03 H. O and it was good stock and much better with the Smarty, but would this motor be a disappointment?
Price sounds good, but what do you think with this motor?

 

[07 ThunderRoad]

Here is the quality you get with a Toyota. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJZVUnOduH4

 

[mwilson]

Here is the quality you get with a Toyota. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJZVUnOduH4

Wow... .....



Maine terminology for the Toyota would be "Spaghetti Frame"... ... .



Mike.

 

[jclark5810]

I thought you were about to show this one:-laf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnWKz7Cthkk

 

[MChrist]

I suppose it really boils down to what you like and what you plan on using it for. The new 1500 Ram with V6 and 8 speed auto claims 25 mpg. Need more power and torque? The Ecoboost may be an option.
Don't let these videos sway you too much. If your daily commute consists of running over 200 speed bumps in a row at 25 MPH, then the Ford seems to be a better choice... Oo.
I've driven the Tundra, and it's a very nice truck. My suggestion would be to drive them all and determine what you REALLY will be using it for. Join that trucks forum and see what real world owners have to say about them.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I thought I heard Toyota is coming out w/ a diesel truck?