I am going to suggest a 1st generation titan. I looked at the other trucks mentioned and bought a 2005 4x4 about 4 years ago. Other than crappy gas mileage (14 mpg) it has been pretty much flawless.
It tows well, has a ton of room inside and they seem to be a decent bit less expensive then a comparable GM or Ford.
I work for a commercial/industrial construction management co. We have a few hundred full-size trucks on the road, and we usually pull them after 4 years and keep a handful beyond that as loaners. Usually end up with most trucks around 100k, but some north of 200k. Damn near ALL the Chevy's of late (2012-2018, say) had tranny issues. Some just shuddered/stuttered, some got a slip that's like having a high stall torque converter (being the purveyor of projects that I am, I've actually bought one of each example from them on the cheap, and to date, have fixed neither). The 5.0 Fords were a coin toss on whether they'd develop oil burning issues, worst of which was my former boss who spent a ton of time on the road, his Lariat was maybe a 2018 that had north of 250k on it and he added a quart every other tank of gas. His tailgate looked like he had a poorly tuned diesel for all the soot on it. Long story on why he kept driving it that way. Had a few of the 5.3 Chevys with lifter issues. We've only just started getting the Dodges (all we could order last year) so no comment, yet. I share what I've gathered Curtis's stance is on those...
By and large, the most reliable trucks we've had (per our longtime full-time mechanic) are the most base of base model trucks. The 4.3 Chevy's seemed to hang onto their tranny compared to similar 5.3 versions and never had engine issues to speed of. My current 3.3L Ford, knock on wood, has had ZERO issues and is about to turn 90k miles.
My impression of how the interiors hold up (granted these are all the full vinyl "work truck" packages) are that the Fords hold up much better.
Much like the Fastenal suggestion, a former fleet truck, like one of ours, was almost definitely serviced religiously, but was probably driven like a rental...but you can find great deals on white single cabs as a result.
In reply to Spearfishin :
Thank you for your perspective coming from a fleet perspective.
It does seem Ford pays closer attention to quality of the interior components and the truck overall. No experience with their 4.2 V6 but from what I gather they are stout engines.
What I don't like is Ford having the slave cylinder mounted inside the bell housing on what I gather to be the Rangers and even their base model F150 on their stickshift models. Seems like if a slave cylinder or clutch needs to be replaced on those trucks you replace them both regardless.... since the transmission has to come out...
They all have their issues. GMT800 needing a complete open heart surgery to replace a heater core for example...
Not going to be brand loyal here. It really comes down to the cleanest truck for the price
I suspect after a few hours of looking you will regret selling yours. It is harder and harder to find a decent sub 10K full size truck. I prefer GM, just wasn't happy with any test drives of a ford and RAM is just say no for me. My favorite motor is the 4.8 though, tough and enough power for most stuff. Finding one that isn't rusty is tough but happy hunting.
In reply to porschenut :
Definitely regretting it. However, last year when I replaced 4 cab mounts, and welds started blowing thru the frame, I began to question the integrity and longevity of the frame. Fluid film was helping but prior ownership lack of PM caused that frame to get thin. Ultimately, it could have eventually been plated.
Learned a valuable lesson especially in todays market and that is to consider all factors before making a decision in a turbulant era.
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