used trucks

[momz]

My husband is wanting a pick up truck. We are looking to buy something with a backseat, that will tow a camper but be comfortable enough for the kids in the backseat to ride a ways.

The good news is that we can pay cash for one...

The bad news is that we can't pay a lot of cash for one.

So, he is looking at used/old/low cost. He says that trucks last forever, and that the milage is less of a concern on a truck. However, some of the ones he's eyeing have over 100K miles on them and are over 8-10 years old.

I have no experience with trucks. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to look for. How long have you driven your truck and it continued to be reliable?

 

[yoopermom]

I have 3 trucks sitting out in our driveway right now
Two have over 150K, and one has 330K for mileage, so yes, "some" will drive forever!

You really need to research (using Consumer Reports from your library, or just googling one you're interested in), because some years are better than others.

2WD will be MUCH cheaper than 4WD, and a short cab will be cheaper than an extended one. (Of course we prefer both of the more expensive options!)

There are Ford truck people and Chevy truck people, so I'm sure you'll get lots of answers.

And visit some camping boards to check on towing, you want to make sure and have plenty of oomph for that, esp. once you load up the camper and your truck.

Good luck!
Terri
ps our 330K is a 1993 GMC Sierra 4X4, absolutely the toughest truck ever!

 

[chipscamping buddy]

We are in a similar situation and I have been researching myself quite a bit. It is not uncommon to find heavy duty trucks in the 2-300,000 mile range and still running. We are "Ford" people, but I can honestly say I don't find a big difference in the reliability of Fords and Chevys. It is more just a comfort level with where controls are and the general design. I will second the comment about doing research on the specific year and model. We are looking for early 1990's in the F350 (3500) size and believe it or not, have seen some still with under 100k miles and un the $3000-6000 range on pricing. These deals go fast though, so you have to be prepared and go quick.

 

[Promomx2]

If you already have the camper, see if you can test drive the truck with the camper. Some trucks drive/ride fine pulling a camper, others drive/ride rough. We had a 1999 F150 which I loved driving but it was not fun to ride in it pulling a 35 foot camper, so we got a suburban with a tow package. We couldn't tell we were pulling anything behind us.