Help/Opinions on Buying a New Truck

First and foremost let me just say I've been stalking around the forums for about the last week or so since I've seriously started car shopping. This is my first post, and I apologize if this is the 23847209847th post asking the same question -- I thought it might help to get a little more personalized advice though.

Some background information:
I've been driving a 2002 Ford Explorer since I've started driving (bought from my father when I was 16, I'm now 23, almost 24). The truck is at about 150,000 miles and has been nothing but a money pit since 100,000 miles. I've encountered every problem from needing a new/rebuilt transmission and leaving me stranded at work, to oil leaks, to coolant leaks, to 3/4 of my windows separating from the track (all in the same season, this last spring), to a twice broken and fixed air conditioning (now since it stopped working a third time I've decided to just leave it and not put anymore money into the truck). I am woefully disgruntled with the truck but I still am trying to stay neutral with a brand when it comes to buying a new truck.

What I want in a truck:
Based on my usage of my Explorer, I merely used the back seat area as storage. I am not towing insane amounts of weight on anywhere near a daily basis nor would I ever need to. What I want a pickup for easily lugging my Army equipment around, and possibly towing a small trailer for the same reason. What I did enjoy from my Explorer was pickup and response from the V8 albeit a gas guzzler. So my first instinct was to look for a big full-sized truck. I was initially very opposed to the idea of having a smaller pickup but after speaking with a lot of my mechanic friends and some other fellow LT's they say the only thing a big truck is good for in my line of work is for a dick measuring contest. I still wouldn't be opposed to buying a full-sized truck but I've really warmed up to the possibility of buying a Tacoma as well. Of course I would love to have a great looking truck as well, but aesthetics are second to functionality and reliability for me.

My concerns:
Since I've had a terrible time trying to keep my Ford alive, I am very wary of the stigma that comes with the "American cars." So my concern is that if I bought a Silverado or F-150 is that in 100,000 miles I'd have the same problems I'm having now.

What I'm considering:
Obviously this isn't the only place I'm looking for advice but from the 250 posts I've stalked in the past week or so, it seems a majority of users on here are down to earth and offer some quality advice. So anything you might have to add is definitely welcome. I've been strongly considering (and reading about) a Ram 1500, Tundra, or Tacoma. More recently I have been leaning further away from the bigger truck and more towards a smaller truck -- and in that case it does not seem like there is anything comparable to the reliability and durability of a Tacoma.

I am not a huge car guy, I don't know a ton about the history of these different kinds of trucks, and I don't really have a ton of knowledge on what to be specifically looking for in parts, etc. But what I'm looking is for any anecdotal advice or knowledge anyone has on aiding me in making a decision on a truck. Again what I'm most concerned about is durability/reliability (and longevity). Thanks for everything in advance!

 

Reliability, the Tacoma and Tundra are great trucks. If you really want an F150, I'd say that's prob the next best bet. Stay away from Dodge...there's a reason they are cheap in comparison to others. Chevrolet/GMC have had their share of issues...infant I think I read something recently where a guy had less than 100 miles on his truck and its broke down and Chevrolet basically said he's on his own cause they don't know what's wrong with it.

If you NEEDED a full size, I'd say get it...but it sounds like you don't. You want Reliable, fun mid size, with aftermarket support, and a great community (TW) get a Tacoma.

Nissan Frontier is also an option, so check that out when you're looking. I've heard of problems around 100k with those tho...

 

Having just recently purchased a new Tacoma, here's my opinion.
Unless you are towing heavy loads or need the larger box of a Tundra,
which it sounds like you don't need, I would say a Taco will fit you nicely.

 

Sounds like the Tacoma would suit your needs and you can find a 2005-2013 to fit nearly any reasonable budget. It's a strong truck, just do a proper inspection before buying .

 

Thanks everyone for the valuable input!

As I said before I have enough knowledge to get around with trucks, however I am not at all experienced when it comes to purchasing a new car. Could anyone point me to a thread here (since it would be in particular to a Tacoma) of what to inspect when test driving and planning on buying?

 

Tacoma's are reliable trucks just go test drive one and you will fall in love with it. Oh and search the forum there are tons of threads on the Tacoma and what to expect from it

 

Definitely learned a lot since last night and this morning from searching through some more posts. I've scheduled a test drive for this Friday. For anyone who is in the same position as me, I've stumbled across this "10 Steps to Buying a New Car" so I hope it may help someone else out as well: http://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/10-steps-to-buying-a-new-car.html

@MGM: I hope I don't fall in love with it too quickly with it before I buy it! But after doing some more research and talking with some of my buddies in active duty service I'm thinking that I'm going to go with the smaller sized truck.

@AWorthyOpponent: Totally forgot about the Frontier, so I've been checking that out, and I also have a test drive Friday at my Nissan dealer here as well. Thanks for the info!

 

Frontier will throw a bunch of bells and whistles in their truck to take away from the fact they suck! Don't get fooled my friend. Probably never see a frontier with +300,00 mi. A few treads on here about that. 4cyl and V6

 

You are on a Tacoma site so the users here will most likely be biased towards Tacoma. I recently bought a Tacoma. A 2013. Many here like to bash American (big 3) trucks but I take that with a grain of salt. I have owned nine Big 3 trucks. Five of them were purchased new. The only thing that I personally would not do is purchase another Dodge truck. Either new or used.
It all depends on what you are looking for. The Tacoma will most likely be cheaper. That is a bonus. However if you get one with a 6 cylinder I doubt you will be getting much better gas mileage than a full size Ford or Chevy especially a new one. If you don't need a full size (really need it) then you are spending money that you don't have to.
There are many threads on here about Tacomas with 200K-300K miles on them. However there are just as many Fords and Chevys running around with that type of mileage as well. For the most part it is how the user operates the vehicle and how well it is maintained. If the Tacoma does it for you then buy one.

 

The frontier is an OK truck but look at the aftermarket for the Tacoma it is super big and easy to find parts for the Tacoma

 

@MGM I seemed to have overlooked this fact during my research but you are absolutely correct. Thank you for the heads up.

 

Something to consider if you can afford the tundra is it only gets slightly worse mileage and i believe if you drive the v8 like its a commuter you will get better mileage. I say dont factor gas mileage that much

 

I did my homework and decided to sign for the Tacoma. @MGM I really did fall in love with the truck as soon as I test drove it. I should be picking it up tomorrow or Tuesday.

Unrelated to the truck but I went to a USAA certified dealer near me and I can say that it was the most pleasant experience I've had in making a significant purchase. My salesman was an Army veteran and offered me a lot of useful advice for my future service. After that he helped me to get the best deal and I got roughly $3500 off the MSRP and a 2% APR financing rate. SO happy I went with the Tacoma!

 

Nice deal man. I went through two dodge rams before I learned my lesson. Just bought my Tacoma a few weeks ago and love it. You won't be disappointed. Pays to serve doesn't it? I got 1.79% apr on mine with navy federal. Enjoy your new truck. Everyone deserves a little good thing sometimes.

 

Absolutely! I've seen a few people get that low rate from navy federal, USAA was offering 1.59% (pending credit approval of course) but Toyota offered 2% and an additional $750 off (college graduate discount) so that was actually better for me. I must say Toyota is living up to the high standards consumers have been setting for them. I'll have to check back in when I put 80k-100k on my Tacoma

 

Ive had nothing but the best owner experience with my tacoma. never let me down. too bad I am buying my first home.

 

Way to go! I'm like you. I'm already thinking of the next Tacoma. Not that I don't enjoy mine right now but I like to think about it!

 

Haha it's that military thinking, always planning ahead!

 

I'm sorry to hear that. I had to sell my vehicle for a house too. It'll make your next purchase all the more sweeter. You'll have a great new house when you buy one again!