What pickup to get?

[erlendch]

Hi, I'm looking to get a pickup. I only have my Charger right now and want to have a car for those rainy days or whenever I need more trunk space or whatever. Mostly I be using it in weekends when I go mountain biking, so it would need to fit 2-3 bikes on a stand on the bed. I would go as far as San Francisco to Lake Tahoe at times, so gotta be somewhat comfortable too. Budget is max $15k. I prefer the older ones. Any advice on what to get? I never had a truck and know nothing about them so any advice is appreciated. Thank you!

[twodko]

A few months ago I found a 2009 Dodge Ram Hemi 2wd crewcab Big Horn edition w/70k miles through a Contra Costa CraigsList ad. $18,000.00 .
I've always had Chevrolet Silverado 4wd trucks but this Ram is the best truck I've ever owned. I don't need a 4wd anymore so that saved a few thousand bucks right there.

I say by a Ram but avoid the 4.6 liter V8....... It's a crap engine.

Good luck.

[Silver R/T]

I would suggest Ram with Cummins. They are reliable, have great towing capacity in case you decide to tow camper, trailer/car, etc and hold resale value.

[rt green]

Chevy or GMC. wouldn't buy anything else. 1995 on down I would consider ford or Chevy.  I know this is a charger site and I like 1974 on down mopars, but you couldn't sell me a modern Chrysler anything if you tried. I'm an auto tech and that's my opinion.

[Lord Warlock]

My dad has a regular dodge ram with the 5.7L v8 that he tows his 35 foot airstream with, has towed it across the US multiple times, up and over the rockies etc.  This weekend my daughter had a blowout on her front tire and ran her 91 Chevy S10 pickup off the highway and into the bushes while starting her trip from college to her new home in Tampa, my dad went over, pulled her out and swapped trucks with her so she could finish the move, he drove the wrecked s10 home to pensacola and is now putting new tires on it per my request.

The S10 with a v6 really has been a pretty good pickup truck, it just feels a bit old for my tastes, my dad's ram feels so much newer and up to date, and is a lot more comfortable to ride in. 

[ACUDANUT]

I have a Blue 76 Power Wagon 4x4. 400/727. For 2,500. 

[Indygenerallee]

RT Green, I am a auto tech as well and I would only buy a Dodge or Ford, GM products have always left me high and dry! ... I would say for the money buy a 02 F250 7.3 powerstroke, great trucks I have had several (steer clear of the 6.0's unless you want to do head studs)  And the Ram 2500 with the Cummins you cant beat either..

[erlendch]

What do you think of this? http://bit.ly/1nqickK. Auction is up to $5k now, but it's listed for $7.3k at this other site: http://mail.mint-cars.com/i191173083766.html

I'm 6'4 so kinda tall. Anyone of my size driven a F250 from that year? How comfortable would I fit in that sofa seat?

[cudaken]

78 or 79 Dodge Little Red Wagon!  Only Pick Up I would have ever liked to own.

Cuda Ken

[Cooter]

All trucks are junk in one aspect or another (been inside transmissions seen weakest links), but then again, nobody performs the required maintenance to transmissions so it's amazing they last ad long as they do. I do know one thing bout a 99 Dodge Ram. I'd like to be in a room for 5min. With the engineer that designed a spot welded inner fender on these trucks!!

[Lord Warlock]

I like the Lil Red Wagon trucks, they aren't that cheap though, and tend to get pretty bad gas mileage compared to newer ones.  I also Liked the Dodge Warlock truck.  Hardly ever see those anymore. 

Saw a neighbor selling a dodge ram for 2500, was in black primer, had some meaty back tires on it.  I don't like black primer though, is too easy to hide stuff under it.

[bill440rt]

You can find early-mid '00's Ram 1500's fairly inexpensive.
If heavy duty towing is not in your foreseeable future then there is no need for a diesel. A light duty truck is probably all you need.

[RallyeMike]

My 07 Ram Cummins 4x4 2500 was a lemon that ate the turbo and was in the shop every few months due to the new emissions system problems. In the end, after lots of song and dance, Chrysler corporate bought it back from me at 13k miles. They had to - they were going broke fixing it all the time. I don't know if resolved this issue 100% yet (?). I would suggest an 06 or earlier one.

I switched to an 05 Hemi Ram 1500 4x2, and it has been totally problem free for 82,000 miles, other than the rear tires keep prematurely wearing out.  

[Nwcharger]

I've owned and still own many trucks for different things. My best so far is my ex cab 93 cummins ram 250. Love the diesel power and fuel economy. Still have my 73 powerwagon for thrashing. My Toyota trekker i collect and my other Toyota 4x4 is my hunting/4 wheeler play toy

[bill440rt]

My 07 Ram Cummins 4x4 2500 was a lemon that ate the turbo and was in the shop every few months due to the new emissions system problems. In the end, after lots of song and dance, Chrysler corporate bought it back from me at 13k miles. They had to - they were going broke fixing it all the time. I don't know if resolved this issue 100% yet (?). I would suggest an 06 or earlier one.

I switched to an 05 Hemi Ram 1500 4x2, and it has been totally problem free for 82,000 miles, other than the rear tires keep prematurely wearing out.  

You & me both, Mike. My '07 Ram 4x4 2500 Hemi was a POS, also went back thru the NJ lemon law. It was infested with electrical problems since day one, sat in dealer service more than in my driveway. Took about a year, but was worth it to see it go.
My previous '98 Ram 2500 was a great truck, and the '11 has been my favorite.

[F8-4life]

For 15k you can get a great older truck. Might not be as comfy but it will be always cool & easier to repair.
1977-80 LRE, warlock, macho powerwagons & ramchargers are all choice.

[ACUDANUT]

For 15k you can get a great older truck. Might not be as comfy but it will be always cool & easier to repair.
1977-80 LRE, warlock, macho powerwagons & ramchargers are all choice.

Heck I'd sell my 76 Power Wagon for 2K.
You did not list your state (big secret ?) 

[F8-4life]

For 15k you can get a great older truck. Might not be as comfy but it will be always cool & easier to repair.
1977-80 LRE, warlock, macho powerwagons & ramchargers are all choice.

Heck I'd sell my 76 Power Wagon for 2K.
You did not list your state (big secret ?) 

^^Op grab yourself a cool old 70's mopar rig.

[erlendch]

Ended up with a Ford F250 from 1976.

Going to DMV tomorrow, anyone know if they allow the original CA blue license plates still?

[lukedukem]

 

[Aero426]

If you don't need towing capacity, a small pickup like a Ranger would do well.   Otherwise, dare I say, a minivan.   You can fit a lot in.  They get good mileage.   And your stuff stays dry. 

[ACUDANUT]

check this out. rare.

[chargerman69]

Silverado only way to go

[ACUDANUT]

It's clear to most of us that a Newer Ram does not appeal to all us.  I am one of them. GO FORD.

[Stegs]

I have a Blue 76 Power Wagon 4x4. 400/727. For 2,500. 

got any pics?