best 4x4 4-door pickup? advice needed

Thinking about a new ride - currently have a '95 4Runner with 140k miles on it.

Considering a pickup w/ topper so i can put my dirty gear and crap in it. I put my bling-bling mountian bike in the back of the 4runner during the day and then ride it in the evening. I don't want to put it on a hitch or roof rack because i don't want to worry about it. Currently I lower a seat and roll it into the back....and the back of the 4Runner is junked now. So the bed of the pick up could get dirty/trashed/etc no problem.

the wife wants me to get something that can haul the whole family up to the mountain for skiing too. gotta be practical.

what to get?

Toyota Tundra?
GMC Sierra?
Ford F-150?
something i have not thought of?

i don't tow stuff
new/used it's all the same to me

but it doesn't need to be a fucking boat. damn, some of these rigs get big!

thx

Tundras are nice and don't feel tankish.

The new Hemi is nicer IMO, its a big rig however.

Check on edmonds.com for reviews.

I like the Jeep Cherokee but that is not a pick up.....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Foggy_Goggles

The new Hemi is nicer IMO, its a big rig however.

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Doesn't sound like you need the HEMI - though they are sweet. but I'd definitely suggest the standard Quad Cab Ram 1500 - best value on the market brand new right now. It rides comfortably, plenty o' room for family. real world mileage not towing isn't even that bad - 17 to 22 mpg, i swear.

the tundra is probably about the same mileage wise, but it's a lot more upfront, and smaller inside.

The new Tacoma is a little bigger than in previous years and I'm sure it handles better than the Tundra. The 3.4L engine is excellent- had it in my first Taco. Drawback in a crewcab is that the rear bed is only 5ft vs 6ft in the standard or ex-cab models. Still better than the 4Runner, though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by skiguide

Doesn't sound like you need the HEMI - though they are sweet. but I'd definitely suggest the standard Quad Cab Ram 1500 - best value on the market brand new right now. It rides comfortably, plenty o' room for family. real world mileage not towing isn't even that bad - 17 to 22 mpg, i swear.

the tundra is probably about the same mileage wise, but it's a lot more upfront, and smaller inside.

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skiguide

races modifies
knows her big rigs
Pats fan
and now she skiis

how you doing?

e:spell

Buddy of mine has a Nissan Titan, it's a pretty friggin sweet rig, but it's pretty damn big too!

Though the backseat has more room than most family cars, i think he's got the super-cab or whatever Nissan calls it. It's the one that has 4 regular (non-suicide type) doors.

aren't Dogde's .....dodgy?

F-150
Chev Silverado 1500 (my current truck...)
or the Hemi Dodge 1500

No fucking around. American MUSCLE it must be.

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Originally Posted by Tap

aren't Dogde's .....dodgy?

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Paging Lemon Boy...Mr. Redneck Accountant to the auto shop

You can debate long and hard about this. I think that the reliablity of domestic gassers made recently is GM, Dodge, Ford. I've seen Dodges run a lot harder that the GMs however. GMs tend to be the supers clipboard truck around here. The new Ram gets good gas mileage, has a better interior than the GM, and costs a fair amount less. If you're thinking about using a 1/2 for a family rig, durability shouldn't be much of an issue.

I'd go with a 4 door Tacoma. You can't beat a Toyota and believe me I've tried. I noticed the other day that there are 2 different box lengths on the '05 models. My last Toyota had 330 000 kms on it when I retired it for the Tacoma that I drive now.

Dodge Truck guy here.

Check out the new Dodge Dakota V8 4 door pickup. My dad is getting one now after mutiple other Dakotas, after driving it.

I like Dodge for trucks.

Very comfy and baby/kid friendly.

Whatever truck you get, be sure to affix a sticker of Calvin pissing on the competitor's brand emblem.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Viva

The new Tacoma is a little bigger than in previous years and I'm sure it handles better than the Tundra. The 3.4L engine is excellent- had it in my first Taco. Drawback in a crewcab is that the rear bed is only 5ft vs 6ft in the standard or ex-cab models. Still better than the 4Runner, though.

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The 2005 Toca Double Cab has a 4.0L V6 (245hp 282ft-lb) and a 6ft bed is optional with the Double Cab.
With any luck I'll own one of these buggers by spring.

I've a 2000 Tundra, use it every day. 75,000 miles on it now. ZERO problems. Its a lot bigger than the little pickups, but it is a little smaller than the big Dodges and Fords... just right for me! Hauls my stuff just fine (mtn bikes, dirt bikes), super comfy ride, good off road, decent mileage, and fits in my garage.

Second the Nissan Titan. Haven't used it myself, but it's been getting awesome reviews from people who dare use a truck that isn't GM/Dodge/Ford.

Tudra for sure, dood. Lotsa my friends around here drive F series', Rams, etc. and all have issues. Tundras do not.

Tap, I just got a 4-door Titan last month. They're pretty sweet, your more than welcome to stop by and give it a test drive.
Todd

that's cool of you Todd, i'll remember that and PM you when i'm closer to a decision point

My vote's for the new Tacoma but in case you can afford it, what about the Navistar?
http://www.navistar.com/assets/severe/CXT-3-full.gif

Good friend here just got a Tundra-- nice ride height and plenty of power. City mileage has been about 14-16.

I've been driving a Dakota Quad for three years and 140,000km's with no problems, been happy with it. Noticed a trend in the northern oilpatch towards Dodge trucks the last couple of years, as well.
That said, my next truck is going to be a Toyota.

I got a dakota.

:the_fingeProblem 1: Lost 1st and reverse. Transmission replacement cost $2200.00
Reason: Driving down 215 late for tee off to Old Mill freak occurance when downshifting from 5th to 4th and accedentally slipped into reverse.

:the_fingeProblem 2: Lost rear end. Rear diff replacement cost. $1800.00
Reason: Not sure but it invovled alcohol and 4000 rpm clutch drops.

:the_fingeProblem 3: Cracked head: Engine replacement cost $3500.00
Reason: I'm a fucking iddiot. :the_finge

Besides these minor problems, the truck is sick!

Get a Toyota.

Best avatar ever...

And yes, the Titans look sweet... Was thinking of test driving one myself.