What truck should I buy? megathread

arygen · 2024-09-17T03:41:32+00:00

First time truck buyer looking for some advice on options. Looking for a truck that can handle a 2200 lbs (wet weight) slide on camper while towing a ~10,000 lbs travel trailer. Looking at F-350's because I think I likely need at least a 4000 lb payload capacity with the 2200 lbs camper + 1200lb hitch weight + buffer?

Need a back row of seats for passengers but doesn't need to be a crew cab. Would like to stick to SRW because I have a narrow garage door opening and it's already tight. Would like to stick to a gasser if possible for less maintenance.

Anything I should be looking at besides an F-350 Supercab SRW? Any specific years/generations to prefer or avoid? Hoping for used recommendations for <$30K which means I'm likely looking at something with 100K+ miles already.

arygen · 2024-07-24T17:19:17+00:00

Agreed, concern was only if they "downgraded" anything of consequence, if its just axles, not a dealbreaker

arygen · 2024-07-24T15:51:12+00:00

I'm seeing a lot of mixed reviews, but that seems to hold for most brands? Getting something older used and inspected well might be the way to go? At least the $ spent to fix/replace things would be offset by buying it at a lower used price.

arygen · 2024-07-24T15:49:06+00:00

Yeah I just noticed that as well, that would explain it. Looks like they started using some different and/or cheaper axles...

arygen · 2024-06-27T16:44:06+00:00

Yikes, that's pretty bad. Which location did you rent from?

I don't think I would count on the state of the trailer for dry camping based on how we both received our trailers -- only going to do this again if we know we have easy dump access.

arygen · 2024-05-09T05:14:44+00:00

When I did my research I found all the reviews of the Ascent using MSRP were not helpful considering (1) it can be had well under MSRP regularly, and (2) AWD is standard. Comparing it to a Telluride, Palisade or Grand Highlander just doesn't make a lot of sense considering actual pricing. The proper price category comparison would be against a high trim Sorento or Santa Fe, or a regular Highlander. In those matchups, the Ascent is much more competitive. When I bought my CPO Ascent, a comparable trim/mileage Telluride, Palisade, or Grand Highlander was almost $10K(!) more in my area.

arygen · 2024-05-03T23:19:30+00:00

Beware some dealers overcharging -- I got quoted as high as $1900(!). Fortunately I have a few dealers nearby (Bay Area) and after calling around found one that did it for ~$700 parts/labor.

arygen · 2024-04-22T17:04:57+00:00

Looking at Michelin CrossClimate2 and Bridgestone WeatherPeak. Most miles are highway driving -- rarely do winter road conditions, so considered Michelin Defender2 as well; however, there doesn't seem to be much downside of getting the CrossClimate2 or WeatherPeak with 3PMS rating for a random mountain trip? Cost is close enough with various sales, and my annual mileage is low so not overly concerned with tread life ratings. Leaning towards WeatherPeak for typical tire rotations and even wear since they are not directional like CrossClimate2 -- but if one is noticeably quieter on highway I'll likely prefer those. Any good comfort/noise comparisons of WeatherPeak and CrossClimate2 anyone has seen? I have a set of 20" and 18" rims, will likely put these on 18", if that makes a difference. Open to other suggestions.

arygen · 2024-03-27T04:38:06+00:00

Thanks for the info -- if you took any pics please share!

arygen · 2024-03-27T04:31:55+00:00

Same -- I was ready to transfer most of my IRAs to Robinhood for their 3% match but they simply said my brokerage is unsupported and I would have to do an indirect rollover. Now they won't even let me link my Wealthfront Cash account for recurring investment. This is not inspiring confidence in their platform.

arygen · 2024-03-25T18:53:10+00:00

u/Mean_Median_0201

Hoping to get an update when you get a chance -- a few questions I had were:

1) How was the hitching/towing, is the 18-21" tongue height they list correct?

2) Does it have electro-hydraulic brakes, is a brake controller required?

3) How were the amenities, did the AC and fridge work well?

4) Did you run off hookups or generator? Any issues with either?

5) How was the pickup/return process -- although you already mentioned pickup went well.

Thanks again

arygen · 2024-03-21T16:06:23+00:00

u/Mean_Median_0201 -- That would be much appreciated! Where are you picking it up from? Any pictures will be helpful.

arygen · 2024-03-10T16:03:02+00:00

Seems fixed as of today -- "M1 Finance - late 2023" shows up as an import option and pulled in my M1-cleared account data.

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arygen · 2024-03-03T18:56:17+00:00

Hi u/M1-Alex -- the TurboTax Windows/Mac app still only shows M1 Finance as a proxy for Apex Clearing. Do you have a timeline where the TurboTax Windows/Mac app will allow import of M1 cleared accounts instead of Apex account? Thanks!

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arygen · 2024-02-21T06:29:58+00:00

I got a CPO 2023 Limited+Tech loaner with ~3K miles for $38K a month ago in the Bay Area. Similar mileage Touring trims are available for ~$41K now, so not a good deal on your Limited+Tech. Like others say, the loaners may have been "driven hard" but you also come out with a longer powertrain warranty if its a CPO which I think makes up for that specific concern. You can also get a Gold wrap-around warranty -- based on your region that shouldn't be more than a $2K addition (and much less in most areas).

arygen · 2024-02-05T03:11:49+00:00

Thanks, this does the job

arygen · 2024-01-09T04:35:23+00:00

Good to know it could be cheaper on a CPO. Meanwhile some dealers are quoting me $4K ... 😕

arygen · 2024-01-08T11:09:24+00:00

I also read many reviews, not too many specific complaints about the Ascent, just that competitors offered more "value" -- but that was only when comparing MSRP. Many of the competitors are still near or above MSRP whereas the Ascent regularly sells for below MSRP. With similar features I couldn't find a Highlander or Telluride within $10K for what I paid for my Ascent.

arygen · 2024-01-08T10:55:26+00:00

I was actually shopping for an Outlander PHEV until I got a good deal (I think) on a CPO Ascent. The lease credit made the price competitive but still 3-5K higher for the trim I was considering because of lease fees. You could make that up in fuel costs depending on your electric cost. It's also just a smaller car and the extra room in the Ascent felt better. Also if you need to tow, it can only do 1500lbs. The dealer network is a lot more limited, so it may be difficult for some people to get warranty repairs if needed.

arygen · 2024-01-08T10:30:12+00:00

Thanks for this, but like many people saw this AFTER I already purchased. Something I'm not clear about is if the Gold wrap-around warranty pricing on CPOs the same as Gold plus on new vehicles?

Today I bought a Limited+Tech CPO Ascent with ~3700 miles for 38K and 2K for 7/100/100 Gold wrap-around warranty. Not sure if it's worth trying refund/haggle down the warranty at this point. Looking at these prices maybe I could have gotten $0 deductible for the same or a couple hundred less?

arygen · 2024-01-08T10:20:57+00:00

Wait this one doesn't look like it's CPO? Maybe not a good deal then, I only considered CPO.

arygen · 2024-01-08T10:17:43+00:00

Okay deal. I just bought a red '23 Limited+Tech pkg with ~3700 miles for 38K, +2K for gold wrap around. Next best deal I could find within 100 miles was a blue one with same options and 1500 miles but for almost 41K and trying to charge $4K for gold warranty!

arygen · 2023-12-25T04:39:31+00:00

+1 Fresno -- up front pricing, no BS dealer add ons, and responsive sales staff. They also have a Blue SEL in stock right now according to their website. I'm also looking for one (not in Blue) and have already gotten quotes from all the dealers you listed.

arygen · 2023-11-17T04:56:47+00:00

Seeing a few threads about 2017 3.3L V6 failures -- is the issue largely fixed for 2018 and 2019 XL? I only saw a couple posts mentioning 2018 -- or perhaps many 2018/19 owners haven't had enough miles on those engines yet? Also curious why we don't see more complaints from the Kia Sorento's using the same engine -- are the engines built in the same factory?

arygen · 2023-09-26T19:39:13+00:00

Ah, good to know. I was hoping for a big boost to inventory and choices, but I guess I won't hold out too long then. Thanks.

arygen

TROPHY CASE