At the point of either investing another few grand into a 2002 Dodge Durango RT, or trading-in for a newer truck - preferably one coming of a 2 or 3yr lease. Absolutely hate the idea of having a truck-payment again! Haven't had one in almost 10yrs. But this will be the 2nd time in the shop this year for major repairs/maintenance (twice last year too). A few grand in repair costs may go further towards a down payment. May be time to cut our losses.

Must have a V8 with tow package. Had enough with Dodge. My 97 Olds Bravada V6 has been more maintenance & rust -free. Considering a Ford Expedition.

Let the games, and discussion, begin. It's small-time for sure, but I'm going to hate this buying process. Happy Holidays.

🐴

Expeditions are nice...Navigators are better.

I do like the look of the new Tahoes. Don't know anything about them other than that as I gave up GM decades ago. Hell, I gave up Dodge too.

Oh well...like the idea of getting one off lease though...what about a rental company sales?

Tom, I'm sure you didn't do this on purpose, but I must say this post if funny. . . [LOL][LOL]

Carl, afraid I'm not much help If you do have to end up with a payment again, buying new you can get zero interest loans pretty regularly these days, which helps with the idea of a payment anyway. .

Due to the price of fuel, we purchased a Mazda CX-5 last year to use locally and for short trips. We like to travel distances using the Yukon as it holds more than you need and rides great.

You should look at some of the Ford crew-cab pickups. Plenty of room inside, decent ride and fuel economy, and plenty of power for towing.

Diesels are work horses, and will last long if you take care of them.

I would rule it out. He wants to tow. Towing with a V6, even with a turbo, is not conducive to long engine life. They're just not built for it.

I have the tow package on my Tacoma, but it's a 4.0L V6, and although it may be "rated" to tow 6500 lbs, i wouldn't want to do it. If he's in Colorado, he's not going to want to attempt towing with a V6, unless he wants to abuse the engine, or be doing 35 mph when he gets to the top of a decent grade.

I had a 02 avalanche that I bought new and is still running great today. I gave the avalanche to my son who turned 16.

Sticker shock is the word I used. I had no idea the price of trucks had nearly doubled since I bought one last. I drive Chevys, fords, dodge and toyota.

I settled on the tundra. It was the best ride, tow package and features I wanted. Plus the most room. Worst mileage though.

Don't buy a diesel unless you tow nearly daily. Fuel and maintenance will kill you. I thought about that option but math changed my mind.

If you can buy new, 0% financing is cheaper. Again, math made this decision

So give the Tundra a look. I've had mine 1.5 years and love it.

LOL! My wife is always saying she would like to have an old pick-up, but flatly said "NO" to a F150 SuperCab in red (her favorite color)??? Who can figure women? As soon as you offer something they want, they don't want it anymore! I liked it, and it was cheaper than the Expeditions.

Diesel is out. No way would I consider a Chevy. May have to give Toyota a look over. No experience with Toyota. Hauling a trailer with a V6 over the mountain passes here isn't something I want to do. Looking at a couple acres around 8,500ft. Wouldn't want to get stuck back there in a light-engine truck/SUV.

Have been warned that 0% Financing also means you'll pay more for the vehicle, and the dealership will be less giving with rebates and haggling.

Thanks guys.

Of course not. I was not saying the F150 can't tow that much, what I am saying is that you really shouldn't.

My truck has a 4.0L engine, and is rated for 6500 lbs. If you check the Tacoma forums, most guys that do a lot of towing do not recommend towing much more than 4000-4500. Even then, you know the weight is there. It slows you down big time, and climbing hills sucks. Fortunately for me, I didn't buy it to tow anything and you'll notice I never recommended it since he said he wanted to tow stuff.

Ford's ecoboost is a smaller 2.7L engine that only produces that power and torque because of the turbo. That small engine isn't going to handle all that strain very well for very long. That's just my view on it... maybe it will prove me wrong. But he lives in CO, and it ain't flat... nome sayin'?

Clear some room in the inbox.

Here's an article from Consumers Report. I use that as a reference whenever I buy a vehicle, or a family member or friend asks me for an opinion. They recommend the Ford F150. The one with the beefier 3.5L V-6 Turbo did better in their towing tests than the 5.0 V-8. Pricey, though.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/pickup-trucks/ratings-reliability/ratings-overview.htm