What truck or SUV can ....

[Machete]

...last a minimum of 10 years from date of purchase.

Run 25k-30k miles per year
90% highway driving minimum

Don’t care about fuel economy

Rarely tow but will need to tow 5000lbs 300 miles 3-4x year.

Can be used or new but limited to $35k budget.

Must have very good reliability and reasonable maintenance requirements example no known issues like some model year VVT problems or known tranny replacement.

Truck has to run on the highway, hard, 75-85mph for hours every day 5 days a week.

Consider a short drive is 30-45 minutes on the highway.

Must be 4x4.

Cost to run excluding fuel has to be very good.

Will consider diesel but due to budget not sure there’s anything reliable.

Please give make/model/year.

What say you?

 

[mwl001]

Seems like you want a Tundra or Sequoia, possibly a 4runner but I wouldn't tow 5k with one of those.

 

[JasonH]

Ridgeline?

 

[Machete]

Seems like you want a Tundra or Sequoia, possibly a 4runner but I wouldn't tow 5k with one of those.

After a ton of reading I’m thinking an F250 w either the 7.3 gas or 6.7 diesel.

 

[plumcolr]

What! My 2000 GMC Jimmy did all that. And the new cars / trucks are better. I suspect my 06 expy would have done, as well, but the front seat got tired.

 

[lbv150]

Ford diesel pick up.

 

[jimbosidecar]

I drive a 2001 Expy with 204,000 miles. Most expensive fix has been under $100.00 But if I were looking for a new truck I'd be tempted with that new Ram 1500 eco-diesel. A friend has ine and is getting 29 mpg on the hiway.(fuel consumption IS important for me)

 

[Aspen03]

I was almost wondering if it was a trick question considering our trucks basically fit that bill perfectly. Snatch up a lower mi 2nd or 3rd gen and go.

For something new? That impossible to predict, most of the current generation trucks out there from any manufacturer aren't going to have more than a few 250-300k examples to compare reliability. 35k for a new truck almost seems like a pipe dream though, is that even possible today? A friend of mine picked up a bare bones f250 in 2009 brand new for 36k. 5.4, cloth, and no bluetooth.

 

[Machete]

The $35k budget is new or used.

A 5.4 3v is out of the question due to known issues w VVT.

I should have added comfort is key. My fat ass is on that seat for hours at a time on the highway.

My current 1st gen Expy is great but after a couple days I feel like I went 5 rounds in the UFC.

I considered the Dodge v6 eco diesel but lots of bad reviews w crank case and rods. Besides they’re really Fiats.

I’m wondering about the 7.3 Godzilla vs the 6.7 diesel used.

 

[Phyliss Causer]

F250 6.7 diesel