Just get a Tahoe. You'll still be able to move things when you need to, and you'll have the size you want, but if you want to drive friends around you can do that also. I have a 2007 and I love it
I'm a car guy at heart but also have a Tacoma (didn't need a monster truck, already have a sports car to compensate for my dick size) for convenience and reliability. It's a good vehicle but I kind of die inside every time I step in it.
if you want gas mileage get a chevy colorado with a straight 5, or the gmc version canyon. tacoma's look sweet along with dakotas (you can even nick name it DaDakota ) in that same class. if you want power or rugged, go with a tundra, f-(150-350), silverado. even a nissan titan which i like. if i had 25k to blow for a truck i would go with a titan, simply because i like the design. if i was being practical, i would by a v6 toyota tacoma.
Got my first truck last fall. F-150 FX2, and I LOVE it. Only negatives have been the decrease in gas mileage. You'd prob spend about $30-40 more a week on gas. Wasn't a big deal for me, but I see how that could be an issue.
also the key is to park at the corner spots in a tight parking garage with things sticking out. it really makes it fun for other drivers.
I kind of understand why, when people buy trucks who don't haul stuff on a daily basis or absolutely need them for their job, how that annoys others. Even without the inconsiderate parkers out there, not being able to see around trucks in traffic, environmental reasons/inefficiency, the whole "truck nutz"/too loud exhaust culture thing, leaving mirrors unnecessarily extended without a trailer etc. gives all a bad name. And I do use mine. Probably not often enough to morally justify having one to others, but even if I never hauled stuff & it was strictly used as a commuter vehicle only, I'd still prefer driving a truck for the following reasons: Safety- if you've ever been rear ended in a small car, & I have in both, you just feel much safer, don't flinch when someone comes up behind you fast. Difference between years of back pain & a scratched bumper. There are probably safer cars out there than the average truck, but they cost more too, so budget- "This is the largest automobile I can afford." Visibility- bigger & taller windows, rides higher, better angles. Durability- I only assume they are generally more durable, IDK for sure (lots of cars can go 100's of k's of miles), but some interior stuff like seats are definitely more solid. Ride- this is the hardest to believe, but I actually prefer the way a truck ride feels compared to cars. Without getting into tires or how different types of bumps/rough roads feel different to different vehicles, but also how you sit more straight up with more vertical room to have your legs straight down or to the side if you want vs. sitting back with legs straight out in some cars, geometry to the steering wheel, less boxed into one position feeling. Road hazards, high water etc- though I don't take chances anyway, there is generally more margin for error. And for some reason it doesn't bother me as much when trucks get older & beat up. Now if I could afford a huge luxury sedan, something like the town car, or the one they show SHAQ fitting in in the commercial, I'd be more than willing to sacrifice the utility. Or for a really nice handling sports car that also crash tests as safe.
I'm with you. I currently have a 2012 F-150 XLT supercrew. I don't haul or tow stuff often. The only complaint I have is gas...though I came from driving a PT Cruiser to a 2010 F-150. The amount I paid for gas monthly didn't change much at all as the Cruiser's have terrible MPG. I love the space my passengers and I have. I like the feel of the ride. I like the features I have. I love the safety features. I especially enjoy how the F-150's hold their value. I try to be conscious of how and where I park. I get why some question the value of owning a truck. There certainly are a bunch of jerk-a** truck owners out there.
Also make sure to park across another giant pick-up in a two row parking garage to make sure to cause a back up of cars trying to fit through the small space you two created.
Also make sure to back in to spots that border a sidewalk, backing all the way until your tires are at the curb, and your bed is overhanging enough to block the sidewalk. Having a long bed & extended hitch helps too.
If you are going to get a truck, get an American truck...... had several F-150 trucks and they are exceptional. Also have had a Silverado and it was a great truck.
I want a truck so badly but with 2 kids still in car seats, they're really not practical. I need an older SUV with 3 row seating. I'm not getting a minivan.
Get a full size, don't bother with mid size. Ford has done great things with their V-6s, Dodge has also come on and the new Silverado/Sierra are about to hit dealer lots. People who own trucks likely will never consider any other type of vehicle unless it's an additional car to their truck. Can't imagine living my life without one. For the record I own a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 but want to upgrade to a 2500HD soon. Welcome to the club, you'll get used to the extra $ in gas mileage.
I would go with half ton pick up most likely a chevy or ford. If you are planning on pullling a trailer you might go for something heavier. I personally would stay away from dodge not that they are bad, but because 17" tires cost alot to replace. I've been owner for over 20 years and car owner over 5. I can honestly say I love my truck and really enjoy driving it. The only problem and only reason I got a car was 13 mpg.
As others have stated, trucks are much more expensive to maintain. Personally, I prefer my car hands down. I have a dodge dakota that I rarely pull out and drive. Its paid for and all I really have to pay is registration. Its no additional cost to insure. Everyone else I know drives a truck, so most of the time when I need a truck, I end up using theirs. There are those who can justify using one, but most of the time, people rarely use their full function. I really don't understand why anyone would want to drive a vehicle that gives them half their mileage, especially when they are driving long distances. whatever floats someones boat, if they feel more manly driving one, so be it.
I have a ten year old Dodge Ram. Gas prices a decade ago, it didn't matter so much. Not needing to haul stuff though, don't know if I could justify buying a truck now with current gas prices. I like driving it, other than it's expensive to fill up.
Why not save yourself 20k and just get an older Toyota truck that has the indestructible 22R motors. More badass than the new trucks coming off the dealer lots IMO. My dad has a 91 Toyota truck with 280k miles and counting and it still runs great.
