Latest Reader Question (Jan. 18, 2018)

Here is the latest reader question, along with my reply!

Jose asks: Been following your site for awhile now (Tom Woods!) and I really like how you explain your overviews of the vehicles you review. So I am looking for a new vehicle specifically a truck and I have my choices narrowed down to three – Toyota Tacoma/Tundra, Ford F150, and RAM 1500. I am leaning more heavily on the Toyota and RAM as the Ford’s aluminum body and their renounced unwillingness to make repairs/maintenance easy is really turning me off. I have searched your site for RAM 1500 reviews but no dice. Wanted to ask whats your take and insight on those trucks? Do their transmissions still suck? HEMI explosions still a common issue?

My reply: I am also leery of the current F-150 and only because of its aluminum panels. The “EcoBoost” turbo engines strike me as a terrible idea for a work vehicle, for a long-haul work vehicle – where durability (and simplicity, to the extent possible) ought to be the governing principle. It might be okay for a lease – or if you plan to keep it only five or six years. But otherwise, I’d scratch the Ford off my list.

The main issue with the Dodge trucks, in my experience, is less-than-great quality control for little things (such as trim, panel fit, paint quality) and . . . a tendency to rust sooner than others. The drivetrains, though, seem to be pretty good. The current 1500 also offers a diesel, which the other 1500s don’t.

That said, I really like the Tundra. It is a tough, simple truck with a great V8. The main drawback is that it’s not offered in as many bed/cab configurations – but that may not be an issue for you.

If not, I recommend a look/test drive

Also, the new Nissan Titan (and Titan XD). These are great trucks as well!

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Got a question about cars – or anything else? Click on the “ask Eric” link and send ’em in!