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Post by bigbill on Jul 29, 2014 12:09:55 GMT -8
Most vehicles today don't have a break in period like they did years ago. If I liked the truck and the deal was right I wouldn't let 400 miles bother me. when comparing new trucks compare the warranties, and tow capacities and does the wife like it because if MOMMA AIN"T HAPPY NOBODY IS HAPPY. and if you are over fifty you should know that by now.
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txoil
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1960 Shasta Deluxe 19
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Post by txoil on Jul 29, 2014 14:05:19 GMT -8
The market is so ferocious that all of the big four makers are building trucks light years better than even a decade ago. I have owned Ford, Chevy and Dodge and was most fond of the Chevrolet...UNTIL we bought our 2007 F150 SuperCrew. It has the 5.4 triton engine and is a lariat (lots of gizmos) but it has spoiled me for Ford trucks. We have 107K on it now and it has been perfect in every respect. Would definitely buy another Ford next time. Tows like a dream and very comfortable!
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jul 30, 2014 4:29:52 GMT -8
The final choice is...Toyota Tundra.
5.7 Liter, engine and transmission cooler included in tow package, lumbar support, back up camera etc. What clinched the deal? The local dealer hadn't made his numbers for the month and took $2000 less than the TrueCar, Edmunds and KBB fair price estimate. I said I'd think about it, and he said I could take a 4 Wheel drive for the same price. Do I need a 4 wheel drive with a 2200 pound camper? Questionable.
But unlike other brands of trucks at the moment, they also offered a lifetime drive train warranty with zero deductible. A good thing for a couple that kept our first truck for 17 years.
Also weighing on me was the thought that a brand unknown to me was an unknown risk. Truth is, every brand had real advantages. Every brand drove more like a car than I would have thought possible 10 years ago. The Toyota did not have the smoothest ride, but it was rated by JD Powers and Consumer Reports as a top pick for dependability. Time will tell.
The owner's manual says I can tow after 500 miles. Doesn't that seem too soon?
Thanks for all the great advice.
p.s. a 5.7 liter with a 10,000 pound tow rating better "tow like you don't even know the camper is there" or I'll be really unhappy.
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Post by bigbill on Jul 30, 2014 5:46:51 GMT -8
How long is life time, yours or the truck, some states limit a lifetime warranty to seven years.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jul 30, 2014 7:28:00 GMT -8
How long is life time, yours or the truck, some states limit a lifetime warranty to seven years. I asked the same question. They told me, according to the warranty contract, it's in effect as long as I own the truck. I checked on NC for limitations and didn't find anything. Here's the catch...and there is always a catch... I have to prove to their satisfaction (upon request) that the car was maintained to the factory schedule. And is the warranty in effect if I move to a state with limitations? The contract says "nationwide". But we'll see in twenty years when I ask for transmission work under warranty. As with all things in life, I can only hope people are good to their word. What more can we do?
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Post by bigbill on Jul 30, 2014 12:14:53 GMT -8
All you have to do is have all maintenance work done by the dealer other wise the person doing the work wasn't qualified.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jul 30, 2014 12:48:45 GMT -8
The cynic in me thinks I could have all the maintance done at the dealership and they'd say their own mechanic wasn't qualified. Let's hope I'm wrong ;-)
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Post by norwellequipped on Sept 5, 2014 13:27:23 GMT -8
I own a 2012 1500 Dodge ram BigHorn…. 390 hp 5.7 litre hemi/6 six speed transmission..I love this….had a 2009 5.7 litre hemi too. pulls my 24 enclosed race car trailer just great. Dodge makes great 1/2 tons.Drives like a Cadillac and on long hauls. goes the distance. I have pulled my 59 Shasta….. with ease. Love them
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Sept 5, 2014 16:17:37 GMT -8
The cynic in me thinks I could have all the maintance done at the dealership and they'd say their own mechanic wasn't qualified. Let's hope I'm wrong ;-) There's very specific federal laws that control the terms of vehicle warranties. Basically, you will want to maintain very accurate and detailed records if you choose to do your own maintenance, or have your independent shop perform the service work. You would be wise to buy all of your oil and air filters directly from your authorized dealership, and keep all the receipts filed. It would also be wise to purchase a factory service manual (usually under $100) and follow the service schedule listed in the manual to the letter.
If you ever have a oil consumption issue, or major drivetrain failure, you will need to document that you maintained the vehicle exactly as outlined in both the owners, and factory service manuals. The factory rep. might give you a hassle, but they cannot void, or refuse your warranty if the service work was performed outside of an authorized dealership. I'm sorry, I cannot state the federal law name, but this has been challenged many times, and you will be on firm footing as long as you document your service history, and parts sourcing.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Sept 5, 2014 17:27:11 GMT -8
Thanks for all the great advice. I'll buy the routine maintenance parts from the dealer. They don't have a guy like me in mind when they offer a Lifetime Drive Train warranty. My cars stay with me for at least 10 years, closer to 20. The truth is, every truck I took for a test drive had a better ride than any car I ever owned. But for what they're charging these days, it should make me breakfast every morning and tuck me in at night. $33K for a truck??? Ouch! As my wife says, my idea to buy a $2000 vintage camper cost her $50,000. Or about $200 for each night we'll camp over the years
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