Thanks.
What I'm wanting is a mid to full sized pickup with a comfortable interior, smooth ride/suspension with effortless steering. I plan on doing some home depot hauling and maybe pulling a small trailer twice a year.
My budget is 60k to 80k. Im open to a year or two used and possibly a suv if the pickup doesn't meet my needs.
Any ideas on what to avoid for starters?
Trucks are like football teams. I have my favorite and yours sucks lol. Ok, in truth, I don't want to speak for everyone but it seems like most people on this site agree that you should find the one that calls to you. You can't really go wrong. They are all really good and they all have their issues.
For me personally... and this is purely my subjective opinion:
1) I would not purchase a new RAM with the 3.0 regular or high output. It needs a few years to prove itself in a truck for me.
2) I would avoid the new gen of Tundra until the engine issue is truly fixed, at that point, it will probably go on to be a reliability beast.
3) Ford quality seems to have really dipped but that wouldn't have me NOT buy one, I would just want to know that before. Our Expedition has had 1 major issue, both diffs rebuilt at 85k miles. (It's an F150 underneath) Other than that it's been great.
4) GM V8's have had some lifter issues and the 6.2 is now being recalled on some trucks, SUV's etc. Even with that, GM quality has been strong and by FAR the lowest recall numbers among of the big 3 over the last 5 years or so.
In mid-size, I don't think there's a bad one. There's an overpriced one with the Tacoma but it's a good truck. for me in mid-size I'm just picking the one I like the best.
Go and test drive all of the ones you are interested in and really look at comfort then figure out what tech is a must have and which is a nice to have. Narrow down from there and drive the finalists again.
Good luck!