Looking for a New Ride

[SeaJay's]

I've been really considering purchasing a small truck or SUV and trading in my Avalanche. I love my truck but the gas mileage and the increases in gas prices are killing me recently. It's costing my $100 a week in gas (if not more), plus my truck payment which isn't too bad at $350 a month.

So, I've been looking at small trucks Ford, Chevy, GMC, Dodge, etc and I really don't like any of them.

I'd love to be able to go out and buy a nice car I could whip around in and something that is fun to drive, but it's just not practical for me. I need to be able to lug my detailing supplies around when I have a mobile detail. Plus I like having a truck for when I'm doing renovations on my home or moving things. Makes it much easier than trying to fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood, sheet rock, etc into a car or even an SUV.

So, I'm basically looking for any advice. Right now I'm leaning towards a small truck because I think it fits my needs perfectly. However, again I really don't like the look of any of them. I can't bring myself to spend the money on a new ride if I really don't like it.

I'd prefer new but will settle for something that is a year or two old. It also has to look good. I could go buy a base model work truck but they don't fit me. It's not just for work, it's my personal ride as well.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Porsche Pilot]

How bout those Tacoma's? I would think they would be better on gas than the Avalanche. The 4 doors are pretty cool looking and you can trick them out. Or, how about a Porsche Cayenne? Awesome power, handling, etc. As an SUV it gets mpg in the 20's if you go for the V6. It has really good cargo space for all of your stuff. You can pick them up in the low to mid 20's for an 05 or 06 model. How cool would a Porsche be for a mobile detailing unit? I am a tad biased but they are really fun SUV's.

 

[SeaJay's]

How bout those Tacoma's? I would think they would be better on gas than the Avalanche. The 4 doors are pretty cool looking and you can trick them out. Or, how about a Porsche Cayenne? Awesome power, handling, etc. As an SUV it gets mpg in the 20's if you go for the V6. It has really good cargo space for all of your stuff. You can pick them up in the low to mid 20's for an 05 or 06 model. How cool would a Porsche be for a mobile detailing unit? I am a tad biased but they are really fun SUV's.

I've always been an American guy...of course now a days with so many parts being made in other countries I guess there is no such thing any more...

LOL I'd love to have a Porsche! I don't think that's practical for me though...it'd probably cost me a ton to insure it too!

 

[HeavyMetal]

I had a Ranger and a Tacoma - loved 'em. 'Course, I love my RAV4 even more. I think SUVs have a wider use range - from work to vacation, shopping and general trans. How often do you really need to pick up plywood and drywall? If it's not that often, have it delivered or borrow/rent a trailer. If it's often, get a truck. Pick the vehicle for what you do.

 

[Porsche Pilot]

It's funny, I am just the opposite and have always had German cars. My Jeep is my first American car I have ever owned. Nothing against U.S. cars, I just like the ones from the homeland. Insurance wont kill ya on a used Porsche. You would be too cool for school.

 

[SeaJay's]

It's funny, I am just the opposite and have always had German cars. My Jeep is my first American car I have ever owned. Nothing against U.S. cars, I just like the ones from the homeland. Insurance wont kill ya on a used Porsche. You would be too cool for school.

HAHA that does look really nice...have to check some out....rops:

 

[SeaJay's]

I had a Ranger and a Tacoma - loved 'em. 'Course, I love my RAV4 even more. I think SUVs have a wider use range - from work to vacation, shopping and general trans. How often do you really need to pick up plywood and drywall? If it's not that often, have it delivered or borrow/rent a trailer. If it's often, get a truck. Pick the vehicle for what you do.

Honestly I use my truck all the friggin time. Which is weird since I'm not in construction or anything. I'm just always doing jobs around my house, my moms house, my gf's mothers house, etc.

If I'm not doing a job around the house I'm lugging my golf clubs, detailing supplies, etc around.

 

[ExoticAutoDetai]

How bout those Tacoma's? I would think they would be better on gas than the Avalanche. The 4 doors are pretty cool looking and you can trick them out. Or, how about a Porsche Cayenne? Awesome power, handling, etc. As an SUV it gets mpg in the 20's if you go for the V6. It has really good cargo space for all of your stuff. You can pick them up in the low to mid 20's for an 05 or 06 model. How cool would a Porsche be for a mobile detailing unit? I am a tad biased but they are really fun SUV's.

I'm with Porsche. I saw a cayenne the other day an 05 or 06 I believe going for 25K they are pretty fast

"You can help create your own luck, you can make things happen through hard work and intelligence."- Donald J. Trump

 

[SeaJay's]

Yeah I just can't bring myself to spend $25k on a 5 or 6 year old car with around 80k for miles.

I just did a quick search to see how much they were going for around here. They are sweet rides, but just not practical for me.

 

[ExoticAutoDetai]

Get a 4x4 silverado the 2011 that truck is bad a**. With the 4 tires in the back.

"You can help create your own luck, you can make things happen through hard work and intelligence."- Donald J. Trump

 

[HeavyMetal]

Honestly I use my truck all the friggin time. Which is weird since I'm not in construction or anything. I'm just always doing jobs around my house, my moms house, my gf's mothers house, etc.

If I'm not doing a job around the house I'm lugging my golf clubs, detailing supplies, etc around.

The question really is: how often are you lugging something that won't fit into an SUV, like drywall or plywood. I love the RAV for my clubs, they're always in the back in the summer. You never know when a round will spring up.

 

[Porsche Pilot]

You can't blame a brother for tryin'! They are not practical at all. I am in the same boat with ya. I want a better mileage vehicle that can be multi purpose...detailing and trips to Lowes, etc. The HHR peaked my interest with it's good mileage. It isn't a speed demon with only a 2.2 4cyl. Plus, I dont live in the snow belt and you probably have specific needs for your climate. Bottom line is this...I am no help at all!

 

[SeaJay's]

Get a 4x4 silverado the 2011 that truck is bad a**. With the 4 tires in the back.

"You can help create your own luck, you can make things happen through hard work and intelligence."- Donald J. Trump

Ok you obviously missed the point of me getting a new ride...

I have an 06 Avalanche that is horrible on gas...a 2011 Silverado is going to get some what better gas mileage but isn't what I'm looking for.

As much as I'd love to go out and buy a brand new truck with all the bells and whistles I'm going to have to stick to a budget of probably $25k (give or a take some). I'd prefer to spend the least amount as possible. But we shall see.

 

[SeaJay's]

You can't blame a brother for tryin'! They are not practical at all. I am in the same boat with ya. I want a better mileage vehicle that can be multi purpose...detailing and trips to Lowes, etc. The HHR peaked my interest with it's good mileage. It isn't a speed demon with only a 2.2 4cyl. Plus, I dont live in the snow belt and you probably have specific needs for your climate. Bottom line is this...I am no help at all!

Yeah living in New England I need something that is 4x4 or AWD. So I'm still thinking small truck or SUV. The Tacoma's aren't bad.

Heavymetal - I probably don't lug plywood or sheet rock a whole lot, but usually every couple months.

 

[ScubaCougr]

I've been really considering purchasing a small truck or SUV and trading in my Avalanche. I love my truck but the gas mileage and the increases in gas prices are killing me recently.!

How big an improvement would you like? I upgraded last year to a 2 year old Tacoma 2wd PreRunner that gets 20 with the V6. It's as big as the last generation full-size trucks and a big improvement over the Ranger I traded. You can check real-world mileage from real folks at trudelta.com for many models.

A 2-3 year old vehicle is a great money saver, but used prices are rocketing up. If there's only a couple grand difference I'd seriously look new and take the finance deal.

 

[PA DETAILER]

i love my 2010 gmc canyon. colorado from chevy is the same. i have the 3.7 truck is fun to drive, and the mileage is not bad at all. i have the ext.cab. these trucks are not rated high in the press, but once you start talking to other owners, its a solid mid size truck.

 

[Scott DeBrun]

Seejay have you looked into the 2011 F150 with the 3.7 litre turbo charged engine? The local dealers around here are offering 9000 off and it's supposed to get 22mpg on the highway.

 

[ExoticAutoDetai]

Ok you obviously missed the point of me getting a new ride...

I have an 06 Avalanche that is horrible on gas...a 2011 Silverado is going to get some what better gas mileage but isn't what I'm looking for.

As much as I'd love to go out and buy a brand new truck with all the bells and whistles I'm going to have to stick to a budget of probably $25k (give or a take some). I'd prefer to spend the least amount as possible. But we shall see.

My bad

"You can help create your own luck, you can make things happen through hard work and intelligence."- Donald J. Trump

 

[SeaJay's]

Seejay have you looked into the 2011 F150 with the 3.7 litre turbo charged engine? The local dealers around here are offering 9000 off and it's supposed to get 22mpg on the highway.

I was looking at those online. But I think they are at the top of my price range. Once you add in the 4x4 (which I have to have), etc I'm looking at over $30k. With incentives it may bring it down, but I've noticed that incentives in this area are never as good as other areas.

 

[Audi X2]

How bout those Tacoma's? I would think they would be better on gas than the Avalanche. The 4 doors are pretty cool looking and you can trick them out. Or, how about a Porsche Cayenne? Awesome power, handling, etc. As an SUV it gets mpg in the 20's if you go for the V6. It has really good cargo space for all of your stuff. You can pick them up in the low to mid 20's for an 05 or 06 model. How cool would a Porsche be for a mobile detailing unit? I am a tad biased but they are really fun SUV's.

I agree on the Tacoma :xyxthumbs:
Very good looking and usually way more reliable vs. the big 3.