Yeah 3 years is not long at all, I would be perfectly content to keep driving my current truck I never considered getting a new one but my employer pretty much told me that I need to get a new one. I don't see what I drive as an extension of my personality what I drive is like a wheelbarrow to me a tool I use. I don't need to look hip or cool, I was taught young that a new car or truck is one of the worst investments you can make. $50,000 for a pick up truck seems outrageous, heck can you even buy a pick up anymore that has a rubber floor and a stick shift? I don't need or want onstar, wifi, and seats that adjust 10 different ways.
I'm almost in the same boat except I'm looking at a truck to keep for an extended time. I don't need the bells and whistle, it wouldn't even be a daily driver. I currently have a '00 F150 and it's been a great truck, but after 225k hard miles things just keep breaking, every other week it seems any more. Not sure if this will help but here's where I'm at: Ford - Ford and I have had a falling out recently. I have a 2012 focus that has been a complete pile of junk and has cost me money hand over fist and ford seems content with that. This is very unfortunate as I would never have considered another brand. I've been a ford guy since I was 15... Aside from that. I don't like their engines. They're way too complicated. All the overhead cams, turbos... just more things to go wrong, more money to be spent one day. Chevy / GMC - Here's were I'm leaning. I love their engines. They're much simpler. The body / frame parts hold up just as much as everyone else. I am really starting to like their styling too. Again, I'm leaning towards GM now. Dodge - I'm giving them a good look. I know you said about transmissions but when was the last time you heard of that issue of one built in the last 10 years?? Plus, the hemi engine is a monster. It makes tons of power and has relatively few issues. I think the suspension components may be what keep me from them, but then again, I may do some upgrades there no matter what I buy (I'm not into lifting, just making it look good, so like a leveling kit, shocks...) Toyota - I've been giving them a good look too. The 5.7 is a good engine and the truck itself has one heck of a reputation. If they are anything like the taco, and only time will tell, they will be a great investment. I just worry about parts, can you easily find replacement parts at o'reilly for a "normal" price? That I don't know. I'm also split on 1/2 ton and 3/4. I really like the 6.0 motor GM has, but I don't really need that much truck. Man, this is a tough problem to have.
