School the aussie on US/Canadian pick up trucks!

So finally my moving date of Sept 17th is getting closer. Recently I've begun to check out whats on offer when it comes to utes, but I'm finding it somewhat difficult due to the fact I just don't know anything about them.

GMC sierras, silverados, dakotas, rams, tacomas….. I literally have no basis when it comes to whats decent, whats a fuel guzzler etc

I'm a 28 year old single bloke, carpenter, life long ute/pick up driver, snow chaser and eventually come next Canadian spring/summer finally a mtb rider again after a few years off the bike. I'll be spending the winter in Fernie before heading back to Whistler/Squamish.

What pointers can you give me if I had say a budget of $10,000 max to spend

First…the domestics are more than good enough…way better bang for your buck than an expensive import(Toyota/Nissan)…under 10G's…definitely go domestic

Next, you'll notice the only diesels here are big motors in big, heavy duty trucks. If you aren't pullin' huge weight regularly…skip those (you'd be hard pressed to find a decent one under 10G's anyways)

Dodge's are hardest on fuel
Ford's are fine…but meh
Chevies are fine
GMC over the equivalent Chevy…not a deal breaker, but GMC does have a slight edge in overall quality. Don't know why, it's just a fact.

Chevy/GMC might get the best fuel mileage per hp/tq out of the bunch too

If I'm shopping for a sub 10G 4x4 truck…2000-2007ish V8 GMC Sierra :)

Carpenter in Fernie during winter. Get a truck with a huge heater.

Thanks Loopie, gives me some form of basis to work off! I've driven a Toyota Hilux here for the last few years so I am used to the Toyota quality but I'm not willing to go back into debt for a vehicle once I'm BC side. Kinda looking at it as time for a clean slate, no debts etc.

Whats the go with the Dodge Dakota's, there seems to be a fair few on 03-04 models on craigslist. Are they rubbish?

My only previous experience with a fullsize truck was a 1974 F100 when I was 18, so all information is welcomed guys :rocker:

Steer clear of the dakotas.

10G will get you a nice taco.

If its full size, I would go for the 05ish GMC Sierra 2500. HD if you can find a non diesel version.

Drove one for 3 years. Used it for my sprinklerfitting company. Had a pipe rack that was loaded daily with around 5-700lbs of pipe, full size greenlee loaded with tools, threader, ladders and all sorts of other tools.

6 liter motor had gobs of power, 120kmh on the highway with that load no problem, yet when not loaded and easy on the throttle the economy wasn't too bad.

Other than maintenance, not one problem with that truck. Still miss it a bit.

As far as small trucks, hard to beat the value in the Ford Rangers. A little google research will tell you which years/models are troublesome.

Final thought that I am surprised Loopie didn't mention but there is always the 4x4 Astro Van. Pretty boss vehicle for a single dude that spends a lot of time on the road.

Yeah if you want fullsize id get a sierra as well.

6.0, denali package without the lame rims and badging on the outside.

so easy to live with.

Reasonable on fuel.

Expensive front end parts, but they all are now adays.

What do you guys class as reasonable on fuel for a full size?

My 4.0 V6 hilux here gets me around 16.3L to the 100kms. Which is around 14miles to the gallon.

Is that to be expected, or am I off the mark?

Those GMC's do look real nice!

My ecoboost does the same except that I get to climb 1500 feet commuting back and forth to work. On the flat it would do about 14 or less, so I would think that our vehicles are about the same as what you are getting now.

Only thing is those Sierras in his price range probably aren't gunna produce those numbers.

Only thing is those Sierras in his price range probably aren't gunna produce those numbers.

What was I getting in the berb… was it 11/100 km?

I stopped checking.

What was I getting in the berb… was it 11/100 km?

I stopped checking.

now get a 04 sierra to do that.