Daily Driver

[crashz]

The wise folks here at TBN have enlightened me many times, so I'm asking for some opinions on what I should do for a daily driver. At this point, brand is of little concern, but best application is highest. Not quite ready for a replacement of my curerent DD yet, but I'm going to start planning and saving for it now.

My 2004 GMC 1/2 ton (4x4, auto, SC/LB) is getting a little long in the tooth at 150K miles. A pet peave of mine is that its a large truck, but being a 1/2 ton, I frequently see the limits of its capacity when plowing snow and towing. And being a regular cab, long bed, it seems like its always awkwardly large, yet too small and light at times. There is very little passenger space and more will be needed for my next vehicle. Since I have a few old trucks, but only keep one vehicle at home, that daily driver needs to do it all. The old trucks are purely fun, not much function.

My needs will be the following in order of importance:
- Reliable daily driver
- Good fuel economy (typical of 30K miles per year, 90% highway), the higher the better?
- 4x4 (due mostly to work, as I work as a field engineer)
- Large enough to tote around a few people and hand tools/field gear
- Simple, easy to work on if needed, minimal options but comfortable.

Highly desired options:
- Capable of commercial snowplowing (I plow 5 residentials now, but I'd like to expand to commercial)
- Capable of towing the other two trucks (3/4 ton and 1 ton dump, which I can't tow now) on a trailer. I do not expect to tow more than 10,000 lbs though.
- Bed mounted tool box (like my current truck)

I orginally decided to purchase a small SUV like my wife's CRV and keep my existing truck. The problem with that is that I have no room at my house to store three vehicles and also have an uncluttered driveway. If I store it at the land in NY, it will sit for long periods of time along with the other two and be useless for me when I need a truck. I'd register and insure yet one more vehicle. Also my capacity does not increase, and I'd likely just give up plowing completely. Which is a problem since I'm addicted.

The other option is get a nice new 3/4 ton, extended cab truck (and I really, really want one!) and do all the things on the list except drive anywhere. I can't afford a diesel and frankly won't pay for one. And I believe gas is going to go beyond $4 per gallon. The kicker is definately the mileage of the current gas engines. I can't live with 17 mpg on the highway anymore. Need to be a bit more efficient.

So I keep flip flopping on what to do. But eventually I need to make a move, as reliablity is key. I can't miss a client presentation or deadlines. And I'm also trying to be economically responsible and practical, since we are planning on starting a family soon.

Yes - I want the best of both worlds. Help me find the best compromise. Also keeping in mind that the purchase will likely be in 2012 or at the very earliest, late this year. Perhaps new technology will favor me???

Thanks,
Leo

 

[Diamondpilot]

If it were me I would buy a new year old Honda Civic 2 door to drive daily and then pick up a 2005 or later F-350 SRW with the V-10 in a Crew Cab 4x4 for the work end.

Chris

 

[WH401]

I too would have to suggest the fuel efficient car for a daily driver and a older capable truck for the working part. Even though I do it, driving around in a big truck at the price of fuel these days doesn't make much sense, unless it's paid off of course. Having the payment of a new 3/4-ton, plus fuel, insurance, and maintenance, your looking at about $1000+ a month, if your lucky.

 

[Egon]

Think maybe the requirements will have to be altered a bit to meet your needs.

 

[crashz]

See - this is why I called upon the TBN crowd!

True. There is no HD truck on the market now that will get 30 mpg unloaded as a commuter. It's a pipe dream.

A commuter car is the least expensive way to get around. No argument there. But I find myself falling into this line of thinking a lot:

1) A little car would be best on gas, but I generally need more room and 4x4 on job sites...
2) So a compact SUV or crossover would fit better and still get 25-30 mpg...
3) But if it only gets 25 mpg, and a new F150 will get that (with the infamous 3.5L Ecoboost), then why not the convenience and comfort of a full size truck...
4) And if the Ecoboost gets 25 mpg, for a mere 3 mpg penalty, I can get a new F250 and be able to plow snow, and do everything. Because I heard that the new gas 6.2L will get 22mpg on the highway...

Eventually I always talk myself into the bigger truck. It's a miracle I haven't reasoned myself into an F550. Obviously it's a slippery slope for me. Mostly because there is nothing in choices #1 and #2 that I really love, like the GMC 2500HD or F250/F350.

So do you guys have any recommendations for a decent commuter vehicle? So far the CRV is high on my list, and maybe a Focus wagon. I looked at the Escape, but even the stripped down model was nearly the cost of a stripped F250, and mileage was good but not great, unless stepping up to the hybrid. The GMC Terrain is overpriced as well. Haven't looked at the Chevy or RAV4. Anything else I should look at? Used Saturn SUV?

Thanks!
Leo

 

[Egon]

Hyundai Tuson.:thumbsup:

 

[Zork]

The mid/late 80's F350's diesels get great fuel mileage. My 86 F350 Quad cab 6.9 gets 18 highway and 13-14 combination; but its not 4wd.

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

Used Jetta TDI wagon, if you can find one.

 

[Zork]

Used Jetta TDI wagon, if you can find one.

Great choice. My 85 Jetta still gets upward of 50 mpg.

 

[deerefan]

Look at the ford ranger with a 4 cylinder. They get upper 20s maybe even 30 hwy