Help me decide....Tundra or Ram?

[Kalstar]

Its time for the SUV to go For my needs a pickup truck seem most logical. I need something that can pull at least 7500lbs and has seating for at least 5 people. I will plan to buy it out right, the budget is 25k. So I have narrowed down to two choices. Ram or Tundra, either choice will have the largest engine available (5.7L). I decided against Ford as everyone of my friends have one (I like to be different) and the Chevy/GMC just doesn't do it for me looks wise.

I can get into the Manheim Auto Auctions so I will be buying at dealer cost. In the 25k price range I can get a 2008 low mileage (under 30k miles) double cab Tundra 4x4 with the 381hp 5.7L or I can get a 2012 Ram 1500 Express Quad cab 4x4 with less then 20k miles, 5.7L 390 hp.

Pros of Ram

I like the looks better.
It is 4 years newer (price for price)
It is ranked higher for customer satisfaction.
Truck of the Year.
Slightly higher HP

Cons for Ram

Not much can be done to increase power without voiding warrantee.
Very heavy, so acceleration might be affected.
Long term reliability??
Made in Mexico.

Pro for Tundra

Can be supercharged through the dealer 504hp on tap.
Better resale value
Toyota Reliability
Made in America with 75% of it's parts made in USA

Cons for Tundra.

Dollar for dollar needs to be an older truck.
Redesign will be out this year as a 2014
Not bad looking, but not the Ram's muscular looks.

So there you have it, if it was your money, which one?

[Bob Cowan]

Its t I need something that can pull at least 7500lbs and has seating for at least 5 people.

2010 Ram 2500 with a Cummins turbo diesel. It will easily pull that weight across any terrain you want to pick. Not many mountains where you live, I know. But you never know where your travels will take you.

[sheephearder]

My 2008 tundra super crew has 128,000 miles, gets 15-15.5 mpg @ 75mph on the highway. The towing capacity is 10,800lb. I have towed my car hauler with a f-350 V-10 crew cab on it safely for a 450 mile trip through Dallas and Ft. Worth areas. I'll bet it's faster than the dodge and I'm positive it is a smoother ride. Also, if it is 4wd, its turning radius is less. It was also Motor Trend "2008 Truck of the year". Good luck in buying a used truck and my advise is to get a "car facts" report before buying.

John

[Jeff Kleiner]

Can't speak for the Toyo but we've got a Quad cab 4X4 Ram 2500 with the Hemi that is used mostly for towing. 140K miles with no drivetrain issues but it has had both front axle bearings, one axle joint and the heater core replced (requires removal of the entire dash).

Overall it's been a good truck but here's the honest truth; although the 5.7 makes good horsepower on paper the torque is soft until it gets wound up which isn't where you need it when towing. Even with a 4.10 axle it's working hard to keep 7,000 pounds rolling 70MPH when you hit grades more significant than interstate overpasses it will usually has to drop down to 4th, and often 3rd to maintain speed (both 4th & 5th are overdrives). Consequently it's thirsty, especially at speed; when loaded you can squeek into double digits if you stay below 60MPH but when cruising at 70-75 it's less than 10. To be fair I have to say that the 2000 GMC 2500 with a 6 liter we had prior to the Dodge was weaker and faced it's own challenges moving the exact same load but did get a bit better fuel mileage.

Despite the fact that they're rated to tow more I think ~7,000 pounds is about the breakover point for the gas engines' comfort zone and where you need to start giving the diesels a hard look.

Jeff

[riptide motorsport]

Ram

[Kalstar]

Thx guys. Going truck shopping again tomorrow.

[Steven K]

My son has a Tundra. Great truck.