I am am in the market to buy my first vehicle. I know I want either at 1/2 or 3/4 ton pickup, diesel, and 4wd. other than that I'm not too picky. What do you guys have and what do you like and dislike about them? What brand/ model would you recommend? Thanks

If you are going to tow and the price is acceptable, I would definitely go with a 3/4 ton. I don't think you can buy a 1/2 ton diesel yet, but I could be wrong. I have a Dodge 2500 with a 5.9 Cummins HO. I have about 75k Miles on it and so far I am very pleased with it.It's been a good truck for all the abuse I put it through.

Ya, definitly go with the 3/4, they come with bigger brakes, and beefier frame. Just the bigger brakes alone make a huge difference with towing or having the sled in the back. I have a 97' 3/4 Silverado long box. It's a gas truck and has no problems pulling 2-3 sleds. But if you can find a diesel, they are better. If I were to buy a new truck, I would be looking at the new Sierra's.

Well I guess my first question would be how much do you tow (kg/lbs) and how often? If you only tow occasionally with only moderate weight go w/a 1/2ton/gas. If you tow heavy alot go for diesel. As for Diesel it would take alot of towing to make up the premium you pay just to have an oil burner. I personally drive a duramax and the power and economy are nice but I think the difference in fuel price right now more than makes up for the diff in mpg. 3.15reg comp to 3.85#2 Not to mention the additional cost of maintainance ouch. Let me tell ya there is no such thing as a 20.00 oil change anymore.Ok i think I am done rambling..G

you cannot go wrong with a 3/4 ton, all around they are better, the 1/2 tonners have more of a luxery ride to them, and the 3/4 ton rides more like i truck would, as i assume you already know that.... I like the dodge cummins diesel engine, it is the best diesel engine you can get in a pick up..... i am not a fan however of their cars..... just the trucks, its either dodge or gmc.....

big question is, are you going to be driving more with a load or not?

diesels get awesome fuel economy for the package they are in, you get a gas truck and its getting at best probably 17 mpg, a diesel is pushing 25mpg.

I was definitely looking more towards the 3/4 ton. I work for a contractor in the summer and snowmobile (obviously) during the winter as well as carry a full bed of snow and trailer full so 75%of the time it will be pulling something or hauling something.

We've got two dodge diesels and have been happy with both. Doesn't matter what brand you buy if you're on rougher roads you're going to have to do front end work on the fairly often. Within 100,000 kms for sure on the newer trucks. This is straight from experience and from many friends and people that I've run into over the years with the same coments. Oil change will set you back about 60 bucks with oil filter oil and a fuel filter. That's pretty much a requirement that you change them everytime. 94-98.5 are a real pain to change, 98.5-current are a little bit easier but still not much fun with the dodge diesels. From what I understand the duramax isn't much better either Don't know about the fords.

Personally I'd buy first a dodge diesel second a GMC Diesel for 3/4 tons. I personally wouldn't buy a ford as I've head and seen too much trouble with them. Also, wouldn't buy a 6.5 GM diesel as they are just grief for the most part.

Fuel mileage on our 03 dodge diesel is running 25-28 mpg without and mods on the highway. The 94 runs around that 20-25 mark. Cdn gallons.

Ryan