Posted: Feb 14 2005 at 5:35pm | IP Logged

OK, looks like the '03 F-150 may be getting ready to get kicked to the curb. Need a truck for towing, so:

GM,GMC: forgettaboutit

Dodge: Nice truck, but I need one that's reliable - and dealers can service.

Ford: Best made truck IMHO. Problem is my dogs could provide better service - the service techs nearly killed both of us the last time (NO exaggeration). '03 was bought on the hope that it would be as good (or at least close) as the '94 Ranger - 230K, only the alternator was replaced until I, like an idiot and knowing better, brought it to Ford for ball joints and power steering flush at ~ 220K). Doesn't look like the F-150 is up to it, and I'd be hard pressed to take it to ANY Ford dealer for warranty work (that generous 36K warranty was up after 1 1/2 yrs), let alone pay for it!

Titan (ext cab): OK looks (personal taste), nice (if not best) interior, best drivetrain. Doesn't offer some creature comforts the better-half would like - namely a sunroof and power sliding rear window (great with the dogs!). Doesn't have limited-slip diffs (big minus) - the EABS (or whatever its called) don't count. The brake issue, and to a lesser extent the rear diff issue, will probably prevent a purchase before '06 model year.

Use: Daily driver, and towing 2-horse trailer (max ~ 6,000 lbs). I used to perform all my own service, but other priorities prevent this so a reliable/dealer-serviceable vehicle is top priority (service - where the domestic mfg's fall on their face).

Other options: Buy (cheap) high-mpg car and a HD diesel for towing. Probably more expensive but each is 'better' at what it needs to do.

Just looking for any thoughts, suggestions, inputs, etc. How about recommended dealers, and more improtantly, suggested Nissan mechanics (names, not dealers)? [Funny, I asked the same on the big Ford truck site and the only suggestions were for dealerships/Ford mechanics easily over an hour away - I guess they are rare birds. . .)

Thanks.