I've decided to get out of sports cars for a little while. See:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=162298
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=166505&page=3

Anyways, I'm looking into getting a truck or a smaller SUV brand new, instead of messing with used cars anymore. I had been planning on waiting till I was done with school, but I might as well get it now while I have a lot of money together for one.

My first question is regarding loans. I'm a 20 year old college student. I've never had any trouble with credit cards or anything, so I would guess that I could get a decent rate on a loan from my bank. But is getting a student loan possible? Would the rate on one of those be lower then that on a new car rate?

I've been reading up on a website a lot about the whole process (http://www.carbuyingtips.com) so I'm starting to get a hold on what to do and what not to do.

As far as what I have been looking at so far, I have test driven a Toyota Tundra double cab, Nissan Titan double cab, and a Nissan Xterra. I liked all 3. I was a little more cramped in the Xterra though. I'm 6'5" tall so I need a "big" vehicle so I can have enough room to feel comfortable like most people would in any other car. I just want something I can tow a wave runner or boat with, and maybe take off road once in a while. So in that aspect, I dont know if I need to get something that is 4x4 or just 4x2. I also want something with a useable back seat, which is why I was looking at the double cab versions of the trucks.

But right now, I am lost on what to get. Toyota, Nissan, GM, and now Ford (especially on the Explorer) are all starting to offer these huge rebates.

Well, I'd like to hear any feedback you guys can offer me. Thanks!!!

 

Quality-wise, I would stay away from Chevy / GM, Dodge, and older Nissan Titan pickups. If you want a pickup, look first at the Tundra (you apparantly have done so), then the Ford F-150, then newer Titans.The Nissan plant in Canton, MS, which builds the Titan among other Nissan products, had teething problems at first but has recently improved some.
As far as towing boats are concerned, if they are really heavy boats, consider a diesel F-150 or F-250. Otherwise, the other trucks should be able to do the job.
For off-roading, you will generally want 4X4 ...but keep in mind that most pickups offer only the part-time 4X4 systems that lock up all 4 wheels at the same rotational speed. That is because it is not only cheaper and simpler to produce ( no center differential ) but is generally more durable and fitting for off-road use. However, it CANNOT be used on dry pavement because with all four wheels trying to rotate at the same speed, on paved curves the 4 wheels want to each rotate at a different speed and the system will not allow it...the result is stress on the tires, wheel bearings, U-joints, drive shaft, and other drivetrain parts. In extreme cases the drivetrain can bind up to the point where the shifter will get frozen in place.
Some newer pickups have a center differential for the 4WD system...check on the truck you are looking at. If so, the previous restrictions do not apply.
TRD, I believe, offers a 2WD off-road package for the Tundra besides a 4WD one ( flip, correct me if I'm wrong ) but it may not have the traction you need.

 

Thanks for the input

Yeah, I was already not realling considering GM or Dodge. It will be either Toyota, Nissan, or the Ford. And I would guess I wouldnt need to worry about the Titan? Since I am buying one new.

 

I'd say a Toyota or Ford. I like the Tacomas really well, they are one of the most dependable vehicles out there. I'm not fond of the new F-150, it's too...plain I should say. If I were getting a ford I would get either a Ranger, Sport track, or Explorer. Those are the small ones. But yea Toyota or Ford are your best bet, Nissan just doesn't have much except the supercharged Frontier (Which isn't bad by the way) and the Pathfinder (QX4).

 

The Tacoma may be a bit too small for me, plus there are no rebates available for them right now. I priced out the F-150, Tundra, and Titan how I would want them, and came up with this:

2005 Ford F-150 4x2 SuperCrew Cab Styleside 5.5 ft. box 139 in. WB XLT
MSRP: $32,495.00

$26,215.00


2005 Toyota Tundra 4x2 Double Cab Limited V8 (A5) (SET)
MSRP: $32,440.00

$27,609.00

2005 Nissan Titan 4x2 Crew Cab SE w/FFV
MSRP: $30,320.00

$26,097.00

Anyone have any recomendations as far as my financial situation goes?