New first time truck buyer from Orlando
 

Hello all,

I am trading in my 2009 InfinitiQX-56 suv as a down payment to buy a brand new pickup truck that is more practical for my work. I manage a surface refinishing company and am frequently hauling dozens of gallons of epoxy coatings as well as green board and occasional lumber for when we have to do more serious repairs, and quite frankly even if I didn't work in the industry I'm in, I'm 6'5'' 240 lbs so I don't feel comfortable in smaller vehicles.

I was working in Colorado 2 years ago and the contractor I was frequently drove with had a dodge ram which I fell in love with. On the other hand I have a lot of buddies with F-150's and my best friend has a 2014 fully loaded Toyota Tundra that is very nice.

I've done very basic research, I've never been mechanically inclined, especially when it comes to motor vehicles so I don't really know technicalities, 5.7 litre vs 6.0, cummings transmissions vs others, v6 vs v8, etc.

All I Know is I don't want to spend more than 40k, and I need backseats because I'm going to have at least one kiddie soon. I don't plan on towing much of anything, so I'm more looking for interior features/aesthetics, overall performance and cost of possible future repairs, and gas efficiency. I'm also confused about the diesel vs regular gas debate because I have buddies that swear by diesel engines but I heard the repairs are immensely more expensive.

My top choice right now is either a 2015-2016 dodge ram 1500. I would love to get some opinions, thank you!

Go get the Ram. Surely you will love it. Welcome by the way.

Welcome!

You definitely won't regret your choice to buy a truck that's for sure.

I can't really do much to sway you in any direction gas vs diesel or brand, because they all have their ups and downs.

For what you need, a half ton crew cab should be about perfect for you. I don't know that you'll find one that new for under $40k though. Maybe look for a top of the line with 20k miles on it? That's what I did