You trust your financial planner with your money and your doctor with your health. When it comes to vehicles, consulting a trusted mechanic is wise. If you’re in the market for a pickup truck, a mechanic’s insights can be invaluable, offering advice on the best and, importantly, the worst models available.
GOBankingRates spoke with Tomasz Mazurkiewicz, the CEO of Truck1 and a truck expert, regarding which pickup trucks to avoid. Here are three he wouldn’t recommend:
Ford F-150 (2018)
MSRP: $27,705-$60,520
According to Mazurkiewicz the 2018 F-150, despite its appealing appearance, is plagued by issues. The expert stated, “Transmission issues have seemingly plagued the 2018 Ford F-150,” leading to problems with driver safety. These issues include early stall-outs and engine malfunctions, especially in Eco-boost models. Mazurkiewicz concluded, “Nobody likes to make compromises, especially when it comes to such purchases.”
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2019)
MSRP: $28,300-$57,700
The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 also presents an attractive exterior, but it suffers from a significant drawback: the dynamic fuel management system. Mazurkiewicz explained it was designed to boost efficiency, “many people who own vehicles equipped with this system state that they have had terrible experiences with misfires along with lifter failures.” He added that lifter replacement, along with other repairs, can be costly, “which turns purchasing this model into a gamble.” The multiple complaints regarding interior quality and tech glitches further detract from the value.
Nissan Titan (2020)
MSRP: $36,190-$59,280
Mazurkiewicz noted that the 2020 Titan, “did not record nearly as much dependability scores as some of its competitors even though its entry-level price was lower than theirs.” He cited shifting problems due to the nine-speed automatic transmission as a major concern, making the driving experience “quite terrible.” Additionally, he pointed out the truck’s limited towing and payload capabilities compared to its competitors, making it a poor choice for those seeking a robust work vehicle.