Tips on Buying Cars: Buying new pickup truck, gmc sierra, toyota tundra

Question
Hi Shari - I am in the market for a 2010 4 door pickup truck with 4x4. It will be my primary vehicle for my family (2 kids ages 7 and 4) and also a towing vehicle for a horse trailer. Must be able to tow 9,000+ lbs. and have tow package, class IV hitch, etc. I have test driven several and have narrowed down my choice to the Toyota Tundra, Ram 1500 and I am also researching the GMC Sierra 1500 (haven't yet test driven). They are all neck and neck ratings-wise - I have been on Consumer Reports, Edmunds, etc. - I cannot lease as I average 16k miles per year. I like the reliability of Toyota but have to say I felt the RAM drove a bit smoother. The Toyota felt a bit jittery.

I have 2 questions. First of all, should I be at all concerned about "reliability" and the future of GMC and Chrysler? Does it make a difference if they go under?

My 2nd question is regarding diesel. What are the pros and cons of diesel? I am only remotely considering diesel, as aren't they loud? We live in a quiet neighborhood and one neighbor has a Diesel Ford 2500 and it's quite loud when he starts it ;). I drive 25 miles each way to the barn 4-5 times per week. That is the bulk of my driving. The rest is VERY local - school, shopping, etc is 1 to 3 miles away (we live in NoVA). I would be towing perhaps 2-3 times a month, and at the most traveling 30 minutes each way with most often, only one horse in the trailer.

Would love ANY advice. We hope to buy in December, end of month to get the best deal :) If you have ANY ANY advice on how to get the best deal, let me know. The RAM and Toyota dealers have been overly accommodating and nice (vs. a Ford dealer I visited). Thanks so much! Linda

Answer
Hi Linda,

Your first question...the future of GM is just fine. Even if they did tank your warranty will be okay.

I'm not the person to ask about diesel vs gas.

Find the invoice on the truck you want and negotiate from that price. I'm sure there will be rebates going on also. Rebates will be back of the invoice. Both the Ram and Toyota are fine trucks...personally I've never been a fan of Ford.

Good luck