What Detailing Vehicle To Choose

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imported_JoshVette

New member
I'm in the process of launching my detailing business and am also in the process of looking for a good truck to haul things around and light towing.



I'm strongly leaning towards the Nissan Titan, what would you pro. detailers use if given the choice?
 
If only for a buisness, it's hard to beat the ford f150 work truck option. It's cheap, nice, and gets great gas milage (v6).
 
jsatek said:
Scion xB. Get it vinyl wrapped in your logo/business card. Its an attention getter.





Light towing, I dont know.
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:har:



I would drive one of those shoe boxes if you paid me........:funnypost



I'm really sticking with trucks here.
 
JoshVette said:
I'm really sticking with trucks here.
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:goodjob



F150s are plentiful, less expensive than GM and imports, and are very durable trucks. I'm a GM supporter myself, but I do know the Ford is a good product.



The 3 valve 5.4L Triton is rated at 300 HP, I do believe. While it's not a screamer off the line, it has plenty of torque for towing and passing on the interstate. Fuel mileage will be comparable to that 19 highway. I think they're rated around 15 in town.



The 4.6L is OK, but if you are comparing to the other engines on the market, it's a bit low on power and torque. I think it's around 245 HP in the '07s. Not sure if they still offer the 4.2L 6 cylinder. That keeps the cost down a bit more.
 
With regards to the Titan, I know that I've read about and heard discussion about differential problems. Service histories show that they tend to chew up a rear end prematurely if used for any kind of "spirited" driving or regular towing, even if not heavy duty. I would do a lot of research on that if you're planning on using one for towing.
 
Thanks guys, I absolutely love the look of the Titan and there aren't 1,000,000 of them on the road yet but I may need to check into the F150 also.......maybe one of those HarleyDavidson Editions.:D
 
JoshVette said:
I read 19mpg on the highway for the Titan.



I'd like to stick with a V8 engine, do you know how it would compare an F150??
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I looked into the Titans, but I heard many, many actual reports of poor gas mileage.
 
I drive a tundra as well as someone else on here I know...gets about 15-20 MPG street/highway....I would opt for the solid rear window on any truck you get more area for advertising on the truck instead of on the paint....the 3 piece slider on my truck has been opened about 3 times in two years....not worth it!



I would have gotten a v6 to get better mileage around town, the V8 is overkill if you are not towing anything. Even a 4cyl would be better! I put everything in my bed, no trailer. If you are towing something really light <3000 pounds, get a v6 in a full size truck to keep costs down - insurance, gas, cost of the truck, maintenance, etc



look into the tacoma, silverado, tundra for trucks



if you are looking for a SUV, the tahoe is really nice and roomy and can be found for a good price cheap...same with the expedition



either route you go, never get a black car, and always keep it really clean
 
JoshVette,



I have the same plans as you do except I've already got the truck. I purchased this truck about a week ago to start my own mobile detailing business also.



Here are a few pics of it...



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Sorry about the crappy pics, but I just took them a few minutes ago just to give you another option to consider in addition to the Titan and the others mentioned.



What kind of trailer do you plan on getting? I don't have one yet, but hopefully I will soon.
 
I'd say pick up a used diesel version from any of the big 3, find one a few years old and you'll get a great deal, just avoid 03' Powerstrokes. Friend is taking delivery of his new GMC 3500HD with every option in January. Can't wait to see how it drives, still think the last gen looks better, but that new interior looks sick and apparently drives pretty smooth for a HD truck. Heck the old one drive nice.
 
why diesel??? he has no need for it...he is going to do LIGHT hauling....nothing you need diesel for...plus it costs more than gas now....lol
 
Surfer said:
I'd say pick up a used diesel version from any of the big 3, find one a few years old and you'll get a great deal, just avoid 03' Powerstrokes. Friend is taking delivery of his new GMC 3500HD with every option in January. Can't wait to see how it drives, still think the last gen looks better, but that new interior looks sick and apparently drives pretty smooth for a HD truck. Heck the old one drive nice.
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Mmmm...my gf's dad has one of those suckers. Holy crap do they ever move. And so smooth, I was very impress. Much nicer than the F350 I worked on a couple weeks ago.
 
toyotaguy said:
why diesel??? he has no need for it...he is going to do LIGHT hauling....nothing you need diesel for...plus it costs more than gas now....lol
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I just meant if he was going be buying one of the trucks new, can get a great deal on a slightly used diesel HD truck. But I'm a car guy so I'm biased LOL, diesels are fun to play with.:lol
 
What about a Ford Ranger? Sure, they haven't had a make-over in years, but you could probably get a pretty nice one for cheap. A few years ago I drove one that had the 4.0L V6 & it was 4x4.



One of the pro detailers, Justin, has one. You might hit him up.
 
I'll be wanting to stick with the full size truck line.



So are there any trucks that are better quality then another?? I read Consumer Reports, but they say about the same things about most of the full size trucks.......



Tundra seems to be the best all around, but I don't care for it's design and it doesn't seem have many engine choices to me.
 
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