DeWalt vs Makita Impact Drivers - Which should I buy for general DIY?

Hey folks, I'm looking to upgrade my old impact driver and can't decide between DeWalt's DCF887 and Makita's XDT16. I mostly do furniture restoration and light carpentry, but want something that'll last. Any experiences with these two? I've heard DeWalt has better torque, but Makita feels more balanced in hand. Budget isn't a huge concern if it's quality.

OP, check the sales at Home Depot this month! I got the DeWalt kit (driver, 2 batteries, charger) for $199 last year. Makita's usually pricier for similar specs. Honestly, both brands are solid, but if you're just doing DIY stuff, the cheaper DeWalt will do everything you need. Don't overspend unless you're using it daily.

I'm an apprentice carpenter and my boss swears by Makita - we use their XDT16 on job sites daily. The quick-shift mode is awesome for switching between drilling and driving. But tbh, I borrowed my buddy's DeWalt last week and it felt just as powerful? Maybe try both at the store if you can. Also, battery compatibility matters - what other tools do you have?

Thanks both! Steve, good point about battery systems - I've got some older DeWalt 20V batteries, so that's leaning me toward staying in that ecosystem. Sparky, I'll watch for sales, but I'm willing to pay more if the Makita truly lasts longer. Anyone have longevity stories with either? My last driver died after 3 years of moderate use.

My DeWalt's going strong after 4 years, but I only use it weekends. Pro tip: buy bare tool if you already have batteries! Saves like $100. Honestly, both will outlast most DIYers. Unless you're dropping it off ladders daily (don't do that), just get whatever's cheaper with good warranty.