Cheap Truck?

[cbzdel]

I am looking at picking up a new cheap truck for home protects. I was thinking something cheaper and older in the $2000 to $3000 range. Also I would want a smaller truck, not a full size model only because I'm really limited on parking space.

Right now I am looking into late 80s early 90s Ford Rangers and Jeep Comanches.

Just wanted to get some input from others before I get to serious about this.

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[decklin]

Toyota t100 would be great but you may find you're better off with a 4runner. They're bullet proof and go anywhere.
In case you can't tell I like Toyota. My DD is Tundra.

 

[Just Jim]

I got an older Toyota Tacoma I might part with, 96 and I am the original owner.

 

[jbett98]

The best deals on vehicles I've seen lately are at estate sales.
I look for low mileage, original owner cars/trucks.
The old saying is true, you'll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse.


Check out this site.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...chfuYPSuUoltveg&bvm=bv.96041959,d.cGU&cad=rja

 

[Joe Link]

My Land Cruiser is at 245k and the LS400 is just under 180k. I'd definitely go with a Toyota.

 

[mjbskwim]

Toyota t100 would be great but you may find you're better off with a 4runner. They're bullet proof and go anywhere.
In case you can't tell I like Toyota. My DD is Tundra.

Yes most definitely a T100,but raise your budget up quite a bit for a good one. They are 3-4k with 300k on them.
But they come with the second best engine toyota made ,the 3.4lt
Good luck on those!
Take a look at Mazdas too,they are pretty good little trucks.If they weren't lowered

 

[solv3nt]

It's more than twice your budget, but I've got an 03 Tundra regular cab 2x2 with 75k miles that I'll be parting with in a few months. I'm looking to get the dealer value, $5k or so. The truck is immaculate.

 

[jbett98]

A friend had a Mazda B2000 pickup that was still going strong at 300,000 plus miles until a young women more intent on texting then driving rear ended him and totaled the truck.
He called it a Mazdaratti and it was as far from an exotic high performance car as you could get, but it never let him down.

 

[Member 5605]

Toyota:
No 3.0 motors - prone to crappy mpg and head gasket failures.
+ 2.2, 2.4, 2.7, 2.0 engines. 3.4's are solid engines.

Ford:
3.0 or 4.0 (pre-98) are good, roller rockers and run darn good for a pushrod engine. Post 98 engines have the timing chain in the rear and one must pull engine to service the chain guides.

Chevy:
4.3's are good. Albeit gas hogs, the 2.2L engines are solid, don't get a 2.8.....!!

Jeeps:
Can't go wrong with the 4.0HO straight 6. Seriously, can't go wrong. Downside is they like to run at 210*, which is warmer than the 195* most other vehies run at.

That's all I can say from my experience in shops

 

[40calruler]

I would be messaging @Just Jim or @solv3nt with the deals they are talking about. Great trucks. I recently got a 4runner sr5 and I love the thing. I have a 08 Camry with 150k and 2 years ago sold a Corolla with 230k. Ran great up till selling. Yeah they are cars not trucks but made me a Toyota fan for life. 4runner just made it more so that I love them.

I have had Chevy trucks most my life and do like them but I love Toyota.

 

[Redcap]

Toyota:
No 3.0 motors - prone to crappy mpg and head gasket failures.
+ 2.2, 2.4, 2.7, 2.0 engines. 3.4's are solid engines.

Ford:
3.0 or 4.0 (pre-98) are good, roller rockers and run darn good for a pushrod engine. Post 98 engines have the timing chain in the rear and one must pull engine to service the chain guides.

Chevy:
4.3's are good. Albeit gas hogs, the 2.2L engines are solid, don't get a 2.8.....!!

Jeeps:
Can't go wrong with the 4.0HO straight 6. Seriously, can't go wrong. Downside is they like to run at 210*, which is warmer than the 195* most other vehies run at.

That's all I can say from my experience in shops

Ford 2.8/2.9 V6 found in Rangers/Bronco IIs is one of the crappiest engines ever made.

Of all the junk I work on for other people, I see the 4.3L Chev V6 the least.

 

[RVTECH]

3.0 or 4.0 (pre-98) are good, roller rockers and run darn good for a pushrod engine.

I recently sold a 96 Ranger that had 227K on a 4.0 and ran like new. The front ends on on Rangers leave a lot to be desired - especially those with the Dana 35 axle. The servo controlled transfer case can be problematic but mostly due to to LACK of use. I used to routinely switch mine on to 4 high and low mostly to keep the servo and linkage to the transfer case free and operational.

 

[Oregonhunter5]

This is an easy answer. First off, take your time.
Then find a 80's Toyota 1 ton, with a V6.
THAT is a sweet ride.

 

[Papercidal]

Any 4cyl toyota especially the 3/4 ton version. My last little Toyota was 88 I bought for 900 drove for 6-7 years and sold for 950 the 20/22r is probably the best gas engine ever made. I am hoping my tundra will be 1/2 as reliable as my little 4cyl trucks.

I have a bunch of rangers at work and they work ok but just will not haul any weight 8-900 pounds at most and the 6 just does not seem as powerful as the 4 in the toyota.

 

[45alive]

I am looking at picking up a new cheap truck for home protects. I was thinking something cheaper and older in the $2000 to $3000 range. Also I would want a smaller truck, not a full size model only because I'm really limited on parking space.

Right now I am looking into late 80s early 90s Ford Rangers and Jeep Comanches.

Just wanted to get some input from others before I get to serious about this.

I totally agree with Papercidal, I was going to buy my Step-sons 88 Toyota 4 Banger and the lil butthead sold it to his friend. I have had my 88 Ford Ranger 2.9L V6 5 speed 4x4 almost 10 years and it has over 265,000 on it. Its a mountain goat in 4x4 and I hauled a 900+ Lb Cabover camper all over with it and its the best rig I have owned. I get 21 MPG, but once you go over 60 MPH you get quite a bit less. I consider it a low maintenance rig as well. Like the phrase some women use about us Men, which I will use regarding any Vehicle is '' Its not the size of the bus , but how you drive it'' anything used and abused ain't gonna last.