Small pickup owners chime in

[AdironRider]

I love my FJ, but you overpay when you buy a used Toyota. The reliability is there but you pay dearly for it. Buy new or save yourself some cash and buy a small domestic pickup.

[phreshkid]

I'm actually in the process of acquiring a 2006 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner Regular Cab.
2.7l 4-cyl 5-speed.

I'm hoping it becomes the truck that never dies.

WTF I don't even need a truck.

[mrmckie]

Alright so toyota is number one for sure...what would be second?

[TurboJake]

what would be second?

Toyota

[AbeSonic]

The best damn little truck ever made is the Toyota pickup with the 4 cylinder 22R-E engine and a 5 speed trans. Anyone who says differently is out of their damn mind!

This. I have one of these little puppy trucks and they are worth their weight in gold.

[lowsodium]

I love my FJ, but you overpay when you buy a used Toyota. The reliability is there but you pay dearly for it. Buy new or save yourself some cash and buy a small domestic pickup.

He said he was spending around $3000. Why would he spend 20k on a new truck??

[e30saam]

This. I have one of these little puppy trucks and they are worth their weight in gold.

Quoted for truth. I own an 2wd 89 Pickup with a 22r (carbed) and a 4 speed. Love the gearing of the 4 speed. So much fun around town. I got it when I was 16, still have it. My uncle bought it from the original owner, and then gave it to me when I got my license. Its got like 210,000 miles and drives great. 22r's are not known for blown head gaskets. the 3VZ-FE is known for headgasket issues. I beat the crap out of mine, and it doesn't ever want to die. some times I just wish it would take crap so I can swap a 1uz into it, but it's too stubborn.

[AdironRider]

He said he was spending around $3000. Why would he spend 20k on a new truck??

You are missing my point. Toyota's aren't a value proposition when buying used. YOu pay to much of a premium for a used truck. So if you want a Toyota, my point was he would be wasting his money.

Whereas Ford Rangers (this would be my choice) are almost just as reliable, much cheaper to repair, and can be had for peanuts all over the country. A much better value.

[mrmckie]

You are missing my point. Toyota's aren't a value proposition when buying used. YOu pay to much of a premium for a used truck. So if you want a Toyota, my point was he would be wasting his money.

Whereas Ford Rangers (this would be my choice) are almost just as reliable, much cheaper to repair, and can be had for peanuts all over the country. A much better value.

interesting point. The rangers def go for about half of what is being asked for the toyotas or the same but with much less miles and rot, same thing with the S10's and Dakotas. But the good part is that i know it will continue to hold it's value way better than the domestics would when/if i decide to sell it 4-5 yrs down the line....

This is harder than i thought, i def like the toyota's but not a fan of the condition most are in and the price ppl are asking for them. I might have to drive around a couple towns and maybe i can score one for cheap off someones lawn or something..lol

[PorscheH6]

I'm quite surprised nobody has mentioned the Nissan hardbody with the KA24E....

[hfabricius]

Buy S10. Swap in small block. One of the best choices.

[e30saam]

My Dad has a 2001 ranger 2.5L I4 5 speed. He bought it in 2006 for $3,200 with 170,000 miles. its got 215,000 mile right now and on its the original clutch. All we have done is basic maintenance, and a heater core replacement. It's a great truck. I'd recommend it too.

[long tall eta]

86 or 87 jeep comanche 4.0

[e30bulldog]

I'm quite surprised nobody has mentioned the Nissan hardbody with the KA24E....

I did

[brads2002]

Had a 97 4.0/4WD/5 Speed Ranger for a few years I ended up selling it with 175K for more then I paid for it with 150K. It was a great truck. I have a barefoot nautique with trailer weighs about 5K. I put many miles on towing that boat. It was a little sketchy on the highway but the truck could pull it up any ramp dirt or paved. I eventually needed something with more seating and bought an F150. I love the F150 but the ranger was fun to drive and almost as useful. Good luck.