Help me pick a light duty truck

[wworm]

I'm looking for a cheap truck to daily until my e30 is done and would like something that can haul parts/bikes/tools and maybe even be able to tow a car shell or motorcycle trailer moderate distances (less than 500 miles). Older is good because I'll be able to fix things myself if something breaks or needs upgrading. Budget is limited to less than 5 grand. I have a coworker selling a rwd 5 speed mazda b2200 but it definitely lacks any towing power. I've primarily been looking at Nissan D21's, Ford Rangers/Mazda B series trucks and I like Jeep Comanche's but I've heard shoddy things about them electrically. I'm not mentioning Toyotas just because they tend to be overpriced here. If anyone's got suggestions/experiences they'd like to share on light duty trucks I'd love to hear it.

[kronus]

an e250 is like a light duty truck you don't have to clean out if you park it somewhere

[wworm]

an e250 is like a light duty truck you don't have to clean out if you park it somewhere

Haha this is true. I considered vans for a bit but I don't mind not getting to leave stuff in my car and vans are a pita to drive around most times.

[MR E30 325is]

I'll pitch in a vote for a 1st gen V8 Tundra, especially if you want to be able to tow things. I picked mine up for 4 grand here in Phx. So they can be found for a semi-decent price.

[Stanley Rockafella]

I'm not mentioning Toyotas just because they tend to be overpriced here.

Is there somewhere that Toyota's AREN'T overpriced?

[mrsleeve]

tow things, your buddies mazda is out...

Minimum 1/2 to drag an e30 around I have done it in mid sized trucks, its a not somtihng I would do again.

Old 1/2 chevy with a 350, cheap easy to work on, cheap to fix will run badly longer than most things run at all and all over the place.

[wworm]

tow things, your buddies mazda is out...

Minimum 1/2 to drag an e30 around I have done it in mid sized trucks, its a not somtihng I would do again.

Old 1/2 chevy with a 350, cheap easy to work on, cheap to fix will run badly longer than most things run at all and all over the place.

Haha yeah the towing thing is kind of a low priority. As long as I can throw a motorcycle in the bed and be okay I'll be happy.

Is there somewhere that Toyota's AREN'T overpriced?

The more research I do the more I'm drawn to jeep comanches. Is there any reason I should steer clear? They seem to be one of the more capable mid size trucks available...

[superj]

comanches are fine. they don't have any electrical issues. I have had one or two. they are just Cherokees with no back.

to just pull a motorcycle trailer with bike, a b2200 will work. they are 4 cylinders, just like the ranger/b2500.

one note on the comanche though, they get terrible gas mileage. the best I got out of my 2wd was 14mpg. it was a 4 cylinder 5 speed with 31s but I got the 14mpg when it was stock and 12 on 31s.

[slammin.e28]

Mid 90s Nissan Hardbody, V6, ex cab, manual trans. Cannot go wrong. 2wd or 4x4 are both amazing. It will do everything you want and more.

Toyotas are way over priced...not saying they're not worth it, but they're way over priced.

Slammin has spoken. Do with it what you will.

[wworm]

^I was hoping I'd see you chime in. all good things so far guys.

[PA_Welder]

If you want a full sized truck a 1999-2007 chevy is great i have one and love it but it is a bit of a gas hog, but engine and drivetrain are great the ls based motors are indestructible and last forever just watch out for rust. if you don't want to tow something my vote goes towards a hardbody the 4 cylinders are really good on gas and are another indestructible motor and the whole truck just keeps on going roommate has one and loves it. sometimes regret getting the chevy just because its big and unnecessary when im just driving around town

[lambo]

^I was hoping I'd see you chime in. all good things so far guys.

Why would you want to take advice from someone who is into BMW V12's and RX-7's? Slammin loathes reliability.

[flyboyx]

Why would you want to take advice from someone who is into BMW V12's and RX-7's? Slammin loathes reliability.

This is probably true, but I second the vote for an older Nissan truck. Some years are better than others. Do some research and decide which is best for you. This is the best bang for the buck. Fuck the jeep and the ranger and most of the other vehicles mentioned here.

[Mediumrarechicken]

Hardbody I had 3 of them and they were good to me

[slammin.e28]

Why would you want to take advice from someone who is into BMW V12's and RX-7's? Slammin loathes reliability.

Gotta have something reliable to haul around v12 and Rotary parts tho, right?