Mahindra has been trying to get it's diesel pickup on the U.S. market for some time. The spec's are pretty good for a small pickup. They finally gave up due to regulatory stuff and market changes. I was looking forward to seeing it available. Was a very capable little pickup.
are small trucks gone?
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Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
He was probably talking about the '15 models, which are getting hard to call "small." We had a new crew cab Colorado parked on the end of a row of Silverados and a lot of people mentioned how close they appeared to be in size. On the inside though, the Colorado doesn't feel as big as it looks as far as hip/shoulder/leg room. I haven't driven one around yet though. Some of the big exterior appearance may be the lumpy styling, but looking at some basic dimensions, an extended cab Colorado is a good bit larger than an extended cab S-10...
Yesterday, I saw what I thought was a 4-door Silverado with a strangely small bed. Maybe it was a Colorado. The proportion of cab to bed was similar to the old S-10 with 4 full doors.
He was probably talking about the '15 models, which are getting hard to call "small." We had a new crew cab Colorado parked on the end of a row of Silverados and a lot of people mentioned how close they appeared to be in size. On the inside though, the Colorado doesn't feel as big as it looks as far as hip/shoulder/leg room. I haven't driven one around yet though. Some of the big exterior appearance may be the lumpy styling, but looking at some basic dimensions, an extended cab Colorado is a good bit larger than an extended cab S-10...
Yesterday, I saw what I thought was a 4-door Silverado with a strangely small bed. Maybe it was a Colorado. The proportion of cab to bed was similar to the old S-10 with 4 full doors.
I've owned two full sized Ford F150's and six smaller pickups (two 4 cylinder Rangers, a 1988 Toyota 4cyl. 4x4, a 2 wheel drive '91 Nissan pickup, and my current Honda Ridgeline of which I've owned two).
What I can say is that for MY personal needs...I'll most likely never go back to a full-size pickup. The F150's were more than I required, but purchased mostly because of what I THOUGHT I might need them for.
To be honest, my Rangers did a great job and hauled plenty. Took them to the limit more than a few times...as did the Nissan. But I never once felt like I was seriously needing more than what they did for me.
My curent vehicle, Honda Ridgeline, is more than adequate for my needs....and then some. Best pickup I've ever owned.
In my opinion Ford messed up BIGTIME getting rid of the Ranger. I can pretty much say the same for Nissan and Toyota....who's bloated and overly accessorized, expensive four-bangers aren't truly in the affordable and "basic little truck" category anymore. You USED to be able to get them stripped down to the bare bones (no carpet, am/fm radio, manual door locks and roll-downs, 5 speed manual, etc.) Those days are gone...trust me, I tried.
What I can say is that for MY personal needs...I'll most likely never go back to a full-size pickup. The F150's were more than I required, but purchased mostly because of what I THOUGHT I might need them for.
To be honest, my Rangers did a great job and hauled plenty. Took them to the limit more than a few times...as did the Nissan. But I never once felt like I was seriously needing more than what they did for me.
My curent vehicle, Honda Ridgeline, is more than adequate for my needs....and then some. Best pickup I've ever owned.
In my opinion Ford messed up BIGTIME getting rid of the Ranger. I can pretty much say the same for Nissan and Toyota....who's bloated and overly accessorized, expensive four-bangers aren't truly in the affordable and "basic little truck" category anymore. You USED to be able to get them stripped down to the bare bones (no carpet, am/fm radio, manual door locks and roll-downs, 5 speed manual, etc.) Those days are gone...trust me, I tried.
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Originally Posted By: andrewg
I've owned two full sized Ford F150's and six smaller pickups (two 4 cylinder Rangers, a 1988 Toyota 4cyl. 4x4, a 2 wheel drive '91 Nissan pickup, and my current Honda Ridgeline of which I've owned two).
What I can say is that for MY personal needs...I'll most likely never go back to a full-size pickup. The F150's were more than I required, but purchased mostly because of what I THOUGHT I might need them for.
To be honest, my Rangers did a great job and hauled plenty. Took them to the limit more than a few times...as did the Nissan. But I never once felt like I was seriously needing more than what they did for me.
My curent vehicle, Honda Ridgeline, is more than adequate for my needs....and then some. Best pickup I've ever owned.
In my opinion Ford messed up BIGTIME getting rid of the Ranger. I can pretty much say the same for Nissan and Toyota....who's bloated and overly accessorized, expensive four-bangers aren't truly in the affordable and "basic little truck" category anymore. You USED to be able to get them stripped down to the bare bones (no carpet, am/fm radio, manual door locks and roll-downs, 5 speed manual, etc.) Those days are gone...trust me, I tried.
Agree!
I felt the same, and that started me looking for the best 80's Toyota 4cyl I could find.
I have lost count of the "if ever you want to sell that" offers I've had.
So I guess I'm not alone.
I've owned two full sized Ford F150's and six smaller pickups (two 4 cylinder Rangers, a 1988 Toyota 4cyl. 4x4, a 2 wheel drive '91 Nissan pickup, and my current Honda Ridgeline of which I've owned two).
What I can say is that for MY personal needs...I'll most likely never go back to a full-size pickup. The F150's were more than I required, but purchased mostly because of what I THOUGHT I might need them for.
To be honest, my Rangers did a great job and hauled plenty. Took them to the limit more than a few times...as did the Nissan. But I never once felt like I was seriously needing more than what they did for me.
My curent vehicle, Honda Ridgeline, is more than adequate for my needs....and then some. Best pickup I've ever owned.
In my opinion Ford messed up BIGTIME getting rid of the Ranger. I can pretty much say the same for Nissan and Toyota....who's bloated and overly accessorized, expensive four-bangers aren't truly in the affordable and "basic little truck" category anymore. You USED to be able to get them stripped down to the bare bones (no carpet, am/fm radio, manual door locks and roll-downs, 5 speed manual, etc.) Those days are gone...trust me, I tried.
Agree!
I felt the same, and that started me looking for the best 80's Toyota 4cyl I could find.
I have lost count of the "if ever you want to sell that" offers I've had.
So I guess I'm not alone.
Originally Posted By: artificialist
This wouldn't be such a big problem if imported pickup trucks weren't taxed 25%. Ford already has a Ranger sized truck in Thailand, and VW has the Amarok.
If those could be shipped to a USA-based factory, and have enough done to them to avoid the 25% tax, then just maybe we would have some trucks that are the size of the Ranger.
Also, what does it take to make some of those vehicles meet California smog and our crash tests? Numerous lightweight diesels have been cancelled for sale in the USA because they couldn't pass California smog, and not be so expensive that they were impractical to buy.
Afaik the transit connect is built in Turkey and imported. Ford circumvents the tax by importing them with rear Windows and seats so they aren't considered a truck, then once stateside they are retrofitted into a cargo vehicle. It may be a bit tougher to swing something like that with something that has a cab and bed.
As for diesels not meeting California smog standards... well then I guess California just can't have any!
This wouldn't be such a big problem if imported pickup trucks weren't taxed 25%. Ford already has a Ranger sized truck in Thailand, and VW has the Amarok.
If those could be shipped to a USA-based factory, and have enough done to them to avoid the 25% tax, then just maybe we would have some trucks that are the size of the Ranger.
Also, what does it take to make some of those vehicles meet California smog and our crash tests? Numerous lightweight diesels have been cancelled for sale in the USA because they couldn't pass California smog, and not be so expensive that they were impractical to buy.
Afaik the transit connect is built in Turkey and imported. Ford circumvents the tax by importing them with rear Windows and seats so they aren't considered a truck, then once stateside they are retrofitted into a cargo vehicle. It may be a bit tougher to swing something like that with something that has a cab and bed.
As for diesels not meeting California smog standards... well then I guess California just can't have any!
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My favorite small truck was the first generation Colorado. It had plenty of legroom, got decent mileage and maneuvered like a small truck should.
I would love to find a decent ranger to buy once my explorer get retired (rust etc)
I have a few trucks...don't judge me
my 98 F250 L/D is my newest one, I use it for towing mainly, I put maybe 2 to 3k miles on it a year, but then again i didn't buy it brand new to let it sit that much for what i paid for it seems reasonable.
I use it to pull my 20 foot deckover, which i've hauled anything from furniture, wood, my tractor, 4-wheelers, granite, mulch etc etc.
i also have the 5th wheel rails installed in case i need to use it to tow my parents 5th wheel camper.
i also have an 88 f150 thats primary use is woodhauling, and i mean driving through the woods hitching brush, going through mud etc. i only paid 300 for it from the get go and have stuck a little money in it to get it fully functional.
then there is my 92 f150, i originally bought that because it had a plow on it.....and being in the country my parents really put that to use as the driveway is almost half a mile long.
I used to have a ranger when i was younger and being 2wd and the little 3.0 that thing had some pep and well enough power for whatever i used it for.
would love to be able to find one just like it if i could. maybe someday.
i like big trucks and little trucks alike, they all have their uses.
I have a few trucks...don't judge me
my 98 F250 L/D is my newest one, I use it for towing mainly, I put maybe 2 to 3k miles on it a year, but then again i didn't buy it brand new to let it sit that much for what i paid for it seems reasonable.
I use it to pull my 20 foot deckover, which i've hauled anything from furniture, wood, my tractor, 4-wheelers, granite, mulch etc etc.
i also have the 5th wheel rails installed in case i need to use it to tow my parents 5th wheel camper.
i also have an 88 f150 thats primary use is woodhauling, and i mean driving through the woods hitching brush, going through mud etc. i only paid 300 for it from the get go and have stuck a little money in it to get it fully functional.
then there is my 92 f150, i originally bought that because it had a plow on it.....and being in the country my parents really put that to use as the driveway is almost half a mile long.
I used to have a ranger when i was younger and being 2wd and the little 3.0 that thing had some pep and well enough power for whatever i used it for.
would love to be able to find one just like it if i could. maybe someday.
i like big trucks and little trucks alike, they all have their uses.
How small is a small truck?
The TukTuk is still I production and has a flat bed.
The vehicles mentioned so far in this thread are HUGE!!
The TukTuk is still I production and has a flat bed.
The vehicles mentioned so far in this thread are HUGE!!
Originally Posted By: Olas
How small is a small truck?
The TukTuk is still I production and has a flat bed.
The vehicles mentioned so far in this thread are HUGE!!
A lot of people around here are buying ex JDM Suzuki Carry's and the like. They sem especially popular with Landscxape companies.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/Suzuki_Carry_001.JPG
In North America it seems a small truck is anything smaller than the traditional Ford F150
The sort of think that can carry an 8x4 sheet of plywood between the wheel arches. However many newer trucks are that size, but have a much smaller useable truck bed.
How small is a small truck?
The TukTuk is still I production and has a flat bed.
The vehicles mentioned so far in this thread are HUGE!!
A lot of people around here are buying ex JDM Suzuki Carry's and the like. They sem especially popular with Landscxape companies.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/Suzuki_Carry_001.JPG
In North America it seems a small truck is anything smaller than the traditional Ford F150
The sort of think that can carry an 8x4 sheet of plywood between the wheel arches. However many newer trucks are that size, but have a much smaller useable truck bed.
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Originally Posted By: slowdime
Originally Posted By: artificialist
This wouldn't be such a big problem if imported pickup trucks weren't taxed 25%. Ford already has a Ranger sized truck in Thailand, and VW has the Amarok.
If those could be shipped to a USA-based factory, and have enough done to them to avoid the 25% tax, then just maybe we would have some trucks that are the size of the Ranger.
Also, what does it take to make some of those vehicles meet California smog and our crash tests? Numerous lightweight diesels have been cancelled for sale in the USA because they couldn't pass California smog, and not be so expensive that they were impractical to buy.
Afaik the transit connect is built in Turkey and imported. Ford circumvents the tax by importing them with rear Windows and seats so they aren't considered a truck, then once stateside they are retrofitted into a cargo vehicle. It may be a bit tougher to swing something like that with something that has a cab and bed.
I recall many Japanese trucks were imported without beds...legally, they were "auto parts".
Originally Posted By: artificialist
This wouldn't be such a big problem if imported pickup trucks weren't taxed 25%. Ford already has a Ranger sized truck in Thailand, and VW has the Amarok.
If those could be shipped to a USA-based factory, and have enough done to them to avoid the 25% tax, then just maybe we would have some trucks that are the size of the Ranger.
Also, what does it take to make some of those vehicles meet California smog and our crash tests? Numerous lightweight diesels have been cancelled for sale in the USA because they couldn't pass California smog, and not be so expensive that they were impractical to buy.
Afaik the transit connect is built in Turkey and imported. Ford circumvents the tax by importing them with rear Windows and seats so they aren't considered a truck, then once stateside they are retrofitted into a cargo vehicle. It may be a bit tougher to swing something like that with something that has a cab and bed.
I recall many Japanese trucks were imported without beds...legally, they were "auto parts".
Originally Posted By: slowdime
As for diesels not meeting California smog standards... well then I guess California just can't have any!
Most modern car makers prefer to sell one engine in all 50 states, rather than make one engine for most states, and another for ones that use California laws.
It reduces the number of combinations of cars and engines that need government certification.
VW makes so many diesels, I do wonder if they feel a need to put diesels in a potential Amarok for the USA.
As for diesels not meeting California smog standards... well then I guess California just can't have any!
Most modern car makers prefer to sell one engine in all 50 states, rather than make one engine for most states, and another for ones that use California laws.
It reduces the number of combinations of cars and engines that need government certification.
VW makes so many diesels, I do wonder if they feel a need to put diesels in a potential Amarok for the USA.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: slowdime
As for diesels not meeting California smog standards... well then I guess California just can't have any!
Most modern car makers prefer to sell one engine in all 50 states, rather than make one engine for most states, and another for ones that use California laws.
It reduces the number of combinations of cars and engines that need government certification.
VW makes so many diesels, I do wonder if they feel a need to put diesels in a potential Amarok for the USA.
I saw an Amarok here in Phoenix a few weeks ago, had a strange looking license plate and couldn't read where it was from, some other country. It was HUGE! I thought if VW had a truck it would be small but this thing was the size of a new Colorado
Originally Posted By: slowdime
As for diesels not meeting California smog standards... well then I guess California just can't have any!
Most modern car makers prefer to sell one engine in all 50 states, rather than make one engine for most states, and another for ones that use California laws.
It reduces the number of combinations of cars and engines that need government certification.
VW makes so many diesels, I do wonder if they feel a need to put diesels in a potential Amarok for the USA.
I saw an Amarok here in Phoenix a few weeks ago, had a strange looking license plate and couldn't read where it was from, some other country. It was HUGE! I thought if VW had a truck it would be small but this thing was the size of a new Colorado
In Phoenix?
Must be an Amarok from Sonora.
They've been available in Mexico from some time.
Amarok Mexico
Must be an Amarok from Sonora.
They've been available in Mexico from some time.
Amarok Mexico
Originally Posted By: favilac
In Phoenix?
Must be an Amarok from Sonora.
They've been available in Mexico from some time.
Amarok Mexico
Is the Amarok also made in Mexico?
If it is, it may be exempted from the 25% tax on imported trucks.
At least, I think it is. Several Ram and Chevy trucks get built there and get sold in the USA.
In Phoenix?
Must be an Amarok from Sonora.
They've been available in Mexico from some time.
Amarok Mexico
Is the Amarok also made in Mexico?
If it is, it may be exempted from the 25% tax on imported trucks.
At least, I think it is. Several Ram and Chevy trucks get built there and get sold in the USA.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
Originally Posted By: favilac
In Phoenix?
Must be an Amarok from Sonora.
They've been available in Mexico from some time.
Amarok Mexico
It might have been. We see lots of cars here from Mexico with Mexican plates on them. They're always going like 10-15 under the speed limit on the freeway.
In Phoenix?
Must be an Amarok from Sonora.
They've been available in Mexico from some time.
Amarok Mexico
It might have been. We see lots of cars here from Mexico with Mexican plates on them. They're always going like 10-15 under the speed limit on the freeway.
Originally Posted By: andyd
Maybe apples and oranges, but I see lots of Transit Connects.
Great idea! Take a Transit Connect and make an El Camino out of that thing. They should do that.
Maybe apples and oranges, but I see lots of Transit Connects.
Great idea! Take a Transit Connect and make an El Camino out of that thing. They should do that.
It is pretty clear that there IS a significant market for
small pick ups the size of the older Ranger, and S-10 of a few decades ago.
Why the major manufacturers are not capitalizing on that is
puzzling. Whomever actually offers this type of vehicle...
(the Colorado is simply too big to qualify) is going to
clean up.
small pick ups the size of the older Ranger, and S-10 of a few decades ago.
Why the major manufacturers are not capitalizing on that is
puzzling. Whomever actually offers this type of vehicle...
(the Colorado is simply too big to qualify) is going to
clean up.
Sales for larger trucks was much stronger while sales of compacts like the ranger slowed. I'm sure if there was enough demand they would still be in production. I planned on keeping my s10 indefinitely because I like small trucks and no new ones were being made.
Originally Posted By: antiqueshell
It is pretty clear that there IS a significant market for
small pick ups the size of the older Ranger, and S-10 of a few decades ago.
Why the major manufacturers are not capitalizing on that is
puzzling. Whomever actually offers this type of vehicle...
(the Colorado is simply too big to qualify) is going to
clean up.
Wrong. Auto manufacturers make several different sizes of SUVs. If people buy them, they will make them. If people wanted a small truck, it would be built.
It is pretty clear that there IS a significant market for
small pick ups the size of the older Ranger, and S-10 of a few decades ago.
Why the major manufacturers are not capitalizing on that is
puzzling. Whomever actually offers this type of vehicle...
(the Colorado is simply too big to qualify) is going to
clean up.
Wrong. Auto manufacturers make several different sizes of SUVs. If people buy them, they will make them. If people wanted a small truck, it would be built.
Originally Posted By: antiqueshell
It is pretty clear that there IS a significant market for small pick ups
The market you're speaking of would expect to pay significantly less for a small truck vs. a large truck. But as was pointed out many times in this thread, this is the though part these days as manufacturers are unable to deliver on that expectation. Manufacturing and part costs are what they are, regardless of truck size.
If you put two trucks side by side on a sales lot, a small one and a large one with roughly the same sticker price, guess which one will get chosen majority of the time?
It is pretty clear that there IS a significant market for small pick ups
The market you're speaking of would expect to pay significantly less for a small truck vs. a large truck. But as was pointed out many times in this thread, this is the though part these days as manufacturers are unable to deliver on that expectation. Manufacturing and part costs are what they are, regardless of truck size.
If you put two trucks side by side on a sales lot, a small one and a large one with roughly the same sticker price, guess which one will get chosen majority of the time?
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