Vehicles from Oregon and Washington and Idaho are really good too because the interiors are not sun beat.
best engine?
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Rear drive opens a ton of options price wise (at least in my area). Even newer V8 trucks are cheapish if you exclude 4x4.
For a simple, reliable truck? Check out Nissan Frontier, with the 4 cylinder. You can get one anywhere from 05-2013 in your price range. I'm seeing a bunch under 100k miles around the year 2010, and thats pretty awesome. Stick or auto.
For a simple, reliable truck? Check out Nissan Frontier, with the 4 cylinder. You can get one anywhere from 05-2013 in your price range. I'm seeing a bunch under 100k miles around the year 2010, and thats pretty awesome. Stick or auto.
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
Tacoma if you want something reliable, or maybe a late model 2010-2011 Ford Ranger 4.0 V6.
I owne d a cpuple tacos. Man worst small pickup maybe next to Nissan oof the same vintage.
Rangers and s10/s15 absolutely destroy imports..
'81 S10 short bed std cab with 2.8L w/ Rochester varajet and 5 speed manual. Outstanding! On of my top 5 cars out of 70 cars and counting.
The 2.8 V6? The same one that was used in early Jeep Cherokees that had the power of a 4 cylinder but with worse gas mileage?
What year range is the OP looking at? I'd avoid anything with a carburetor. Maybe it was just the S10s that I drove but they always seemed like cheaply made trucks. The Colorado and Canyons were only slightly better. The S10s rusted out very fast here in the NorthEast. For anything somewhat modern, it is hard to beat a Tacoma or later model Ranger. The Frontier is also pretty decent but you have to watch the transmission cooler problem where they can leak coolant into the transmission (on the V6). You can find GM 1500 work trucks with 2wd and 4.3L V6 for pretty cheap here.
Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
Tacoma if you want something reliable, or maybe a late model 2010-2011 Ford Ranger 4.0 V6.
I owne d a cpuple tacos. Man worst small pickup maybe next to Nissan oof the same vintage.
Rangers and s10/s15 absolutely destroy imports..
'81 S10 short bed std cab with 2.8L w/ Rochester varajet and 5 speed manual. Outstanding! On of my top 5 cars out of 70 cars and counting.
The 2.8 V6? The same one that was used in early Jeep Cherokees that had the power of a 4 cylinder but with worse gas mileage?
What year range is the OP looking at? I'd avoid anything with a carburetor. Maybe it was just the S10s that I drove but they always seemed like cheaply made trucks. The Colorado and Canyons were only slightly better. The S10s rusted out very fast here in the NorthEast. For anything somewhat modern, it is hard to beat a Tacoma or later model Ranger. The Frontier is also pretty decent but you have to watch the transmission cooler problem where they can leak coolant into the transmission (on the V6). You can find GM 1500 work trucks with 2wd and 4.3L V6 for pretty cheap here.
4.3 GM or F150 with fuel injected 300 6 cylinder. I have a 91 K1500 with the 4.3 and love it. Only around 100k miles on it.
Originally Posted By: otis24
4.3 GM or F150 with fuel injected 300 6 cylinder. I have a 91 K1500 with the 4.3 and love it. Only around 100k miles on it.
+1
I also like the Fords with the 300-6. For me it was a toss-up between one of those and my GMC with a 4.3. It came down to what I could find for sale with 4WD. As a second choice, I would have gone for a Dakota 3.9.
No regrets with my 4.3. It isn't fast or efficient, but it has plenty of low end torque, and that is all I need in a truck. Actually, in 1988, the 4.3 wasn't far off from the 6.2 diesel in terms of output.
4.3 TBI V6
160 HP @ 4000
235 TQ @ 2400
6.2 Detroit Diesel V8
140 HP @ 3600
247 TQ @ 2000
Of course, the 350 V8 beats them both, and swapping in a 350 is a super easy option for the future.
4.3 GM or F150 with fuel injected 300 6 cylinder. I have a 91 K1500 with the 4.3 and love it. Only around 100k miles on it.
+1
I also like the Fords with the 300-6. For me it was a toss-up between one of those and my GMC with a 4.3. It came down to what I could find for sale with 4WD. As a second choice, I would have gone for a Dakota 3.9.
No regrets with my 4.3. It isn't fast or efficient, but it has plenty of low end torque, and that is all I need in a truck. Actually, in 1988, the 4.3 wasn't far off from the 6.2 diesel in terms of output.
4.3 TBI V6
160 HP @ 4000
235 TQ @ 2400
6.2 Detroit Diesel V8
140 HP @ 3600
247 TQ @ 2000
Of course, the 350 V8 beats them both, and swapping in a 350 is a super easy option for the future.
I dont really care what year. Would like something 10yrs old maybe older depending on condition.Its chevy country around here so those seem to have a higher price. I’ve looked at ads for a few dodges and fords which look pretty good. Not many Toyotas around so not likely to find one. I will probably lean towards a dodge but not sure. I would like something with a reliable engine and minimum rust. 150,000 doesn’t scare me but what suspension issues will come up at that mileage? As long as the engine is strong Im confident in taking care of most issues myself. The suggestions have been helpful.
Originally Posted By: HemiHawk
For a simple, reliable truck? Check out Nissan Frontier, with the 4 cylinder. You can get one anywhere from 05-2013 in your price range. I'm seeing a bunch under 100k miles around the year 2010, and thats pretty awesome. Stick or auto.
+1
This is actually VERY good advice. The 4cyl Frontiers are often overlooked but exceptionally reliable and durable. I frequently see old Nissan Hardbody trucks still running around, and they haven't built them since the mid 90's. No telling how many miles are on them. This is very telling because we have yearly emission and safety inspections here and many vehicles are permanently retired because they flunk and can't be economically repaired. Even though they didn't sell nearly as many of them as Chevy's S10 or Ford's Ranger, I still see more of them from this age group, and I never see any old Dodge Dakotas.
For a simple, reliable truck? Check out Nissan Frontier, with the 4 cylinder. You can get one anywhere from 05-2013 in your price range. I'm seeing a bunch under 100k miles around the year 2010, and thats pretty awesome. Stick or auto.
+1
This is actually VERY good advice. The 4cyl Frontiers are often overlooked but exceptionally reliable and durable. I frequently see old Nissan Hardbody trucks still running around, and they haven't built them since the mid 90's. No telling how many miles are on them. This is very telling because we have yearly emission and safety inspections here and many vehicles are permanently retired because they flunk and can't be economically repaired. Even though they didn't sell nearly as many of them as Chevy's S10 or Ford's Ranger, I still see more of them from this age group, and I never see any old Dodge Dakotas.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
A 2wd Ranger/B2000 with the 2.3 Duratec and a manual should be a good KISS drivetrain, no timing belts, VVT, etc. I don't know of any real trouble spots with the duratec.
I agree with not getting even a V6 Ranger if your not towing something significant, it does nothing for you but burn gas.
I owned a Ranger for several years and would never buy another one. They are reasonably reliable but they are cramped, crude, and they don't drive very well.
A 2wd Ranger/B2000 with the 2.3 Duratec and a manual should be a good KISS drivetrain, no timing belts, VVT, etc. I don't know of any real trouble spots with the duratec.
I agree with not getting even a V6 Ranger if your not towing something significant, it does nothing for you but burn gas.
I owned a Ranger for several years and would never buy another one. They are reasonably reliable but they are cramped, crude, and they don't drive very well.
Originally Posted By: wag123
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
A 2wd Ranger/B2000 with the 2.3 Duratec and a manual should be a good KISS drivetrain, no timing belts, VVT, etc. I don't know of any real trouble spots with the duratec.
I agree with not getting even a V6 Ranger if your not towing something significant, it does nothing for you but burn gas.
I owned a Ranger for several years and would never buy another one. They are reasonably reliable but they are cramped, crude, and they don't drive very well.
Oh, come one. It's not supposed to be a Cadillac. It's a classic simple trucky truck! This is what is wrong with trucks today. They are all trying to ride and drive like luxury cars. Sure, all this fancy new suspension and NVH technology makes them really nice to drive, but they are also way too expensive. We are missing the cheap, trucky trucks that a person doesn't mind treating like a truck and working like a truck. Maybe the Frontier is the closest thing we have, but I will never touch another Nissan product.
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
A 2wd Ranger/B2000 with the 2.3 Duratec and a manual should be a good KISS drivetrain, no timing belts, VVT, etc. I don't know of any real trouble spots with the duratec.
I agree with not getting even a V6 Ranger if your not towing something significant, it does nothing for you but burn gas.
I owned a Ranger for several years and would never buy another one. They are reasonably reliable but they are cramped, crude, and they don't drive very well.
Oh, come one. It's not supposed to be a Cadillac. It's a classic simple trucky truck! This is what is wrong with trucks today. They are all trying to ride and drive like luxury cars. Sure, all this fancy new suspension and NVH technology makes them really nice to drive, but they are also way too expensive. We are missing the cheap, trucky trucks that a person doesn't mind treating like a truck and working like a truck. Maybe the Frontier is the closest thing we have, but I will never touch another Nissan product.
Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
Tacoma if you want something reliable, or maybe a late model 2010-2011 Ford Ranger 4.0 V6.
I owne d a cpuple tacos. Man worst small pickup maybe next to Nissan oof the same vintage.
Rangers and s10/s15 absolutely destroy imports..
'81 S10 short bed std cab with 2.8L w/ Rochester varajet and 5 speed manual. Outstanding! On of my top 5 cars out of 70 cars and counting.
The 2.8 V6? The same one that was used in early Jeep Cherokees that had the power of a 4 cylinder but with worse gas mileage?
What year range is the OP looking at? I'd avoid anything with a carburetor. Maybe it was just the S10s that I drove but they always seemed like cheaply made trucks. The Colorado and Canyons were only slightly better. The S10s rusted out very fast here in the NorthEast. For anything somewhat modern, it is hard to beat a Tacoma or later model Ranger. The Frontier is also pretty decent but you have to watch the transmission cooler problem where they can leak coolant into the transmission (on the V6). You can find GM 1500 work trucks with 2wd and 4.3L V6 for pretty cheap here.
I had a brand new Cherokee and snapped the front axle off the body going up my steep driveway when it started wheel hopping. Great tough machine, yeah right.
IN my EARLY S10, I had the powerful 2.8, not the ones where they filled/blocked in the intake runners 1/3 of the volume to improve lugging and light throttle fuel mileage. Yes that was a stupid move by GM, and hey were typically stupid with their non v8 truck engines. Antique tech.
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
Tacoma if you want something reliable, or maybe a late model 2010-2011 Ford Ranger 4.0 V6.
I owne d a cpuple tacos. Man worst small pickup maybe next to Nissan oof the same vintage.
Rangers and s10/s15 absolutely destroy imports..
'81 S10 short bed std cab with 2.8L w/ Rochester varajet and 5 speed manual. Outstanding! On of my top 5 cars out of 70 cars and counting.
The 2.8 V6? The same one that was used in early Jeep Cherokees that had the power of a 4 cylinder but with worse gas mileage?
What year range is the OP looking at? I'd avoid anything with a carburetor. Maybe it was just the S10s that I drove but they always seemed like cheaply made trucks. The Colorado and Canyons were only slightly better. The S10s rusted out very fast here in the NorthEast. For anything somewhat modern, it is hard to beat a Tacoma or later model Ranger. The Frontier is also pretty decent but you have to watch the transmission cooler problem where they can leak coolant into the transmission (on the V6). You can find GM 1500 work trucks with 2wd and 4.3L V6 for pretty cheap here.
I had a brand new Cherokee and snapped the front axle off the body going up my steep driveway when it started wheel hopping. Great tough machine, yeah right.
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When it came to the "mini trucks",the Japanese ones were the best in my experience. They had the market for a very long time. They were everywhere for awhile. The Nissan,Toyota,Mazda,Mitsubishi. They were indestructible. We had a very old yellow Madza one on one of our deer leases. That thing was unstoppable.
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