Getting a truck

[Osiris-016]

I'm 18 and am on a $4000 budget. I've looked at all sorts of trucks, but only Tacomas and Rangers are reasonable for me. Tacomas are a bit more expensive than the Rangers, so I'd prefer to stick with Rangers. The Tacoma is pushing the price limit just a bit. Can't get any new trucks, either, as they're all too expensive. This truck is going to be my every day vehicle except that it has a bed for something extra when needed. Just a bit sick of cars right now and wanted to try something else, so no serious trucking intentions.

These are some of the ones I was interested in, what do you guys think? Hoping some of you can point me in the right direction within this style of truck, as in which ones to avoid because of x or which ones to get because of y. Also, how inconvenient is it to have a single cab compared to an ext. cab? I was going by if it was a manual it could be single cab and if it were an auto it'd have to be at least an ext. cab. Sticking with the I-4 engines, gas mileage is big.

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/2015975811.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/2008040551.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1947607186.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1948954978.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1956010694.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/ctd/1958747219.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1962879005.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/ctd/1963782264.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1972639756.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1989294494.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1997995668.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/2011600582.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/2011975830.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/2012353176.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/2015328091.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/2021236930.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/ctd/2019557369.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/ctd/2021481519.html

Edit: Recently discovered that the Ford Rangers 2003+ models have the I-4 143 HP engines as opposed to the 112 in earlier models.

Edited October 24, 2010 by Osiris-016

[chevysoldier]

If you buy a tacoma, look for frame rust. Toyota was buying them back for more than their value. Not sure if this recall is still going on though. If it were me, I'd get the toyota. IMO rangers suck.

[Osiris-016]

If you buy a tacoma, look for frame rust. Toyota was buying them back for more than their value. Not sure if this recall is still going on though. If it were me, I'd get the toyota. IMO rangers suck.

What makes the rangers suck? The tacoma is a really nice truck I do agree, but I can't find any in this area for less than $4000 so that kind of eliminates them.

[$pecial_K]

I would look for an extended cab. I had an S-10 with a regular cab and I hated not having the extra room. Also small trucks like the ranger really suck in the winter with no weight in the bed. If you can find a 4x4 in your price range you won't regret it.

[max power]

Dude, get the taco. I've owned both and the Tacoma is heads and tails above the Ranger. Its worth the extra monies.

Get a manual extracab 4x4 and take care of it, keep it maintained and it will treat you well.

I've had mine for 8 years and will probably drive it for another 8 or more.

[Osiris-016]

Thanks guys. If I do come across a nice deal on a Tacoma I will definitely look into it. The reason I'm wanting to get the 4x2 instead of the 4x4 is because the 4x4 only comes with a 3.0L V6 at least. I'm not entirely sure how much of a difference this will make on gas mileage, but we have a 4x4 Ford Escape and it does TERRIBLE! 15mpg at best! I'd like to get a 4x4 but because of these reasons, I have to avoid it pretty much.

anyone feel like they could convince me otherwise?

Edit: http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1962879005.html

I really like this one, looks nice and is extended cab and is 5 speed 3.0L. Will have to ask if that's 4x4, but the only thing that's setting me off is the 170k miles. Would that still be considered high in truck terms or am I thinking in car terms?

Edited October 24, 2010 by Osiris-016

[max power]

They made 4x4 tacomas with the 2.4 4 cyl., but they are rare.

One of my friends put 200k on a 96 that he special ordered. It still ran fine when he sold it and he beat it to death.

Our 02 Runner averages 20mpg with the 3.4. You dont want the 3.0. It was only put in the 89-95 trucks (pre-Tacoma) and it got shitty mileage and had head gasket problems (which Toyota will still replace for free under a recall from 10 years ago).

I had a couple old Runners with that motor and it was only good for about 160 hp and got around 16mpg. I've seen them with 300k however.

[Steve Butters]

being the ford fanboy that i am.....even i would take a tacoma over a ranger...

[chevysoldier]

rangers are just crappy trucks. Seems like everything breaks on them. Toyotas last forever. My dad had an 86 toyota pick up with like 350k on it. Blew a head gasket but we still used it on the farm. Just added water to the radiator.

[Osiris-016]

They made 4x4 tacomas with the 2.4 4 cyl., but they are rare.

One of my friends put 200k on a 96 that he special ordered. It still ran fine when he sold it and he beat it to death.

Our 02 Runner averages 20mpg with the 3.4. You dont want the 3.0. It was only put in the 89-95 trucks (pre-Tacoma) and it got shitty mileage and had head gasket problems (which Toyota will still replace for free under a recall from 10 years ago).

I had a couple old Runners with that motor and it was only good for about 160 hp and got around 16mpg. I've seen them with 300k however.

I'm reading online about these trucks and they all seem to say that it gets good gas mileage. How worse off would I actually be if I got the 4 cylinder 4x2? Worst case scenario I have to pack some bricks into the back, but there's no major hills around here.

Didn't find any 4 cyl 4x4 Tacomas =[

[alienpi]

I really liked my '94 I-4 ranger with the 5 speed. Had it for 6 years; that truck was very reliable and versatile, and I'd buy another if I was looking for a truck. I just threw a few bags of gravel in the back for the winter and it was good.

[ironbuttwannabe]

What makes the rangers suck? The tacoma is a really nice truck I do agree, but I can't find any in this area for less than $4000 so that kind of eliminates them.

At least on the older rangers the suspension sucks and it sags. I have a 94 on the farm. Twisted the driveshaft clean apart also

[oldschoolsdime92]

I have a friend whom has a 98 or 99 ranger. maybe even newer than that, but every so often he has to replace leaf springs, as they rust apart and break.

[Big Chief201]

Tisk Tisk on everyone hating on Rangers. My parents owned Rangers my whole life and haven't had any problems with them. I currently own an 08 ranger regular cab, speed, I4 and have not had a single problem with it. Also on the upside its cheap to fix and parts are readily available if need be.

[max power]

Tisk Tisk on everyone hating on Rangers. My parents owned Rangers my whole life and haven't had any problems with them. I currently own an 08 ranger regular cab, speed, I4 and have not had a single problem with it. Also on the upside its cheap to fix and parts are readily available if need be.

Wow, they havent had any problems with their 2 year old truck? I guess thats a strong argument for the greatness of Fords.

[Big Chief201]

Wow, they havent had any problems with their 2 year old truck? I guess thats a strong argument for the greatness of Fords.

Read the post before you comment.....

Tisk Tisk on everyone hating on Rangers. My parents owned Rangers my whole life and haven't had any problems with them. I currently own an 08 ranger regular cab, speed, I4 and have not had a single problem with it. Also on the upside its cheap to fix and parts are readily available if need be.

[Big Chief201]

Also the car depends on the person if your a dumbass and dont change the oil, dont do normal maintenance, and try to tow/haul stuff the truck isn't rated for you're going to have problems. Also If I were you I'd get the extended cab if you can.

[KL9 F4i]

Love my Ranger...mines only and 05 but i have a bunch of friends who have had rangers and havent heard too much complaining from them...

[serpentracer]

coming from experience don't buy a 4cyl truck. they are usually around 80-90 hp at the rear wheels and they do not get good gas mileage.

if you get 25mpg from one you are doing great. they are just so weak it takes them a lot of gas pedal for a long time to get them going. turn on the ac and it's like having a parachute on it.

but that's my experience.

my sonoma with a 4.3 V6 gets me 25-28 mpg average. and has a ton more hp and torque.

[serpentracer]

Thanks guys. If I do come across a nice deal on a Tacoma I will definitely look into it. The reason I'm wanting to get the 4x2 instead of the 4x4 is because the 4x4 only comes with a 3.0L V6 at least. I'm not entirely sure how much of a difference this will make on gas mileage, but we have a 4x4 Ford Escape and it does TERRIBLE! 15mpg at best! I'd like to get a 4x4 but because of these reasons, I have to avoid it pretty much.

anyone feel like they could convince me otherwise?

Edit: http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1962879005.html

I really like this one, looks nice and is extended cab and is 5 speed 3.0L. Will have to ask if that's 4x4, but the only thing that's setting me off is the 170k miles. Would that still be considered high in truck terms or am I thinking in car terms?

that's because the escape is all wheel drive. not a 4X4. it's turning all the wheels all the time. a 4X4 you can turn off the 4 wheel drive and gas mileage improves.

[obesityrules]

i would keep and eye on any i4 toyotas or you can sometimes find the 90's ere dodge diesels in that price range

[speedytriple]

here ya go..not near you in anyway but in your price ranges..

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/ctd/2020562320.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/2004690380.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/1961951077.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/ctd/2021356242.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/ctd/2018270139.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/2016721830.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/ctd/2009139240.html

[speedytriple]

I had a ranger for 4 years, and never had a problem with it. I also had a dakota 4 door and liked it alot. I only got rid of the dodge due to it being a v8 4x2. In cleveland winter is to rough for a v8 2 wheel drive. I use to work out in the snow belt where 120 inches of snow a year is the norm.

[max power]

Read the post before you comment.....

Eh, whatever. Rangers suck.

[Osiris-016]

Thanks for all the replies. Looked at those trucks in cleveland as well.

I think I would rather get a single cab, seeing as how the ext. cab only has 1 more seat, and they're pull down, and most probably uncomfortable seats. I guess whatever comes my way that I like and is a good price I'll look into.

I'm particularly interested in these:

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/2021236930.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1962879005.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/ctd/2020562320.html

Anything wrong with these? I'm going to call the blue truck owner and find out if it's the 4wd version. I know the Edge is 3.0 liter.