Best old truck or SUV with decent towing capacity for $4-5k?

[slugg]

Hello everyone. My wife and I are strongly considering a larger utility vehicle. We currently have a Mazda 3 and Mazda Miata, so trips to Ikea, Home Depot, and other random things are somewhere between difficult and impossible, forcing us to need to borrow or rent vehicles. We’re moving soon into likely a somewhat fixer-upper house, so Lowe’s/Home Depot runs will become even more common. Furthermore, I’d like to be able to tow my car to the race track.

Basically, we want something cheap that we can fit a bunch of stuff into. Gas mileage isn’t much of a factor because we will rarely drive this vehicle and have two other efficient cars. Towing capacity should be at least 5000 lbs, but 6000 lbs would be nice (in case I switch to a heavier car in the future). Budget is around $5k and I’m mechanically inclined, but I’d still consider myself a beginner in that regard.

So far, our main pick has been an early first generation Toyota Tundra (2000-2002). But lately, I’ve been looking at Dodge Rams of the same era and they actually seem like a better deal. But what about reliability?

We’re open to SUVs as well. No real brand affinity, either.

Thanks!

 

[RLGL]

With the years you are looking, most of the vehicles will be ready for the scrap heap. Unless you can find something under 100K you can expect a lot of repairs.

 

[jlee]

I'll just leave this here: http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/project-trucks/1705-million-mile-tundra-the-tear-down/

 

[deadlyapp]

In most cases you're going to get a much more high mileage Toyota than a comparable domestic. You'll also need to think about replacement parts availability and rust/etc depending on where in the US you live. I suspect replacement parts for a domestic will be easier to find and cheaper, however you may need major overhaul earlier.

For whatever vehicle you find, I just hope it has a meticulous service record.

 

[slugg]

So obviously, a $5k truck is going to need work, maintenance, repair, etc. I suppose another question would be whether I’m better off with a high mileage Toyota, which is known to last basically forever with proper maintenance, or a lower mileage (or otherwise cheaper) domestic that may need more work, but has cheaper parts.

I’m well aware that for this price range, I’m not getting a pristine jewel. That’s okay. I’m trying to get feedback as to how to make the best of it. I hope that makes sense!

 

[jlee]

So obviously, a $5k truck is going to need work, maintenance, repair, etc. I suppose another question would be whether I’m better off with a high mileage Toyota, which is known to last basically forever with proper maintenance, or a lower mileage (or otherwise cheaper) domestic that may need more work, but has cheaper parts.

I’m well aware that for this price range, I’m not getting a pristine jewel. That’s okay. I’m trying to get feedback as to how to make the best of it. I hope that makes sense!

If you're in a rust-free area, I would go Toyota.

 

[Yeroon]

My old neighbors picked up an 03 tahoe about 3 years ago with the tow package to tow to the races every sunday/drive it regularly throughout the week. The 5.3 with 3.73 gears tows the close to 6000 lb combo with better trailer control than i've felt most 1/2 ton trucks do. They've also put about 50k (km) a year on it without any major issues (back disks wear out quick, typical intake gasket/exhaust bolt issues were fixed last year, the front wheel bearings have been done once, and the ac compressor just quit).
I think they got theirs for 4k (cdn) and it recently passed the 300k mark. Seats 7, trailer rating for 7000lbs.

I know everyone thinks highly of toyota trucks thanks to the build quality of their trucks of yesteryear, but what I've seen, that is no longer the case. (we race the 80's Toyota 'truck', and there are some quality aspects on those that are missing on the new ones)

 

[herm0016]

tahoe / suburban / yukon. it will have a lot of miles, but will be cheap to fix if anything goes wrong. they tow very well. plenty still on the road with 300 k and still going strong. if you don't need 4x4 you can get them in better shape/lower miles for the same price, though harder to find.

first gen tundra would be ok too, but will not tow as well. stay away from dodge. F150 / expedition would be ok too. really, the lowest mile and best taken care of example of these options would be good. I'm still partial to the gm body on frame suvs though.

 

[hoorah]

I bought a 98 Ford Expedition from a family member for about $1k a few years back purely as a tow vehicle. Its been far more useful than I originally expected for hardware store/lumber runs. Its been pretty reliable and I haven't had to put much in maintenance (although the maintenance I do I do myself). I'd say I maybe have $2500 into it including a set of tires. Has 4 wheel disk brakes and tows very comfortably.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Just get an old 90s ford f-250 2wd with a 351w or the chevy equivalent with a 350 for $2k. Yeah you might have to go through the front suspension but the drivetrain is solid and if engine or trans does blow you can find another at the junkyard for $200-$300.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Just get an old 90s ford f-250 2wd with a 351w or the chevy equivalent with a 350 for $2k. Yeah you might have to go through the front suspension but the drivetrain is solid and if engine or trans does blow you can find another at the junkyard for $200-$300.

I'd lean that way myself.

You can either spend more money on a bulletproof Toyota (but then really you're talking about spending like $10k, which sickens me because I, too, remember when you could get a solid 15-year-old pickup for $1500) or you can buy a cheaper domestic and expect more repairs (which you should plan on learning to diagnose and do yourself).

But if you're going to do the second thing, then go all in. Halfway do it and you end up spending more for the same lower reliability and end up with the same-or-higher repair bills. (Newer trucks and newer parts are probably more expensive.)

And for what, power windows? Bah. The best part about the '90s trucks is that there's less stuff to break.

 

[slag]

Most vehicles in that price range have their issues. 1st gen tundras with frame rust, 2005-2009 F150s with spark plug issues, cam phaser/timing chain issues, Chevy trucks with body cancer, and Dodge trucks with rear end or various drive train problems.

I'd go Toyota first after an all over inspection if you can find one for 4-5k.. They seem to go for more though. F150 would be my second choice as the repairs aren't too terribly difficult, and chevy third.

 

[paperfist]

I'll just leave this here: http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/project-trucks/1705-million-mile-tundra-the-tear-down/

That's crazy!

I'm gonna google million mile Prius now and keep my fingers crossed.

 

[desy]

Lots of million miles chev ford dodge trucks all make it
https://www.cheatsheet.com/automobi...-cars-that-have-gone-1m-miles.html/?a=viewall
http://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Dodge_Durango.html
You'd want the 07/08 wih the Hemi
Or a nice Chev Avalanche
only a couple of years to worry about there
http://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Chevrolet_Avalanche.html

 

[jlee]

Lots of million miles chev ford dodge trucks all make it
https://www.cheatsheet.com/automobi...-cars-that-have-gone-1m-miles.html/?a=viewall
http://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Dodge_Durango.html
You'd want the 07/08 wih the Hemi
Or a nice Chev Avalanche
only a couple of years to worry about there
http://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Chevrolet_Avalanche.html

The Dodge was diesel, the F250 had its engine replaced, and the Silverado 3500HD was diesel - the only gas trucks on that list are the 91 Chevy and the 07 Tundra.

I generally expect superduty diesel trucks to have higher mileage capabilities than smaller gas trucks (due to heavy duty / work truck engineering), but to be fair I haven't done a whole lot of research in that market.

 

[desy]

All the trucks did, which is what I commented on save for one which had 1.2 million miles on the body and 800k on the engine and still going
It was one quick google search to point out a million isn't such a big deal
I know a guy who had a paseo with over 700K til he went over some railroad tracks and it disintigrated

 

[jlee]

All the trucks did, which is what I commented on save for one which had 1.2 million miles on the body and 800k on the engine and still going
It was one quick google search to point out a million isn't such a big deal
I know a guy who had a paseo with over 700K til he went over some railroad tracks and it disintigrated

The only other gas truck that made it was the 91 Chevy. The Tundra was disassembled by Toyota engineers and passed inspection as a good engine. I'm curious what the others would look like.

 

[slag]

the 07 tundra had the 4.7 also, not the 5.7 in it.

 

[jlee]

the 07 tundra had the 4.7 also, not the 5.7 in it.

Yep. It's the updated version (VVT-i) of the same V8 that's in the early 2000's Tundra (the 2uz-fe is also in the 100-series Landcruiser, first gen Sequoia, 4th gen 4Runner, and all GX470/LX470s).

 

[Ns1]

You can get a good quality E250 for that price.

 

[JCH13]

Early 2000s Sequoia, Tundra, and GX470 all meet your requirements for towing capacity, cost, and are all on LTQI's top 10 most reliable vehicles. Ram's are the most reliable Dodge vehicles, but at a rating of 70 they are not as reliable as the three Toyotas listed above, which are listed at 96, 97, and 100 respectively.

Seems like a no-brainer.

As someone who has owned and loved a Mazdaspeed 3, two Miatas, and currently has an RX8 that I'd like to tow to the track (and my parents boat, and my in-laws tractor, and a robotics trailer, and... you get the idea) I spent ~$10k on a newer GX470 Sport and have been quite pleased with it. My vehicle requirements list was comparable to yours and a used GX470 fit the bill nicely. It is also my DD.

 

[pauldun170]

Hello everyone. My wife and I are strongly considering a larger utility vehicle. We currently have a Mazda 3 and Mazda Miata, so trips to Ikea, Home Depot, and other random things are somewhere between difficult and impossible, forcing us to need to borrow or rent vehicles. We’re moving soon into likely a somewhat fixer-upper house, so Lowe’s/Home Depot runs will become even more common. Furthermore, I’d like to be able to tow my car to the race track.

Basically, we want something cheap that we can fit a bunch of stuff into. Gas mileage isn’t much of a factor because we will rarely drive this vehicle and have two other efficient cars. Towing capacity should be at least 5000 lbs, but 6000 lbs would be nice (in case I switch to a heavier car in the future). Budget is around $5k and I’m mechanically inclined, but I’d still consider myself a beginner in that regard.

So far, our main pick has been an early first generation Toyota Tundra (2000-2002). But lately, I’ve been looking at Dodge Rams of the same era and they actually seem like a better deal. But what about reliability?

We’re open to SUVs as well. No real brand affinity, either.

Thanks!

Sticking to your Budget.

For what you need, you can probably find a well cared for mid to late 2000's Trailblazer with 90K to 130K well within your budget. Know a few people who have these for "stuff" and despite GM build quality they continue to keep chugging along. You can also scour Texas craigslist for cheap Tahoes and Suburbans.

For that budget, you are looking at real high mileage Dodge Rams with rust and drivetrain shenanigans. I've known way to many people who ended up with "My Ram is in the shop" t-shirts to recommend them. If you are good mechanic close to a good junkyard then they could be solid bargains.

For 5K, you are looking at high mileage or older single cab or extended cab Tundras (I'd expect a lot of rust at the price range you are looking at.)
The 2000- 2009 4.7 has a timing belt and you should plan on replacing it if the Tundra you are looking at does not have records.
Toyotas are very solid cars but if your price range is forcing you into 16-20+ year old Toyotas with high mileage, you are looking at vehicles that not only have mileage related issues but age related issues. Engines should be "ok" if cared for but all that's saying is that bearings and compression is good. You maybe looking at some issues with rear ends, transmission and or frame rot.

With, F150's you should be able to find some decent RWD models but you should be prepared for 4.6 and 5.4 plugs popping.

At that 5K price bracket, you have to expect some unexpected maintenance cost no matter what you buy.
If I were in your position, I'd get whatever vehicle looked best underneath

 

[scannall]

Hello everyone. My wife and I are strongly considering a larger utility vehicle. We currently have a Mazda 3 and Mazda Miata, so trips to Ikea, Home Depot, and other random things are somewhere between difficult and impossible, forcing us to need to borrow or rent vehicles. We’re moving soon into likely a somewhat fixer-upper house, so Lowe’s/Home Depot runs will become even more common. Furthermore, I’d like to be able to tow my car to the race track.

Basically, we want something cheap that we can fit a bunch of stuff into. Gas mileage isn’t much of a factor because we will rarely drive this vehicle and have two other efficient cars. Towing capacity should be at least 5000 lbs, but 6000 lbs would be nice (in case I switch to a heavier car in the future). Budget is around $5k and I’m mechanically inclined, but I’d still consider myself a beginner in that regard.

So far, our main pick has been an early first generation Toyota Tundra (2000-2002). But lately, I’ve been looking at Dodge Rams of the same era and they actually seem like a better deal. But what about reliability?

We’re open to SUVs as well. No real brand affinity, either.

Thanks!

Should be able to get a used Ford F250 diesel in that range if you take your time. It'll last forever.

 

[pauldun170]

Should be able to get a used Ford F250 diesel in that range if you take your time. It'll last forever.

Disagree for the same reason I didn't recommend the Excursion.
At that price range you are looking at
A: Ancient 90's F-250 with 7.3. These are money pits at this point. The ones that are in good shape (restored) are catching a premium.
B: Early 90's 7.3 with 300K-500K on the clock. Good luck finding one that isn't a train wreck "ENGINE RUNS GREAT!!! Needs work\Transmission\Rust\Electrical Problems"
C. 6.0 Powerstrokes that aren't exactly rock solid to begin with AND you need to lift the body of the frame to work on for a lot of stuff.

 

[scannall]

Disagree for the same reason I didn't recommend the Excursion.
At that price range you are looking at
A: Ancient 90's F-250 with 7.3. These are money pits at this point. The ones that are in good shape (restored) are catching a premium.
B: Early 90's 7.3 with 300K-500K on the clock. Good luck finding one that isn't a train wreck "ENGINE RUNS GREAT!!! Needs work\Transmission\Rust\Electrical Problems"
C. 6.0 Powerstrokes that aren't exactly rock solid to begin with AND you need to lift the body of the frame to work on for a lot of stuff.

I guess it depends on the part of the country you are in. Here is a local example that's decent. F250