Best pickup truck under $5,000?

[TridenT]

I'm looking for a used pickup truck under $5,000. I doubt I'll put more than 5,000 miles on it in a year, if that. It's mostly going to be for hauling projects around town, getting furniture, and what not. You know, truck stuff. I'd go with a van but a truck is just fitting the bill right now. Besides, I've always wanted to be a pickup man.


What should I look at? What should I avoid? Common things to look out for?

 

[Crono]

Curious about this myself, for future reference. Around here I see a seemingly good condition 2008 Ford Ranger XLT with 66,833 miles going for ~$6,000, versus some older (and probably more reliable, because Toyota) higher mileage Tacomas going for about the same price.

 

[Perknose]

You know how they always tell you to take it to a reputable mechanic and have it thoroughly inspected first? Whatever you buy, DO THAT.

 

[TridenT]

You know how they always tell you to take it to a reputable mechanic and have it thoroughly inspected first? Whatever you buy, DO THAT.

For $5k? I don't think it'd be even reasonable. Obviously I can check on most stuff. So what would I need to check for most on some of these trucks?

I wanted to get a Ford F-150 because it seemed like an easy choice (and abundance) for the price range. A Toyota Tacoma would be solid but those are out of my price bracket. I know the Triton engine is a nightmare though... :/

 

[jlee]

http://www.homedepot.com/c/truck_rental

 

[Yuriman]

Trailer? I move refrigerators, mattresses, bricks and gravel with my first gen Insight, pay insurance and registration on only one vehicle, and still get more than 50mpg while doing this.

I have an F150 parked behind it which is currently up on Craigslist.

 

[Elganja]

if you don't NEED a truck.. an older 4-runner can be had for under 5k

 

[corkyg]

It is not logical to pick a "best" by brand or model. The winner would be the one that has had the best care and service, and not abused. Beware of refugees from recently flooded areas. I would tend to rely on a good dealership that would stand behind the sale.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

$5000 plus taxes, registration, and maintenance is a lot of money for something you'll use very sparingly. That money could buy new furniture delivered to your house, contractors to do work for you, etc.. I sold my truck. I did the math and figured out It's cheaper to just have stuff delivered to my house if I can't fit it in my car.

 

[TridenT]

$5000 plus taxes, registration, and maintenance is a lot of money for something you'll use very sparingly. That money could buy new furniture delivered to your house, contractors to do work for you, etc.. I sold my truck. I did the math and figured out It's cheaper to just have stuff delivered to my house if I can't fit it in my car.

I understand that but the math for me is more dependent on my own time. I'd rather not constantly be making trips to Home Depot, hoping they have a truck ready for me, etc. I've had enough bad experiences with HD and the such that I'd rather just pass on that. I much rather be able to take the truck whenever I want and use it whenever I want.

I'll sell the damn thing eventually. I'm out maybe $600 in taxes upfront. Maybe $300 in maintenance costs upfront. Insurance is less than $20/month. I think it's fine with me. I'll sell the truck for about what I paid for it in the end.

A trailer would be nice but we don't have a car that can really use a trailer very well and we don't have anywhere we can put a trailer either. Renting a trailer is plausible but is also a time sink. (Driving to pick it up, drop it off, do the paperwork, reserve it in time, etc.)

 

[jlee]

I understand that but the math for me is more dependent on my own time. I'd rather not constantly be making trips to Home Depot, hoping they have a truck ready for me, etc. I've had enough bad experiences with HD and the such that I'd rather just pass on that. I much rather be able to take the truck whenever I want and use it whenever I want.

I'll sell the damn thing eventually. I'm out maybe $600 in taxes upfront. Maybe $300 in maintenance costs upfront. Insurance is less than $20/month. I think it's fine with me. I'll sell the truck for about what I paid for it in the end.

A trailer would be nice but we don't have a car that can really use a trailer very well and we don't have anywhere we can put a trailer either. Renting a trailer is plausible but is also a time sink. (Driving to pick it up, drop it off, do the paperwork, reserve it in time, etc.)

Seems it'd be easier to store this:

Than this:

Unless you just have street parking or something...

 

[TridenT]

Seems it'd be easier to store this:



Than this:



Unless you just have street parking or something...

And there you have the issue. I have street parking. I do live in the bay area, after all.

 

[JCH13]

$5000 plus taxes, registration, and maintenance is a lot of money for something you'll use very sparingly. That money could buy new furniture delivered to your house, contractors to do work for you, etc.. I sold my truck. I did the math and figured out It's cheaper to just have stuff delivered to my house if I can't fit it in my car.

I understand that but the math for me is more dependent on my own time. I'd rather not constantly be making trips to Home Depot, hoping they have a truck ready for me, etc. I've had enough bad experiences with HD and the such that I'd rather just pass on that. I much rather be able to take the truck whenever I want and use it whenever I want.

I'll sell the damn thing eventually. I'm out maybe $600 in taxes upfront. Maybe $300 in maintenance costs upfront. Insurance is less than $20/month. I think it's fine with me. I'll sell the truck for about what I paid for it in the end.

A trailer would be nice but we don't have a car that can really use a trailer very well and we don't have anywhere we can put a trailer either. Renting a trailer is plausible but is also a time sink. (Driving to pick it up, drop it off, do the paperwork, reserve it in time, etc.)

Pro tip: home depot does home delivery for almost everything when ordered online. From home. In your underwear.

I don't think you actually read what OFT wrote. They didn't say get a truck at HD. They suggested that you just pay for delivery. In my area a 3000# pallet of bricks is $55 delivered ~15 miles away and 100x 12ft 2x4s is $79... and you think you'll save time and maybe even money by buying a truck, loading it yourself, driving it yourself, unloading it yourself, and dealing with all its upkeep yourself?

Shit son, you better take it easy on them fruit loops, they're really messing you up!

 

[TridenT]

Pro tip: home depot does home delivery for almost everything when ordered online. From home. In your underwear.

I don't think you actually read what OFT wrote. They didn't say get a truck at HD. They suggested that you just pay for delivery. In my area a 3000# pallet of bricks is $55 delivered ~15 miles away and 100x 12ft 2x4s is $79... and you think you'll save time and maybe even money by buying a truck, loading it yourself, driving it yourself, unloading it yourself, and dealing with all its upkeep yourself?

Shit son, you better take it easy on them fruit loops, they're really messing you up!

As if I trust Home Depot for anything. Here's the thing too guys: I need to take these things from other places beyond HD. I live in the bay area. It's going to cost a lot more than whatever it does where you are.

 

[Crono]

As if I trust Home Depot for anything. Here's the thing too guys: I need to take these things from other places beyond HD. I live in the bay area. It's going to cost a lot more than whatever it does where you are.

What do other people in the Bay Area do? They all drive pickups over there?

 

[thedarkwolf]

A 1990 or so ford f-150, 300 straight 6, 4 speed manual, 2wd, and $1500. Why even bother spending $5k for something that is just going to sit?

 

[1sikbITCH]

You said Bay area and I'm thinking salt water corrosion coming off the water. I'd begin my search looking for dealers that get their used vehicles from Nevada or somewhere else other than the beach.

 

[XavierMace]

XavierMace... Might be better to offer suggestions rather than BS...

AT Moderator
Bartman39


So how long until we get a new thread from you to complain about the fuel economy of your truck, how expensive tires are, and how hard it is to work on it in the street?

 

[TridenT]

What do other people in the Bay Area do? They all drive pickups over there?

They pay out of their ass for it. That's what. I ain't doing that. And if they aren't paying a lot, they're definitely paying in quality.

 

[Rifter]

A 1990 or so ford f-150, 300 straight 6, 4 speed manual, 2wd, and $1500. Why even bother spending $5k for something that is just going to sit?

Agree with this, no need to spend more than 1-2k for a truck to use a few times a year.

 

[Yuriman]

A 1990 or so ford f-150, 300 straight 6, 4 speed manual, 2wd, and $1500. Why even bother spending $5k for something that is just going to sit?

This is basically the truck I'm selling.

I prefer having a trailer instead.

 

[snoopy7548]

I apologize in advance.

You should buy a single-cab Tacoma. You could probably find a used one for under $5k from the early 2000s. Those things are indestructible.

 

[Crono]

I apologize in advance.

You should buy a single-cab Tacoma. You could probably find a used one for under $5k from the early 2000s. Those things are indestructible.

It's too bad this isn't Off Topic because that's hilarious. You'll probably get a warning for it. Mods don't like humor in this forum.

Excellent photoshopping and use of space. Very efficient.

 

[JCH13]

As if I trust Home Depot for anything. Here's the thing too guys: I need to take these things from other places beyond HD. I live in the bay area. It's going to cost a lot more than whatever it does where you are.

You not trusting HD is on you.

Sounds like you're talking from your ass. Smells like it too. You clearly haven't run the numbers to see how much delivery will cost you.

Also, if you only have street parking and presumably renting, what the hell are you buying so much of that you think it justifies owning a truck?!

 

[snoopy7548]

It's too bad this isn't Off Topic because that's hilarious. You'll probably get a warning for it. Mods don't like humor in this forum.

Excellent photoshopping and use of space. Very efficient.

I'm hoping my effort to at least contribute something meaningful to the thread offsets the funny picture.

It's amazing the things you can do with Paint. I get a lot of practice at work.