Buying a cheap truck - any tips?

[GasX]

I need a pickup for various hauling purposes. I plan to spend around $5-6k. Any recommendations or tips? I am clueless when it comes to pickups, so any help is appreciated.

My wishlist is as follows:

Larger than a Ranger or Tacoma
Ability to tow small loads
history of reliability (I don't mind old if the drivetrain is a good one)

Thanks in advance

 

[Jimzz]

Tacoma is a mid-size now so you want a full size truck?

I would stick to Chevy, Ford, or GMC for your budget.

Look for rust and maintaince. Transmissions are know to last a long time in trucks if taken care of and if not can burn out fast due to lack of fluid/filters changes and over heating from towing.

 

[pauldun170]

Tacos are universally loved and respected, therefore over priced. You might be able to find a simple base 2wd model for cheap. Rust is an issue. Some might say HUGE issue.

Mazda B Series, Rangers are are universally respected (not loved) and primitive. Can be had cheap yet can also be overpiced. Big issue is that came so many damn engines combos I don't even know where to start.

Nissan Frontier? Don't see to many of them but I've heard owners liked them.

Chevy Colorado - Its seems like there is no middle ground for these trucks. Last forever or lasts a month prior to falling apart. I want to say avoid.

 

[GasX]

Tacoma is a mid-size now so you want a full size truck?

I see Tacomas out there that are tiny. Did they start making them larger?

I was thinking F150 or Ram 1500 or the like...

 

[Jimzz]

Tacos are universally loved and respected, therefore over priced. You might be able to find a simple base 2wd model for cheap. Rust is an issue. Some might say HUGE issue.

Mazda B Series, Rangers are are universally respected (not loved) and primitive. Can be had cheap yet can also be overpiced. Big issue is that came so many damn engines combos I don't even know where to start.

Nissan Frontier? Don't see to many of them but I've heard owners liked them.

Chevy Colorado - Its seems like there is no middle ground for these trucks. Last forever or lasts a month prior to falling apart. I want to say avoid.

The first engine design had some head issues. The updated engines, larger displacements, fixed those I have read.

I still could not find any Colorado/Canyon trucks that meet my needs with the updated motor. Ended up buying a 07 Dodge Dakota V8.

 

[Jimzz]

I see Tacomas out there that are tiny. Did they start making them larger?

I was thinking F150 or Ram 1500 or the like...

2005+ the 2nd Gen tacoma got bigger.

I would skip the dodges unless its a newer one with the updated Trans. The older ones had some trans issues.

I just bought a 2007 Dakota Quad Cab. The 2005+ Dakota's are good but ONLY if you get the V8. The V6 engine is ok but comes with the older 4speed trans. The V8's get the 454rfe trans. So I got a V8 for the trans, not the motor.

 

[GasX]

What are the older tundras like?

 

[Jimzz]

What are the older tundras like?

The first gen I liked as they were smaller than the full size but had the V8 option and rode better than the smaller trucks. The T100 and first gen Tundras were on my shopping list but so many had rust, very high miles, or other problems;I could not find a good one.

They did have some rust issues like most Toyota trucks and some early engine problems. The biggest complaint I had was they had timing belts, even in the V8's. So increased cost for maintaince. So if you can find a good one then I would not worry outside of the upkeep and records.

 

[mvbighead]

Things like extra/quad cab and 4x4 will add much to the price. If you don't need those two things, you should be able to find a pretty decent rwd option for your price.

I've read a lot about spark plug issues on Ford F150. Blowing them out or something to that effect.

My dad has had his 01 Ram 4x4 Quad cab for 220k plus miles with no major issues. It is a 4.7 and he's recently encountered an exhaust manifold issue (i believe) that causes a ticking sound, but he just leaves it alone.

I have a 2000 Silverado with 186k that has been quite reliable for the few miles I drive it. Just need to stop driving it by my burn pile and getting screws in the tires.

For the most part, you can't go too wrong with whatever you choose.

 

[slag]

In your price range, I'd think an early 2000's F150 would be your best bet. Either the 4.6 or 5.4 liter engine will do. A chevy wouldn't be bad either but I haven't owned one of them.

 

[thedarkwolf]

I'd just old older and even cheaper . I'd get an early 90s ford f-150 with the 300 straight 6 and a 5 speed. Indestructible and cheap as hell.

 

[NutBucket]

Things like extra/quad cab and 4x4 will add much to the price. If you don't need those two things, you should be able to find a pretty decent rwd option for your price.

I've read a lot about spark plug issues on Ford F150. Blowing them out or something to that effect.

That's on the 4.6 motor. Something about the spark plugs only being partially threaded or something. They don't blow out but can break when attempting removal. There's some sort of upgrade (parts, procedure, not sure?) to band-aid things. But the real problem is if they break on removal.

 

[slag]

That's on the 4.6 motor. Something about the spark plugs only being partially threaded or something. They don't blow out but can break when attempting removal. There's some sort of upgrade (parts, procedure, not sure?) to band-aid things. But the real problem is if they break on removal.

There were two distinct issues. On earlier trucks, spark plugs would blow out of the plug holes due to only a few threads holding the plugs in.

Second issue was two piece plugs that would break off in the hole. You had to buy a special tool to remove the plugs that worked pretty well, but it should have never been allowed to happen.

 

[NutBucket]

Ah, OK. I was more familiar with the second issue.

 

[desura]

out of curiousity what is the best *small* truck out there? I hate the huge behemoth trucks that are essentially compact cars with a truck bed attached.

 

[Jimzz]

out of curiousity what is the best *small* truck out there? I hate the huge behemoth trucks that are essentially compact cars with a truck bed attached.

There are no more new small trucks, only midsize. Last small truck was the ranger.

For midsize there is the Dakota(not being made anymore), Canyon/Colorado(not being made right now but coming soon again), Tacoma, and Frontier. They all have their pro/cons. I sold my ranger and got a V8 Dakota myself but I was looking at all of them.

 

[OverVolt]

For $5-6k isn't your wishlist essentially

-runs

 

[pauldun170]

That's on the 4.6 motor. Something about the spark plugs only being partially threaded or something. They don't blow out but can break when attempting removal. There's some sort of upgrade (parts, procedure, not sure?) to band-aid things. But the real problem is if they break on removal.

All the folks I know who experienced the issue with the 4.6 said that the fix was straightforward and they do not regret the purchase of the F150\Mustang
It applies to 2004 and older

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Tacomas are some of the most overrated overpriced used vehicles out there. I would only even consider a tacoma if I was buying a used truck.

You say tow small loads - what do you drive now? What exactly are you needing to haul?

Honestly most people with trucks would be better of with a utility trailer behind their daily driver. Cheaper to tag, no insurance, and you can buy a regular vehicle that fits your needs best for the 95% of the time you use it then have a trailer for the 5%.

 

[mvbighead]

For $5-6k isn't your wishlist essentially

-runs

That's pretty short sited. There are a LOT of options from all types of manufacturers in the ball park. Some may be better or worse than others. Some may be easier to maintain, some may not.

I dunno, if his price range was $2k, I could see your point, but $5k presents more options than just 'runs.'

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Agree. $5-$6k could buy you something nice and well-maintained if you know what to look for and are patient.

 

[Jimzz]

Agree. $5-$6k could buy you something nice and well-maintained if you know what to look for and are patient.

Depends where you are at. Here in NoVA 5-6k is base line for a base model truck with 100k+ and good chance of light rust.

Had to drive to another state to spend $9500 for my 80k and "needs light work" truck.

 

[thedarkwolf]

People have different standards. I can buy what I consider a nice truck for $2k but most people would consider it a POS lol. If I'm buying a truck to haul junk I don't really care if it has a some rust and looks like crap as long as it runs and drives well.

 

[NutBucket]

I think we all know you have low car standards!

 

[MrPickins]

There are no more new small trucks, only midsize. Last small truck was the ranger.

For midsize there is the Dakota(not being made anymore), Canyon/Colorado(not being made right now but coming soon again), Tacoma, and Frontier. They all have their pro/cons. I sold my ranger and got a V8 Dakota myself but I was looking at all of them.

This.

I went with a Frontier when I sold my Ranger.

It's definitely bigger (although still smaller than a full-size).