What old / used truck should I look into?

[CurseTheSky]

Finally, FINALLY after 25 years of my life (due to college, economy, and many other factors), my fiancée and I are buying a house. There's a lot of planning left to do, and a lot of things we're realizing that we'll need. Due to the property here (6.5 acres, about half woods, plenty of places that get muddy), Connecticut weather (plowing), and just hauling junk back and forth, we're eventually going to need a truck.

I'm not looking to buy anything soon - probably in a year or two. In the mean time, it doesn't hurt to hunt around to get a general idea of what to expect, and in case an amazing deal comes our way. The property is very hilly and gets muddy, icy, and covered with snow regularly during various seasons, so 4x4 would be a plus.

Basically, I'm looking for suggestions as to which years / makes / models are going to be the best bang for the buck. I'd hope to spend less than $5,000 on it, and the lower the better. This isn't something that we're going to be driving all over the place. It'll mainly be used for plowing, occasionally hauling lumber, and possibly pulling other vehicles out of they get stuck.

Thanks.

 

[JCH13]

A buddy of mine swore by his Isuzu Trooper and 4wd F250.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

You really can't go wrong with any of the old Ford or Chevy 4x4's. either pickups or suburbans. If this is just going to be an on property vehicle, look for someone selling a hunting lease vehicle. It'll be ugly and beat up, by they are typically still good running.
I saw someone selling a early 80's Suburban down here in texas for $400.

 

[LordMorpheus]

An old IH.

Trust me, it'll be fine.

 

[*kjm]

Any F-150 with a straight six engine that is in good shape and runs good.... the straight six will run for ever.

 

[compman25]

78 or 79 F-250 4x4

 

[Rifter]

73-87 Chevy pickup.

 

[marvdmartian]

An old IH.

Trust me, it'll be fine.

"Son, you look like you got drug through a horse's ass backwards."

I'm glad I wasn't drinking anything when I read that.....as I likely would have snorted it out through my nostrils!! :awe:

 

[spaceman]

3/4ton 4x4 in the best condition u can find

 

[Possessed Freak]

Deuce and a Half.

 

[Sluggo]

Sadly the auction has ended, but this would have done you a nice job.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140526813136+&viewitem=

Keep an eye for a late 80s or early 90s F-150 4x4, with a 4.9 liter (300ci) 6 cylinder and a 5 speed. Around here they run in the 1200-2700 range. The 300ci Ford inline 6 basically runs forever and the the standard transmission will be be more reliable than an automatic.

EDIT:
Didn't see plowing. If you are going to have a plow on it, you definitely want a 3/4 ton or a 1ton.

 

[Bignate603]

3/4ton 4x4 in the best condition u can find

For once I agree with the spaceman, at least for the most part. You're going to be putting relatively low miles on it so you honestly don't need it to be low mileage or the most reliable model. You'll just want something that will start up when you need it and pass any state required emissions or inspections. As long as it functions I wouldn't skip over something that's high mileage or has a little (emphasis on little) rust. I wouldn't stress over getting a particular make or model because for what you're it will matter more how the last owner or 3 treated it.