Best Small Truck
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Ski_the_east01
Active member
Tacoma.
drumbumocdp
Active member
Tacoma.
ILLinoisance
Active member
I would not look at Dakotas, Sonomas, or S10s. Tacomas are nice, Rangers are nice.
Dirty.Harry.
Active member
Tacoma.
They are expensive though. The 1st gens (95.5-04) hold their value very well.
They are expensive though. The 1st gens (95.5-04) hold their value very well.
Dr.Dealgood
Active member
^Of course, the large majority of Tacomas and many of the other trucks mentioned have four wheel drive.
I would reccomend a Toyota of almost any vintage so long as the motor and tranny are in good shape and the frame is in good working order. My old Toyota was the only vehicle I've never gotten stuck, even though I tried pretty hard.
If you can find them the Chevy S10 ZR2's are great trucks that have a good track record.
Rangers are good and have one of the most dependable engines ever to hit the road, unfortunately they're stopping production soon. Also, those motors, as strong as they are, don't give you very good gas mileage @ around 17 mpg. I was getting around 20 mpg with my 93 Toyota pickup.
If you're looking at Toyota's seriously, hopefully Sdot sees this thread and chimes in or I would msg her. She knows her trucks and is a good person.
I would reccomend a Toyota of almost any vintage so long as the motor and tranny are in good shape and the frame is in good working order. My old Toyota was the only vehicle I've never gotten stuck, even though I tried pretty hard.
If you can find them the Chevy S10 ZR2's are great trucks that have a good track record.
Rangers are good and have one of the most dependable engines ever to hit the road, unfortunately they're stopping production soon. Also, those motors, as strong as they are, don't give you very good gas mileage @ around 17 mpg. I was getting around 20 mpg with my 93 Toyota pickup.
If you're looking at Toyota's seriously, hopefully Sdot sees this thread and chimes in or I would msg her. She knows her trucks and is a good person.
.Hugo.
Active member
But it's not really a true four wheel drive. I'm to lazy to type it out so I just copied and pasted it:
"The Tacoma is available with a part-time four-wheel-drive system that operates only in slippery conditions, such as off-road or in snow.
All-wheel-drive systems are permanently engaged and can be used on all surfaces, and often these systems can automatically transfer power between the front and rear axles (and side to side on some models) as needed for traction conditions.
The Tacoma’s four-wheel-drive system does not have that capability and lacks a center differential that allows the front and rear axles to turn at different speeds in turns, so it is intended only for slippery surfaces. It is engaged by a dashboard switch and allows the driver to shift in and out of four-wheel drive at speeds up to 62 mph."
Also, I guess I actually use my truck for things I would just not trust a smaller truck for. Going hunting where you have to drive down trails through the woods and out into muddy fields, driving through deep snow and out onto lakes for ice fishing, and hauling a lot of materials. The biggest thing really though is pulling my 19ft boat on trips of up to 4 hours. A small truck just wouldn't cut it for me. But I guess if you aren't really hauling or pulling things you could get by with a smaller truck.
"The Tacoma is available with a part-time four-wheel-drive system that operates only in slippery conditions, such as off-road or in snow.
All-wheel-drive systems are permanently engaged and can be used on all surfaces, and often these systems can automatically transfer power between the front and rear axles (and side to side on some models) as needed for traction conditions.
The Tacoma’s four-wheel-drive system does not have that capability and lacks a center differential that allows the front and rear axles to turn at different speeds in turns, so it is intended only for slippery surfaces. It is engaged by a dashboard switch and allows the driver to shift in and out of four-wheel drive at speeds up to 62 mph."
Also, I guess I actually use my truck for things I would just not trust a smaller truck for. Going hunting where you have to drive down trails through the woods and out into muddy fields, driving through deep snow and out onto lakes for ice fishing, and hauling a lot of materials. The biggest thing really though is pulling my 19ft boat on trips of up to 4 hours. A small truck just wouldn't cut it for me. But I guess if you aren't really hauling or pulling things you could get by with a smaller truck.
When it comes to trucks, NEVER BUY AMERICAN. You can't go wrong with Nissan.
My dad had a Nissan (not sure what model or truck) for like 250k or so, and sold it to a Mex for dirt cheap, turned around, and bought another Nissan (a Frontier). Today I'm 17 and I drive the Frontier, it's got 171k on it and no problems at all apart from a broken AC compressor (which you can change yourself with a scrapyard).
Hope I helped
My dad had a Nissan (not sure what model or truck) for like 250k or so, and sold it to a Mex for dirt cheap, turned around, and bought another Nissan (a Frontier). Today I'm 17 and I drive the Frontier, it's got 171k on it and no problems at all apart from a broken AC compressor (which you can change yourself with a scrapyard).
Hope I helped
I'm honestly biased, I've heard from people who have been Chevy, Ford, and GMC buyers and drivers for their whole lives that they've seen them go from machines that wouldn't break to machines that are timed to break so you have to go to the dealer to spend more money on repairs and replacements. Again that's someone's opinion that I'm just sharing, but seems like nothing but truth, seems like something that businesses would do in these times
Dr.Dealgood
Active member
I've heard a lot of the same American vs import. To me it doesn't really matter much, it boils down to issues of pride (usually). I don't know how true this is or not, but I wonder how many parts in an "American-made" truck are made in the US? Is it just the frame and engine/trans or is it more? How many parts are import? Or is it just assembled in the US? I don't know, but I do wonder. For me, that whole debate tends to follow families brand preferences (I know a GMC family, a Dodge family, a Ford family, I know a Toyota family, etc....) and/or is just a pride thing to not drive import. Which is fine by me. I've only ever driven import (Toyota and Subaru) and swear by either vehicle. But I'm not nor ever was hauling, my vehicles are more get me out and there and get me back type approach.
I agree with you about the four wheel drive thing, but some of the Toyotas I've seen in rough conditions fair just fine even when it's not a true four wheel drive system. And, I imagine, the OP is buying used in which case he would very well end up with hub locking system or older model--which--correct me if I'm wrong--are all true 4 wheel models?
I think a lot of people end up getting way more truck than they need. For what you do it sounds like you definitely need all the truck you've got. I think OP will get some better advice if he can tell us what he intends to use the truck for.
I agree with you about the four wheel drive thing, but some of the Toyotas I've seen in rough conditions fair just fine even when it's not a true four wheel drive system. And, I imagine, the OP is buying used in which case he would very well end up with hub locking system or older model--which--correct me if I'm wrong--are all true 4 wheel models?
I think a lot of people end up getting way more truck than they need. For what you do it sounds like you definitely need all the truck you've got. I think OP will get some better advice if he can tell us what he intends to use the truck for.
Dirty.Harry.
Active member
Where did you get that quote from? The systems in the 05-13 Tacomas aren't really any different than anything else on the market (including f150s and 1500s, which also have a '4WD Auto' system if desired). The TRD Off Road 2nd gens have an elocker in the rear as well.
I know my 01 Tacoma has selectable 4wd and a lever to engage 4LO. It also has the factory elocker, so it doesn't have just 4wd with open difs.
Obviously a larger truck will tow more weight, but for going on the hunting trails and muddy fields you mentioned, I would much prefer a little truck over a full size. They are smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable. In those situations, power becomes secondary to traction, and the best way to gain or keep traction is to have a locker or two. The Tacoma comes with a factory selectable locker in the TRD package (98-04) and the TRD Off Road Package (05-13). As for snow and ice, good tyres (maybe chains too) and clearance are important, but those can be put onto either type of vehicle.
I guess I'm not sure what you mean by using your rig for things that you wouldn't 'trust' a smaller truck to do, besides towing of course.
I hope Sdot can help me on this..she knows more than most every guy on this site.
I know my 01 Tacoma has selectable 4wd and a lever to engage 4LO. It also has the factory elocker, so it doesn't have just 4wd with open difs.
Obviously a larger truck will tow more weight, but for going on the hunting trails and muddy fields you mentioned, I would much prefer a little truck over a full size. They are smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable. In those situations, power becomes secondary to traction, and the best way to gain or keep traction is to have a locker or two. The Tacoma comes with a factory selectable locker in the TRD package (98-04) and the TRD Off Road Package (05-13). As for snow and ice, good tyres (maybe chains too) and clearance are important, but those can be put onto either type of vehicle.
I guess I'm not sure what you mean by using your rig for things that you wouldn't 'trust' a smaller truck to do, besides towing of course.
I hope Sdot can help me on this..she knows more than most every guy on this site.
clive_bixby
Active member
F150 with the inline 6. Seen them with 300-500k miles. Great engine with decent gas mileage.
.Hugo.
Active member
To Caudill and EC-Andrew:
I do come from a family that has owned Ford everything so I am a little bit biased in that sense. Of all the Ford trucks my dad has had he has never had a serious problem with any of them so I do trust them since i've had good experiences. But I am in no way against imported or other brands. Well actually the only imported truck i'd even think about buying is a Toyota haha, but even that's a stretch. It's just that when I think of brands like Honda, Nissan, and Toyota truck is basically the last thing that comes to mind.
As far as how american made brands like ford chevy and dodge actually are, I have no idea haha. But i'm sure not every part is 100% "american made".
And ya, OP definitely has to give us insight on what he will be using it for.
To Dirty.Harry.:
I got it from cars.com, don't exactly know how reliable of source it is but it was the only place I could find in a quick search that actually explained the 4wd system. But now that I look at it again it's comparing it to AWD not 4WD, fuck me haha. Maybe i'll try to do more research a little later when I have some time since i'm not really familiar with Toyota.
I do come from a family that has owned Ford everything so I am a little bit biased in that sense. Of all the Ford trucks my dad has had he has never had a serious problem with any of them so I do trust them since i've had good experiences. But I am in no way against imported or other brands. Well actually the only imported truck i'd even think about buying is a Toyota haha, but even that's a stretch. It's just that when I think of brands like Honda, Nissan, and Toyota truck is basically the last thing that comes to mind.
As far as how american made brands like ford chevy and dodge actually are, I have no idea haha. But i'm sure not every part is 100% "american made".
And ya, OP definitely has to give us insight on what he will be using it for.
To Dirty.Harry.:
I got it from cars.com, don't exactly know how reliable of source it is but it was the only place I could find in a quick search that actually explained the 4wd system. But now that I look at it again it's comparing it to AWD not 4WD, fuck me haha. Maybe i'll try to do more research a little later when I have some time since i'm not really familiar with Toyota.
Sdot.
Active member
Great response.
To the guy who said Tacomas don't have true 4WD is trippin'!!!! Well actually, let me rephrase that:
The ONLY trucks that have TRUE 4WD are those with both front and rear lockers (ie: modified off-road trucks, as no truck comes stock this way). With industry "4WD", you've got one front wheel and one rear wheel with power; whether the right or left of each is powered depends on which gets most traction. In 2WD vehicles, only one wheel is being powered (obviously in front-wheel it's either the right or left front, and the opposite for rear-wheel). In my opinion, vehicles should be referred to as 1WD (instead of 2), 2WD (instead of 4), 3WD (for "4WD" vehicles with a single rear locker or spooled rear axles), and 4WD for those with front and rear lockers.
Lockers are called such because they lock the differentials. They are great for off-roading, as it enables power to all four wheels simultaneously, which means that all four tires are turning at the same speed, providing much greater traction. This is the only TRUE 4WD. No vehicle could ever be a permanent true 4WD because it's damned near impossible to turn.
Now, as far as big trucks vs. little trucks goes: my friends and I have pulled out with our little 'Yotas countless large trucks that got stuck while off-roading or hunting because they were either too large and/or too heavy. Like DH said, smaller trucks are very maneuverable. Unless you're looking to tow heavy weight, I really don't see the benefit of a larger truck.
That being said, this isn't a big truck vs. little truck debate; the question was about which little truck was best. And the answer is a Tacoma. Toyotas hold their value like no other truck, they're dependable, and they last forever. The initial cost is more, but you end up saving a lot in repairs. Maintenance is very minimal. They're great trucks!
To the guy who said Tacomas don't have true 4WD is trippin'!!!! Well actually, let me rephrase that:
The ONLY trucks that have TRUE 4WD are those with both front and rear lockers (ie: modified off-road trucks, as no truck comes stock this way). With industry "4WD", you've got one front wheel and one rear wheel with power; whether the right or left of each is powered depends on which gets most traction. In 2WD vehicles, only one wheel is being powered (obviously in front-wheel it's either the right or left front, and the opposite for rear-wheel). In my opinion, vehicles should be referred to as 1WD (instead of 2), 2WD (instead of 4), 3WD (for "4WD" vehicles with a single rear locker or spooled rear axles), and 4WD for those with front and rear lockers.
Lockers are called such because they lock the differentials. They are great for off-roading, as it enables power to all four wheels simultaneously, which means that all four tires are turning at the same speed, providing much greater traction. This is the only TRUE 4WD. No vehicle could ever be a permanent true 4WD because it's damned near impossible to turn.
Now, as far as big trucks vs. little trucks goes: my friends and I have pulled out with our little 'Yotas countless large trucks that got stuck while off-roading or hunting because they were either too large and/or too heavy. Like DH said, smaller trucks are very maneuverable. Unless you're looking to tow heavy weight, I really don't see the benefit of a larger truck.
That being said, this isn't a big truck vs. little truck debate; the question was about which little truck was best. And the answer is a Tacoma. Toyotas hold their value like no other truck, they're dependable, and they last forever. The initial cost is more, but you end up saving a lot in repairs. Maintenance is very minimal. They're great trucks!
PASKIINGSUCKS
Active member
If you want a great small truck that's bombproof and cheap search out a pre tacoma yota truck. Back in the days when they were simply the yota pickup. Anything from 84-94, and even earlier if you can find em, are all built in japan and are the old school can't kill em toyota trucks. Of course the older ones are gonna be a little busted but there are plenty of 88-94 trucks still out there that have life left in em if they aren't completely rusted out.
Two of my good friends still drive 88 yotas with over 300,000 miles on them, and they daily drive both of them. Yeah the four cylinders wont haul 4 horses and a four wheeler but they'll easily get you to the mountain or your favorite hunting spot with some capable tires.
The tacomas are all nice, but don't rule out the older generations as these trucks never die. You might need a part or two here and there but hey it'll teach ya how to work on your truck. Also they are a huge market so stock parts are still pretty easy to find and there are lots of aftermarket options as well.
Happy hunting though cause guys still gobble these things up as soon as they go up for sale.
This guy is even rocking the stars and bars on the front, just goes to show ya yota kicks so much ass even the rednecks down south recognize japanese durability. They won't fly through 2 feet of mud like a giant dodge but good luck finding any truck guy that won't say old yotas are damn near impossible to kill.
Two of my good friends still drive 88 yotas with over 300,000 miles on them, and they daily drive both of them. Yeah the four cylinders wont haul 4 horses and a four wheeler but they'll easily get you to the mountain or your favorite hunting spot with some capable tires.
The tacomas are all nice, but don't rule out the older generations as these trucks never die. You might need a part or two here and there but hey it'll teach ya how to work on your truck. Also they are a huge market so stock parts are still pretty easy to find and there are lots of aftermarket options as well.
Happy hunting though cause guys still gobble these things up as soon as they go up for sale.
This guy is even rocking the stars and bars on the front, just goes to show ya yota kicks so much ass even the rednecks down south recognize japanese durability. They won't fly through 2 feet of mud like a giant dodge but good luck finding any truck guy that won't say old yotas are damn near impossible to kill.
Ski_the_east01
Active member
my new LJ rubicon does ;-)
I was so close to getting a early 2000's taco but they are too damn expensive
I was so close to getting a early 2000's taco but they are too damn expensive
PASKIINGSUCKS
Active member
Just curious but what year is that and how much did it cost ya??
If I were to stand behind one domestic off road vehicle it would be jeep. I mean hell the original yotas were basically designed straight off the old army jeeps of the forties and fifties.
If I were to stand behind one domestic off road vehicle it would be jeep. I mean hell the original yotas were basically designed straight off the old army jeeps of the forties and fifties.
Ski_the_east01
Active member
It's a 2006 LJ rubi with 95xxx but bone stock and clean because some old ass couple owned it. Sticker price was 16,800 but I stripped most of the goodies off my '01 TJ and got 6k for it and they dropped the sticker down to 16 flat...so I ended up financing about 11 and change because of tax/title/reg crap
I was going around to a lot of toyota dealers but couldn't find the highly sought after early 2000's taco and when I found this unmolested rubicon I knew it was too good of a deal to pass up - hard to beat dana 44's, lockers, 4.10's and 4:1 tcase from the factory
I was going around to a lot of toyota dealers but couldn't find the highly sought after early 2000's taco and when I found this unmolested rubicon I knew it was too good of a deal to pass up - hard to beat dana 44's, lockers, 4.10's and 4:1 tcase from the factory
ILLinoisance
Active member
I can't honestly say I've ever seen a Toyota sporting a Dixie flag. I'm dumbfounded.
PASKIINGSUCKS
Active member
I'm surprised you couldn't find an early 2000s taco for that price from a private seller or used dealer.
Good luck, I haven't heard good things about those stock air lockers on the rubicons. Even jeep die hards seem to favor just buyin a regular wrangler sport and upgrading gears and lockers.
I just never dug jeeps cause they seem like the sports car of the off road world. I mean I can sit 4 people and myself in my extended t100 and fill the back with all our gear and skis/boards......and its a fairly smooth ride down the highway at 75
or pop the cover and move beds/dressers/cabinets/whatever the fuck you want its a truck if I have to. I've never seen anyone fit a motorcycle in the back of a jeep that's for sure.
Of course my buddy's 70s cherokee has earned jeep a lot of respect from me in the past year or two of white knuckle hell rides.
not my buddy's truck
Good luck, I haven't heard good things about those stock air lockers on the rubicons. Even jeep die hards seem to favor just buyin a regular wrangler sport and upgrading gears and lockers.
I just never dug jeeps cause they seem like the sports car of the off road world. I mean I can sit 4 people and myself in my extended t100 and fill the back with all our gear and skis/boards......and its a fairly smooth ride down the highway at 75
or pop the cover and move beds/dressers/cabinets/whatever the fuck you want its a truck if I have to. I've never seen anyone fit a motorcycle in the back of a jeep that's for sure.Of course my buddy's 70s cherokee has earned jeep a lot of respect from me in the past year or two of white knuckle hell rides.
not my buddy's truck
PASKIINGSUCKS
Active member
Come visit the great keystone state of Pennsyltucky sometime. We're the perfect blend of backwoods southern redneck and crunchy new england hippy. I've seen a few confederate flags on yotas before, of course not like you see on dodges but they are out there.
I'd still bet a hundo that there is a gun rack in the back of that yota.
I'd still bet a hundo that there is a gun rack in the back of that yota.
deepfriedtwinkie
Member
ford ranger 'merica
PASKIINGSUCKS
Active member
Stupid question I'm sure, but you did try the lockers before you bought it right?? I bet grandma and grandpa didn't even use em once in those 95,000 miles. You seem truck savvy so I'm sure you did though.
I just know one of the first things i used to do checking out old yota trucks was to throw it in 4 wheel and 4 wheel low just to make sure all the goodies worked properly.
I just know one of the first things i used to do checking out old yota trucks was to throw it in 4 wheel and 4 wheel low just to make sure all the goodies worked properly.
Ski_the_east01
Active member
I had to trade it in because there was a crack in the frame that ran to the control arm mount and it wasn't worth doing a frame swap, but I put some jb weld on that bad boy sanded it down and painted it and it looked factory so the dealership didnt even know (shh....) I obviously wasn't going to private sell it because I wouldnt want to be a dick to some kid or have the liability if he ever got in an accident
Don't get me started on regretting not buying a pickup truck - I've always wanted one and will be getting one sometime in the near future..the main problem with finding the early 2000's taco I wanted was most dealerships don't keep anything on their lot older than 2006 - anything older than that they usually send them right off to wholesale..but obviously I needed to go to a dealer to trade in my '01 TJ
Don't get me started on regretting not buying a pickup truck - I've always wanted one and will be getting one sometime in the near future..the main problem with finding the early 2000's taco I wanted was most dealerships don't keep anything on their lot older than 2006 - anything older than that they usually send them right off to wholesale..but obviously I needed to go to a dealer to trade in my '01 TJ
Ski_the_east01
Active member
Yeah I definitely ran it through the whole list of tests - you should have seen the face on the hot shot salesman face when I was flying through 4hi/low and throwing on the lockers while going underneath and checking oil levels/diff fluids, rear main seall, ujoints - stuff any truck guy would easily know to check but 90% of the people he sells jeeps to would never even think of
I also take some comfort in the lemon laws that protect me for 60 days so I'll be doing some moderate wheeling shortly just to give everything a stress test - that way if something has been weakened or breaks they are required by law to pay for 100% of parts and labor
I also take some comfort in the lemon laws that protect me for 60 days so I'll be doing some moderate wheeling shortly just to give everything a stress test - that way if something has been weakened or breaks they are required by law to pay for 100% of parts and labor
PASKIINGSUCKS
Active member
Ahhh, so the dealer told you it was some old couple's ruby.
I really hope you locked that thing up and ripped a 4 wheel burnout somewhere in the mud at the dealership, that would be a boss test drive.
Is it true the lockers only work in 4 lo??
Get this, my last truck I bought at a yota dealership. It was an 88 OG 4runner. Sales guy was showing me around the shiny new ones, when I told him I was looking for something a little more "economical" he mentioned his own old 4runner. Brought it in the next day and I bought it on the spot for 2 grand, I think it had over 250,000 miles on it at the time. Now my buddy beats it like a stepchild and the worst he's done so far is blow a gas line. He has had to put some body and frame work into it as well but he did that all himself for damn near free, not bad for a 25 year old truck.
I really hope you locked that thing up and ripped a 4 wheel burnout somewhere in the mud at the dealership, that would be a boss test drive.
Is it true the lockers only work in 4 lo??
Get this, my last truck I bought at a yota dealership. It was an 88 OG 4runner. Sales guy was showing me around the shiny new ones, when I told him I was looking for something a little more "economical" he mentioned his own old 4runner. Brought it in the next day and I bought it on the spot for 2 grand, I think it had over 250,000 miles on it at the time. Now my buddy beats it like a stepchild and the worst he's done so far is blow a gas line. He has had to put some body and frame work into it as well but he did that all himself for damn near free, not bad for a 25 year old truck.
Lt-Aldo-Raine
Active member
I've owned 2 small trucks.
99 tacoma 4x4, bought it for 6,400. Thing was fun when i was highschool. Loved that truck and thought it was going to last forever. But one day a leaf spring snapped and shot out like a cannon into my torque bar which sliced the fuck out of it, also cut my break line. Shitty situation turned into a good one when i had it tested for toyotas "rust recall" and it passed. Toyota took that truck from me and gave me a big check after i had it for 2 years.
Next was an 01 sonoma Zr2, bought for 7,200. Thing looked badass, black with chrome on the bottom of the doors and bedside and it had a stock lift. I didnt like the performance of it as much as the tacoma but it still did the job without any problems. I ended selling it because i needed something with some more size, sold it for much less than i got it for.
Also neither of them can tow shit unless you upgrade them.
99 tacoma 4x4, bought it for 6,400. Thing was fun when i was highschool. Loved that truck and thought it was going to last forever. But one day a leaf spring snapped and shot out like a cannon into my torque bar which sliced the fuck out of it, also cut my break line. Shitty situation turned into a good one when i had it tested for toyotas "rust recall" and it passed. Toyota took that truck from me and gave me a big check after i had it for 2 years.
Next was an 01 sonoma Zr2, bought for 7,200. Thing looked badass, black with chrome on the bottom of the doors and bedside and it had a stock lift. I didnt like the performance of it as much as the tacoma but it still did the job without any problems. I ended selling it because i needed something with some more size, sold it for much less than i got it for.
Also neither of them can tow shit unless you upgrade them.
Lt-Aldo-Raine
Active member
Also the fuck with all of the biased people. My dad and i have driven each others trucks and between the 2 of us we have owned- Chevy, Toyota, Nissan, GMC, Ford, and Mazada. 10 different trucks in total and id say Chevy(full size), toyota, and Nissan(full size) know their shit. I'll be stickin with Chevy for awhile
Ski_the_east01
Active member
hahahah don't even buy the jeep just wheel it a little bit and leave it on their lot...
They only work in 4lo as a factory safety procedure or some shit. Fortunately there is a well known and documented bypass that allows you to lock in 4hi and 2...it only involves popping off the center bezel and rerouting a wire to a toggle switch
That 88 4runner would be perfect for me once I pay this off in three years - drop a little bit of cash then have a good rig to beat the piss out of and have something to use for when I plan on buying a house in a few years...I gotta keep my eyes open
They only work in 4lo as a factory safety procedure or some shit. Fortunately there is a well known and documented bypass that allows you to lock in 4hi and 2...it only involves popping off the center bezel and rerouting a wire to a toggle switch
That 88 4runner would be perfect for me once I pay this off in three years - drop a little bit of cash then have a good rig to beat the piss out of and have something to use for when I plan on buying a house in a few years...I gotta keep my eyes open
yourthemannowdog
Active member
Since everyone is saying Toyota I will contribute this:
SkiTennessee
Member
i had a '04 ranger and loved it...until i flipped it a couple months ago..now i am without a car....anyone wanna share me one 
ill give you my new skis!
ill give you my new skis!
Dirty.Harry.
Active member
Oh ok got it. Yeah I think pretty much every truck has a '4wd auto' option like this, regardless of size. Like I said though, full-size truck is great for towing (which you stated you used it for). If OP wants to tow more than 6000 pounds (or more than 4-5k on a regular basis), than I'd suggest that.
But in terms of small trucks, the 5 years I have owned Tacomas have been great, So I'll recommend that.
But in terms of small trucks, the 5 years I have owned Tacomas have been great, So I'll recommend that.
DANETRON
Active member
Tacoma for sure. The cv shafts on them are pretty much the same size as some 1/2 ton trucks. They have way more ground clearance built into them in stock form and they get better mpg compared to s10s rangers etc. Ive owned all of them and every time i dont have a yota i regret it.
