Small trucks

I'm looking to buy a small truck sometime in the next few months.

Budget is in the $4000 to $5000 range, could go higher if there's something that's a good deal. Looking at something like a Ford Ranger, Mazda B4000, Dodge Dakota, etc. 4x4 would be preferred but they are obviously more expensive to buy/maintain so it's not necessary. Manual would be a huge plus, I really don't like auto.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any knowledge to share, specifically if there are models/years that should be avoided. How many km's until things start to go?

It looks like the Rangers haven't changed much over the years, would this 1996 4x4 be a safe buy? It fits pretty much all of my ideal criteria, but it's a bit older and the km's are a bit higher than other trucks available (albeit pretty low for a 96) http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/3632529870.html

I'm looking to buy a small truck sometime in the next few months.

Budget is in the $4000 to $5000 range, could go higher if there's something that's a good deal. Looking at something like a Ford Ranger, Mazda B4000, Dodge Dakota, etc. 4x4 would be preferred but they are obviously more expensive to buy/maintain so it's not necessary. Manual would be a huge plus, I really don't like auto.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any knowledge to share, specifically if there are models/years that should be avoided. How many km's until things start to go?

It looks like the Rangers haven't changed much over the years, would this 1996 4x4 be a safe buy? It fits pretty much all of my ideal criteria, but it's a bit older and the km's are a bit higher than other trucks available (albeit pretty low for a 96) http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/3632529870.html

With a bit of digging you'll find a 2007 Ranger for 4000-5000. I know because I'm selling one that's immaculate for 6500. They're durable tough little things, and they were discontinued because they last too long. If you buy one of the newer ones you can expect to have a vehicle that keeps you on the road for the next 15 years.

You can start getting older tacomas (96+) for 5 grand. go for one with the 3rz 4 banger

Was waiting for the taco circle jerk love fest to start. Glad it didn't take too long.

Get a taco

B4000

With a bit of digging you'll find a 2007 Ranger for 4000-5000. I know because I'm selling one that's immaculate for 6500. They're durable tough little things, and they were discontinued because they last too long. If you buy one of the newer ones you can expect to have a vehicle that keeps you on the road for the next 15 years.

This.

My 2001 2wd Ranger just ticked past 218k. It's never needed anything beyond basic service parts and stuff I decided to change "just 'cus". It's awesome.

not sure if economy or fun is priority, but out of the whole list there the dakota is the only factory v8 option…and i can say they are fun to drive…LOL i have a 96, great fun little trucks that can haul an assload of stuff too with the v8…

And often the V6s get worse mileage than the V8s. V8+small truck = good mileage.

I have a 2003 mazda b3000…. its pretty awesome, i've only put stuff on for general wear and tear (tires, brakes, and a battery) on it in 5 years. The only cons that it has are it can get cramped for shuttling, and it's a bit hard on gas for it's size (i think).

If you were to get a mazda or ranger, get a 4x4, that's my one thing i would change… 2wd sucks in the snow, especially when your tires get older…..

not sure if economy or fun is priority, but out of the whole list there the dakota is the only factory v8 option…and i can say they are fun to drive…LOL i have a 96, great fun little trucks that can haul an assload of stuff too with the v8…

how many transmissions have you gone tthrough?

how many transmissions have you gone tthrough?

None….102xxx miles on the clock, proper maintenence is key….

I would stay away from the dodge ford [HTML_REMOVED] mazada are the same truck made in the same factory

I would stay away from the dodge ford [HTML_REMOVED] mazada are the same truck made in the same factory

Bullshit…ford and mazda yes but not the dakota… No one else has a the newer (05+) mitsubishi yes, but not ford/mazda

Lack of punctuation, I suspect

I would stay away from the Dodge. Ford and Mazda are the …

Just get a Taco, though… they last forever, ride a bit rough, and go anyplace.