What is a good small 4x4 pickup?

[foreman Etexas]

OK, I currently have a VERY clean 2001 F-150 4-door 2wd Triton gasser with ~105k miles. Good truck, but

You may know that I am actively looking for a F-350 4 door 4x4 7.3psd (My target is a 2002) so I can pull my horses and pull my tractor.

The other thing you need to know is that my "customer" is approx 65 miles one way into DC area, and I'm up there 3-4 days a week.

I NEED a truck much of the time commuting as I pick up feed and supplies as I pass town on my way home. Therefore I'm looking at a TWO TRUCK strategy.

I am curious who makes the BEST small pickup. I want good gas mileage, and good relaibility. Must be 4x4, would be nice if I can get 4 door also so I can haul the kids. I want to buy USED and get a better deal.

So... Is it the Toyota Tacoma? (what years are best?) is it the Nissan Frontier? Who makes the best small 4x4 pickup?

Thanks in advance,
Be well,
David

Hey,buddy!! I have a 95 model Toyota It has 250,000 on original motor(uses little oil) but it gets used around the farm then gets drove by the wife to college or work weekly(50miles round trip). I know the older nissan pickups were also good but just cant go wrong with a Tacoma. The 24r motor can be re-built if needed for not very much.My brother also has a mazada 4x4pickup with the 22r motor and added a turbo really easy,there is just so many aftermarkets parts for these motors and lots of places to get parts for these motors,the motors themselfs are very reliable and can take some punishment.

 

[foreman Etexas]

The best small 4x4 truck I ever owned was a GMC Sonoma extended cab "High Rider" (ZR-2). This was the last year for these. They were replaced by the Colorado and Canyon.

I also had one man they were a great off-road truck and the Vortec v6 had plenty of power. Put up against a tree,well the tree one:laughing: I would buy another one in a heartbeat if you could even find one that hasnt lived a hard life. Mine was a 1996 green x-cab,5speed:thumbsup:

 

[Diamondpilot]

looks like gas cubby is iphone only. mileage from android market is simalar to it.

Thanks

 

[Jamming]

Not sure about that..My '11 GMC has 404hp...

Ford - Cars, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Ford Vehicles | The Official Site of Ford Vehicles | Ford.com 12.5 seconds faster to the top on a 6% grade.

 

[Jimbo16720]

Chris,

I've been thinking about getting an OLD beater Ranger for "farm use" and converting it to my daughter's truck in two years when she is driving age.

I recently learned from a mechanic to stay away from the 4 cyclinders due to they do NOT get good mileage.

Which years/models/engines are best?

Mazda is the same truck also, right?

Thanks,
David

I drive a 97 Ranger 4x4 5spd with a 3.0 v6...I'm getting 24 mpg. I'm not a speed demon anymore but I travel the speed limit. It's been a good truck. And I also like the Toyota tacoma but have had more trouble with them. The older ones rust around the back fenders where they spot weld them and don't care for the 4 cylinder motors. They also had a big recall for the frames rusting on the 92-2005 trucks.

 

[RFB]

"When the weather is nice I will ride my Harley's"

Based upon your profile, you are accustomed to risk. For pleasure there is a certain ambiance in going for a putt.

Commuting on the other hand substantially increases the frequency of contact with many drivers significantly less skilled that you probably are. One little tap could really offset the gas mileage and amortization numbers. Men like you (veterans) are an imortant commodity; we need you to stick around.

 

[scoutcub]

About time you showed up Frank...

You still CONUS?

I vol'd to go to A-Stan for a ~2 month hitch, but they picked the younger guy.

Be well,
David

Naaahhhh.....just travelled to kazakhstan. Trying to get the old body to adjust to 10 hour time difference....:laughing:

A-stan.......mmmm.....my company almost had a contract there, but never came thru.....definitely a risk vs gain analysis there....

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Naaahhhh.....just travelled to kazakhstan. Trying to get the old body to adjust to 10 hour time difference....:laughing:

A-stan.......mmmm.....my company almost had a contract there, but never came thru.....definitely a risk vs gain analysis there....

Frank,

My company was going to kick in an extra 70%, but they also wanted a 60 hr work week (50% more work) but there is NO such thing as off time in A-Stan... so... who knows. Regardless my fat old tookus did not get selected.

You be careful over there sir.

David

 

[jejeosborne]

Diamondpilot,
I have been sleeping today. Yes it is gas cubby. Not sure about what android has to offer. I am going to buy the full version this week because my daughter starts driving alone starting Friday. The full version allows syncing and she has an iPhone too. That is how I will know how much she needs reimbursed. He is another screen shot with some neat stats.
Jeff

 

[gengine]

I think you'll be happy with your PSD when it comes around. I have a '00 f350 psd 6-speed manual, and highway I get around 19-20 mpg, and city or towing roughly 16mpg. I love my truck. My wife has a '03 dodge with the cummins, and highway she gets around 22mpg, and towing around 19mpg. Our trailers are very rarely light. For the little pickup, we have a '91 Mazda b2600i 4x4 that only gets around 24mpg, but the offset is the cost of diesel to gas. I think you'll be much happier with your f150. Good luck with what you choose!