Small Truck Ideas? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Kuan · #1 03-24-2018, 01:18 PM

I'm thinking of buying a truck but I'm astounded by how huge they are these days. I was thinking I'd pay about $10k for a Ford Ranger type truck used but there just aren't many around these days.

Talk to me about trucks. I need reliability most of all, next cargo capacity.

P.C. · #2 03-24-2018, 01:44 PM

Toyota is the no-brainer, but could be pricy. Next? 2005-up Nissan Frontier V6 with a manual transmission. Nice torquey engine. I recommend the manual, as Nissan was having an issue for awhile with Xterras and Frontiers having leaking auto trans coolers allowing engine coolant into the trans, with suboptimal results.

Simpler=Better · #3 03-26-2018, 12:34 PM

Buy any Ranger that isn't rusty (Typically $1,500-$2,000). Throw the rest of your budget at an air assist suspension & typical tuneups.

tbomachines · #4 03-26-2018, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simpler=Better

Buy any Ranger that isn't rusty (Typically $1,500-$2,000). Throw the rest of your budget at an air assist suspension & typical tuneups.

1500-2k will get you a rustbucket or a completely wrung out work truck with 300k around here, especially with 4wd. The 10k mark is a sweet spot for a 10+ year old ranger that has been decently maintained.

To the op--if you have specific questions about the rangers I'm very familiar...have rebuilt a 4.0 in another truck and currently have an explorer which is essentially the same thing underneath as the ranger.

P.C. · #5 03-26-2018, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbomachines

1500-2k will get you a rustbucket or a completely wrung out work truck with 300k around here, especially with 4wd. The 10k mark is a sweet spot for a 10+ year old ranger that has been decently maintained.

To the op--if you have specific questions about the rangers I'm very familiar...have rebuilt a 4.0 in another truck and currently have an explorer which is essentially the same thing underneath as the ranger.

Tell him about the timing chain arrangement in the 4.0...

engatwork · #6 03-26-2018, 06:30 PM

Get a Toyota.

pj67coll · #7 03-26-2018, 09:32 PM

I would suggest a Toyota. Apart from the rusting chassis... you are probably going to be fine. I have a 2000 GMC Sonoma, same as a Chevy S10, stay the hell away from them. It's cost me a fortune in repairs that should never have had to be done at just over 100K.

- Peter.

tbomachines · #8 03-27-2018, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.C.

Tell him about the timing chain arrangement in the 4.0...

It's fine if it's maintained! Horrible if not...

fwiw my current 4.0 seems brand new at 135k. I do need to change the tensioner for peace of mind though. Too bad the rest of the truck is rusting around the drivetrain.

tjts1 · #9 03-26-2018, 01:32 PM

You either get an F450 with a lift and stacks or you're a pussy.

t walgamuth · #10 03-27-2018, 03:27 PM

Amen brother!

iwrock · #11 03-28-2018, 12:54 PM

What about an Econoline/Express?

76w115 · #12 03-31-2018, 06:56 AM

I was able to get a short bed, 6 cyl. 5 speed 2001 F150, rust free, a couple of years ago for $3500 on craigslist. Traded it for a Tundra so I could pull a camper. Sold the camper and traded the truck for a Metris. Should have just kept the F150, it was perfect.

oldsinner111 · #13 03-31-2018, 09:26 AM

If you had cash,Mexico has alot of nice diesel Rangers.

iwrock · #14 04-02-2018, 12:13 PM

Been looking at trucks - you can get a 125k mile 2012 F150 crew cab/short bed 4WD for $15k.

Been kicking around the idea of getting a truck to replace my ML since the ML isn't really great at doing house things...

Mxfrank · #15 04-02-2018, 12:44 PM

Chevy SSR. And get the optional Mickey Mouse ears & gloves.