Truck hunt (prices vs mileage)

[Bean Counter]

My first generation tundra with no lift gets 17.00-17.50 mpg average. I drive 75% highway.

[Grit dog]

If I was looking for a good used truck i'd be after a 1994-99 Silverado Z71; hopefully a later model with the 3rd door at least. 70-100k mi. Easily should be able to get 80k more out of it w/out major repairs if its been previously cared for. Same with the late 90s F150/250.

This!
Agree that the 90s model GM trucks with the old 350 are some of the best trucks ever made. Ideally find a 2500CC with a 5.7vortec and aNV4500 trans and you pretty much have the most bulletproof combo right there.

[saltwaterhillbilly]

IMO go diesel I have a 00 cummins with 213,000 on it and still running strong well worth the money and if you treat it right it will to.

[DRobnsn]

IMO go diesel I have a 00 cummins with 213,000 on it and still running strong well worth the money and if you treat it right it will to.

I agree to a point, if your going to tow anything over 5k regularly definitely go diesel. If you don't tow much to me its not worth it. The cost of repairs for a diesel is outrageous all the brands have issues of some kind at some point. If you don't get a manual trans your risking even more cost and manuals are hard to find. Don't get me wrong I love diesel power for towing and mileage but it does come at a cost.

[saltwaterhillbilly]

Agreed and I didn't settle for my diesel till I found a manual but they are also good on mileage to a point and if your handy with a wrench repairs ain't that expensive

IMO go diesel I have a 00 cummins with 213,000 on it and still running strong well worth the money and if you treat it right it will to.

I agree to a point, if your going to tow anything over 5k regularly definitely go diesel. If you don't tow much to me its not worth it. The cost of repairs for a diesel is outrageous all the brands have issues of some kind at some point. If you don't get a manual trans your risking even more cost and manuals are hard to find. Don't get me wrong I love diesel power for towing and mileage but it does come at a cost.

[Sportfury]

I dont think the tacoma would be big enough for my needs.. is the gas mileage in a 6cyl, 4x4 any better than the full size trucks? (everything I've looke dup has suggested it is not, but I'm curious what the guys who drive them are getting..)

I have a 2013 4Runner with the 4.0 six cylinder and I consistently get 21.5 mpg. That said I drive from Graham to Renton and back everyday.

[clearviewguy]

+1 for diesel. A little more expensive to start but it pays for itself. Resale value and longevity cant
be beat

[Grit dog]

+1 for diesel. A little more expensive to start but it pays for itself. Resale value and longevity cant
be beat

In general I agree. Won't have anything but a diesel myself but the op appears to be asking about budget trucks in the under $10k category and mentioned no need to tow heavy.
You may get  a good Diesel engine for under 10k but the truck itself will be an outdated, tons of miles, wore out truck.
A diesel is not what he's after.

[thinkingman]

I would never buy a truck that has a lift kit or oversize tires....That mod just makes things wear out.

If you plan on using it as a truck, don't buy a Toyota until you've done your homework or called me for actual experience.
(dozens of TSB's((they're not recalls!)) on things that shouldn't go wrong on a truck)

I would buy an F150 or Dodge 5.7l.
The Toyotas will hold their value longer, but their performance is not up to the other two.
Let the Toyota lovers attack!

[DRobnsn]

I would never buy a truck that has a lift kit or oversize tires....That mod just makes things wear out.

If you plan on using it as a truck, don't buy a Toyota until you've done your homework or called me for actual experience.
(dozens of TSB's((they're not recalls!)) on things that shouldn't go wrong on a truck)

I would buy an F150 or Dodge 5.7l.
The Toyotas will hold their value longer, but their performance is not up to the other two.
Let the Toyota lovers attack!

What do you mean by using it as a truck? What things go wrong on Toyota trucks that shouldn't go wrong on a truck?

[thinkingman]

I would never buy a truck that has a lift kit or oversize tires....That mod just makes things wear out.

If you plan on using it as a truck, don't buy a Toyota until you've done your homework or called me for actual experience.
(dozens of TSB's((they're not recalls!)) on things that shouldn't go wrong on a truck)

I would buy an F150 or Dodge 5.7l.
The Toyotas will hold their value longer, but their performance is not up to the other two.
Let the Toyota lovers attack!

Start with the rear springs.
No load in the bed and riding on the frame rails.
Well-known engineering fail.

What do you mean by using it as a truck? What things go wrong on Toyota trucks that shouldn't go wrong on a truck?

[FC]

I would never buy a truck that has a lift kit or oversize tires....That mod just makes things wear out.

If you plan on using it as a truck, don't buy a Toyota until you've done your homework or called me for actual experience.
(dozens of TSB's((they're not recalls!)) on things that shouldn't go wrong on a truck)

I would buy an F150 or Dodge 5.7l.
The Toyotas will hold their value longer, but their performance is not up to the other two.
Let the Toyota lovers attack!

What do you mean by using it as a truck? What things go wrong on Toyota trucks that shouldn't go wrong on a truck?

I use my Tacoma to tow my 3,000lbs worth of boat, trailer and gear very regularly, I usually get about 16mpg doing it too!

Some Tacomas do have problems with their rear springs, its a fact but it's also a relatively cheap fix. You can certainly use it as a talking point when negotiating sale price if it has the problem. The main issues are bushings squeaking and springs not being as strong as they should, both are readily fixable (at the same time) for under $500.

In the 2.5 years I've owned my Tacoma I've maintained it, that is all.

[DRobnsn]

I would never buy a truck that has a lift kit or oversize tires....That mod just makes things wear out.

If you plan on using it as a truck, don't buy a Toyota until you've done your homework or called me for actual experience.
(dozens of TSB's((they're not recalls!)) on things that shouldn't go wrong on a truck)

I would buy an F150 or Dodge 5.7l.
The Toyotas will hold their value longer, but their performance is not up to the other two.
Let the Toyota lovers attack!

What do you mean by using it as a truck? What things go wrong on Toyota trucks that shouldn't go wrong on a truck?

I use my Tacoma to tow my 3,000lbs worth of boat, trailer and gear very regularly, I usually get about 16mpg doing it too!

Some Tacomas do have problems with their rear springs, its a fact but it's also a relatively cheap fix. You can certainly use it as a talking point when negotiating sale price if it has the problem. The main issues are bushings squeaking and springs not being as strong as they should, both are readily fixable (at the same time) for under $500.

In the 2.5 years I've owned my Tacoma I've maintained it, that is all.

Little over a year on with mine and only regular maintenance. Yes the rear springs suck, so what else is junk on them?

[FC]

That is pretty much it.

[thinkingman]

I would never buy a truck that has a lift kit or oversize tires....That mod just makes things wear out.

If you plan on using it as a truck, don't buy a Toyota until you've done your homework or called me for actual experience.
(dozens of TSB's((they're not recalls!)) on things that shouldn't go wrong on a truck)

I would buy an F150 or Dodge 5.7l.
The Toyotas will hold their value longer, but their performance is not up to the other two.
Let the Toyota lovers attack!

What do you mean by using it as a truck? What things go wrong on Toyota trucks that shouldn't go wrong on a truck?

I use my Tacoma to tow my 3,000lbs worth of boat, trailer and gear very regularly, I usually get about 16mpg doing it too!

Some Tacomas do have problems with their rear springs, its a fact but it's also a relatively cheap fix. You can certainly use it as a talking point when negotiating sale price if it has the problem. The main issues are bushings squeaking and springs not being as strong as they should, both are readily fixable (at the same time) for under $500.

In the 2.5 years I've owned my Tacoma I've maintained it, that is all.

Little over a year on with mine and only regular maintenance. Yes the rear springs suck, so what else is junk on them?

While this is the Tacoma's first rust-related recall, it's a continuation of a much bigger problem that Toyota had already attempted to fix. In 2008, Toyota was forced to extend corrosion warranties and even repurchase Tacoma pickups from the 1995-2000 and 2001-2004 model years -- a span covering roughly 800,000 vehicles -- because entire frames were rotting out. After customer outrage, Toyota backed the affected Tacoma vehicles with new 15-year/unlimited-mi​le corrosion warranties.

Frame rust is an issue on the 2006+ models.
 
A new set of springs cost $500 and is a real joy to change out....ask me how I know.