Need a Truck. Advice on Purchase.

[BadgeBunny]

Well older Toyota's are about as tough as they come.

This. We have a 86 4Runner and a 90 Pickup, both have over 200,000 miles on them and I would take either one across the country in a heartbeat.

We laughed a few months ago that we doubled the value of the 4Runner when we put the new tires on it.

I fully expect both of these vehicles to still be in my driveway in running condition when they find me dead in my LazyBoy ...

ETA: The 4Runner was not nearly as well maintained by its previous owner as the Pickup was. Still it is mechanically sound and other than routine maintenance has given us no problems whatsoever. IIRC we paid $1000 for it. The Pickup is immaculate and was obviously WELL LOVED by its previous owner. I intend to carry on that tradition. We paid $2000 for it. There are great deals out there ... you just have to be willing to wait on them to come around.

 

[BluRaySS]

This. We have a 86 4Runner and a 90 Pickup, both have over 200,000 miles on them and I would take either one across the country in a heartbeat.

We laughed a few months ago that we doubled the value of the 4Runner when we put the new tires on it.

I fully expect both of these vehicles to still be in my driveway in running condition when they find me dead in my LazyBoy ...

OOOH OOOH!!! What's to become of the trucks!?!!?! lol j/k! You'll no doubt out live me;D

 

[BadgeBunny]

OOOH OOOH!!! What's to become of the trucks!?!!?! lol j/k! You'll no doubt out live me;D

LOL ... I dunno man ... This cold weather has me feeling my age ...

But if you are calling dibs I'll make sure GC knows cuz the 4Runner is his ... the Pickup is MINE!! I LOVE my truck!!

 

[gearys 5600]

The op is looking to buy a full sized,4x4 with a v-8 engine. Find you a 99-up chevy with the 5.3 v-8 4x4,that has had scheduled maintenance. These trucks are easy to work on, parts are plentiful at local salvage yards,parts are considerably cheaper than foreign makes. I have had several of these trucks with over 300k miles and were still running fine.

Now if you wanted a small truck without the v-8 engine, I would say buy an older toyota with a 22re 4cyl. They run forever. I cant say that about there v-6 engines.

Good luck on whatever you buy.

 

[_CY_]

for a low budget high mileage full size truck ... wouldn't even consider a gas engine at end of it's life. a diesel at 200k miles is just getting started.

there's only two choices that's durable and cheap:

1. early Ford 7.3 diesel (88-2002)
2. first gen Cummins Turbo diesel trucks (88-92). both with manual tranny only.

NICE early Ford 7.3 diesels commonly go for under $2,500 and hands down the best value. but it's getting hard to find clean low mileage examples.

first gen cummins are higher priced due to folks salvaging the cummins for for late model Ford diesel conversion due to junk late model diesel engines. there's a bottom value of of about $2k for any good running cummins. prices range from $2,500 (junk) to 6,500 for a super clean low mileage first gen cummins.

stay away from auto tranny and diesels... a bad/expensive combo to fix. diesel generate HUGE torque which destroys auto trannies, mostly due to ignorance of folks knowing how to drive an auto with diesel.

if you must go with an auto/diesel combo... know diesels typically generate max torque at about 1,600 rpm or too low to build up max pressure to operate an auto tranny at peak efficiencies. in other words keep your rpm's up, preferably over 2,000 rpm when pulling a load. if you have an overdrive.... ease up on throttle when overdrive is engaging. after overdrive is firmly engaged, then it's ok to stomp it after 1800 rpm or so.

confusing... thought so... that's why soooo many folks destroy auto trannies with diesel engines!!!

Ok folks. I need to buy a cheap older truck and need some advice on which models to avoid etc. Would like it to be full sized and include 4wheel drive with a v8. Now, I have read extensively on the topic of Ford, Vs Dodge, vs Chevy/GMC. Aside from inherent brand bias is there really a difference in reliability for one that is Mid to late 90's with under 200,000 miles?

It seems I see these for sale with well over 200,000 miles so I know they are capable of such feats. I just need to know if any others here have a reality based opinion on the reliability of the different trucks in this high mileage state and whether there is one brand with a clear advantage. Be it ease of repair, availability of parts or straight reliability.

Also want to know how high the mileage can be. Is there a ceiling for these trucks I should stay under? Or can they go on forever given the appropriate maintenance.

 

[MyMonkey]

Thanks for all the replies. They really help I think. I know Toyotas are great. However, I need a larger bed in the back. I have found a few that I will take a closer look at. Thanks everyone!

 

[MyMonkey]

Well folks. After a day spent kicking tires and driving trucks I must say there is not much out there that is either not grossly overpriced or just junk paperweights. Found a few for more than I wanted to pay. Might go back tomorrow and try to make deals. Thanks again.

 

[Zombie]

Well folks. After a day spent kicking tires and driving trucks I must say there is not much out there that is either not grossly overpriced or just junk paperweights. Found a few for more than I wanted to pay. Might go back tomorrow and try to make deals. Thanks again.

for all the assistance you have given me over time answering questions I'd be glad to look at any for ya

also if you wanna shoot me a budget and any preferences (make model year range) I will look around and see what I can find. I've been looking anyway as I plan on getting out of my camaro

 

[Larry Morgan]

Well folks. After a day spent kicking tires and driving trucks I must say there is not much out there that is either not grossly overpriced or just junk paperweights. Found a few for more than I wanted to pay. Might go back tomorrow and try to make deals. Thanks again.

This is an unfortunate truth. I found that the "4x4" designation suddenly means everyone thinks their truck has ridiculously high resale value. However, you'll be shocked to find just how much that high resale value in their head will drop once one thing goes wrong with that they don't want to deal with.

All that to say, if you're up to it, you might look for one with a problem somewhere that is common or relatively easy to fix. It could get you into a decent 4x4 for much less.

 

[dennishoddy]

Toyota.....nuff said.