Small pickup trucks: opinon

[cyberslider]

I am thinking of buying a small truck like a Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, etc.

Does anyone own a later model (2005 - 2009) of these?

How are they reliability wise? Common problems? Things to avoid? I want an extended/king cab - not crew. I was thinking about the 4 cyl but would go V6 if the 4cyl is not reliable. I am not going to try to tow or pull anything with it. Would prefer a manual trans but, how are the automatics?

Thanks,
David

 

[Perplexed]

I have a 2006 Frontier king cab 4x4 P/U with the V6 and manual tranny. 80K miles later, I've had zero issues with it other than a failed driver's side power window lift.

Having said that, it'll probably have a catastrophic breakdown the next time I drive it.

 

[TwoForFlinching]

"This Toyota Tacoma is a turrible truck" said no man ever. Had rangers, loved them... Until I bought a Tacoma 4D... Tacoma for life! (until I have to haul something, then I bust out the 6.2l GMC)

 

[Zombie]

rangers are very meh - especially in 4 cylinder. the frontier is a dang good truck imo

 

[Blinocac200sx]

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of those three. I'm partial to Nissan's myself, but I would drive a Ranger or Tacoma.

 

[Spata]

I have a 08 chev colorado crew cab z71 4x4 w/38k mi it runs great and can pull quite a bit. but gas mileage is terrible I get about 16mpg on the highway. my f150 crew 4x4 gets the same or better.

 

[Preacherman]

I have a 99 ranger and I like it. I know it does not fall under the years you are looking at but wanted to let you know how an older one has done. It is the 4 door extended version XLT and only has 70,000 miles and is the 3.3 v6.

 

[Dave70968]

The 2.3L 4-banger in the Ranger is just about bulletproof. I've had two, and my brother one. Definitely get it with a standard; it's doggy with a slushbox, but a stick is quite manageable. Keep the oil changed and 300,000 miles is not hard to hit.

 

[Sanjuro82]

Go with best. Tacoma. I've had mine since 98. One of the best decision I've ever made. But whatever you chose, make sure you get a V6.

 

[Shadowrider]

Go with best. Tacoma. I've had mine since 98. One of the best decision I've ever made. But whatever you chose, make sure you get a V6.

This ^^^

Tacomas have a long history of running until their bodies are a rusted hulk. The '95 Nissan I had was a good one too. Almost 200K and only normal maintenance an alternator and a couple of starters. Even still had the factory clutch and rear brakes!