Small pickup trucks: opinon

[rr2008]

'05-'09 tacoma owners have the steering wheel spiral assembly recall done?
tacoma toyota buy back because of frame rust out?

 

[rr2008]

LOL, I'm with this guy. I've got over 150k on my Taco (bought it with 11 miles on it) and I beat it like a cheap hooker. It's needed all of...front brake pads. Once. And I change the fluids in it. So basically maintenance. Oh, I've ripped CV boots twice driving it through trees. But I don't think that counts. Yes I drive my truck through and over small trees.

Dad's got one with over 170k (maybe over 180k, not sure anymore) and he only does fluid changes and brakes on it. Most of those miles are pulling a single axle cargo trailer.

150,000k is just breaking in a Taco. My bro in law had a '95 with 580,000k that broke down once on him. Coil issue. Other than that, oil and brakes, clutch once. Funny to me what some people consider "reliable" or "high mileage".

need me one of those, nice not having to change plugs or wires, belts or hoses, and tires.

 

[RidgeHunter]

It's not bad.

I don't count tires as mechanical malfunction. I replace tires and change sizes for shits and giggles.

 

[rr2008]

neither do i tires are normal replacement item, but listed them anyway in my initial post. wanted to be thorough with what i had done to my truck. perhaps i shouldnt have been so thorough. after all this is internet OSA forum, have no room for facts here. (twinkies post reference)

found these sites, isn't internet search great!
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Ranger/
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Tacoma/
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Nissan/Frontier/

 

[cyberslider]

Lots of good input. Thank you guys!

I like the looks of the Frontier best. Tacoma second. The Tacomas though - they seem to be very high. I have owned both Nissan and Toyota cars before and never had any major problems with any of those vehicles. Probably leaning toward the Frontier.

How is gas mileage from either a Frontier or Tacoma with a v6? I am currently driving a '99 F250 4x4 V10 - it gets about 9 or 10 mpg. I would love to get a 4x4 but will probably get a 2wd just because it will get better mileage. I saw an '04 Frontier v6, supercharged, 4x4, king cab with a 5-speed manual for sale. From what I've seen, it would get around 15 mpg. Would like to get at least 20 mpg. Is that possible in a 2wd, v6, manual tranny truck?

Thanks,
David

 

[DORR]

For mpg reference, I had an '11 Frontier CC 4WD auto for a while. It would get 18 to 20 highway. Out the door cost was 24k$ on a sticker of 30k$. Rode well, plenty of power for most light applications, lot of truck for the dollar. Terrible turning radius on the CC though.

 

[Perplexed]

My '06 Frontier 4x4 V6 6-spd averages 17-18 mpg in mixed driving, and sees 20-21 on the highway.

 

[Chard]

If you are looking for better gas mileage, IMO it just is not there with the smaller 4x4 trucks. Late model full size are getting gas mileage in the same range.
This is my 12 4x4 crewcab 5.0 V8 with six speed auto, 3.73 axle. No problem with 15-16 in town and 18 to 19 on the highway. It has 2000 miles on it and I expect it to do a little better as it racks up the miles.

Previous truck was a 2009 F150 4x4 standard cab, 4.6 V8 3v motor with six speed and 3.73 got 16 in town and 20 on the highway. I don't drive with a lead foot. Drive with a lead foot and you won't come close to these figures.

 

[fullthrottle8]

The problem I find with small trucks with small motors (4 cylinders and some 6 cylinders) is that you tend to drive them harder trying to achieve the same take off and throttle response as a larger truck with a V8. Plus, I hadn't really noticed too much difference in fuel mileage. Its nice knowing you have the extra power if you feel the need for speed! lol

 

[dowmace]

I just love hearing about guys "decent" mileage in their half ton at 16-18mpg when I roll along in my f350 getting 20mpg or better when I'm lucky.

Diesel power!


Actually a small diesel would be awesome other countries get the diesel ranger I wish we had them here.