I am seriously thinking about a new truck. I have been driving a '94 Silverado for a little over seven years now. And she has served me well.
But I am beginning to think new. And at this point, I no longer need a full sized truck. I am favoring a four door mid-sized option.
Out of the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, or Dodge Dakota, which one appeals most to you?
And WILL I be happy going from my big truck, to a smaller one? Gas-wise/Financially, it makes ALL the sense in the world. But will I be happy long term?
I have a 2000 Ford Ranger and it has been a great truck for me.
Stong endorsement on Tacomas from me. I have had two - 1999 and 2005. Extremely happy with both. Had Chevy's before, and switched because about 60,000 miles started having problems. The 1999 Tacoma has 150k hard miles and other than routine maintainence, have had to replace water pump and timing gear (preventatively) and the injectors and power steering pump within the last 10k miles. The 2005 has 60k miles and have had no problems so far.
I am happy with the size of the current Tacoma. The 4 door version has plenty of internal room. I am of average height and weight, as is my entire family.
I had a Ford Ranger and the transmission, an automatic, gave me trouble which cost $600 to repair. Otherwise, it was a good truck that gave me roughly 18-19 MPG around town and about 21-22 on the highway.
While I'd buy another Ford without hesitation, I'd think seriously about the Toyota Tacoma too. Also, the Nissan gets high marks too. Any one of the three should serve you well.
Check all three out and then choose. Let the dealers know that you're comparison shopping and they will get exactly ONE chance to quote you a price in writing with your promise not to reveal to the other dealers what their offer is. If they balk, move on. Don't let them play games or bait and switch. Get a bottom line price that includes EVERYTHING.
Have had a basic model Nissan 4X2 around for 18 years. Other than the usual belts, hoses, tires, etc., I've had to replace only the alternator in that time and have heaped some abuse on it (double the stated max payload at times, etc.). Well nigh bulletproof that little truck.
I drive a 2002 F-150 crew-cab 50 miles every day, 140k miles so far and few problems.
The last 3-5 years Ford has been highly rated for their quality. And rumor has it the F-150 will soon have an Eco-boost engine option to improve mpg.
If you want to go smaller than a full-size, 1/2-ton pick-up, then keep in mind that a new Ranger is due to come out in 2012. From the spy shots on the web, it appears to be more mid-size than small.
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I finally traded in my 9 yr old S-10 last summer. Loved that thing! Nearest Chevy is the Colorado, which is a nice truck. Never had a problem with the S-10 outside or replacing the brakes and battery after 8 years of driving the thing. It will take a week or so for you to get used to the tad smaller truck, but that would happen if you were trading for a car too. Just give the adjustment time.
Back in 08, I test drove a Ranger, a Tacoma, and the GM equivalent (Colorado I think). Ended up buying hte Ranger.
Tacoma was probably the best overall, but the Ranger was significantly cheaper, even with a 100,000 mile warranty. Tacoma rides smoother and quieter, but I don't really care about that stuff. But if you do, then you might be better off with the Tacoma.
I've got a 2007 Frontier, and I love it. Mine is the King Cab, and I average 19mpg.
My best friend has a 2008 Frontier four door, and his mpg is a bit lower at around 15-16.
Still, the Frontier is a great truck. It helps that I got an absolutely awesome deal, too.
You can't go wrong though, really. Tacomas, S-10's (or Colorados now, I guess), and Rangers are all pretty good trucks in my experience.