Small Pick-ups

*Godfather* · 12-17-2007, 12:53 AM

My little 1989 Mazda car is about had it... Apparently the center shaft of the frame is rusting out (that's what happens in rainy North Vancouver living by the ocean I suppose) so the mechanic told me my car was slowly taking a 'V' shape

It's a funny car... got some crazy ass things that it does (such as the volume going up on the radio if ya take a corner hard) and everyone is attached to their first car I suppose. So needless to say I'll miss that piece of shit

ANYWAYS

I think I'll go for a little pick-up truck. I'm still a student for many years to come, and just gunna beat the hell out of it taking it up the mountain and such, so I'm thinking somewhere under 4 or 5000$

I'd love Toyota Tacomas. They're Toyota which means it'll run forever, and I like that the bed isnt too long or too short. Their downfall is that even old ones in decent shape keep their value very very well. Sooo the odds of finding one that isnt in ugly shape for under 5k isn't stellar

We must have some truck owners around here... what's a
decent make and model of truck that I should look into that hasnt let anyone down too badly? Im hesitant about Canadian or American makes, but I figure trucks is what they do best so I should probably drop that.

Help!?!

**Sp00k** · 12-17-2007, 01:23 AM

Wish I could help mate but I aint got a clue on cars. Besides pickups aren't exactly a practical vehicle over here because of our small infrastructure and of course our lovely weather.

*G_Man* · 12-17-2007, 06:25 AM

You pay now or you pay later GF. That simple. Vehicles are the greatest thing in that respect. You pretty much always get what you pay for.

So... I say save up or deal with ugly. Toyotas are tops. Nissan are also very good. After that you are just gambling.

I now drive a Mitsubishi AWD SUV. Beautiful car, but I worry about it despite paying huge sums of money for it - used. People say it is a good rig now (Mitsubishi) but my next SUV will be a Toyoto or a Honda. Fortunately she already owns a Honda SUV, so... fast car next for me!!

*Godfather* · 12-17-2007, 05:09 PM

Right on.... those little Nissan Z's are very sporty and fast without the exotic car price tag. A friend of mine has one... sadly he doesnt enjoy driving it because with his 'N' up (that we have to have for 2 years after the 'L' learners permit) he gets pulled over once a week, speeding or not

I hear what you're saying for sure... My mum just calls vehicle money pits, think she'd be happier with a horse.

Mitsubishi is nice for sure... thought you drove a little car? Trade it in?

Think I'll look into SUV's too... just need somethin that fits snowboards, lets me move frequently, and can take the mountains and a serious beating. And maybe I'll just keep looking until I can just afford the Toyota or Honda. Gambling with cars doesnt sound like my idea of fun eh

*G_Man* · 12-17-2007, 09:44 PM

Traded in the Acura last February.

Here is what I bought with 34,000 miles on it. Pretty nice rig, but still not trusting it as much as my Honda/Acura!!

2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Limited Sport Utility Specifications & Vehicle Data at Motor Trend Buyer..™s Guide

*Big Boss* · 12-17-2007, 09:56 PM

I got a 94 ranger out of high school that's been fairly reliable. it's beat up becasue it's previous owner used it as a work truck but that just means i don't mind a ding or scratch. the only major repairs i've done to it were becuase of a traffic accident. of course the transmission was done too before we got it but the guy owned a transmission shop so we weren't worried bout it. comes in handy being able to transport lumber and othe large object. and enough space to give a ride but not for a bunch of people that could be distracting/ waste gas.

*Godfather* · 12-17-2007, 11:07 PM

Amen... I really like Rangers. Had the opportunity to buy an '88 for a great price from a friend but it just seemed a few years too old for me. If I go American manufacturing it will probably be a Ranger because I've read good things, and really like the look of the truck

*Big Boss* · 12-19-2007, 10:54 PM

the older ones are fairly easy to fix up if neccesary and parts aren't to hard to find. I haven't had to go to a dealer for anything basic though.

i got a v6 3.0 2wd it does fairly well on gass too. and can haul quite a bit for it's size

**Noodles** · 12-19-2007, 10:56 PM

That is the best engine for that model. It cam from the Merkur Scorpio and has
parts in it from Ford's German engine plant.

*Godfather* · 12-20-2007, 12:42 AM

How is it for rough driving though? I live at the bottom of a mountain... basically North Van is a cliff... on the ocean. Does the 2wd ranger handle alright in the snow and steep hills from what you've seen?

**Noodles** · 12-20-2007, 10:29 PM

I would go with 4WD in those conditions.

*Big Boss* · 12-22-2007, 09:51 PM

well i wouldn't really know bout snow conditions, but it handles good in the rain/flood conditions and slightly rough roads. but i'ld get the 4wd if possible