Best truck for 5 grand?

"BJohnson11" (brettjohnson01) 08/11/2014 at 21:57 • Filed to: None

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So I'm contemplating buying a new truck. The family 2000 Expedition I've been driving for 5+ years (since I was 16) has about 250,000 hard miles on it, and while there aren't any major warning signs its going to have any issues, its just not a vehicle I feel confident in all the time. Its hard to explain why, because I still trust it to make all the road trips I take it on, but it struggles up long grades, has some weird shakes and rattles, a little bit of driveline shake, and, well, is really just showing its age. I mean, its lasted our family 14+ years, is only on its second engine (and a spark plug blow out!) and a rebuilt transmission, and it just seems like the time to retire it. I was originally planning on driving it through college because its a free vehicle and after college I'd buy something for myself.

On the other hand, my parents (especially my mom) have long wanted me to get a newer, more reliable vehicle with maybe better gas mileage. The plan would be to have them help me buy a vehicle now that I can keep and continue driving years after college.

The proposed budget is around 5 grand. It could get a little more expensive, but 5 grand seems best. I'm looking at Chevy 1500s (light duty, not the HD) in either 2 or 4wd variant (probably 4wd, slightly worse mpg but more usable), maybe a Ranger or other small truck (problem with that is I lose towing ability). Any thoughts/suggestions?

Have a nice prerunner 1500 as pennance.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:00

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Get a cheap C10 and build it into a Roadkill like muscle truck.

Textured Soy Protein > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:00

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You can get yourself a pretty good example of a WJ ('99-'04) Grand Cherokee for 5 grand.

I bought my '99 Limited V8 with 141k miles for $4200 last November.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:02

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A pre-Tacoma, Toyota pickup with the 22RE., a Ranger, a Frontier, anything without a GM transmission. Cheap to fix, but they are shit. Worse than the 47/48RE.

yamahog > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:03

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How much do you need to tow? I'm inclined to say Jeep because $5000 will get you a damn fine Cherokee. My dad also had an Explorer Sport Trac 4x4 that he liked very much if you want to stick with Ford.

BJohnson11 > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 08/11/2014 at 22:04

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Already have that though. Not a practical DD. Also worth noting the Roadkill muscle truck has at least 20 grand in parts into it.

mcseanerson > Textured Soy Protein 08/11/2014 at 22:04

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Screw that crap. Mine just hit 105k and is falling apart.

mcseanerson > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:06

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Get a sierra/silverado with the l33. All aluminum lightweight ls motor. When you get tired of this truck nonsense you can put it in a Miata.

BJohnson11 > yamahog 08/11/2014 at 22:06

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Don't tow too often, but for example, when I bought my 74 C10 not running, I used the Expedition to tow that. Have also towed Jet Skis and about a 16' enclosed trailer with it.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:07

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GMT800 trucks ('99-'06 Sierra, Silverado) are pretty solid. My dad's '04 has almost 140k miles on it and hasn't had a single mechanical issue that wasn't basic wear and tear.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:08

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I like your C10. More details please.

BJohnson11 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 08/11/2014 at 22:09

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Yea I was looking at those with either the 4.8 or the 5.3. Both are pretty indestructable motors, and decent on fuel.

My citroen won't start > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:13

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4Runner V6

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:14

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I'd opt for the 5.3 just because of the power advantage.

And because it sounds absolutely glorious with a set of aftermarket pipes.

JalopJeep > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:15

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The motors not what you need to be worried about. Our 5.3 Yukon went through 3 transmissions and approx. 254 alternators. Left me and my ex-gf stranded on the side of a mountain for a few hours on a ski trip. Our neighbors across the street's 5.3 (one year earlier) has lasted 200k + with no major issues and it's towed a ~24' Sea Ray for a lot of it's life. Count me in as a believer of it depending on what time and day a car is made when it comes to reliability. Guess ours was finished up around 5pm on a Friday LOL.

Dusty Ventures > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:15

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For $5k I'm definitely thinking Ranger is the way to go

Alex from Toronto > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:15

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1991-1997 land cruiser, reliable and you can find ones the will fall within your budget.

BJohnson11 > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 08/11/2014 at 22:17

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1974 C10 Super Cheyenne. Bought it from the original owners not in running condition and have been slowly building it into a street strip machine. 454 hooked up to a Turbo 400. I've detailed some of the build stuff in this link.

HammerheadFistpunch > Alex from Toronto 08/11/2014 at 22:19

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you know this was going to be my suggestion...but based on the fact that his a dog uphill, and eats gas...this is the wrong direction to go.

BJohnson11 > Dusty Ventures 08/11/2014 at 22:19

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What years/engine options would you suggest? For 5 grand most of what I've seen has been the 97-03 ish years (don't know what the exact years of the generation are).

HammerheadFistpunch > Dusty Ventures 08/11/2014 at 22:19

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cmon dusty, what do you know about rangers...

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:21

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Sweet I want a C10. May I suggest fast self tuning efi for your reliability and performance needs?

Dusty Ventures > HammerheadFistpunch 08/11/2014 at 22:23

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Only how to break them

BJohnson11 > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 08/11/2014 at 22:23

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Sure, if I wanted to invest 3 grand into a vehicle that, while then would have the engine and performance I'd want, still wouldn't be daily driver material. I'd love to do an EFI system, but they're just so expensive.

Alex from Toronto > HammerheadFistpunch 08/11/2014 at 22:23

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cheap 5.3 v8 into this should make it better

HammerheadFistpunch > Dusty Ventures 08/11/2014 at 22:24

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That bottom one looks like a chubby kit trying to be cute to get another cookie.

HammerheadFistpunch > Alex from Toronto 08/11/2014 at 22:24

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and well above $5000. Even bare bones, dirt cheap 5.3 conversions are a couple grand.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:24

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Self tuning is at the high end at 2K and is slowly dropping in price.

Opposite Locksmith > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:27

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WRX

Dusty Ventures > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:30

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Generations are (basically) pre-93, 93-97, 98-2000, and then 2000+. The 4.0 motor is pretty stout, I don't have much experience with the 3.0. The four cylinder is good on gas but it will convince you you're actually driving a mobility scooter designed to look like a pickup. Personally I like the look of the 98's and on best (including the 2000s), but in terms of performance they're all pretty much equally capable and reliable.

Dusty Ventures > HammerheadFistpunch 08/11/2014 at 22:30

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Hahahahahahahaha

BJohnson11 > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 08/11/2014 at 22:35

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Sure the kit is, but then factor in having to get a new fuel pump, probably re run all your fuel lines so they can take the higher pressure and all that, it starts pushing closer to 3.

Textured Soy Protein > mcseanerson 08/11/2014 at 22:39

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Hence the part of my comment about "a good example."

BJohnson11 > Dusty Ventures 08/11/2014 at 22:42

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Good to know. And I've heard similar about the 4.0 vs the 3.0. I've even heard that the v6 will get better mileage than the I4 because it doesn't need to work as hard to get the truck moving.

Karrbon Fiber > Dusty Ventures 08/11/2014 at 22:44

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I second the Ranger vote.

Chase > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:47

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I've averaged 18.5-19 mpg with mine over the last 3 fill-ups with mine. 2002, 196k, 4.0l v6, extended cab, 4wd, lead foot

Karrbon Fiber > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 22:51

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The earlier 4.0 SOHC had timing chain issues. These were from 2001-2002.5 In 2002.5 they redesigned the guides. As for generations. Gen 1 was from 83-92 (updated the front end in 89). Gen 2 was from 93-97. Gen 3 was from 98-2012 (redesigned front ends in 2001, 2004, and 2006). The 3.0 was discontinued in 2009.

I'd suggest a 4.0 OHV with offroad package or a SOHC in FX4 trim if possible.

Dusty Ventures > BJohnson11 08/11/2014 at 23:22

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3.0 is actually still a V6, just a smaller 6. The 4-cyl I was talking about is either a 2.4 or 2.6. And it is pitiful.

BJohnson11 > Dusty Ventures 08/11/2014 at 23:34

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Right correct you are. I had a buddy who had a I4 Ranger and hated it. Just completely gutless.

mcseanerson > Textured Soy Protein 08/11/2014 at 23:39

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Lol, true that. We've had ours for over four years and it was trouble from day one. Bad bearings from the get go. Soon after the crappy aftermarket wheels caused issues with both the tires and brought on some death wobble that took a while to cure. Then the heater core gave up and started leaking coolant. Then the water pump started giving up and the battery and starter both died. Just finished replacing the radiator and the head gasket and now it seems the cats are toast. On top of that I still need shocks and new wheels/tires and the window regulator gave up last night. I bight it with 40k miles on it.

Redd, the RX-7 that could > BJohnson11 08/12/2014 at 01:31

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1st gen Tacoma 4x4 v6 all the way.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > BJohnson11 08/12/2014 at 11:09

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Yeah. I do like that in the new FAST setup you don't have to run a return line.

4x4AZ > BJohnson11 08/26/2014 at 13:35

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96-99 K1500 with a 350. Parts are cheap, not horrible MPG, and lots of room. I would consider a ranger but where I live (AZ) you can't touch a clean Ranger for less than $5k.