Talk to me about pickup trucks Oppo

"Trunk Impaired 318" (matteocscaptura) 01/02/2017 at 15:31 • Filed to: None

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So this summer I stand a good chance of moving out west to AZ or NM (and not the populated parts either) and will likely need a more suitable vehicle than my current 2005 MINI Cooper S. My initial thoughts were for a Toyota Tacoma but the value they hold is a little too stupid for my tastes and have since been drawn to the Nissan Frontier. My ideal requirements are below and any input on my choice of vehicles would be much appreciated.

Budget is around $10k ideally, although this is somewhat flexible

Manual transmission

Capable of light/moderate off-roading

Fairly comfortable for long highway travel

Good reliability/easy to wrench on

Prefer to only have 2 legitimate seats (I don’t like hauling people)

Ideally capable of averaging 15- 20 mpg

Thanks!

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 15:35

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7.3 Powerstroke with a manual.

next question

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 15:35

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Where do you live now? If it is a salt/snow state wait until you reach the desert to buy a used car.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 15:36

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An extended cab Ranger or Mazda meets all of your criteria. The 4.0 has a bit more horsepower, but isn’t much faster than the 3.0. The four-banger is fine if you don’t plan to pull anything. These little trucks will last forever.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 15:38

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I can tell you from personal experience the 4L V6 in the frontier won’t get 20mpg, even down hill with a tail wind.

Trunk Impaired 318 > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 01/02/2017 at 15:39

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That might be slightly in excess of my needs

Trunk Impaired 318 > My X-type is too a real Jaguar 01/02/2017 at 15:40

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I split time between Philly and upstate NY.

The plan is to buy out there, 100%

Nothing > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 15:41

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I have a Tacoma, but don’t think you can go wrong with the Frontier for your requirements, either. I didn’t think the Taco tax was as bad on non-double cabs. A 1st gen Tundra is nice, but you aren’t getting 20mpg with the 4.7...or a manual transmission for that matter, either.

Trunk Impaired 318 > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 01/02/2017 at 15:41

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Fair enough, what are the realistic numbers then?

And the 2ompg average is mostly a pipe dream, as long as its 15 or over I’ll be able to sleep at night.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 15:46

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mid-high teens, I also drove it hard.

BorkBorkBjork > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 01/02/2017 at 15:47

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For less than $10k? Maybe if it’s a basketcase work truck, but any 7.3 in good condition is at least 50% over that.

Trunk Impaired 318 > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 01/02/2017 at 15:47

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I could live with that

mazda616 > TheRealBicycleBuck 01/02/2017 at 15:48

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Ding ding ding. Came here to say that as well.

You could find a really nice former AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts company Ranger.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 15:55

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naw it meets all requirements

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > BorkBorkBjork 01/02/2017 at 15:56

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http://atlanta.craigslist.org/wat/cto/5932571335.html

just have to look a bit

Trunk Impaired 318 > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 01/02/2017 at 15:56

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And greatly exceeds, haha

wiffleballtony > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 15:57

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If you want to fit in, you’ll need a F350 or some Ram. Preferably lifted. With light bars. And stupid after market wheels.

dogisbadob > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 15:58

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The only truck that will get 20 mpg is the new Colorado diesel, but it’s over your budget.

Maybe if you can find an old Comanche diesel from the 80s, it will meet your requirements.

A tonneau cover for the bed will help your mileage, too.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 15:58

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yup 10k? check

light offroad? check

comfortable? its a truck not a caddy

mpg? check

reliable? there is a reason they made the 7.3 for 10 years

Trunk Impaired 318 > wiffleballtony 01/02/2017 at 15:59

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I don’t much like fitting in. Hence why the Frontier is a front runner, haha

Trunk Impaired 318 > dogisbadob 01/02/2017 at 16:01

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Realistically Im looking for a combined 15mpg but the closer to 20 the better

HammerheadFistpunch > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:04

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How new does it need to be? You could find a nice t100 that meets those goals

Trunk Impaired 318 > HammerheadFistpunch 01/02/2017 at 16:06

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Doesn’t need to be that new at all, but I’d like to treat myself to a fairly comfortable ride which draws me towards newer.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:09

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Get an older one that’s loaded with 4 doors and proper bed length.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:10

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You should drive a loaded T100 if you can. The price is absurd but I thought the ride was great.

Trunk Impaired 318 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/02/2017 at 16:11

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But 4 doors runs the risk of having to transport people * shudder *

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:12

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I have a 2005 Dodge Dakota with the 4.7 v8 and a 6-speed stick. Tow package gives 7000lbs capacity. I bought mine with 40k miles for $13k two years ago

Trunk Impaired 318 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/02/2017 at 16:14

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I’ll keep that in mind, finding one is probably the only challenge

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:15

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I dunno, no one has less friends than me. But my 2-seater single cab pickup has proven to be inconvenient at times.

I’m just saying, that frontier above would be a “do-it-all” vehicle.

dogisbadob > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:18

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Any recent 4-cylinder truck should be able to do 15. A Frontier/Equator seems like it’d be the best choice.

Trunk Impaired 318 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/02/2017 at 16:18

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Fair enough, I suppose adding in a doggo in the near future would be a good enough reason for 4 doors. I just figured I could get away with an extended cab with 2 fake back seats

PatBateman > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:22

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You’ll need to get a 10 year old F-150, Ranger, Taco, or Frontier to meet your requirements. I suggest the F-150.

Leon711 > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:23

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Miata.

I ran one for three years through the full spectrum of British weather, snow, rain, hail, 2 days of sun.

It has 2 seats, is reliable, fuel efficient and is capable of light off road duty (if you drive it like a rally car and have decent tires). Oh and the best manual transmission in the business. Trust me, you’d be surprised how practical they can be, I once took a junk engine to the junkyard in the trunk of a miata, I moved my brother 200 miles away using just my miata.

Also, you get to have some fun.

Trunk Impaired 318 > PatBateman 01/02/2017 at 16:24

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Reasoning for the F-150 over the others?

gmctavish needs more space > mazda616 01/02/2017 at 16:25

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Speaking as a driver for an auto parts company, no one wants an ex-auto parts delivery vehicle. Unless those guys sell them early for some reason, but ours get driven hard and scrapped after 5 or so years

Trunk Impaired 318 > Leon711 01/02/2017 at 16:26

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Unfortunately there are potholes bigger than Miatas where I’ll be and speed bumps that I could never get one over. One day though, I will get one.

PatBateman > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:28

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In my opinion, they drive better on the highways and (generally) have better ground clearance. Plus, if you’re living in an extremely rural setting, having a larger vehicle helps when random animals jump out in front of you.

Source: I’ve driven trucks my entire life (except for the past year), have hit two deer in them.

DipodomysDeserti > Leon711 01/02/2017 at 16:30

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British weather is the exact opposite of SW United States weather.

E92M3 > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:30

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Your Mini would do just fine in either state, unless you desire to start going offroad. There’s thousands of Prius owners in both states that NEVER need more ground clearance than the Prius offers.

Leon711 > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:31

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The salt and potholes made me get rid of mine, my tires were wearing unevenly because all of the bushes had deteriorated due to potholes so instead of fixing it, I sold it because it wasn’t worth the repair cost as the resale value is much lower here. I bought it for £1600 and sold it for £500 three years on, I could have got more but I had just got my GTI and really wanted it gone.

mazda616 > gmctavish needs more space 01/02/2017 at 16:31

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Gotcha. I live in a smaller town, so the ones around here don’t see much use, to be honest. I didn’t think about that for bigger cities, though.

DipodomysDeserti > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:32

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If you’re living in lightly populated areas of AZ or NM, there’s not going to be anyone to transport. The people that are there will either have their own RV or be strung out on meth.

Leon711 > DipodomysDeserti 01/02/2017 at 16:32

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All the better for a Miata. No salt or ice.

DipodomysDeserti > wiffleballtony 01/02/2017 at 16:34

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He said lightly populated areas, not Glendale. To fit in in the rural areas he’ll need a truck that’s at least thirty years old, of any make.

Trunk Impaired 318 > E92M3 01/02/2017 at 16:36

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I was just there for 6 weeks in an E39, which while it was fine was less than ideal. Specifically I’d be on the Navajo reservation where the roads are brutal and would wreak havoc on the Mini. Plus getting parts in a pinch and finding premium gas is no easy task.

Not saying that its impossible but it just makes more sense to get something else in addition to the Mini.

Trunk Impaired 318 > DipodomysDeserti 01/02/2017 at 16:38

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I’d be working at a hospital on the Navajo reservation with a few hundred other non-natives. I was just there for 6 weeks and the people with big cars are very popular. I dont mind helping to haul stuff etc. but I don’t like to be a chauffeur.

DipodomysDeserti > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:40

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By “not populated parts” do you mean out in the middle of the desert or the mountains? There’s not a lot of in between out here. Where are you looking at moving? You’ll have about a 0% chance of finding work living outside of the population centers unless you work for DHS.

Wacko > wiffleballtony 01/02/2017 at 16:40

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you forgot the truck nuts

gmctavish needs more space > mazda616 01/02/2017 at 16:42

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Oh I didn’t even think about smaller towns. I imagine they’re an alright option for a well-maintained vehicle then, if you don’t mind the high-ish miles.

Trunk Impaired 318 > DipodomysDeserti 01/02/2017 at 16:43

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Mountains/high desert, would be working with the Indian Health Service. Most likely places are Crownpoint NM, Ft Defiance or Tuba City AZ.

Alfalfa > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:45

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BRONCO.

Trunk Impaired 318 > Alfalfa 01/02/2017 at 16:47

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It has crossed my mind

DipodomysDeserti > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:50

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Yeah, you’re definitely gonna want a pickup truck. I have a buddy selling a Tundra right now in the $16k range in the Phornix area. You can find pretty much whatever you want here as rust isn’t an issue.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:52

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4 cyl ranger. My dad had an 80's one and he consistently got over 30mpg with an empty bed.

You can get a 2000's one for under 10k now.

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/5941051269.html

Alfalfa > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:54

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As well it should! And you can permanently remove the rear seat for more cargo room. Although finding a manual is tricky, and fuel economy may reach teens on a good day with a tailwind.

DipodomysDeserti > Leon711 01/02/2017 at 16:55

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No salt, but the area he’s moving to just got 14" of snow on Christmas Eve. It has third world levels of infrastructure so it can take weeks for things to get sorted out sometimes. A few years ago they got hit by a big blizzard and had to air drop food supplies to people. Miata is not the answer for rural northern Arizona.

DipodomysDeserti > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:58

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Beautiful country as far as the Arizona portion is concerned. Definitely get 4wd as they can get hit with snow storms amd as you might have seen the infrastructure there is lacking. You’ll be there just in time for the mining companies to start mining for uranium around the gramd canyon again so you’ll get to see the next generation of Navajo get poisoned. Fuck our governor. Waiting for Obama to declare the area a national monument.

Alfalfa > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 16:58

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A Bronco II may actually be closer to what you’re looking for. Easy to find with 3 pedals, and better fuel economy.

wiffleballtony > DipodomysDeserti 01/02/2017 at 17:01

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Lol Glendale.

Trunk Impaired 318 > DipodomysDeserti 01/02/2017 at 17:02

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Yea, it’s a real shame. All of the Navajo I had the pleasure of seeing were wonderful people. First they get fucked but the national and state governments and then their own corrupt one.

Trunk Impaired 318 > Alfalfa 01/02/2017 at 17:03

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I’ll add one to the list for sure

Leon711 > DipodomysDeserti 01/02/2017 at 17:32

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It’s not ideal, no. But if you were committed enough, it could be pulled off.

gawdzillla > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 17:38

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if you take the ‘manual’ off your list there are so many better options

any 2000's silverado 5.3 will get you 18mpg easy and within your price range

Trunk Impaired 318 > gawdzillla 01/02/2017 at 17:50

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No matter how many boxes they check I doubt I could ever pull the trigger on a GM or Mopar truck

comes over to help work on your car and only drinks beer > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 19:23

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Another thing to consider is parts/service availability. If it’s really that underpopulated, might be hard to get Nissan parts. It varies, but really rural midwest areas, if it’s not Ferd, Chebby, Doge, it can be quite a drive to get parts as there are no dealers, and parts stores aren’t terribly common.

Trunk Impaired 318 > comes over to help work on your car and only drinks beer 01/02/2017 at 20:02

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There’s a Nissan dealer within an hour or two of where I’d be so theoretically I’d be okay if I couldn’t get parts elsewhere. Plus the internet is always there.

awmaster10 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/02/2017 at 22:48

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and supercharged first gens are way cooler and better looking

awmaster10 > Trunk Impaired 318 01/02/2017 at 22:55

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NBS Silverado or Sierra:

Dead reliable LS based 5.3, looks good, comfy, and cheap. The one pictured is $6500 with 120k miles and has the 6.0 with even more power. The only ford trucks I find acceptable are these generation in a crew cab:

But I still think theyre kinda ugly and they are more expensive.

Mr. Plastics powered by GreyGoose > Trunk Impaired 318 01/03/2017 at 11:42

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Yeah I got a rental frontier in houston last month, and I was appalled by the turning radius. It was much easier to back into spots.

handsoff > Trunk Impaired 318 01/06/2017 at 22:28

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If you’re thinking 2nd gen Frontier, go manual. The autos seem to have issues. I have a 1st gen Frontier and a Hardbody, and would be looking for a Sport Trac or Ranger

Trunk Impaired 318 > handsoff 01/06/2017 at 23:02

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Manual or bust. Having an auto runs the risk of having people asking to borrow it and to hell with that.

Racin'Jason001 > Trunk Impaired 318 01/21/2017 at 16:17

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Have you thought Ridgeline? I know the older ones are getting cheap, and the newer ones are pretty nice too.

Trunk Impaired 318 > Racin'Jason001 01/21/2017 at 16:20

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Thought about them as they make a lot of sense but no manual is a killer as are the looks

Racin'Jason001 > Trunk Impaired 318 01/21/2017 at 16:36

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Ah yeah, that manual. Still considering a Frontier or Baja?

Trunk Impaired 318 > Racin'Jason001 01/21/2017 at 16:38

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They are the front runners