What truck do you drive? [Archive] (2024)

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Coondawg07

6th August 2020, 11:24

I know there is a secondary car thread, but Im purely interested in what utilitarian vehicles you guys drive.

Im in the process of truck shopping. I like the Tundra, but availability is leaning me towards a Titan or an F-150. If I settle for a mid-size truck, definitely a Frontier. I had a Pro-4x Titan a few years ago, but Ive always had a soft spot for the Frontier.

Pictures of said truck are welcome, with a Miata a plus.

Also, what do you use your trucks for? Mine is just for general household hauling, and as a backup baby hauler.

emptyminded42

6th August 2020, 11:44

I have an 18 JL 4-door Wrangler. Its as much a truck as anything else with body on frame and SFA is, it just doesnt have a bed.

340065

I use it as a fun cruiser, commuter, kid hauler, and all weather vehicle. I put the top down when I can.

I dont tow or haul junk or building materials but I can throw a 2x6x8 or two in from time to time with the seats folded down. It works fine because I can borrow my FILs truck pretty much any time I need to actually haul stuff.

My FIL has a basic 2014? V6 4x4 access cab (whatever the suicide door cab is called) F-150 and its great basic truck that does all the typical truck stuff and hauls my kid around just fine. Id personally probably go for the 2.7 EcoBoost 4x4 with the suicide doors as an all-rounder to get some extra torque with enough cab space for a kid and a longer bed than the full 4-door cab.

My BIL has the four door 2018? V8 4x4 F-150 and its a very nice place to be - he has some of the fancier interior trim packages with leather and ventilated seats and whatnot. He uses it as a commuter, kid hauler, long distance cruiser, and junk hauler.

Both have been supremely reliable with around 60-70k miles on them.

glock

6th August 2020, 12:32

I haul and tow, a lot of towing boats.
For years I drove Fords. Rust and gas led me to try a Tacoma. A fine truck if all you do is off road, which I don't. Poor gas milage, plastic bed, and HORRIBLE rust coupled with inadequate towing led to regret on that purchase.
At that time I took a 2500 mile fishing trip with a friend in his GMC deisel, I was hooked, it drove and rode much better than either Ford or Toyota. Can't compare power or milage with it though, totally different.
I bought a Silverado crew cab 4x4. Gas milage shames Ford and Toyota (about 6mpg better than taco and 9mpg better than Ford. Turns circles inside the 4x2 of other two. Tows better too.
I drove a tundra, it handled much like my fords. Gas milage listed was horrible and after my rust experience on the taco I wasn't inclined to buy another Toyota.

Barefoot

6th August 2020, 12:41

'07 4Runner V8

Just clicked over 100K miles, about 20K of that was towing the boat.

I don't put many miles on it per year anymore. At this rate, it should last a long time.

Periodic fluid film treatment keeps the underside rust free.

arskemp

6th August 2020, 13:02

I don't own a truck, but I've driven quite a few trucks over the years due to the place I work at. Mostly they are heavy duty diesels (2015 GM 2500, 2017 F250, 2020 RAM, 2020 Chevy 2500). I've also driven a couple 2-3 year older models as well but I can't recall the exact years. In addition, I've driven a 2018 F150 Diesel as well.

For gasoline, I've driven an 08 Tundra, Chevy Colorado (don't remember the year), 2011 F150, 2020 Gladiator

I've probably put a few hundred miles on each of the vehicles above with the exception of the Colorado and the Gladiator (only had 2-3 days of in town driving with those)

My driving isn't the typical use case though. Most of the time, I get an opportunity to drive one of the above (depending what we have at the time where I work) when I'm making a 500+ mile drive. Although it isn't really the purpose of a truck, I love long distance driving in one. They are spacious, comfortable, and sit nice and high which is great for long highway drives.

On the heavy duty side, I very much like the F250. On the small/midsize side, I actually loved driving the Gladiator (haven't gotten to drive it on a long distance drive yet though).

Some Photos:

F250
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50196201877_c4bfb28229_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jtEE1v)

Gladiator
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50080603163_e8c4e0b075_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jisbxe)

F150 Diesel
I can't really compare anything to the F150. It was built as a show truck so their were way too many modifications for me to fairly assess it compared to the rest. Don't have a miata photo with it, but here is my employers truck that I assisted with building at the Ford SEMA booth in 2018
https://live.staticflickr.com/4871/43918550100_9b9a1bf539_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29UW3R3)MVIMG_20181031_160820-01 (https://flic.kr/p/29UW3R3) by ARSkemp (https://www.flickr.com/photos/arskemp/), on Flickr

Mr. Sound

6th August 2020, 13:04

The Frontier and MX-5 combo are my transport:
Bought the first year single cab '98 Frontier new, now 22 years young and still in great shape,
for when something must be done,
while the MX-5 is reserved for times when nothing in particular needs to be done...

https://i.imgur.com/SrqoUIe.jpg

JmalB

6th August 2020, 13:09

Got it so I could tow my race car to track days and not worry as much about fuel availability or breaking down and not being able to get home.

https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65587802_10215093376348119_1972833321213755392_n.j pg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=jUVGRdrmbZQAX_T53uA&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=d3368fff06167f082fa2e559e2dab9f0&oe=5F4FD464

kallsop

6th August 2020, 13:09

Ford Expedition, great for out of town or state track days.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Pcb5cMv/0/dac0e925/L/i-Pcb5cMv-L.jpg (https://kevinallsop.smugmug.com/Misc-2/n-QRw29S/i-Pcb5cMv/A)

SquarePeg

6th August 2020, 13:42

Everything on it is outdated compared to what is in the line up now, but I have a 2010 F150 Supercrew 4x4 with the 5.4 motor. Lariat package, makes for some really cushy traveling.
About 18 on the highway and 15 in town.
I just got back from dragging my #7000 camper to Lubbock and back. It struggles to get 9mpg pulling the trailer, but has plenty of power. It runs 75 easy on decent roads, pulling the trailer at about 2500rpms. It has a set of RAS springs on the back to help the leaf springs, and a 5Star tune for the Tranny. Those two things, actually make it work as a truck for my purposes. Without them, it makes a superb grocery getter and long distance cruiser.

If I didn't need it for dragging trailers, I'd have a decent midsized truck in a heart beat.
The new Bronco and a small trailer for trips to the lumber store, would suit me right down to the ground...maybe. I'd want to see one up close, first. The trailer would be a pain, but the Bronco just might be worth it.
I'd definitely be looking at a Frontier. I don't see myself ever "needing" another 4x4. They eat into the mileage, but for resale they help. I had a 2001 Frontier 4x4, and except for the mileage, I really liked the little guy. My wife even speaks fondly of it in past tense.

ClutchTwice

6th August 2020, 13:47

I've bought a leftover Touareg diesel for winter driving in less trafficked areas and to "bring a trailer". With the TDI, it tows like a champ.

Having this capability has enlarged my car-search radius, with the expected results.

https://forum.miata.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=340068&d=1596735936

JT58

6th August 2020, 13:55

I have owned so many trucks over the course of my life so far- mainly in Massachusetts and Minnesota. I have had multiple Tacomas- the generation pre the current- 80's, 90's and early 2000. Quite a few full size trucks too- Chevy's and Fords. I used them for hauling building supplies, lumber, etc. also dirt, mulch, lawnmowers, tractors, snowblowers in the bed too.

The Tacomas were all great- workhorses with good gas mileage. The full size trucks- some good, some not so good. They all got pretty bad gas mileage- 17 with a tail wind. (The early Tacomas fit me, the current ones do not- they seem to be made for shorter people these days).

I have not had a truck for the 12 years I have been in Florida until 3 months ago- I bought a new 2019 Silverado LD Double Cab, 4 X 4. It's more of a work truck with manual 4 X 4. I bought it as a daily driver and haul kayaks in it. I use 4 X 4 on dirt roads and trails to get to launch spots. It rides and handles so nice- like a car versus the trucks I had previously in my life. It's pretty slow though-a lot of weight to haul around for only a 5.3.

I don't know that I ever had a "favorite" truck. My 85 Tacoma and 95 Silverado extended cab are stand outs though. I do like my GF's truck- a 2013 Silverado single cab short bed 2WD with a 4.8 V8, Flex Fuel. I installed a MBRP CAT back exhaust and she runs E 85 in it. That truck is plain fun to drive- it's very fast, maneuverable and will blow the doors off of my 2019 so bad- and sounds so good too. (It's too bad Chevy does not make a short bed single cab truck anymore.). And the ones they did make in the past are super hard to find with a V8. But my truck is more practical with 4 doors.

robby

6th August 2020, 14:01

97 Silverado.....general hauling duty and pulls my 24' enclosed car hauler (with car) to various shows.
Summer only usage....looks/drives like new.

Rob

Gumpus

6th August 2020, 14:02

I've got a 2016 4-Runner. It's a great canoe transport vehicle and my coon dawg likes it too. Just mild off-road stuff to get to canoe put-ins. Surprising how many folks I've rescued when they got stuck in mud, gravel or sand. I used to work on pick-ups for the blue oval company and while I'll say there are a lot of good trucks out there it's hard not to love an F250 and if someone gave me a Raptor I'd keep it. My wife has her eye on a new Bronco.

MattAlley

6th August 2020, 14:38

1994 Silver GMC S15 for me. In the family since new, I got it from my mom c. 2005. It's my huntin' truck.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z289/NoGaBiker/0408RaccoonOnTruck.JPG

rloewy

6th August 2020, 14:49

We have an old 2006 Lexus GX470 that I am going to turn into a light overland truck to explore the desert in (not something that will be used for weeks, but something that can be enjoyed over long weekends out and about).

https://live.staticflickr.com/2831/33411120531_0f5d221566_o.jpg

MattAlley

6th August 2020, 14:53

Ocotillo starting to bloom!

Skip Cannon

6th August 2020, 15:13

I have a 2019 Ram 1500 Quad Cab with the Hemi engine. Its the 4th Ram 1500 I've owned, I like it much better than the GMC and Silverado I had before, especially the ride with the rear coil springs.

The engine has the power and torque to pull an enclosed trailer with a Miata inside up the passes on I-70 at extra legal speeds. Get slowed down by traffic, it doesn't take long once traffic clears to get back up to speed even on the steepest grades.

This latest one has active noise cancellation which makes it very quiet inside.

BetweenMiatas

6th August 2020, 15:50

Does a minivan qualify? Our 2006 Town & Country does the trucky things at our house.

MattAlley

6th August 2020, 15:53

Does a minivan qualify?

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

If you wuz a man I'd take you out back and punch you.

Caveat: If you've got a gun rack with a 30.06 hanging in the back window we can talk.

BetweenMiatas

6th August 2020, 15:58

1994 Silver GMC S15 for me. In the family since new, I got it from my mom c. 2005. It's my huntin' truck.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z289/NoGaBiker/0408RaccoonOnTruck.JPG

Looks like your raccoon friend has had a little too much to drink.

BetweenMiatas

6th August 2020, 15:59

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

If you wuz a man I'd take you out back and punch you.

Caveat: If you've got a gun rack with a 30.06 hanging in the back window we can talk.

No gun rack, but I shot a gun for the first time in my life last night!

Brian Goodwin

6th August 2020, 16:05

Until last week had 3 shop trucks....99 Dakota, 2008 Dakota, 2020 Ridgeline.

With purchase of the Ridgeline sold the 99 Dakota to one of our crew here so it will continue with us.

Already did a road trip in the Ridgeline, and next week it will tow trailer with Miata to our exhaust factory for fun there. Like the Ridgeline, dubbed it the "Miata of Trucks" thanks to how much lighter it feels on its feet than the typical truck (thanks to fully independent suspension and unibody).

https://www.mazdatalkforum.com/download/file.php?id=7509&t=1

Dennis Nicholls

6th August 2020, 16:21

Let me think....which is less manly, a minivan or a Ridgeline? Matt will answer shortly.

No gun racks required in Idaho.

Coondawg07

6th August 2020, 16:23

Until last week had 3 shop trucks....99 Dakota, 2008 Dakota, 2020 Ridgeline.

With purchase of the Ridgeline sold the 99 Dakota to one of our crew here so it will continue with us.

https://www.mazdatalkforum.com/download/file.php?id=7509&t=1

I was originally after a first gen Ridgeline. I am, after all, a reformed die-hard Honda fan boy. (Cars, SUVs, motorcycles, small engines, etc.) I wasnt impressed with the one I drove. Maybe I should give the line a second chance.

Thanks for all the responses. I figured you guys would be happy to show off toys.

Dennis Nicholls

6th August 2020, 16:25

I had a used 1984 V6 Ranger. It was the last year of the carbs and ran OK. Sold it in 1993 preparing to go back to school. Bought a new 2001 F-150 with the 4.6l V8. Sold it in 2011 after I got my SX4. Too many trucks around here to borrow.

3MiataFamily

6th August 2020, 16:36

When I need a truck I borrow one...:cool:

Jesse H

6th August 2020, 17:07

I've had my '11 Titan since '11 and only have 92K miles on it. It's a daily driver that's brought both kids home from the hospital, countless road trips and our dog on her last ride so I guess I've had it long enough to start feeling attached to it.

If it got totaled today I'd likely replace it with an F-150 but I'm very interested in the upcoming Bronco. I'll see how long I can hold off on the new vehicle itch since this truck has been reliable.

Previous truck was an F-150 Lariat extended cab with the 5.4 and before that I had a 93 Nissan Hardbody that had a 5MT and AC. It didn't even have power steering.

sloopercat

6th August 2020, 17:24

2005 Frontier. Will easily pull a
Miata on a heavy Uhaul trailer.
It has about 48K on it. 2WD but has a locker rear diff. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200806/7251ab715f8806b3544daf6563f452ae.jpg

MattAlley

6th August 2020, 19:16

Looks like your raccoon friend has had a little too much to drink.

:D I pulled into our office one morning about 16 years ago and saw a raccoon roadkill on the main road right at our driveway. I also saw that our retained IT consultant (who was also a close friend of mine) was there that day, in a silver 94 Chevy S10 that was identical to my own GMC S15 that was always parked at the office. Taking advantage of this serendipity, I scooped up the coon, found a Budweiser bottle in the ditch along the road, and set up a “drunk raccoon in the truck bed” diorama. When Michael and I came out together a little later we were both surprised to find the raccoon had “puked” right before he passed out and got it all over his fender.

maarp

6th August 2020, 19:34

I have never owned a truck, nor have I ever even entertained the idea of owning a truck. However, my wife drives a manly Crosstrek. :)

SwissFerdi

6th August 2020, 20:33

Obligatory not mine, and pardon the advertising. I do drive it a lot.

https://i.imgur.com/emv6lS6.jpg

MattAlley

6th August 2020, 20:35

No gun rack, but I shot a gun for the first time in my life last night!

Oh my! I hope the accountant is still on this side of the grass!

Jlj9a

6th August 2020, 20:45

Factory ordered 1990, 2.9, 5-speed,XLT, short bed Ford Ranger.

Dennis Nicholls

6th August 2020, 20:51

I have never owned a truck, nor have I ever even entertained the idea of owning a truck. However, my wife drives a manly Crosstrek. :)

Are private citizens allowed to own pickup trucks in Canada? :confused:

Dennis Nicholls

6th August 2020, 20:53

Interesting about the Frontier. I though they were a bottom-tier truck but a couple of people here seem to like them. Are they a bargain as a used truck?

maarp

6th August 2020, 20:57

Are private citizens allowed to own pickup trucks in Canada? :confused:

Good lord. Where I am, nearly every damn driveway has at least one.

look 171

6th August 2020, 21:00

No gun rack, but I shot a gun for the first time in my life last night!

Well, that will qualify you as one of the boyz

Last time I shot a gun was 2 years ago at a gun range with a bunch of cops. It was a competition thing and a dinner later. Before that, it was over 30 years ago. I will give in my man card near the end of this week.

So, what ya think of shooting?

Dennis Nicholls

6th August 2020, 21:04

I haven't been to the range since my medical problems. I bought myself an M4 carbine to celebrate recovery from heart surgery in 2018 but haven't even gotten to shoot it yet. :sad:

look 171

6th August 2020, 21:05

Interesting about the Frontier. I though they were a bottom-tier truck but a couple of people here seem to like them. Are they a bargain as a used truck?

One of my workmen and his friend who's a sub contractor of mine drives Frontiers. They both have over 300k miles on them and yet, they just kept on ticking along. Some general repairs here and there, mainly maintenance items. It can't hold too much weight as far as I can tell. They seem to like them.

look 171

6th August 2020, 21:08

I haven't been to the range since my medical problems. I bought myself an M4 carbine to celebrate recovery from heart surgery in 2018 but haven't even gotten to shoot it yet. :sad:

Hope you get out there and blast off this thing soon. Stay healthy and recover quickly. I am not much of a gun fan jsut don't get the same thrill as some of my friends. They have all kinds of interesting stuff.

look 171

6th August 2020, 21:29

I drive a latest gen 4 runner Limited and a Duramax Crew cab with the 8' bed that has a turning diameter of a aircraft carrier. It will pull a house down the hwy. I don't do any towing but we do like to travel in. Its 4wd too, great for getting to the ski slops. I no longer need a truck for my business since we get everything delivered but I want a truck. Just finishing camping and a rafting trip with the kids.

Don't have a pic of the big truck but here's one from a couple years ago at Tahoe ski trip on our way home after a night of snow.

Keith Green

6th August 2020, 21:32

2007 Dodge Dakota.

Pat Dolan

6th August 2020, 21:54

We used my wife's new 2015 Q7 TDI for a truck this year (yes, a 2015 model now one year old but tows with the best of them), but my normal trucks are a 2003 Ram 3500 Cummins/6 speed for farm and general work, replaces my 1997 K15 GMC 6.5 as DD/chore truck (now the spare). I also have a 2000 F450 7.3/6spd ZF set up for heavy towing and a FLD120 DDECII/18 spd for really heavy hauling. As well as class 8 tandem Western Star transit mixer with Detroit 6V92T Silver and a wierd 7 speed Eaton and a 1900 IHC class 6 (with REALLY heavy rear axle) DT466 plus converted to 13 speed that I used to use for oil delivery (more like storage now).

BetweenMiatas

6th August 2020, 22:05

Oh my! I hope the accountant is still on this side of the grass!

No one was hurt. :)

BetweenMiatas

6th August 2020, 22:07

Well, that will qualify you as one of the boyz

So, what ya think of shooting?

It was kinda scary, and I'm not itching to do it again, but I'm glad I tried it.

Warhammer

6th August 2020, 22:25

I had a 2003 F-150 XLT that was still going strong until I got re-ended on the highway. The damage wasn't bad, but with 298,000 miles on the clock, insurance deemed it a total loss. I replaced it with a 2012 Nissan Titan SL. It's much more luxurious than the old XLT was.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50085067461_1c5f7af9bd_z.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50069510556_733c1a73af_z.jpg

She's mostly a daily driver. I tend toward lots of DIY projects, so lumber, mulch, concrete, car parts and the like are the usual fare. Maybe an occasional utility trailer. My truck happens to have the "bog tow" package, though I'll probably never put it to it's full use. She's already hauled a load of tree trimmings to the dump and bunch of steel to the scrap yard.

jamesqf

7th August 2020, 00:54

'88 Toyota pickup (4WD) which I think takes the prize for oldest currently running - so far.

What do I use it for? Pretty long list: hauling hay for the horses, firewood for the winter, assorted building materials and general stuff when needed. Getting to trailheads that are at the end of rough dirt roads. Getting to skiing (and sometimes other places) when the snow's too deep for the Miata. Occasionally pulling stumps...

look 171

7th August 2020, 01:09

It was kinda scary, and I'm not itching to do it again, but I'm glad I tried it.

Next time, try blowing up things. Its way more fun:). Instead of a bang it goes booooom with just a press of a button. No recoil to mess up your hair, wouldn't break any nails and it can be done in the comfort of a air conditioned truck.

SpiderorScorpion?

7th August 2020, 04:04

Currently a 2001 Ram 3500 diesel dually and a 2016 Ram 1500. Twelve light trucks before them, starting with a 1965 International 3/4 ton - Ford's, GM's, Dodge/Rams, a Toyota Titan, a Nissan Frontier and a Jeep J-series. Travel trailers, horse trailers, dump trailers, equipment trailers, cross-country travel, urban commutes, carpooling, ranching in Elko County, Nevada and Iron County, Utah, mud, sand, snow, slick rock, talus slopes, and NYC pavement. These days pulling people off the beaches on the island where the wife and I retired.

Got lots of opinions on all fourteen.

Dry Martini

7th August 2020, 06:14

2003 Chevrolet S10 4x4 ZR2 package. 140k miles and counting.

Todd Barney

7th August 2020, 07:47

This was mine, Jalopnik stole the pics from when I had it listed and wrote it up:
https://jalopnik.com/you-shoul...-dodge-offered-an-8-1843832116

More details from my original listing:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/g0feapiamevb1zv/2003%20Ram%202500%20V10.pdf?dl=0

I loved that truck. Relatively easy to work on, but it got abysmal gas mileage. Owned it for 15 years, just sold it a couple months ago and bought a CX-5.

I took $12k for it, if anyone was curious.

Formula_Ron

7th August 2020, 08:51

I have a 2009 Silverado (5.3L, EC, 4x4) that I bought new. I hardly drive it, hence the 12k current miles, but it's nice to have when you need to haul large, bulky items.

jonshonda

7th August 2020, 11:00

07 Lexus GX470 (not really a "truck" I guess) but when I need the bed of a truck I just hook up our 5x8.5' trailer. It tows our camper 12-15 times a year, and hauls the family around.

I do want to get a Tundra for a little extra power for towing, and to be able to just throw firewood in the back for camping (keeping the spiders and ants, and bugs out of the cabin). But the Lexus only has 181k miles, and I plan to keep it for a while.

Jesse H

7th August 2020, 11:30

Interesting about the Frontier. I though they were a bottom-tier truck but a couple of people here seem to like them. Are they a bargain as a used truck?

They're bottom tier in terms of resale value but tend to be capable and reliable. It's "competitors" are the Tacoma, Ranger, etc but since the Nissan has remained mostly unchanged for over 10 years (maybe 15?) it's a basic no frills truck that's got all it's kinks worked out over the years.

Similar to it's big brother, the Titan. When I bought my '11 it was already in production for 8 years so it was trouble free and has proven to be today.

BetweenMiatas

7th August 2020, 11:48

Sounds pretty awesome.

Steve Jackson

7th August 2020, 13:04

Wife has a 2018 Ridgeline AWD and absolutely loves it. Got a little over 40k miles with no problems except one recall to add a waterproof shield to some component or other. I drive it occasionally and am always impressed how well it handles the curves. The AWD versions use torque vectoring to help the handling. Trunk combined with swing tailgate is great for loading groceries, etc in tight parking spots.

look 171

7th August 2020, 13:12

Similar to it's big brother, the Titan. When I bought my '11 it was already in production for 8 years so it was trouble free and has proven to be today.

Agreed. Car buyers are funny and very brand loyalist. I admit, I like Toyota trucks in general but the Chevy just make more sense for me. If I needed a truck like the Titan, I will not think twice about getting one. Cheap comparatively speaking. A truck not too many people wants and reliable.

kmack95

7th August 2020, 13:33

I haven't had a pickup since '06 when I had a 2001 Chevy 2500HD w/ a long bed and the 8.1L. Definitely was a fun truck to drive! (As long as you didn't mind the mileage...) Switched over to SUV's after that.

Current DD is a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee w/ a Hemi for hauling duties. As of last week, it has 235k miles.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/X2X3Q4oT_bUgIV_BnaAQhgvw07jL3i2xLa15sQdcgxZbZQhrI7 GqIFtn20GI2Coh0xG-OiE48i9eLYm8lws2VCPUBjQIHe9SWdoQx2D1HR4Tvenw1I3Nzd 0suVMLqVXP_ax6N7Ymsw

The hunting rig is a '93 Explorer that has been family-owned since new. Currently sitting at 109k miles and only gets about 2,500 miles put on per year. Also doubles as a spare vehicle for when I have to work on the Jeep.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ch-cxvPrPRtZHEVh2pLqthN2qnT_H9h0imgGFxQ7jovma_QUxURzx YPxS1m4WbJsiJFOUSgX3CG9b7R_sPDsX1uT6iwMo7LnYgraol8 GJTYasltQP-4pH57LLDCnjY-Hl7wiA_jgVg

Dennis Nicholls

7th August 2020, 13:53

I went and pulled out my CD buyers guides from 2006 and 2015. In both books the Frontier was check rated. I'm not sure why I thought it was a substandard pickup. Maybe because it looks funny.

I go through craigslist every so often looking for a cheap Ranger/Mazda B. I'll have to include the Frontier going forward. The Tacomas are all overpriced.

express_wagon

7th August 2020, 14:28

https://i.imgur.com/N83D58b.jpg

An 04 Taco that is mostly used as a dump runner. Here it is at its favorite destination.

Mellow

7th August 2020, 14:36

Ranger...

Love the turbo, would love to put that engine in the Miata...:eek:

The best part is I can park the Miata under it and only use up one garage space.

drewthebrave

7th August 2020, 16:08

Not mine, but my family all live in the same neighborhood, so we borrow each other's trucks pretty frequently. My dad has the Frontier Pro4X and my brother has the 4Runner. I've always loved the 3rd Gen 4Runners, and this one is still going strong at over 200k miles.

I'll admit that I never gave much thought to the Nissans, but after driving my dad's Pro4X, I came away extremely impressed. For about the same price (all used, not new) as a bare bones 2WD Tacoma, he got the top of the line, off road spec Nissan. A comparable TRD Pro Taco with similar miles would have been about $10k more. Now I'm definitely looking at Xterras for the SUV that I want to add to the garage (with my Mk6 GTI & wife's NC1 Miata).

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200807/d224367409dad5d282369be04cb0ea85.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200807/15d53b81614db60aeb182427f7b549e4.jpg

Ski-Patroller

7th August 2020, 16:37

I have owned 3 Jeep 1/2 tons in years past. Not because Jeep PUs are great, but they had lousy resale value, so they were cheap. More recently two 1/2 ton Suburbans. For me they hit the sweet spot between a true open PU and great tow vehicle with lots of cargo space and seating for up to 7 with all seats in. It will handle 4x8 plywood inside, a small amount of 10' plus lumber with out going to the roof rack. I put a blue tarp in the back to haul firewood or plants.

FWIW, my 73 Jeep is probably one of the few vehicles around that has been rolled and driven home afterwards. No broken windows and minimal body damage except a big dent in the hood where my aluminum canoe bow came down in the middle of the hood. There was quick rack on top of the cab and a welded tube frame in the stake pockets holding up the canoe, which took most of the damage. My 78 Jeep had the biggest engine (6L) of any vehicle I've owned, with less hp than my MSM :eek:

sloopercat

7th August 2020, 16:48

One advantage to the long running Frontier is the parts are widely available and cheap. The VQ motor found in many Nissans is really solid with, IIRC, 28O HP. A 4cyl Frontier just did 1 million miles on the original drivetrain. I found that the 4cyl are only a bit cheaper and can be stripper trim with even roll up windows. Its a perfect compromise on size, garage space, and capabilities for chores. It does drive like a truck, comfortable enough, but handling is not its strong suit. Radiator and trans cooler failures are common in some years, I did a radiator replacement right away on mine. The strawberry milkshake coolant issue is something to check on a used purchase as it causes the trans to fail. Honda had the same issue with the first gen Ridgeline. I have averaged 19mpg, it does that at 75mph too.

maarp

7th August 2020, 17:02

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200807/15d53b81614db60aeb182427f7b549e4.jpg

Are you peeing? :eek:

bill keksz

7th August 2020, 17:49

2003 Tacoma. 2wd, open diff.
Factory-installed rust.

MX5/XJ6

7th August 2020, 21:40

No gun rack, but I shot a gun for the first time in my life last night!

:thumbs:

Did you hit him?

("him" being intruder, bear, large rat, bigfoot......) :)

MX5/XJ6

7th August 2020, 21:44

Are you peeing? :eek:

Last night I had to go, stopped in a gas station and they had Halloween decoration like streamers across the bathrooms saying OUT OF ORDER. I asked the clerk if the bathrooms were really closed and he said "The city really wants us to keep them closed". Gotcha, I replied - I will just pee in the woods behind your dumpster :D

MX5/XJ6

7th August 2020, 22:49

I know there is a secondary car thread, but I’m purely interested in what utilitarian vehicles you guys drive.

Z71 Tahoe 5.3L 4x4 for winter weather, 7 passenger hauling and towing. Reliable as a stone, capable, comfy. I love it to death and will happily have it until such time as my wife lets me have a newish black Escalade. So for awhile :rofl:

https://photos.smugmug.com/Misc-2/i-DM2P3tX/0/28d93ee0/L/20190303_093531-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Misc-2/i-t7xvKZW/0/3c07cb9b/L/20190602_161150-L.jpg

Odyssey EXL 3.5L V6, keep trying to give it to a kid as a first car, maybe 3rd time will be the charm hehe. Too reliable to get rid of, too handy as a spare vehicle to sell it for the pittance it would bring. Recently used it to run a couple hours away to pick up a pair of black leather MazdaSpeed Miata seats and could've kept driving all day. Interestingly, really great OE stereo. Totally invisible to cops, seriously, go 300 MPH if u wanna :)
Yes, those are indeed JDM one-piece headlights, yo :cool:

https://photos.smugmug.com/Misc-2/i-JGBDPTW/0/3ea320a8/L/20190806_134800-L.jpg

Rodeo 4x4, 3.2L 24v V6 (not the GM one), stick. Super reliable, not too big/not too small, fun to drive, good power, super beastly off road. Kinda thought a kid would want it but none of them want to mess with a stick.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1999-Rodeo/i-j7tDbvT/0/fb767f1c/L/rodeo-L.jpg

ZR2 Blazer 2-door (coupe??) 4.3L Vortec 4x4. Bought for my 16 year old son, he loves it but after (me) spending considerable cheddar on needed maintenance the A/C still doesn't work and the MPG is, uhh, not great. He got a new job much further away so the MPG became a much bigger factor, then his aunt gave him a killer deal on a nearly new 4 door Yaris so Beastly Baby Blazer is mine again and I love it. Don't really need it, but another one where I like it more than the dollars it would bring in a sale. I'd probably just break even as far as all the new parts so why sell it? :dunno:
(PS- saw SEVERAL of these in CO this week, I'm convinced they will be a future classic)

https://photos.smugmug.com/Misc-3/i-hX2zSSV/0/101ff395/L/20191017_175408-L.jpg

F-250 4x4 5.0L fuel injected V8, stick. My wife's. "Custom" trim but very little custom about it if I'm honest LOL. Near as I can tell, what makes it a Custom is having plush carpet, a stereo, headliner, sliding rear window and wide brushed metal trim across the tailgate. When we moved out of a subdivision and onto some land, she wanted a Farm Truck, so I found her one. Low miles and a legit southern IL farm truck up til 2015. It rarely gets driven but always starts right up. She has used it for loads of mulch, I have used it for loads of rock. When you need it, it's tough to beat (but fine to beat on :D )

https://photos.smugmug.com/Misc-3/i-9FMCRVn/0/36b2a961/L/20190922_110310-L.jpg

At work, Expedition Platinum Ultra Supremo Limited something or other, 4x4 and 3.5L EcoBoost twin turbo. Have yet to see any "ECO" from it but I don't pay for the gas. For my money, make it GM.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Misc-2/i-Qj8xNCD/0/d7861708/L/20190618_144531-L.jpg

look 171

8th August 2020, 00:08

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200807/d224367409dad5d282369be04cb0ea85.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200807/15d53b81614db60aeb182427f7b549e4.jpg

I jsut bought my kid ( more like I wanted it) a third gen 4 runner Limited. He's turning 15 in a few months. We have been working on the thing a couple days a week at my parent's house. Its on jack stands now. All suspension parts are being gone through. Billstein shocks and now coils. No lift, but at 175,000 miles, I am sure they are pretty tired. I feel the thing leaning during a turn when I drove it home. It bounces more then several times going over bumps. It will all be fixed, hopefully by him. Oh yeah, thge radiator and pink milk shakes. That's was the first thing we changed. I might have someone pull the ball joints. Have your brother done those known fail parts yet? I bought it for nothing from a friend and the trucks drives very well as it is. They will go 350,000 without much but a few parts

jay dub

8th August 2020, 00:08

98 Ranger. Bought it 3 years ago with 76k, now only has 86k. Took months to find it but the hunt is part of the challenge. It gets used for light hauling for the house - mulch, plants, plywood, building lumber, furniture, etc. Bone stock except for a radio change out. Not a lot of money into it and it gets the job done.340177340178

icrashbikes

8th August 2020, 00:17

'20 F350. Hoping to just never need another truck again

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50091950603_2c560e9b8a_b.jpg

BetweenMiatas

8th August 2020, 00:33

:thumbs:

Did you hit him?

("him" being intruder, bear, large rat, bigfoot......) :)

I hit the paper target! Every time, I think.

MX5/XJ6

8th August 2020, 01:50

I hit the paper target! Every time, I think.

Excellent! What kind of gun?

MX5/XJ6

8th August 2020, 01:51

'20 F350. Hoping to just never need another truck again

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50091950603_2c560e9b8a_b.jpg

Which engine is it?

express_wagon

8th August 2020, 05:21

The Ford Ranger is forever imprinted in my head as this 90s color, this thing is a total peach! Beautiful truck!

RobC2

8th August 2020, 08:33

Tacoma TRD Off-Road w/Manual. I have a reservation on a Bronco which will eventually replace it.

https://i.postimg.cc/6ppfb1D5/IMG-2021.jpg (https://postimg.cc/vcCncXYp)

twowheeled

8th August 2020, 10:03

Thanks for all the responses. I figured you guys would be happy to show off toys.

I owned a 1st gen for 4 years and took it up to 180k miles, very cheap to own it broke a couple of sway bar links and needed a new oring on the PS reservoir in that entire time. I really liked that truck the only knock I had was the middling fuel economy compared to a full size, the NVH and lack of aftermarket shocks available. I refreshed the truck with new KYB's but they were pounded out again after a year. If the aftermarket would release a set of quality offroad shocks with piggy backs I'd happily drop a few grand into quieting down the cabin and drive that truck till it rusted apart.

I did take a 2nd gen out for a test drive but was disappointed with the chassis, it feels like it lost stiffness from the 1G, probably to drop weight for fuel economy. The bed and trunk are a tad shallower and they deleted the very handy wheel chock moldings in the bed that made the truck a perfect motorcycle hauler.

Growler48

8th August 2020, 10:15

I have a 1992 Toyota Pickup, 4WD SR5, V6 with manual transmission that I bought new on 1 Oct 91. Almost 29 years of ownership and 274K miles.

https://i.imgur.com/7UhyUSK.jpg

MX5/XJ6

8th August 2020, 10:27

^ Sweet!

maxdriver

8th August 2020, 10:42

I have a 1992 Toyota Pickup, 4WD SR5, V6 with manual transmission that I bought new on 1 Oct 91. Almost 29 years of ownership and 274K miles.

https://i.imgur.com/7UhyUSK.jpgYou win [emoji106]

icrashbikes

8th August 2020, 12:01

Which engine is it?

I got the 7.3 gas. Took a chance on a first year engine but so far so good. I like the idea of a massive, brutally detuned engine for longevity. Or a supercharger, who knows.

express_wagon

8th August 2020, 12:03

I have a 1992 Toyota Pickup, 4WD SR5, V6 with manual transmission that I bought new on 1 Oct 91. Almost 29 years of ownership and 274K miles.

https://i.imgur.com/7UhyUSK.jpg

Perfect

Wheels are representation of everything awesome about the 90s

Racer Boy

8th August 2020, 12:38

I have a 1994 Ram 1500 that I've owned for 23 years. I used to tow my Spec Miata with it, but nowadays, it mostly just sits. I probably put 100 miles on it last year! It has (I think) 104K miles on it, so it's a low miler.

In the past few years the paint has started to peel off, so it looks terrible now. It's stupid to keep it, but I just haven't been able to bring myself to sell it.https://forum.miata.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=340195&d=1596904712

MX5/XJ6

8th August 2020, 13:30

I got the 7.3 gas. Took a chance on a first year engine but so far so good. I like the idea of a massive, brutally detuned engine for longevity. Or a supercharger, who knows.

Nice, I bet that moves pretty well!

twowheeled

8th August 2020, 15:05

I have a 1992 Toyota Pickup, 4WD SR5, V6 with manual transmission that I bought new on 1 Oct 91. Almost 29 years of ownership and 274K miles.

https://i.imgur.com/7UhyUSK.jpg

we gave up on our 91 4runner after 20 years. I'm sure the 3-point-slow would have continued to guzzle fuel and make no horsepower for as long as we would be willing to keep it on the road. :rofl:

icrashbikes

8th August 2020, 15:17

Nice, I bet that moves pretty well!

It definitely goes when you get on it, though nothing like the tuned 3.6 Ecoboost F150 I had before. I have to remind myself that it's a truck for utility and not a tire melting machine.

rjs2005

8th August 2020, 21:04

My current truck is a '17 Ram 1500 Bighorn CC.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200809/d525abdece5e18158b2284a241419d56.jpg

I'm very happy with it so far- it passed 85,000 miles today. The Ram Boxes are well worth the extra coin.

I'm not really a brand loyalist- I've owned Chevys, Fords and Dodge/Rams. My all-time favorite truck was my '93 F-150 XL: single cab, short bed, 300 I-6/5MT. Sure wish I had that one back!

MX5Jeff

8th August 2020, 23:08

I have a 19 Tacoma OffRoad with manual. Love the truck. It hauls campers, kayaks and bikes to wherever we want to go, comfortable for long drives, and fun to shift through the gears.

The only downsides from my standpoint are the gas mileage isnt great, and its a bit limited for towing. Our camper weighs dry 2800#, and for anything bigger Id definitely want a full-size truck. (We had an Avalanche with 5.3L engine a few years ago that was a beast for towing. LOUSY gas mileage and hard to park though.)

For a midsize truck its a lot of bang for the buck, with excellent resale and classic Toyota reliability.

Daniel Dudley

9th August 2020, 08:39

That's a good looking pair.

Rodan

9th August 2020, 14:25

'17 Ram 3500 dually.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48086096471_3f314e9b52_c.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49087080156_ce85702aab_c.jpg

Just about to turn 30k, and 25k+ of that has been with the camper loaded, pulling the trailer, or both. Has done everything I've asked it to do so far. It knows it's way to every track in AZ, and several more in CA and CO. It's also been east of the Mississippi a couple of times.

BetweenMiatas

9th August 2020, 16:51

Excellent! What kind of gun?

A couple of little rifles and a 9mm handgun.

MX5/XJ6

9th August 2020, 20:17

A couple of little rifles and a 9mm handgun.

Good deal. Everyone should be familiar.

NA in LA

11th August 2020, 10:38

340408
Shot of the 17 GMC Sierra and my 99 NB that I tow to OK for an all Miata track day event for the last three years. A uhaul car hauler is the only other equipment required. The 6.2 gas burner doesnt know anything is behind it and is a dream to drive.

Coondawg07

11th August 2020, 15:28

So, I finally broke down and bought a truck. Its ALMOST a Nissan Frontier. Its a SUZUKI Equator. I never thought in a million years Id own a Suzuki automobile. Fortunately, this one is a Nissan Frontier underneath. It just so happens to be an even better value than the already good-value Frontier.

Here is a pic after bringing home yesterday, and another after crossing a little stream I found today.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200811/3b3d7004767940f380e9bf3d6022d4b6.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200811/8f5f39fe9290ac27365ec36fa422ceb9.jpg

BetweenMiatas

11th August 2020, 15:30

^That's really somethin'. How cheap was it?

express_wagon

11th August 2020, 15:51

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200811/8f5f39fe9290ac27365ec36fa422ceb9.jpg

Nice obscure pickup

It's kind of like the Isuzu I-370! :rofl:

Coondawg07

11th August 2020, 18:28

^That's really somethin'. How cheap was it?

It was $14k OTD with 86k miles. Definitely cant touch that in a Tacoma, or any full sized truck. Similar Frontiers were around $18k.

diableri

11th August 2020, 18:30

My truck is a 16 Tundra. I use it for towing or camping mostly now. It doesnt get many miles but Im thoroughly pleased with everything about. Mine is a trd 4x4 and handles Mojave and everything I do with it really well.

Had towing been better, Id have kept my JKUR but eventually switched to a truck like this anyway due to travel trailers.

BetweenMiatas

11th August 2020, 22:29

It was $14k OTD with 86k miles. Definitely cant touch that in a Tacoma, or any full sized truck. Similar Frontiers were around $18k.

:thumbs:

Claff

11th August 2020, 22:37

http://claffie.com/photos/200630/images/200630_34.jpg

2019 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi crew cab with the 6'4" bed, 3.92 gears and 33 gallon tank. 23K miles and probably 80% of those have been towing. It's a quiet comfortable ride that tows effortlessly with plenty of space for spares and tires and stuff.

kmack95

12th August 2020, 09:31

I do miss our '04 Excursion. Diesel, 4WD, Eddie Bauer Edition, fully loaded...
It was a blast to drive and as close as you can get to a Cadillac-ride in a 1-ton 4WD truck!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/54cL3ZhJfjvjp4-pW7HMD5t7OHwRNbsoqJFxYbJwOBUWkU-Op0qZBl8chloUeI54MZkpY3RqRNN0SY_NoaXgR2BVk2oiAuXEk ExmLv7kk6fbQb67lXRDOunBFhoL9zBhaeO3HdwmeQ

emptyminded42

12th August 2020, 09:53

It was $14k OTD with 86k miles. Definitely cant touch that in a Tacoma, or any full sized truck. Similar Frontiers were around $18k.

Holy cow, that's like buy-it-just-because cheap.

Honestly didn't know Suzuki sold pickups in the US. I know they sold the AWD Kizashi and some sort of SUV but didn't know about the pickup. Cool!

Dennis Nicholls

12th August 2020, 10:20

Read all about it. https://www.suzuki-forums.com/forums/suzuki-equator.219/

IIRC Suzuki got a license from Nissan originally to sell trucks in South Africa where they had a dealership network and Nissan didn't. Or maybe I got that mixed up with some other deal.

MX5/XJ6

12th August 2020, 14:38

I do miss our '04 Excursion. Diesel, 4WD, Eddie Bauer Edition, fully loaded...
It was a blast to drive and as close as you can get to a Cadillac-ride in a 1-ton 4WD truck!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/54cL3ZhJfjvjp4-pW7HMD5t7OHwRNbsoqJFxYbJwOBUWkU-Op0qZBl8chloUeI54MZkpY3RqRNN0SY_NoaXgR2BVk2oiAuXEk ExmLv7kk6fbQb67lXRDOunBFhoL9zBhaeO3HdwmeQ

Talk about understressed! A diesel Excursion can pull a MUCH bigger boat than that :D

kmack95

12th August 2020, 18:05

Talk about understressed! A diesel Excursion can pull a MUCH bigger boat than that :D

Ha! It pulled it just fine at 80 mph down to the coast for fishing... :cool:
Actually, we bought it to give our (at the time) tired Suburban a break when towing our travel trailer. When we traded the TT up for a 31' Class C motorhome, we just didn't see the need for the Excursion with only 3 people and small dogs to haul around. Wife and I both wish we'd kept it...:sad:

But, wish we'd kept a lot of other vehicles also!

deuskid

13th August 2020, 16:08

2018 Tundra SR5

MattAlley

13th August 2020, 16:24

Holy cow, that's like buy-it-just-because cheap.

Honestly didn't know Suzuki sold pickups in the US. I know they sold the AWD Kizashi and some sort of SUV but didn't know about the pickup. Cool!

I'm so glad I didn't get "True or False: Suzuki sold a small pickup called the Equator in the US this century" as a game show question with $100,000 riding on it.

MX5/XJ6

13th August 2020, 17:19

I'm so glad I didn't get "True or False: Suzuki sold a small pickup called the Equator in the US this century" as a game show question with $100,000 riding on it.

Wish I had :p

Stevo12

15th August 2020, 18:56

The Frontier is a very underrated truck - I had one for 5 years that I bought new, and traded this past winter when I split its duties between two vehicles -> a Toyota Camry and a Chevy Silverado. It was a pretty good jack of all trades truck, ultimately I wanted a little more space for family duties and a little more footprint for trailer towing, which the Frontier still did pretty well despite its size. It brought home a lot of cars for me over the years.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48528682761_de555317be_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/7899/40431453293_a680b0bdb2_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/1722/42607405071_f3bd506076_c.jpg

The Silverado - a 2002 extended cab 4x4 - is now my main hauler. I bought it for $1,000 and replaced the transmission (it only had 1st and 3rd gears), front end, and tires. All-in, I'm just over $3k into the truck. Not a bad deal, and should last me another 5 years or so, I'm hoping.

When I first brought it home:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49133750006_d8c93ec52a_c.jpg

And now:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49782576286_a6a6984f8a_c.jpg

arskemp

15th August 2020, 19:10

That's a good looking pair.Thanks! Trying to convince the wife she needs the gladiator as her daily. Loved it for the weekend I drove it.

emptyminded42

17th August 2020, 09:37

Thanks! Trying to convince the wife she needs the gladiator as her daily. Loved it for the weekend I drove it.

Really, really wished the Gladiator prices had dipped to where they are now when I bought my Wrangler Unlimited. I would have loved having a small bed, but I didn't want to pay the add'l almost $10k it would have cost to buy a Gladiator at the time.

MX5/XJ6

17th August 2020, 11:22

They are taking 10 Grand off now?

emptyminded42

17th August 2020, 11:33

They are taking 10 Grand off now?

Maybe for the $50k+ Rubicons. I see folks getting $8k off Wrangler Rubicons or Saharas with tons of options fairly regularly on the forums. So I guess I should clarify what I meant by the Gladiator being $10k more:

My Wrangler was heavily discounted when I bought it since it was a low-option leftover 6MT 4-door. They sold it to me for $6k off MSRP, which is a whopper of a discount for a Sport S (second from lowest trim) with a hardtop and 6MT.

At the time (late October 2019), the Gladiators were just rolling into dealers and the vast majority were mid-to-high trim/optioned ones (Overland and Rubicons) and they weren't really being discounted much - pretty much just a couple % off MSRP and that's about it.

Now they're discounting the JTs (Gladiators) a lot more and that $10k gap is probably down to more like $3-5k spread now which would have maybe been almost feasible. I was very, very price-conscious when I bought the Wrangler. I really wanted the cold weather package and CarPlay, but couldn't justify the extra $1500-2k it would have cost to get it (mostly because my wife hated the idea of spending more than $30k so justifying $31.2k was very, very difficult.

Trim-to-trim, the Gladiators are just simply more expensive than the Wranglers but the demand tanked after initial launch so they are offering more discounts than the Wranglers. Or at least this was the trend earlier this year before COVID totally wrecked the new car supply vs. demand levels.

I don't know what current pricing for either looks like anymore.

MX5/XJ6

17th August 2020, 17:05

Gotcha. I think I'd still prefer a new Ram.

emptyminded42

18th August 2020, 08:35

Gotcha. I think I'd still prefer a new Ram.

New Rams are super, super nice. I don't think I'd ever use the towing or payload of a Ram/F-150 so a Gladiator would be plenty of utility for me with the fun of a Jeep. Just didn't make sense financially for me at the time. And, I can always borrow my FIL's F-150 when I need to grab some sheetrock or other supplies.

Warhammer

18th August 2020, 09:44

Other than a two year stretch between 2005-2007, I've owned a full size truck since I was 19. Those two years, I borrowed my Dad's truck more time than I could count. The experience convinced me to never again be without a truck of my own. Yes, you can rent a truck for a few hours pretty cheaply. And yes, you can borrow one from family or friends. But the convenience of already having your truck when you want to haul something is so nice! I hated all the time and coordinating involved in borrowing Dad's truck in order to haul something that was just a little too large or too messy to throw in the trunk of my car.

MX5/XJ6

18th August 2020, 10:44

....... in order to haul something that was just a little too large or too messy to throw in the trunk of my car.

I had to double check, I thought for a second this was Orangello :D

Warhammer

18th August 2020, 11:16

I had to double check, I thought for a second this was Orangello :D

I actually felt like I was channeling Orangello when I wrote that, lol!

Red_5

18th August 2020, 11:56

340939
We have a 15 Sierra 1500 that we use to tow our travel trailer. 6.2 does pretty well. I also upgraded to E load range BFGs and Bilstein shocks all around. The front shocks and springs added 1.8 of lift.

kmack95

18th August 2020, 13:06

Came in quite handy last Fall!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/LA_OeZht_iyHUHvOG_Q9xtSJ0s78PktNiXblYMSwBcbE2N2Ckh Uh551SzOgRetLvTxgBr2KX6nNOnjsR71rTD4fIv7UUvvLrBMns DxUpyg_cgmRTrwzRTR33NQ8hIJ7oAJyLuc9URQ

express_wagon

18th August 2020, 13:11

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48528682761_de555317be_c.jpg

And he's back!

Coondawg07

20th August 2020, 11:32

Apparently the Frontier has a few appreciators here, never wouldve guessed.

TheBigFish

20th August 2020, 12:12

Gotcha. I think I'd still prefer a new Ram.

I bet you have one of those new "Grand Dragon" editions?

emptyminded42

20th August 2020, 12:24

Apparently the Frontier has a few appreciators here, never wouldve guessed.

On a forum for a car that's generally held as the most affordable/best value in sports cars, not really that surprising IMO. Head over to Rennlist and I bet most folks there are happy to pay the extra few k to get a Taco or whatever the "best performing" or "most capable" truck in the segment is.

MX5/XJ6

20th August 2020, 14:47

I bet you have one of those new "Grand Dragon" editions?

Oddly it's black-

MX5/XJ6

20th August 2020, 14:49

Apparently the Frontier has a few appreciators here, never wouldve guessed.

Well you gotta hope a ways into a 15 year production run they have it fully sorted :D

MX5/XJ6

20th August 2020, 14:52

Head over to Rennlist and I bet most folks there are happy to pay the extra few k to get a Taco or whatever the "best performing" or "most capable" truck in the segment is.

U think they ALL drive these? :dunno:

https://wall.bestcarmag.com/sites/default/files/gmc-typhoon-wallpaper-hd-39635-968758.jpg

emptyminded42

20th August 2020, 15:37

U think they ALL drive these? :dunno:

https://wall.bestcarmag.com/sites/default/files/gmc-typhoon-wallpaper-hd-39635-968758.jpg

lol no but thanks for intentionally misinterpreting what I meant. I was more meaning they'd buy whatever mainstream pickup is currently for sale that is the most capable or reliable like a Tacoma or a diesel Colorado or whatever Frontier-tier truck is currently a mainstream favorite.

Stevo12

20th August 2020, 15:55

And he's back!

Nice to pop in every once in a while :wave:

Apparently the Frontier has a few appreciators here, never wouldve guessed.

Well, it's simple, durable, and good value for money - just like a Miata :thumbs:

More like following the herd.

I spend time over on VWVortex (as much as I'd not like to admit that...) and the latest flavor of the month is the Lexus GX. While it has that USP of being a V8-powered midsizer (how many of those are left) as well as the undoubtedly-awesome Toyota-Lexus build quality, the usual threads that start with "recommend me" that seek something with a little more utility often invoke some recommendation of a GX, even though running costs seem to not matter much. It more often than not seems like a case of making your needs/wants fit a particular vehicle, and then adding the same mods as everyone else on the forums.

I swear, I only know about Falken Wildpeaks because of how often the come up in Toyota truck threads. I don't know if they're a good or bad tire or not, just that they look awesome (and for the record, the Continentals that I put on my Frontier in the pic above looked stupid - the tread was so much more pronounced in real life than it was in the pictures)

Back when I bought the Frontier in 2015, the Tacoma was the same vintage as the Frontier, both having been all-new in 2005 and not having been updated much since then. It was hard to argue that the Taco was the 'superior' truck especially since the Frontier had the same capability and reliability minus the badge, and for a substantial discount - I paid $26K for my crew cab 4x4 Frontier, I couldn't even touch a used Tacoma for that. It was all about the money and I feel like I didn't give up much going into a Frontier versus a Tacoma of same vintage.

I'll admit that the comparison changed with the redesigned 2016 Tacoma (even though I'll argue that it's more of a heavy facelift than an all-new truck) and the Frontier soldiered on largely unchanged. My BIL got a '17 Tacoma after his '15 was totaled, and it is indeed a nicer truck. You could make the argument that the extra $$ bought you a more refined truck that was more in-step with its competitors. Remember when the '05s were around, there was still the Dakota to contend with. I laughed when I got solicitations from the local dealership to 'trade up' my 2014 Frontier for a new one when it's exactly the same!

And if I had to do it again in 2020, I don't think I'd go with another Frontier, but I think that's more of a personal choice than a reflection of how good the truck is, and/or its shortcomings. The crew cab was good when it was just the two of us and held up in a pinch when our son was born, but the cab is just a little tight as a family vehicle. That just comes with the size of these trucks - from what they grew from, it's impressive that they can handle family duty at all.

Another shift is that I've noticed that used crew cab half tons - which were untouchable below $30K back in 2015, are so much cheaper now, and much better than the used selection was back then too. You've got a zillion Hemi Rams or Ecoboost F150s to choose from, and IMO the other offerings from GM, Nissan, or Toyota that are ~5 years old now, are better than what 5-year-old examples looked like back then.

SRoss

20th August 2020, 22:19

Lexus GX can make a pretty impressive overlander too. but they sold almost none of them here in canada

https://youtu.be/vnliLq8ErbA

though my dream would be to take the 4.6 v8 out of my 2010 Tundra and build a FJ40 around it using one of the alu bodies manufactured nearby and dynatrack axles.
https://www.hardbody4x4.com/

SB_92_MX5

20th August 2020, 22:34

In July of 2019 I purchased a 2010 Nissan Frontier King Cab, 2wd. I have been thoroughly impressed with this truck. The 4.0 VQ has more than ample power and torque. It's towing capacity is rated at 6500 lbs. It has a class IV hitch from the factory.

This past weekend I went on a 500+ mile road trip and average just over 23 mpg. With 158k miles on the odo, the truck rides very smoothly, not a squeak or rattle anywhere, handles well for a truck. For no more than I paid for it, I could not be happier.

For my needs, it's the perfect size - large bed for hauling a decent sized load and it tows my two jet skis as if they aren't back there....

look 171

20th August 2020, 23:27

Lexus GX can make a pretty impressive overlander too. but they sold almost none of them here in canada

https://youtu.be/vnliLq8ErbA

though my dream would be to take the 4.6 v8 out of my 2010 Tundra and build a FJ40 around it using one of the alu bodies manufactured nearby and dynatrack axles.
https://www.hardbody4x4.com/

I have access to a GX if you want it. It has 75,000 miles on it and the women didn't change the timing belt so there goes the motor. The interior is immaculate. She's the store owner across the street where I get some of my bike parts. The bike mechanic races a spec miata and bought the GX from her. He's going to drop another low mileage motor in it and sell it. He wants 14k for it. I am drooling over it scratching my head only because I know well and he's very meticulous. I want an excuse to buy it for my second son. We just bought a 98 4 runner from a friend for my eldest. He and I had been rebuilding all the suspensions, radiator, and such this summer. They are great vehicles, safe and extremely reliable. I want to sell my 5 gen 4 runner for that GX or give the 4 runner to my little one and drive that big, smooth V8 around. I can't seem to convince my wife to give up her old Sienna for the GX.

Hey, but you guys get the diesel Land Cruisers up there that we only dream of. a diesel in the 80series LC is way on top of my list of toys to own.

The_Squid

20th August 2020, 23:31

I drive a 2006 Nissan Frontier. Manual tranny.

The engine and tranny have been great. No issues. But, overall, it has had a lot of issues with everything else. I can’t recommend it based on cost of ownership.

MX5/XJ6

21st August 2020, 10:24

I drive a 2006 Nissan Frontier. Manual transmission.

The engine and transmission have been great. No issues. But, overall, it has had a lot of issues with everything else. I cant recommend it based on cost of ownership.

To be fair, that was only year two :D

SRoss

21st August 2020, 14:37

Hey, but you guys get the diesel Land Cruisers up there that we only dream of. a diesel in the 80series LC is way on top of my list of toys to own.

there's one diesel FJ40 that's rusting out in the woods I ride by on my bike every week. How could they do that! these things are selling for strong money now

BetweenMiatas

21st August 2020, 15:58

there's one diesel FJ40 that's rusting out in the woods I ride by on my bike every week. How could they do that! these things are selling for strong money now

I bet they'd want strong money for it if you asked. :)

MattAlley

21st August 2020, 17:01

1994 Silver GMC S15 for me. In the family since new, I got it from my mom c. 2005. It's my huntin' truck.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/z289/NoGaBiker/0408RaccoonOnTruck.JPG

:rofl: I just realized who the OP is! :D

MattAlley

21st August 2020, 17:02

Oddly it's black-

Some of my best trucks are black...

MattAlley

21st August 2020, 17:10

I bet you have one of those new "Grand Dragon" editions?

This was a serious, no joke Wrangler special from 2014 or 2015, iirc. The Dragon Edition.

https://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201309/jeep-wrangler-dragon-22_800x0w.jpg

Jeep sold like 3 of them in the U.S., vastly overestimating the intersection of "Chinese people with bad taste" and "Wrangler buyers." As a result, the dealers (who I suspect were told after a while that the only way they could floorplan Rubicons was to order matching Dragon Eds) started peeling the dragons off and making them Golden Eagle editions. Some recovered the seats with Katskins, but I've seen Golden Eagles with the interior left horrifyingly unaltered.

I don't know if this is a RHD version (probably sold in Hong Kong! :)) or a reversed photo.

https://carsguide-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto,t_cg_hero_large/v1/editorial/dp/albums/album-5772/lg/Jeep-Wrangler-Dragon-_14_.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/auZHZgh.jpg

MX5HIGH

21st August 2020, 18:59

93 Toyota

https://photos.smugmug.com/1993-Toyota-Pickup/i-4kX74Qf/0/0df66826/L/CA770F8E-9F96-47C0-84CF-5FB0AD68584B-L.jpg (https://curtisbrinkley.smugmug.com/1993-Toyota-Pickup/i-4kX74Qf/A)

MX5HIGH

21st August 2020, 19:00

Started restoring the oxidized paint. Still have a ways to go.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1993-Toyota-Pickup/i-hxVPsCt/0/68c81cf5/L/4CEEA9FE-2A61-4F8D-8052-AFFEF9755216-L.png (https://curtisbrinkley.smugmug.com/1993-Toyota-Pickup/i-hxVPsCt/A)

look 171

21st August 2020, 20:57

I bet they'd want strong money for it if you asked. :)

I know of one the owner's been trying to sell, Its 50k. Crazy if you ask me. An import from Australia. Its has about 130,000 miles on it. A bit of rust but overall the body is in good shape but it needs a paint job. He said to me, its diesel, right hand drive. There aint another like it here in the US. I rolled my eyes, in my head of course. Every time I go there, he comes over ( I own the rental across the street) and ask if I am ready to buy it form him.

BetweenMiatas

21st August 2020, 21:02

Every time I go there, he comes over ( I own the rental across the street) and ask if I am ready to buy it form him.

Well, at least he's friendly. :)

look 171

21st August 2020, 22:29

Well, at least he's friendly. :)

oh, he's an ok old guy. A bit nosy but all people are when neighbors are working on their home (we tore apart this one when we bought). They all know what's going on, so I tell or show them. No big deal.

MX5/XJ6

22nd August 2020, 00:34

peeling the dragons off and making them Golden Eagle editions.

...........For which they no doubt charged even more :rolleyes:

I actually posted pics of a few undergoing "conversion" at a local AutoTrim way back when.

And then I saw one still "dragoned" just a few months ago.

MattAlley

22nd August 2020, 09:26

...........For which they no doubt charged even more :rolleyes:

Well sure, theyre Extremely Limited Editions.

Mk1Racer

22nd August 2020, 09:51

04 GMC 2500HD 4x4, extra cab, 8' bed. 6.0 with a beast of a 4L80E trans. Gets 10mpg pretty much any way I drive it. Towed a dump trailer with 3 ton of stone without breaking a sweat

Jesse H

22nd August 2020, 11:56

I don't know if this is a RHD version (probably sold in Hong Kong! :)) or a reversed photo.

https://carsguide-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto,t_cg_hero_large/v1/editorial/dp/albums/album-5772/lg/Jeep-Wrangler-Dragon-_14_.jpg

That's horrible!

I'm almost positive it's RHD and not a reversed photo as the gear selectors are in their normal positions (same as it is for us). What's interesting is RHD vehicles will have their turn signal stalks on the right side.

look 171

22nd August 2020, 13:18

04 GMC 2500HD 4x4, extra cab, 8' bed. 6.0 with a beast of a 4L80E trans. Gets 10mpg pretty much any way I drive it. Towed a dump trailer with 3 ton of stone without breaking a sweat

How big are the engines in that thing? 450?

icrashbikes

22nd August 2020, 17:59

This was a serious, no joke Wrangler special from 2014 or 2015, iirc. The Dragon Edition.

https://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201309/jeep-wrangler-dragon-22_800x0w.jpg

I don't know if this is a RHD version (probably sold in Hong Kong! :)) or a reversed photo.

https://carsguide-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto,t_cg_hero_large/v1/editorial/dp/albums/album-5772/lg/Jeep-Wrangler-Dragon-_14_.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/auZHZgh.jpg

One of these lives two blocks from my house. I wonder where the other two were sold...

deuskid

23rd August 2020, 19:48

I dunno,

:confused:

:dunno:

maybe because they are the best value for the buck?

What truck do you drive? [Archive] (2024)

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