In search of a pickup.
I've had a 4 cyl 1st gen Tacoma before and it was awesome in every sense of the word. Low 20mpg's, dead nuts reliable and easy to work on.

Don't want to spend more than $5k. Hopefully I can keep it under that price range and have it check the following boxes:

Extended Cab
Manuel Tranny
4x4 (not opposed to 2wd)
No common/major issues that occur on a 100k mile truck.
20mpg(combined) range

What do you guys suggest?

 

If no towing requirements, Ford Ranger. I had a 99 standard cab 4 cyl 2wd pickup that got around 25mpg and no problems. Sold it with about 134k on the clock. If you have an extended cab 4wd model you'd either end up with the 3.0 or 4.0, which won't give you 20mpg. But I think you could get 2wd extended cabs with the 4cyl and manual, which should still give you good MPG and be cheap to purchase because it's a 2wd Ford Ranger.

 

I was also going to recommend a Ford Ranger. While I personally have no hands on experience with them, several friends have had them and loved them.

 

Well your price hits you below another tacoma, so Ranger it is. Start shopping. No matter which engine/trans combination, they're solid.

 

First three I've found don't have AC. Is there a certain trim package that does/doesn't come with AC? These are early to mid 90's ones that I'm referring to.
Had multiple 114+ degree days last summer, my whiny little *** needs some A/C.

 

WRX with some hoooosiers

 

Need to be able to load dirt bike in under 3 minutes. No trailer allowed.

 

My first vehicle was a 90 Ranger with the 2.3. It was exactly as you said, rock solid. 5 speed, RWD, no extended cab. had about 110K when it was traded in.

I also had a '97 Explorer Sport for a short time, one of the rarer 5 speed 2 doors. That 4.0 is a fantastic engine, 245 lbs of TQ stock is reasonably funnish through the 5 speed. Horrific mileage though, as in 16ish MPG.

I bought a 2000 S10 in 2008. 2.2L Ecotech with 0 performance. 5 speed. RWD. I got that truck for $3K at 90K miles. I just checked it and I actually have over 160K on it. I changed the plugs a month or two ago. I don't even keep up with oil changes, I just make sure it has oil in it. It have had 0 problems. I did put some front brake pads on. Absolutely one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. Just under 25 MPG mixed city/highway on winter gas. I could probably get over 25 average if I drove it in the summer, but I rarely do.

I was raised on Fords, but I would not hesitate to grab another S10. I don't feel that way about the newer Canyon and it's twins though.

 

After a dozen piles I found a 2wd 1999 2.5l 5mt with 120k on the clock. It was a local county utility truck. Bought it smogged and newly registered for a very decent price.
The power steering is loud but according to google if you have a ranger with quiet power steering, you actually have a truck without power steering.
Came with dual tool boxes, deciding if I should keep them or sell them.
Just filled her up, hoping for low 20 mpg.

 

Wow, you weren't messing around.

 

lol, first ever "Which Vehicle For Me" thread that actually resulted in the purchase of the most recommended vehicle, and in a timely matter no less...

Grats?

 

Haha I took your guys input and did a little research else where and it seemed very legit.
Here she is in all of her slow, white glory.

 

There's a truck exactly like that owned by someone at our dealership. Has like 330k on it. Solid.