Recommend a small cheap truck

A friend of mine wants to buy a small pickup truck for about $2K-$4K, depending on the usual laws of desirability and reliability. He's not looking for anything flashy or fast, just dependable with low investment potential. While he's not planning on putting a lot of miles on it, something with halfway decent mileage for the segment is a plus. That point along with it being cheap to work on has him leaning towards 4cyl models. I don't think he would discount 6cyl stuff if it met the requirements though. He doesn't work on his own stuff, so less potential issues to chase is kind of important.

So far he's thinking 80's Toyota machinery, but doesn't really have any brand or continental allegiance. I don't have enough familiarity with the segment to make any sort of meaningful recommendations, but I imagine he might be able to get something newer with less potential hassle for that kind of scratch. 90's Ford Ranger?

What say you hive mind?

Oh yeah, he's also lives here in Atlanta (specifically Decatur), so if you guys of any specific trucks in the area feel free to post them.

Ranger. Nissan. Toyota. Find the best example for the money. Enjoy years of driving.

Mid 90s Ford Ranger 4-cyl/5-spd. I just sold one to get a 4x4 double cab Tacoma. I miss that truck. The 2.3 Lima engine went until about 2001? They didn't have much power but I got 25mpg with mostly highway miles. Parts are cheap and plentiful as well as the trucks themselves. I've heard many stories of them lasting for many miles. He may get one with the 2.3 Duratec for the higher price range and get more power and MPG. The 2.3 Lima has 8 spark plugs.

Fueled by Caffeine wrote: Ranger. Nissan. Toyota. Find the best example for the money. Enjoy years of driving.

This, with a 4cyl/5-speed.

Nissan Hardbody for sure. Tough as nails and examples aplenty!

I second a Ranger, I'm in Atlanta (Dunwoody) and my daily is a 3.0 v6 with a 5 speed Sport and the worst I get is 18 with the best 23, my bro has a 4cyl/auto duratec and gets 23 mixed 27 best in NYC. I got mine because i go into the city and was living in a condo with a tight parking deck, while i like fullsize sometimes small trucks make sense

No question, Ranger!

2.3 Ranger

Ive always liked 2nd gen S10s.

Really, any minitruck would do fine. It just comes down to taste in styling and cost.

Only real factor is the P.O.'s treatment of said truck. I got my current S dime for $300, but I also know the guy I bought it from. He is the type to just drive until it starts to make an odd noise or the check engine came on. Not ever checking fluids at fill ups at the gas station or anything. Hell, he just kept driving slower and slower because he didnt want to change out the axle side u-joint. He ended up stretching the yoke.

Don't overlook the S10 with the "Iron Duke". If you keep it up, they're unkillable. Slow, yes. That said, I did a ton of delivery in Rangers (with both 2.3 engines) and S10 (4.3). I miss 'em.

In reply to DoctorBlade:

The 2.2 that replaced the iron puke is a very tough engine, so long as the timing chain was dealt with when it got loose.

Someones driving a beat up '98 S10, parking at work. Nice. I want one.

Go to the junk yard and see what they have the most of. Buy one of those. Then you know you will have cheap parts-o-plenty.

I currently have a Nissan Hardbody. Watch for rust in the frame over the axle.

My brother has an 83 manual diesel ranger... 45mpg. Bullet proof drivetrain. Should be easy to find one in that price range.

4.3 tbi s10/s15

run forever, big engine in little truck makes for quick feel and good towing power, run forever, cheap, parts cheap, run forever. plus they look awesome slammed on big wheels and can handle as if they were glued to the ground.

I got this for $2k last February, it's a 4.3 TBI 2wd. I get around 22 mpg on the highway with it. I find that if you are in a climate that gets winter 2wd trucks go for cheap.

I need to get my 4cyl Ranger running again. So fun to drive... So yes. That. 4cyl Ranger.

Good answers already - Toyota Pickup (Hilux)/Tacoma, mid-90's Ranger, Nissan Hardbody. The Ranger's not quite as reliable as the other two but it's cheaper to fix, parts are dirt cheap and always available from the junkyard in the US.

I'd hold out for a toyota myself, but I'm biased.

Thanks for all the responses guys. Sounds like it's fairly hard to go wrong as long as you're not buying rough example with a lot of deferred maintenance.

While the cost strategy may be valid, junkyard availability is sort of a moot point since he doesn't wrench on his own stuff. The cost of new OTS parts are more of a concern since he'll be taking it a local garage for servicing.

Of the trucks suggested, anything beyond the obvious we need to look out for during the inspection and test drive?

Actually, I'd recommend a full-size 88-98 Chevy - they can actually carry something, and are common and cheap as borscht. They don't get much worse fuel economy than a wee truck, and have much more practicality.

rangers are pieces of E36 M3 with lightweight dentable body panels and they rot like mad up here. my dad has one, had 2, it was no comparison everything felt like crap compared to my sonoma and his 98 s10. from the interior quality to the sound of the door closing, the rangers are like tin cans. i'm not sure which was a bigger dog, the 97 2.3 ranger or the 98 2.2 s10, but both are unbearable to drive. he sold the 89 v6 ranger a few months back.

Matt B wrote: Of the trucks suggested, anything beyond the obvious we need to look out for during the inspection and test drive?

For the Hilux, saggy rear springs (easily & cheaply fixed), damaged steering box mount point, and horrific rust just everywhere (if that's not obvious).

Tell us how you really feel patgizz.

I'll suggest he drives a good variety before making a decision.

Thanks Gameboy - that's the kind of info I'm looking for.

patgizz wrote: 4.3 tbi s10/s15 run forever, big engine in little truck makes for quick feel and good towing power, run forever, cheap, parts cheap, run forever. plus they look awesome slammed on big wheels and can handle as if they were glued to the ground.

Man, I love Soft 8 wheels!!!