Best small pickup for...

[JLad10687]

I am looking for a pickup to be a second car.

-The higher the gas mileage the better.
-Needs to have an open bed, SUV will not do.
-Needed for the weekend trips to Lowes, Home Depot, home improvements.
-Want to be able to find one for about $2000-4000, invest $2000.
-Mild off road capabilities after the $2000 in mods.
-Will be used as a daily driver to and from work.

What do you guys think?

[oldblu65]

Chevy S10's ,Ford Rangers , older model ( smaller size ) imports such as Nissan or Toyota .

[Hulkgoalie]

Toyota Tacoma probably has best off road capabilities of small trucks. It doesn't have a whole lot of hauling power, but enough to do basic home improvement needs.

Ford Ranger is better in power category, with not as much lift. Still can get 4x4 with decent tires if pay a little extra. Hauling is good for a small truck. I did a full cubic yard of dirt, the bed sunk to the tires or below a little bit, but everything is fine. As long as it's not popping wheelies, the ranger is good.

Dodge Dakota is almost as big as a full size, so the hauling is more, again, not as much lift as toyota, but can get decent 4x4 capabilities. It is bigger and has more cab options for more people, however, probably can't get for under 4000.

Ranger is probably best bet from specifications, both it and tacoma have similar gas mileage. Better hauling and still decent 4x4 can be found on older manual ranger.

[Shpuker]

Naw S-10 would be your best option. plus they look pretty nice always a plus

Dakota's are horrible on gas.
ranger is ok but its the smaller than both the dakota and S-10
I don't suggest older or newer (especialy older) toyota and honda trucks. Not reliable at all (but are good for off-roading)

^ can't believe I said that.

older toyota trucks are reliable

[MagicRat]

Imo go for the S-10. They have a better from suspension design than the Ranger. Also, unlike Toyota, parts are really cheap. Servicing is very straightforward and easy.

IMO the S-10 is the BEST value for money. There may be better, larger pick-ups like the Tacoma, but they will cost quite a lot more in the same condition than the Chevy. The Chev resale value is pretty low.... but they are very strong, durable and reliable.

The 4.3 V6 has lots of power, but the gas mileage is not quite the best. Going for a smaller engine gets you better mileage AND a cheaper price, because they are less popular than the 4.3.

Get the extended cab if at all possible. It's very handy.