help me choose small used truck

tlmprnpg · Jul 20, 2009

I just buy a new house. I'm tried of renting a truck for these and that. Also, I have to maintain a rented house. I'll move to the new house next week. The two compact cars that I have don't do a job for landscaping, home improvement, buying furniture.

I'm looking for a cheap small truck under $3000 for cheap insurance and registration fee. When I am settle I might sell it. Here are what I found currently listing.

1) 1999 ford ranger $1600
http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/1278469121.html
2) 1999 GMC truck $2200
http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/1278386876.html
3) 1997 Chevy $2900
http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/1277554921.html
4) 2000 ford ranger $2995
http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/1276793520.html

My first choice is #1 since it's cheapest and manual transmission.
I never own a truck before, so would like to get comment from you guys. thanks.

Terry

law3500 · Jul 20, 2009

all are good choices but I would be partial to the rangers, Ive had a few and always had good luck with them, plus cheap parts and labor if you do have to work on them....

satterfield · Jul 20, 2009

try a ford or mazda, check to all out very good--Dennis

TallPaul · Jul 20, 2009

For me it's a no-brainer. I'll always take the manual transmission.

If not getting a Ranger, go GMC as they look good. I can't stand the Chevy look with that horizontal bar splitting the front end.

tlmprnpg · Jul 20, 2009

One current thought is

The #4) is V6, while the #1) is probably 4 cycle. I don't know it would enough justify the $600 more. I'm calling the #1 to find out about trim and mileage.

The #3 has cap. But I don't need it.

The #2 does not look good as others

river_rat · Jul 20, 2009

Prolly any of 'em get you by in the short run. If your keeping it go for the the best you can afford. I'm partial to Toyotas but the resale is so high you might as well buy a new one sometimes. I like the Rangers, too.

addyguy · Jul 20, 2009

#2 looks the worst - I'd steer clear.

1997 Chevy isn't bad, as it has a new transmission, but its a pretty big, thirsty truck. If you need that kind of size, its great, but if not, its a bit of a waste.

Either of the Rangers would be a good choice - they are very reliable in any configuration.

tlmprnpg · Jul 20, 2009

do these ford rangers have timing belt or chain? If belt, what kind of engine they have?

moklock · Jul 20, 2009

#4 with it's 3.0L has a chain

#1 has a belt if it has the 2.3L 4cyl. Chain if a V-6

#1 looks like it either has had some body work or the previous owner was going for the "tuner/ricer" look, since the grille and lower bumper (and maybe the wiper arms?)are not supposed to be body color. The lower part of the box also has some damage near the bumper. It still looks decent but check it over carefully.

andrewg · Jul 20, 2009

Either Ranger. If taken care of, should be fine.

tlmprnpg · Jul 20, 2009

I'm going to see the truck #1 this evening. What should I look specifically for Ford ranger model? (What are typical problems for this model?)

Thanks,

Terry.

panthermike · Jul 21, 2009

Originally Posted By: tlmprnpg
I'm going to see the truck #1 this evening. What should I look specifically for Ford ranger model? (What are typical problems for this model?)

Thanks,

Terry.

Just thought I'd chime in, #1 isn't a 99' unless someone put an old front end on it. Otherwise, 97' or older.

If it's a 99' for sure, then it was probably wrecked and I would steer clear.

Ranger's are good trucks though and that's what I'd go with.

tlmprnpg · Jul 21, 2009

panthermike How do you know? Yesterday I went to see the truck #1. Didn't have to test drive, just opened the door and ran away

. The check-engine light was on due to missing air bag. It was a wrecked car.

Originally Posted By: panthermike
Originally Posted By: tlmprnpg
I'm going to see the truck #1 this evening. What should I look specifically for Ford ranger model? (What are typical problems for this model?)

Thanks,

Terry.

Just thought I'd chime in, #1 isn't a 99' unless someone put an old front end on it. Otherwise, 97' or older.

If it's a 99' for sure, then it was probably wrecked and I would steer clear.

Ranger's are good trucks though and that's what I'd go with.

01rangerxl · Jul 21, 2009

Yep, the "1999" Ranger has a '95-'97 front clip. The other one appears to have been deleted.

Keep looking though and you will probably find a nice Ranger. They are very solid trucks and are cheap to maintain and fix. If you just need a general purpose truck, a 1998+ 2.5, 2.3, or 3.0 Ranger would be ideal.

addyguy · Jul 22, 2009

That full-size Chevy might be worth a look....guys honest about it having a few bumps, and about the transmission replacement.

Looks like he doesn't have anything to hide.....

tlmprnpg · Jul 22, 2009

There more ads today:

94 Chevy S10 $2850
http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/1282998404.html

2003 Ranger $3,900 (over my budget; it's dealer so maybe they might have incentive to drop price).
http://memphis.craigslist.org/ctd/1282936344.html

1999 Ranger $3,000
http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/1283107029.html

Edmunds.com usually price them very low ( clean condition. I doubt that the owner/dealer would accept this book price, but I'll bring it with me anyway.

Thanks for any more comments. If something seem suspicious it might save time to go look.

01rangerxl · Jul 22, 2009

Originally Posted By: tlmprnpg
There more ads today:

94 Chevy S10 $2850
http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/1282998404.html

2003 Ranger $3,900 (over my budget; it's dealer so maybe they might have incentive to drop price).
http://memphis.craigslist.org/ctd/1282936344.html

1999 Ranger $3,000
http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/1283107029.html

Edmunds.com usually price them very low ( clean condition. I doubt that the owner/dealer would accept this book price, but I'll bring it with me anyway.

Thanks for any more comments. If something seem suspicious it might save time to go look.

The 1999 looks very clean and original.

The 2003 may be a nice truck, but it either has some upgrades or it has been wrecked. The front bumper and valence have been painted, it has an XL trim grille, and XLT mirrors and wheels. It could be nothing, but check the truck for signs of a wreck.

tlmprnpg · Jul 22, 2009

Thanks 01rangerxl! very useful information

wvrailroader · Jul 25, 2009

I would go with a Ranger. I had a 1990 model that I sold that had over 300,000 miles on it and the little 2.3L engine was basically indestructible. The 1996 model I had had over 250,000 miles on it when I traded it to get a F-250 (needed a bigger truck). The manual transmissions in the four bangers is a Mazda M5OD that is basically bullet proof. The older six cyliders (I don't know about the newer ones) had a Mitsubishi 5 speed that was well known for synchronizer problems. Other than oil changes and brakes, I did very little to either truck. I put an alternator on one and a power steering pump (210,000 miles), but that was about it. I did not have rust problems on either truck, despite not washing them very often.

bubbatime · Jul 29, 2009

An F150 with the straight six or one of the excellent v8's are near bullet proof and can be found fairly cheap.

help me choose small used truck

Similar threads