beater mini trucks, whats best?

-
Make mine a vote for the Ranger as well. I've had mine since December 1994, (it's a 92) and I wouldn't trade it for anything! I have the regular cab 3.0 V6 automatic (I didn't know how to drive a stick when I got it. That has since been corrected), and as someone else said it is a little cramped inside. Especially since I am 6'4"! If you are going to be hauling anything long (drywall, lumber, etc.) go for the 7' bed. Otherwise, I'd stick with the 6' bed. Parts are much easier to find for the shorter bed. I had to replace my fuel filler hose recently, and I had a hell of a time finding the one for the longer bed. Maintenance on them has been fairly easy. In 18 years I've gone through 3 starters, a distributor (actually a bad diagnosis by a shop), and the IAC valve. Oh, and after about 80k miles on the truck, it blew the rear main seal and the front pump seal in one weekend. Figures I'd be on the road in Washington State heading home to Illinois when that happened. All in all, I can't complain about the truck because it has gotten me where I needed to go and has only rarely given me any issues. She now has about 177k miles on her, and still runs strong. I need to replace the O2 sensors, (factory still), the IAC valve (again, but the last one was nearly 10 years ago), put in new air and fuel filters, and change the oil. I need to do a little cosmetic work to her too, because those aluminum rims just LOVE the brake dust from the front discs. Other than that, Sam's my little trooper, and she's not going anywhere! Good luck on your search, and if you get a Ranger I doubt that you will be disappointed!
 

Attachments

OK pulling trigger on 82 Mazda B2000/2200. Check out the mileage, it says up to 40 MPG highway!!! GTFO! Anyway, its had pro mechanic work done, resurfaced head, gasket, valves, w/p front end rebuilt. Seems a good deal at 1600 bucks. and I get a ladder rack to boot (off and sell!) So well see how it goes. Mechanics lien sale, he says he'll repair if it fails smog too, sounds good to me, and I'm $700 under budget!
 
I loved mine. Got me everywhere. Don't think mine ever got that type of fuel mileage, but I was younger and I think I wore heavier boots back then.
 
You may get lucky finding a old truck that is clean and runs good. But you should really check out the auction. Here is one from the auction coming up on the 20th. It's been awhile since I've been out there but I would guess this truck might go from $3,000 to $4,000 and on some of these city trucks they lower or eliminate the buyers fee's on.

http://www.kenporterauctions.com/vehicle_listing_Details.asp?id=148193
 
You may get lucky finding a old truck that is clean and runs good. But you should really check out the auction. Here is one from the auction coming up on the 20th. It's been awhile since I've been out there but I would guess this truck might go from $3,000 to $4,000 and on some of these city trucks they lower or eliminate the buyers fee's on.

http://www.kenporterauctions.com/vehicle_listing_Details.asp?id=148193
 
1980s or 1990s Toyota 4x4 with the 22r engine. They run forever. But not the v-6 as they have head issues that tend to develope
 
If You can find one in good over all condition and pick up a short block and swap it for cheap and be ready to roll for years to come

Heck if you do get one, and swap the engine out I can probably help you do it for pizza and conversation...... Lol!




Had a buddy in high school that had one we swapped in a rebuilt 22r and he still runs that dang thing to this day up in Oregon. His current mileage was over 500k and still going last time I asked him. He does service it religiously and change oil every 3k with synthetic.


We used to love off-roading in that old truck.......memories
 
pishta said:
OK pulling trigger on 82 Mazda B2000/2200. Check out the mileage, it says up to 40 MPG highway!!! GTFO! Anyway, its had pro mechanic work done, resurfaced head, gasket, valves, w/p front end rebuilt. Seems a good deal at 1600 bucks. and I get a ladder rack to boot (off and sell!) So well see how it goes. Mechanics lien sale, he says he'll repair if it fails smog too, sounds good to me, and I'm $700 under budget!
Click to expand...

My grandfather had an 85 Mazda B2000, and he loved it. It made quite a few trips between Central IL and Virginia, and later up to Michigan. I don't recall him ever having any issues with it. I couldn't tell you what size engine was in it, but I'm pretty sure it was a four banger attached to a five speed. The only thing I ever complained about with that truck is that the seats were hard and got very uncomfortable after a long trip. Other than that, though, it should be a decent little truck for you. Good luck!
 
One truck. Mazda b2200. My buddy has an 89 (?) And its over 300k miles and still runs like a champ. 4 cyl with a 5 speed manual. Its done things full size trucks can hardly accomplish and it does great on gas. I want one.

Dakotas are good but with the 3.9 auto, theyre thirsty and almost hold on par with the mazda. We have 3 in the family.

Had 4 Rangers in the family and I know 3 other people that had them. Biggest POS ever made, just as bad as the Neon in my opinion.
 
pishta said:
OK pulling trigger on 82 Mazda B2000/2200. Check out the mileage, it says up to 40 MPG highway!!! GTFO! Anyway, its had pro mechanic work done, resurfaced head, gasket, valves, w/p front end rebuilt. Seems a good deal at 1600 bucks. and I get a ladder rack to boot (off and sell!) So well see how it goes. Mechanics lien sale, he says he'll repair if it fails smog too, sounds good to me, and I'm $700 under budget!
Click to expand...
40 is ambitous but I did 32 mpg in the B2200 I mentioned above on a two hour trip at 75 mph and a good bit of that was crossing a mountain.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-
Back
Top Bottom