Newb seeks opinions....

[tadium54]

Found this site with google and figured it would be a good place to ask. Just in the researching stages now and nothings cetrtain.


I got a new-ish car in Feb 08. It's been great to me but this summer I found a few shortfalls so to speak.

1. As much as I hate to admit it, I had a fair amount of people try to drive into me. I know what most of you are thinking - thats part of a)driving in general and b)driving in major cities. Perhaps, but I had a couple of truckers try to cut me off/drive into the side of me and other drivers who thought they could just go into me.

2. Working with a small car was great for gas mileage but terrible when I needed to go to sites to work, take equipment with me and samples(environmental engineering work).

So I was looking at getting a truck. It's a toss up between a:
Ford Ranger,
Dodge Dakota,
GMC Sonoma.

I couldn't afford an F series, Silverado or Ram, so thats why I'm only looking at these ones right now. My current car gets amazing mileage(about 50 bucks got me 550 to 600 km). So I know a truck will be harder on it, but that's ok. Weather up here has gotten stranger and stranger and a truck could come in handy.

On top of the truck, I was considering putting a :
mild lift on it
slightly bigger tires and rims
putting a light bar on it
winch
tool box
bed cover(not a toneau cover but one that would go up to the top of the cab)(and i would modify the cover to fit the light bar tower and wiring)
trail bumper on the front for more lights(lol)
maybe a hitch
maybe a sunroof(if it doesn't have one already)
maybe a snorkel just to be different


I`d like an automatic trans and a V6 at the max(preferably a peppy V4 ) but I`m willing to entertain other suggestions. Diesel might work, not too sure.
Most of it would come in handy for weather and work but I could see myself using a hitch and winch for various reasons.

For the sake of argument, lets say I'm looking in the 1990 to 2000 range and have up to 7 grand or so to spend(truck only for now), and the insurance rates are more or less the same.

1. Any other trucks I should consider?(Mazda or Nissan?)
2. Any mods I should consider that would help me with moving things around, getting out of tight situations, weather problems, etc?
3. Anyone have any of these trucks or experience with them? Good/bad opinions or facts?

Thanks all

[bradrhale]

do you really plan on using all that stuff for a work truck?? my work truck has a toolbox and a glove compartment. thats all i have ever needed whether i am taking shooting grades or taking core samples, or changing out an ac unit. are you looking at these 3 particular trucks or are you just trying to compare manufacturers??

[junior3382]

I will express my opinion here, but it is a little biast. Welcome to the forum BTW.

I would go with the GMC S15 if you want a strong and peppy v6. The vortec 4.3l is very dependable. Plenty of after market parts available for it too. And easy to work on. Now for lifting, it will affect the mileage, but the GM products run the smoothest with a lift. The ranger gets real rough with a lift, and the dodge is expensive as all get out.

I own a Mazda, same as ford, and I have found between the two, my chevy is easier to rely on and easier to maintain. However, along with ford, the rear axle sets under the leafs, so as far as a lift goes, blocks are easier, but again, the ride sufferes. the dodge and the GMC have their springs run under the axle so it does limit the little lifts... and the larger ones get expensive.

I have been a fan of the "S" series trucks for years, and there are plenty of mods availible off hand like light racks, brush gaurds and toys. However, the 5/4.75 bolt pattern also limits the rims styles due to being the odd ball out. So with the lift, you will need wider rims to run the larger tires, and in which case the Ford and Dodge are ahead there.

Now like I said, I am still hands down biast and all for the "S" series trucks, so in my opinion, if it were me, that is where I would go. Take it for what it is though. Hope that helps with at least a few of the things you are looking at.

[tadium54]

I dont think I could afford multiple veichles because of cost of operating. Thats why I want my truck to be ready for anything more or less.

thanks for the opinions(and welcome) and keep the opinions coming!

[mudseeker]

Originally Posted by tadium54

For the sake of argument, lets say I'm looking in the 1990 to 2000 range and have up to 7 grand or so to spend(truck only for now), and the insurance rates are more or less the same.

um, i wouldn't spend more than $2k for a s-series type truck in that year range. even with a 4.3 and 4wheel drive.

[junior3382]

I agree. A mid 90's Zr2 or highrider already lifted is only worth about 3500... so you will fair easier there. But if you have that much to spend I tell you what. I will make this easy for you. I will sell you my Mazda. Already lifted, lowered gears, 3.0l and a manual shift. And I will only charge you 5,000 dollars! LOL.

[tadium54]

Ok I`ll extend the range to 1990 to 2003. But I don`t want to go higher - insurance and price range take a steep hike. I had the price range set like that as a general range. 7 would be for a very nice one(maybe with stuff already done to it)

[junior3382]

you now, now with the new insurance laws, (maybe only applicable here in PA) the rates drop for the newer the vehicle..... Just a thought. Right now is the BEST time to buy a truck regardless of the year since the prices have dropped out from underneath them. Even the full sizers from those years are cheaper then you think.

[93blazer]

you know im very fond of the S -series too and in tha price range and year model i would go with the jeep liberty it comes in diesel that gets around 400 to 500 miles to a tank it has enough room to work out of and play at the same time the is alot of mods avalible for it but im not sure about a lift though being a jeep that might be the only thing pricy
but its a jeep them things go almost anywhere you want it to go

[tadium54]

I`m in Canada. And new trucks are still pretty expensive.

I don`t want a jeep because then the use of a bed goes away.