Hi, I'm looking for a used pickup truck

SimonJester753

New member
I'm looking to move out of the city and move to the country. I want to replace my 2009 Subaru Impreza with a small pickup.

I don't care about towing capacity, as I have nothing to tow. I see myself using it to haul building materials and garden supplies and transporting bicycles. I would like seating capacity behind the driver enough to accommodate dog(s), so rear leg room is not a priority.

Fuel efficiency is a priority, as is comfort; this will be my daily driver. Also big on my list is inexpensive to repair/maintain. And easy to DIY repairs/maintain.

I've heard that newer GM products are a nightmare to service. I've also seen no love for Ram products online, but I do have a friend that loves his.

I've heard good things about Toyota Tacoma, Old Ford Rangers
 
I'm not sure why, but it cut off the last part of my post. Here's the rest:

I've heard good things about Toyota Tacoma, Old and New Ford Rangers, Nissan Frontier, and Honda Ridgeline. I've heard mixed reviews of the Ford Maverick.

I'd like a backup camera and a dashcam, and be able to connect with an Android phone. I don't expect to find them in older trucks, but I'm okay with putting them in if the truck doesn't have them.

Any advice/recommendations is appreciated.
 
Welcome! I'm a big fan of driving as many of them as you can to narrow it down to which one/s you will go after. For comfort and fuel efficiency the Maverick and Ridgeline will be your best bet. Most of the others will be sub 20 mpg depending on the trim, age and so forth. Both of those would likely have a backup camera and Android Auto if they are newer than 2018 or so.

The Tacomas and Rangers have been solid trucks for a long time and I think it's nice not to know your budget so you get thoughts on which way people would go. I know the Maverick has sold like hot cakes and there are more of them available used coming off leases and what not, but it is a small truck. If you are not going to be prioritizing towing or off-roading looking at more sport or limited type trims might be helpful.

But like I wrote above, especially if you have never owned a truck, drive the models you are considering to learn more about them. Some will ride much more like a car and some will not. Some have lots of comfort and features some are bare bones and easier to repair. Everything is a tradeoff.

Best of luck!
 
Howdy. Welcome to the site.

You didn't say how big the dogs are. If they're Golden Retriever size or bigger I'd go with a modern extended cab. If they're smaller then the older style mini trucks will do, again extended cab.

When I looked at trucks the first thing I look at is the bed. I want it to be six feet long at a minimum. That will let me pile up 32 bags of mulch, a washer and dryer with the tailgate open, or a good amount of yard waste.

I want a decent payload next. I've put in potting soil, sand, and marl in various trucks along the way. (Sand weighs 2,400lbs a yard so do not get a full yard unless you have a heavy duty pickup) Chain link fencing also gets heavy in a hurry as do the bags of cement needed to set the posts. My goal here for an older mini truck is 1,500lbs - Higher for the modern midsize.

After that I look at part prices. Lights, brakes, mirrors, sensors, water pumps, alternators... How much do they cost and how hard are they to put in myself?

I hope this helps in your decision and post us a pic of what you get!
 
Howdy. Welcome to the site.

You didn't say how big the dogs are. If they're Golden Retriever size or bigger I'd go with a modern extended cab. If they're smaller then the older style mini trucks will do, again extended cab.

When I looked at trucks the first thing I look at is the bed. I want it to be six feet long at a minimum. That will let me pile up 32 bags of mulch, a washer and dryer with the tailgate open, or a good amount of yard waste.

I want a decent payload next. I've put in potting soil, sand, and marl in various trucks along the way. (Sand weighs 2,400lbs a yard so do not get a full yard unless you have a heavy duty pickup) Chain link fencing also gets heavy in a hurry as do the bags of cement needed to set the posts. My goal here for an older mini truck is 1,500lbs - Higher for the modern midsize.

After that I look at part prices. Lights, brakes, mirrors, sensors, water pumps, alternators... How much do they cost and how hard are they to put in myself?

I hope this helps in your decision and post us a pic of what you get!
I don't currently have a dog. I had a pit bull, but he got cancer and died. A good friend has 2 dogs in the 15-20 pound range. Once I move and get settled, I'll look for a dog.
 
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