Help Jim pick a truck

GymB

GymB

Picking it up slowly.
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For better or worse I still want a pickup.
Only rarely offroad, but planning on 4wd for the few times I might need it.
Not a fan of the trend towards making trucks bigger through trim inflation. Liked the older F150, but the current ones seem large in all the ways that aren’t useful. Same with the Tacoma.
Chevy Colorado seems like the right size, at least in pictures. Guess the Ford Ranger is about the same size.
Will not buy a 4 door truck.
Won’t be a daily driver, will be used for getting stuff home from the hardware store, moving crap to and from storage, moving tree parts for woodworking.
I have owned a Ford Pinto and a Ford Explorer in the past, no brand loyalty.
I’ve owned a couple Toyota and Honda sedans, good products, but the Tacoma became so popular years ago that I wonder if Toy is coasting with it.
Ridgeline is probably close to what I “need” but only comes as 4 door and I dislike the shape of the front, want something more truck and less minivan.
Daily driver is a BMW 750, so I don’t need a “go fast” truck, but want at least 6cyl turbo. Diesel on the chevy has a big premium, is it worth it?
Happy to buy new or used, but don’t think used has a meaningful discount.
Prefer manual transmission, but have given up on that.
Not a current Jeep.

Probably go do some test driving next week, bit do the above random thoughts bring anything to mind?
 
Diesel is probably more of an issue for towing than anything else and it doesn’t sound like you’ll be towing a lot or really big loads.

Not sure about the new Ranger model, but it sounds like the classic one would be about perfect, so you might want to take a closer look. Those used to come with manual transmission, which I agree is preferred, but you may have to order the truck to get it.

I agree with you that there’s a lot of “trim inflation” and I am wanting to get a (diesel) towing truck in the not distant future and have been considering more of a commercial option than a passenger vehicle because of this.
 
JimB said:
Ridgeline is probably close to what I “need” but only comes as 4 door and I dislike the shape of the front, want something more truck and less minivan.
Click to expand...
The Ridgeline had a facelift in 2021, so it may be worth taking a look at new models.
www.motor1.com

2021 Honda Ridgeline Facelift Revealed With Tougher Design

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline gets a facelift with a new front end, bolder styling, and an available HPD package that adds a bit more visual aggression.
www.motor1.com www.motor1.com
 
My wife just sent me a link about the Ford F-150 Raptor, at 700 HP.

I suppose if you like the idea of trying to figure out how Ford claims 700 HP on something that never runs right, this might be for you.

(She's the Ford fan in the family, if you couldn't tell.)
 
From what you have described I’d look at an older real truck … before they became luxury “cars”. I dont know why but I tend to like late ‘70’s up to early ‘80’s C/K Chevys for the weekend work truck thing. They use to be pretty reasonable (compared to the earlier years like ‘70 or such) and have a great aftermarket parts supply. With a little knowledge and a few proper tools you can do about anything you want with it. Yeah, it would likely be a project thing but it would almost become part of the family.
 
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I’ve got 75k miles on my 2019 Colorado Z71. Been very happy with it, pulls a trailer with no issues and easier to get around tight places than the full-size. I know a guy with the diesel Colorado, he loves it.
 
You want a 2dr mid-size truck w at least a turbo V6? I’m pretty sure that completely rules out modern trucks.

Turbo 6’s are the new V8 replacement, so we’re talking full size trucks.

Tacoma’s are excellent, especially if not your primary vehicle and not trying to tow a lot. A good friend has an 05, I had a 2018. The engine/trans on the 05-15 is better IMO.

If you don’t care for all of the modern features and creature comforts, and just want a TRUCK, good luck finding an old one.
 
If you're looking for a part time truck then look at early 2000's Tundra 4x4 with a 4.7 V8.
I have an Extended cab (non 4x4) and it runs good and has been a good truck.
 
ronn47 said:
If you're looking for a part time truck then look at early 2000's Tundra 4x4 with a 4.7 V8.
I have an Extended cab (non 4x4) and it runs good and has been a good truck.
Click to expand...
Mid 2000's Tundra would be a perfect truck. My son drives a 2005 quad cab and it has been great. Those drivetrains go 500k miles with regular maintenance regularly.

@JimB If you do decide to go used and look at any Toyota's, reach out. My son and I are always looking around at them to buy for ourselves or for him to buy and flip. He sold 2 V8 4runners this month already and is looking at another tomorrow along with a 2005 Tundra. Happy to come with you to inspect or swing by and we can go over it.
 
The Ridgeline isn’t a truck. It’s a minivan with a bed.

From what you’re saying I’d go with an early 2010’s Nissan Frontier. Great reliability, nice styling, good ride. Never been a huge Nissan fan in general but loved my 2011 Frontier. They also had stripped down work versions so if you’re just looking for a 2 door utility version you should be able to find one for a good price. I’ve since upgraded to a Tundra and love it, won’t go back till kids are out of the house, even then not sure unless among other things they make a full size quad cab.
 
I have a 2022 Ridgeline, I feel pretty ambivalent about it. The pros: It’s a great size. The bed is almost as big as the full-size 5.5 foot 4 door 1/2 tons but the rest of it is 1/4 ton size. The interior has plenty of room and while not the nicest build quality it’s not bad and will likely last for a good long time without anything breaking. There’s lots of room, the seats are comfortable. I love the trunk in the bed…use it all the time, and it gets reasonable (for a truck) mileage (18-19 driven almost exclusively in town). For reference my previous truck, a 2008 Titan pro 4x got 11-12 driven the same way. The cargo capacity and towing are adequate for most situations and the AWD does 90% of a stock 4WD in terms of off road capabilities at least in most situations. Plus judging by the used ones I see it should be able to go 2-300k miles without major issues.
The bad: I hate the electric button shifter, the stereo sucks (to be changed soon) the ground clearance is pretty low, the electronic drivers aides don’t always work the way they should, and if you need 100% of what a 4WD system will do off road you’ll be 10% short. It still uses timing belts so every 90k there’s a big service. Then there’s the big one…it’s not a “real truck” and it’s apparent to everyone - so if the image worries you then you might look elsewhere.
The first gen Ridgeline is also a legitimate contender, it has most of what I like about the newer ones but much cheaper and if you find a well maintained one it could be a great deal. As far as the looks…I kind of agree but you don’t see them while you’re driving.
Vehicles are stupidly expensive right now so I don’t envy you having to find one now. Good luck with your search
 
We bought a 2017 Crew cab 4wd GMC Canyon with a diesel in 2017. 110K miles on it so far and it's been a good truck. The only disappointment was that the air conditioning compressor died a few months after the warranty expired.

31mpg on the highway, and 26mpg combined.

7700 lb rated towing capacity.
 
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