Truck buying suggestions?

[cerealboxloser]

I figured here's a good place to start since I've seen some pretty helpful threads of this nature before. My dad's selling his 1973 F100 in favor of a smaller truck or wagon. He wants a 4 or 6 cylinder truck/wagon. The most use it would see would be him driving to work daily (about 2 miles) and the occasional parts hauling job. An older truck with a few minor issues wouldn't be too much of a problem since I'm mechanically inclined (and taking auto tech classes lol). He's hoping to spend around 2000 but of course less would be better. I was thinking an old 510 wagon would be sick just because I like them LOL but I can honestly say I know very little about them. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/1897917550.html any other suggestions? Would a 510 even be a viable option? Never seen the interior but I assume you could remove the back seats since this would seriously just be a work wagon.

[MinisterofDOOM]

I LOVED my 5-speed 2.3 liter Ranger.

[THawks]

Ive got a '92 4.7l 5-speed S-10. The thing has taken a beating and just wont quit. I take it out on joy rides when I am bored with my new car. I even average 19-22 mixed to and from work and 25-27 highway on road trips.

[Bubba1]

I figured here's a good place to start since I've seen some pretty helpful threads of this nature before. My dad's selling his 1973 F100 in favor of a smaller truck or wagon. He wants a 4 or 6 cylinder truck/wagon. The most use it would see would be him driving to work daily (about 2 miles) and the occasional parts hauling job. An older truck with a few minor issues wouldn't be too much of a problem since I'm mechanically inclined (and taking auto tech classes lol). He's hoping to spend around 2000 but of course less would be better. I was thinking an old 510 wagon would be sick just because I like them LOL but I can honestly say I know very little about them. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/1897917550.html any other suggestions? Would a 510 even be a viable option? Never seen the interior but I assume you could remove the back seats since this would seriously just be a work wagon.

You could also look for an old Pathfinder or 4Runner, if they're not rusted out. Fairly simple, well built SUV's, not too big.

[Chaotic_Warlord]

You can't go wrong with a Nissan Hardbody, KA powered so they are reliable for what he wants to use it for. I'd also suggest a a Toyota Tacoma or T100, both are reliable and take a licking.

Oh and 4Runners and Land Cruisers are practically indestructible.

[cerealboxloser]

Unfortunately he doesn't want a manual truck. Are there any places hard bodies rust out in particular? I stumbled across a few seemingly clean ones that I was also considering. No opinions on the 510 wagon? Am I seriously just trying to force my taste onto him? LOL god I want an old Datsun.

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Volvo 850-R wagon?

The T5 is a bulletproof engine and has good power. What's even better is the fuel economy.

[Looneybomber]

I LOVED my 5-speed 2.3 liter Ranger.

I was about to say that same thing. The 89-92 body style can be had cheap and that 2.3L, while gutless, can get the job done. The other options are the 2.9L (looked for cracked heads) or the 4.0L that came out in 92? Also, it sucks some gas.

[Mr1der]

if I were him, I'd opt for a 6 cylinder so it can get it's a** out of it's own way.

the Ranger with the cologne 6 is a generally solid truck, and of course the Toyotas and Hardbody.

really, there's not a bad a choice for a small truck regardless of the make (except maybe the Mitsus...I dunno much about them to say one way or another)

[ADDirishboy]

Toyota pickup with a 22re motor. Will last forever.

[Dattebayo]

For 2K your options are severely limited. I don't see one on the list yet that you could get for that and in any kind of working condition. He's gonna have to up to 3-4k just to get one that isn't all fu*ked up and rusted out.

[cerealboxloser]

Volvo 850-R wagon?

The T5 is a bulletproof engine and has good power. What's even better is the fuel economy.

Already have an 850T sedan

For 2K your options are severely limited. I don't see one on the list yet that you could get for that and in any kind of working condition. He's gonna have to up to 3-4k just to get one that isn't all fu*ked up and rusted out.

The rust is what I'm most worried about. I talked to him again today and brought up a few of the trucks mentioned and so far he's leaning towards a hard body. He seems to be partial to a Nissan because his brother has had one that's lasted since forever.

Realistically this would probably only be used as a spare car since he's been driving the Volvo to work and my mom works a whole two blocks away from home. Engine condition is a lot more important then aesthetics. Hopefully we can go see a few trucks this week.

[OriginalWheelman]