Need help selecting a truck

[Nitemare]

Looking to get a truck as a second vehicle and maybe haul around some stuff in.

Looking for something that gets decent gas mileage, dependable and under 18k

Any suggestions? I was thinking about the Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier

 

[LakAttack]

Do you definately want a full size? You'd get better gas milage with a compact, and unless you tow or get truckbeds full of gravel, you can probably haul as much stuff. My Frontier gets 21-22 mpg, and it's an auto.

 

[colonel]

I have the Tacome from 1996 basic, no 4x4, works great in snow.

 

[iamwiz82]

If it is a second vehicle I'd look for a used full size, since gas mileage won't really matter.

 

[Nitemare]

Originally posted by: LakAttack
Do you definately want a full size? You'd get better gas milage with a compact, and unless you tow or get truckbeds full of gravel, you can probably haul as much stuff. My Frontier gets 21-22 mpg, and it's an auto.

Small is ok, depenability and gas milage are really the key factors. How long have you had the Frontier?

 

[Nitemare]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
If it is a second vehicle I'd look for a used full size, since gas mileage won't really matter.

Will also be driving it to a second job 25 minutes each way, 5-6 times a week

 

[LakAttack]

Originally posted by: Nitemare

Originally posted by: LakAttack
Do you definately want a full size? You'd get better gas milage with a compact, and unless you tow or get truckbeds full of gravel, you can probably haul as much stuff. My Frontier gets 21-22 mpg, and it's an auto.

Small is ok, depenability and gas milage are really the key factors. How long have you had the Frontier?

I've had my Frontier for 4 years now. Its only problems (not related to me and my driving ) have been an AC problem that just missed the warranty, and an computer problem that was covered under warranty (KNOCK ON WOOD). I love it, and it is way better than my brother's Ranger IMHO. Also, it is a short cab 4cyl, so extended cab or 6cyl may fare a little worse on gas milage. A buddy of mine has a standard trans and does a mile or two better than me on mpg.

EDIT: Forgot to mention, it has 66k miles, and I drive it 18 miles each way to work every day. (I used to commute much further, hence the high miles.)

 

[LAUST]

If small is okay then get a Tacoma.

 

[PingSpike]

The tacoma and nissan frontier have excellent reliability ratings, and Toyota engines have a reputation for never dying. Their fullsize trucks are also quote good I hear, I have little use for a truck that big though. I've been thinking about getting a little pickup lately for my next car, its either a Frontier or a Tacoma...american companies let me down to many times with reliability and accountability, I *might* consider Chevy but nothing else.

 

[Nitemare]

Bump for the night crew

 

[Shockwave]

A base model GMC. They make one thats essentially a Silverado 1500, cant think of the model. Chevy and GMC trucks are damn near identical. And the base models without all the fancy features are reasonably priced. You could probably snag a brand new one with minimal options and 4WD for around your price range.
Although I personally would do a Ford over GM. Thats me though