Help Me Choose a New (Used) Car

[Anton]

+1 on a Blazer. I have a '99 4Dr that is great. I use it to pull a trailer with a 4 wheeler and gear up to hunting camp every season.

I was lucky though, I bought mine 2 years ago and it only had 68k Miles on it. I still haven't turned it over the 100k mark.

Its actually a '96 4dr Jimmy I'm looking to replace. That thing's got so many gremlins its mind boggling, I've probably replaced half the parts on the thing since I got it, and it only gets worse the more I drive it. Right now I've got to put gas in the intake manifold for it to start, I tried replacing the fuel pump (for the second time since I bought it) and that apparently wasn't the problem. Its also started losing oil pressure when idling after it warms up. Honestly, I'm just tired of screwing with it.

My first vehicle was an '86 Jimmy and I loved it. I'd prefer something a little more modern but maybe another K5 would be nice, too.

[SouthPark]

A very good pickup is a four door '06 Tundra; I've had mine for four years and it is a great all around truck, runs well, not a gas hog, and can pull moderate loads. I don't know if the used price is near your goal, but something to consider?

[BigMat]

I have a honda ridgeline and I love it

front wheel drive with rear wheel drive that clicks on when you need it or want it.
5,000 lbs of towing capacity
250 horse power and 250 lb-ft in a 3.5 liter V6

I have taken it off road and kept up with a factory tacoma with bigger tires, and it is a beast in the snow. towed a couple of times with no trouble. In terms of safety and reliablity Honda is hard to beat.

Truth be told, I have sold a couple of American and Toyota owners on them for their next truck

Also, and most importantly, there is a lockable under bed box, that just so happens to double as a cooler.

As to price, I have seen them recently close to 15K around. I have owned a dodge and a chevy truck as well to give some context.

I honestly don't know if a person could be disappointed with this truck if they don't need a 8 foot bed.

[theGinsue]

I wish I could help. I'm currnetly trying to find something for my daughter to replace her (okay, MY) '02 Chevy S-10 Blazer. You folks might like the Blazers, but hers is a piece of chit. We've replaced oil and other fluid seals only to have them go out again right after the warranty for the replacement expired. I won't be spending any more money on another Chevy for a while.

She's been looking for a 2005 or newer low milage (preferably under 70k) 4WD 4Dr SUV for under 13k. We've had no luck at all. I know we're asking for too much for the price, but I'm still praying that there is something out there for her that fits these guidelines.

Good luck on your hunt. It does seem to be a sellers market these days.

[Anton]

Good luck on your hunt. It does seem to be a sellers market these days.

Thanks. Yeah, I've been looking, and its tough to even find anything that is at bluebook. I really wish I could put off the purchase for another year but I don't think my car will make it for more than a few months. Having to pour gas in the intake manifold to start it when its cold is going to suck this winter, either way...

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, I'm definitely considering a few vehicles I hadn't before.

[jerrymrc]

I will drop another vote for the Dodge. I have an older 98 12V and get 18 in town and 21 on the highway. I went from a 96 Dakota 5.2 that got 20 on the highway and 15 in town.

You may be towing a small trailer now but what happens if 3-5 years down the road you want a bigger one? I bought mine used in 2002. I did have to replace the Alt once and the normal front end work at 110,000 but it now has 180,000 and my total non maintenance work has been cheap.

I do know of guys with the 02-03 24V getting 25 on the highway. It is nothing to pull an 8000lb trailer (what I have now) or drop 4000lbs in the bed at the landscape place.

Do not even look at any of the gas versions.

[The Extractor]

Big fullsize trucks are cool and all however you have to factor in the maintenance cost on them.
It will take twice as much oil, a much larger filter, parts are more expensive if/when it breaks down, everything, breaks, u joints, tires, ball joints etc etc. Ask me how I know.Or not.

[jmg8550]

I know you don't like Fords but my vote goes to the Ranger. For a smaller truck, there is nothing out there that will take the abuse a Ranger will (being the same classification). They have plenty of power, decent mileage, and Ford didn't take a bailout. Also you don't have to worry about the 4wd taking a crap right when you need it. I have 200,000 miles on mine and it is still running strong. No major problems so far.

[The Extractor]

I hate rangers...They suck. Tacoma for the win.

[gnihcraes]

FYI - I'm always looking on craigslist for doge cummins trucks - can get pretty decent ones it looks like for 10-20k. One of the dealers that seems to have the best clean looking trucks is Country Truck http://www.countrytruck.net/ so you might check them out. They post a lot of stuff on craigslist.

I haven't delt with them yet, but might if I ever can get any money for a newer truck.