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If I needed:
4 doors
Abiltity to easily accommodate one or two large dogs
Cability to haul crap ( pick up bed preferred, but would consider SUV option)
5,000 lb. Tow capacity
Reliability
Automatic tranny
Price tag under $10 grand
What would you recommend?
Other than the auto tranny, I'd suggest one of these... http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/1875720633.html
Quote:
Originally Posted by tailchaser
Engine: 5.9 Liter 8 Cylinder Engine Exterior: Black Cylinders: 6 - Cyl.
I wonder how many cylinders it really has.
Probably just 6... maybe there are some spares in the glove compartment...
Thats a bit too big.
That's what she said.Quote:
Originally Posted by miataspeedracer
I'd go this route:
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1876932222.html
I'm just gonna go in the middle and say... 7?Quote:
Originally Posted by MiataMike
Not a bad pick. 180K miles is a lot, though. I like the 4-door Tacoma as well, but it's hard to find a good one under $10G.Quote:
Originally Posted by OZMDD
Look at the first gen Dodge Durango with either a 5.9 or 4.7 V-8. The 5.9 would be preferable for towing. The rear and middle seats fold down to give you a flat floor all the way up to the drivers seat.
I have a full-size Chevy conversion van with a 5.7 L V8. I can put 12 ft. boards inside and shut all the doors. And carry about 10 large dogs in complete comfort too!!
I just picked up a 2001 Pathfinder for ~$6k after taxes and registration and all that stuff.
- Says to have 5000lb towing capacity
- Auto
- 4 doors
- rear seat is a 60/40 and folds flat (if you remove the headrests first)
- Can't beat Nissan reliability
- Can be had for under $10k very easily. Even the Infinity version is less than that
- I got an honest 21mpg on the way to San Antonio the other weekend
If you really only need 5k towing capacity and are serious about your price cap, I'd find the nicest, lowest mileage 3rd generation ('95-'02) 4Runner and buy it. Those things are literally indestructible.Quote:
Originally Posted by miataspeedracer
I thought you already had a Honda Ridgeline that meets all these requirements? Looking to flip it for something cheaper?
I second this motion. Everyone I know that's had one or has one loves it (or loves it and misses it).Quote:
Originally Posted by altiain
You are correct, sir. The Ridgeline is THE perfect vehicle given my search parameters. Great truck. Problem is, it's not a lot of fun to drive. I'm hankering for a more fun DD, and can't justify the Ridgeline payment for what would be an occasional vehicle when the need arises. I'm thinking of finding a cheap quasi-replacement for the Ridgeline (it might see 2k miles/year max.) and buying something more fun for everyday driving. Just plotting at this point...
Honestly the type of vehicle you're talking about probably isn't going to be fun to drive anyway (SUV/Truck).
Pay attention... that's why he's not planning to drive it!Quote:
Originally Posted by CosmosMpower
Good thought. The enclosed version of the Tacoma..
There is a reason I picked up my Quad cab Tacoma. :) Good luck with search... There's plenty to choose from here in the Benbrook and Granbury area if you need me to keep an eye out.
Thanks! Does the seat back in the rear flip down, or does the seat bottom flip up? I'm concerned about large dog access.Quote:
Originally Posted by Electro
My dad bought a '97 4x4 4Runner new, and he's put almost 200k on it so far. In that time the only things that needed replacement were the factory radio (CD player died) and the shocks. I keep telling him I'll buy it whenever he's ready to sell it, and he keeps telling me he'll leave it to me in his will, since he doesn't plan to sell it. :wink:Quote:
Originally Posted by goofygrin
Mine flip down - purchased with 102K miles and presently have 143K miles on the clock. Only maintenance done by me with this one has been oil, water, fuel filter, and plugs. Fifth Toyoata I've owned, and I will not be letting this one go so easily.Quote:
Originally Posted by miataspeedracer
Semi-threadjack WRT 3rd-gen 4runners: if we take the towing and auto requirements out of the picture, how's the reliability of 4-cyl vs v6 and auto vs manual? I know the 22RE is legendary...
The big downside of an SUV vs. a truck is a front-end loader can't dump a yard of sand/dirt/mulch/etc. You also can't just hose it out when you're done.
on the plus side you'll never have to shovel a yard of dirt out of the back of a pickup again (btdt).
Instead you get to shovel it from a big pile on your driveway. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by goofygrin
PS
:cat:
He stated he's not happy with his Ridgeline because it's NOT FUN to drive.Quote:
Originally Posted by tailchaser
:facepalm:Quote:
Originally Posted by CosmosMpower
Nah, hire the job out. Wisdom > strong back, especially in this heat.Quote:
Originally Posted by sammm
I don't have any experience with the 22RE in a 4Runner, but I would opt for the V6. In a vehicle of that size/weight with the aerodynamics of a brick, I think the 4 cylinder would be seriously overtaxed. According to Consumer Auto Guide, the 4Runner weighs between 3400-3700 pounds, and the 4 banger only has 150 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The V6 is no screamer by today's standards (183 hp, 217 lb-ft of torque), but it's enough.Quote:
Originally Posted by redmenace
And? What else did I say?...Quote:
Originally Posted by CosmosMpower
And always will be... :) The 3.4 V6 is highly sought after now, and hard to come by in the "salvage" store. I still would like to find a factory supplied super charger setup from the 1st gen Tacomas.Quote:
Originally Posted by redmenace
Technically, you aren't going to be putting a yard of sand in a Tacoma either... a cubic yard of dry sand weighs ~2600 lbs... and according to Toyota, you should only put about 1350 lbs in it.Quote:
Originally Posted by sammm
I had/have a 1st gen 4Runner sold it to my uncle who keeps it at his beach house in Port Aransas) with the 22RE, and it is a fantastic motor. It's not a puller, though. Lousy for towing and highway, but it will run forever.
I stopped paying attention after that, anything that seats 4+, hauls/tows stuff doesn't peak my interest :)Quote:
Originally Posted by miataspeedracer
pique...
He probably stopped paying attention to his grammar...;)Quote:
Originally Posted by OZMDD
My brother has an old 4Runner that has a couple hundred thousand miles on it and it is virtually indestructible. He liked it so much he bought a new one and kept the old one to beat on some more. I'm not sure of the towing capacity but it would be a great choice for what you looking for.
Interestingly, it's a lot easier to find nice 4Runners in my price range than Tacoma Quad Cab pickup trucks. Supply and demand at work...
The Dodge Durango is also an option if I decide I really need a pick-up bed.