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What starter 4x4 mini-truck when I can't afford a Taco?

frieed

frieed

Jeepless in Draper
Supporting Member
Location
Draper, UT
My youngest daughter now has her permit and would like a 4x4 truck as her first vehicle (she drove half of HITR last year in my JK). The budget is sub $5K, preferably sub $4k. I'm pretty sure this prices me out of a used Taco so maybe a Ranger or something else. I'm looking for suggestions, warnings, offers, etc. Tacoman, you watch this stuff constantly, what say you? The timeframe is sometime in the next year. I'd also appreciate some help with evaluating any candidates. Please educate me.

Thanks,

Eric
 
pELYgroso

pELYgroso

'Merica
Location
LEHI, UT
I've already decided that my kids' first vehicle will be an '80's single or extended cab Toyota pickup w/ 22re. I can teach them about mechanics or upgrades with it easily, they can only fit one other person in it, so there won't be a bunch of other teenagers in it distracting them, they can beat it up pretty good and it will keep going, learn to drive a manual (which I think should be mandatory for all teens), ok on gas....and they can be had in decent shape for under $3k. Although, in 12 years when my first kid is ready, maybe they won't be so easily attained...I guess we'll see. I better pick one up right now and put it in storage! :p
 
frieed

frieed

Jeepless in Draper
Supporting Member
Location
Draper, UT
I had an 88 Toyota pickup. At least at that point you're looking at a 22r, no fuel injection.
 
Last edited:
TJDukit

TJDukit

I.Y.A.A.Y.A.S.
Location
Clearfield
22re started in 86. I think its a great idea to start out in a manual as well as something older to teach good maintenance skills.

Sent from my ADR6410LVW using Tapatalk 4 Beta
 
frieed

frieed

Jeepless in Draper
Supporting Member
Location
Draper, UT
I paid 8k for that truck, drove it for 10yrs and 210,000 miles, then sold it for 2k. not bad...

I will tell you, 2 adults and a car seat in that vehicle is a non-starter...
 
Kevin B.

Kevin B.

Not often wrong. Never quite right.
Moderator
Location
Stinkwater
That's a really good price. Get him below $4000 and then teach your daughter how to change a head gasket. :)
 
Kevin B.

Kevin B.

Not often wrong. Never quite right.
Moderator
Location
Stinkwater
The 4.0 in my Exploder went 180k with nothing but oil changes and occasional fresh plugs,. They're vulnerable to timing chain problems just like the 22RE, and I think mine was slapping when I sold it, but 180k without cracking the valve cover ain't bad.

And even with the automatic, that motor had plenty of pep. Makes the 3.4 in the 4Runner seem anemic by comparison.
 
frieed

frieed

Jeepless in Draper
Supporting Member
Location
Draper, UT
I guess that's what I get for being cheap.

It was kind of amusing that a rear bumper was optional...
 
TJDukit

TJDukit

I.Y.A.A.Y.A.S.
Location
Clearfield
frieed said:
The specifics are really 4x4 small truck and 4k-5k$
Click to expand...

You know she already enjoys wheeling so I'm glad you are putting the 4x4 req. there. I'm sure I'll catch some flak but IMO stay away from the Bronco II's and early Explorers...again this is just my opinion but they are underpowered and the drivetrain is extremely weak. Maybe the later Explorers are better I don't know but I think a Toyota is a much better candidate. I also like the idea of a mini truck that only has two seats to keep the possibility of distraction down to a minimum.
 
frieed

frieed

Jeepless in Draper
Supporting Member
Location
Draper, UT
I'm not sure my daughter cares, but since I'm paying for it and it may be 'my' offroad vehicle, I want a truck bed..
 
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