4 cyl. Pickups, whats reliable?

[turbotalon1g]

I'm looking for a small pickup to become my new daily, I have been checking out craigslist and there is a lot out there for $1k.
I search for $2k or less, that is what I WOULD like to spend.

My requirements (which maybe you can help me on) are:

Good mpg & reliable.

Truck so I can do house projects without calling friends for help all the time I need something decent sized moved and pick up car parts, while stuffing 1.5 sets of wheels and tires in a corolla is fun, its gets old quick.

Prefer 5 spd because I think it would be cheaper to replace a clutch than parts in a AT trans.

I would like 4x4, but being on a budget it looks like I won't end up with that.

From what I know my choices are:

Ranger/mazda pickup (Late 90s-03ish)
Isuzu pickup
toyota (of course) - but people want top dollar for these things.
Jeep comanche thing (I would prefer this because usually 4x4, and I6s are invincible and everywhere incase I have to replace) - I know the MPGs will be lower

Thank you for help/suggestions on this, with the hopefully soon sale of my DSM I will be without a running car, and the flintstone powered Z will be gone soon too.

I appreciate the help and once I get a truck you can call me to help move crap.
:sport017:
Aaron

[96GST16g]

mazda b 2600 awsome trucks

[Kracka]

I have a friend with a Nissan Frontier that just won't die; over 400k miles and the stock engine and trans is still going strong (never been rebuilt, not using any oil).

You could also look into a S10, those seem to be a dime a dozen with plenty available in a 5-speed.

[1ViciousGSX]

Any older Toyota.

[96GST16g]

ha i guess they dont have breaking issues?

[turbotalon1g]

A couple of things, Can a MOD delete this guys^ posts they are completely useless and we
all know about toyotas, as i mentioned in the original posts.

Kracka, what year? motor?

If u don't have anything to say other than get " this truck its awesome" then just don't post, if u have had a 4 cyl pickup please put up experiences/advice.

[1ViciousGSX]

ha i guess they dont have breaking issues?
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[Andrew7dg]

I owned a 1990 Ranger that wouldn't die, it was a napa parts delivery truck and had over 500,000 miles on it. The mazda/ranger is a good choice

I also (still have) a 88 S-10 that the 4 cylinder was great in. 5 speed transmission. It was a good little truck! I love the way the S-10s look and the iron duke wasn't a bad engine. It is just that they could use a V8 Swap in the trucks.

I love the smaller trucks because they get good gas mileage and they can still haul stuff.

My only recommendation is if you are going to use it as a DD, get an extended cab for more hauling capability. If used in the winter get a 4x4 (2wd on a light box SUCK!!!) or get a really good set of snow tires. If going 4x4 get something bigger then a 4 cylinder.

[craig]

I would say any s10 with the vortech series 4.3 v6, they just don't die.

[TkrPerformance]

I had a 4.3 v6 s-10 and I used it to pull craigs 1970 dodge charger that was 2times the size and weight and it took it like a champ.

90% of the 4 banger trucks dont have the power to get out of there own way