My old worktruck has died and I'm looking for a replacement. Don't want to invest in a new one but want to find a used one in the $3000-$4000 range. Don't need a big one but am drawn to Ford Rangers, Toyotas and so on. I don't haul much and it is mainly a commute-to-work truck and go-to-the-range truck but I do need a 4x4 to deal with winter snow. I'm open to suggestions. Anybody have any advice - good models, lemons, recommendations or warnings?

rolomac

My 1998 F-150 is still going strong. AC is icy cold and never had work. Does not leak oil and no motor work other than a tune up. did some break work and a new clutch and gas and oil changes and new tires and it runs like it did the day I bought it which was great.

I saw where similar F-150's are selling for more this year than they did 3 or 4 years back. A good F-150 with the V-6 and a standard shift with overdrive is where I would look. Mine gets well over 20 MPG also, which is great for an older truck.

I never plan on selling it as it is now a back up that I use for short trips to town or when I need to haul something. Absolutely the best value in a vehicle I have had. I paid $ 14,500 drive out for it new back in 1998 and it has truly served me well. It was my only vehicle for most of those years.

In the price range you are looking, something like this may well be your best option. Although $5000 + would not even interest me on this one, as I would never be able to replace it for that. LOL List me as a satisfied F-150 owner.

If all you got is 3/4 K---I'd put it into the old PU. You aint goin to get much reliance out of a 4 K used PU.
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

Oh, I don't know. I just sold my perfectly good pickup for $4k. If by "perfectly good" you mean in need of a new air conditioner, new transmission, new speed sensors, new....

Around here I don't think you could find much of a pickup for 3-4 grand, and if you did find one you might spend that much in repairs in the first several months. An SUV can be bought in that price range that is under 10 years old and under 150K miles and you can get a cheap trailer for when you haul things.

I had opportunity to drive one of my subcontractor's Toyota Tacoma pickups for a few miles last week. It is ten years old with 155,000 + miles on the odometer. It drove like it was a new vehicle. Quite, peppy, solid feeling and surefooted down the freeway. I was totally impressed. .........

Used Tacomas are priced out of sight.

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You're shy a few manners.

I didn't like Fords, but a year ago my work truck died. My boy
found a F-150, 6 Cyl., 4 speed/OD, 99 model with just under
100,000 on it. Garage kept. $4000. I had my doubts but it gets
20mph. I drive over 100mi. A day, it ain't let me down yet. The
old gent I got it off said many people looked at it, the stick shift
turned them off. Don't have a rust spot on it, that's saying a lot
for this area.

Aloha,

I agree with others that Finding a truck in your price range will be very difficult.

If it is at least 10 years old, I would worry more about the computer and other Electronics giving problems.

My Chevy Trailblazer is 9 years old and I am having computer and electrical problems.

Trying to find some one Good to trouble shoot anything electrical/computer is next to impossible or Expensive.

Not to mention is have ALL the recalls been taken care of.

The Wife's Toyota Tundra has been in for several Brake related recalls.

Not to mention, we have notice the nuts and bolts are rusting on the Tundra. May be a problem in Snow country.

I would do a thorough internet research on the truck you are considering for ALL Safety related Problems/Recalls.

I found a 2007 Ford Ranger 4x4 King cab in 2010 with 20.600 miles at a dealers. Went back 4 times & made the deal. $18.250 out the door. Now has 71,000 of trouble free miles.Stock tires lasted 65.000 miles.{Goodyears] If you can find one they are a great small truck. Been averaging around 21 MPG on a trip. My old '91 Explorer had 205.500 miles on it when I sold it.No I don't make as many miles as I used to.

It has been 18 years since I've bought a new GM vehicle, but based on past experience I won't buy another unless it has a v8 engine. GM's V8s are excellent. The rest, not so much.

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Common sense isn't so common.

Yep, in a 4x4, $4,000 is going to get you something that needs at least another $4,000 worth of work.

I'll never buy another GM, period.

Dodge is almost on that list.

Can't speak to Ford as I've never owned one.

Toyota is my brand.

This is my 1992 Chevy Suburban, I got this at the end of February for a little more than $3K, now I knew it needed a few things and I think with everything into it there is about $6K now. It has 107,000 miles, the motor has 30,000 less. The body is in great shape, keep in mind this is New York. It has the 350, automatic and 4 wheel drive. It never had the third back seat so it has essentially a 6 foot bed, more when I fold the seats down in the back.

Here it is when I first got it.



Here it is recently with a paint job I gave it to help it blend in better, I pinstriped it in places to make it look more civilian.



I also have my '74 Ford F-100. I think I have maybe $6,000 into it, and that's with an engine rebuild. When I need it, it starts and runs. I try not to drive it at all during the winter, last year I succeeded.



With my disability retirement looming (just waiting for the processing) and having been on a fixed income for almost 5 years now with my injury, I knew I could never afford a new vehicle or a payment especially not knowing exactly what the pension will be I don't want a payment at all so I looked very carefully into what I could buy, what I needed and what I could afford. I have made a few mistakes but for the most part I get my money out of what I have bought. I hope to get 3-4 years out of the Suburban, if I do that, I'll be happy until time comes for something else. It needs the floors patched in one or two spots but if I can get that done the body will be fine and I shouldn't have to worry there for a couple years. It's hard to live with a used vehicle but not having a monthly payment is very helpful too.

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Vaya con Dios

Looking for a 4x4 truck that's dependable transportation for $3-4k isn't something you can be too picky about. You'll have to hunt to find someone with the right vehicle willing to part with it for cheap regardless what make or year it is.

Around here 4x4 trucks don't sell cheap. I could set on fire my 2000 Tundra and probably still sell it for $3-4k.

Is your work truck truly dead or just in a coma? An engine /' trans may bring it back to life? 3-4K pickup money is not gonnaa get you much but a 4 wheel money pit. Stay away from 3/4 ton or larger pu's. The price may lure you but upkeep is $$$. Plus they're geared numerically higher so gas milage is poor.

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SOS USA