Well, despite how much I absolutely love my little Corolla, I think it's about time I bought myself a pickup truck.

I need to be able to haul basic stuff like 2x4's, 2x6's, 4x8 drywall, bags of concrete, and rolled insulation.

It would be nice to be able to pull (say for example) a Crossfire on a car trailer behind it maybe twice a year, but I don't anticipate ever towing anything else behind the truck.

Can I get away with a four-banger Ford Ranger/Mazda B series? What about the Nissan trucks? They seem pretty cheap.

 

Sorry, if you're looking to pull a car on a trailer, you'll need the 5L V8. Too bad they don't offer the straight-six any more - just enough HP but plenty of torque - which is lacking even in the 4L V6.

You'll find zillions of good Chevy 1500's or Ford 150's out there, all dressed out in Silverado or XLT packages. Be sure to get the full-size 4X8 bed. The short beds are slick, but worthless as **** on a bull. The mid-size Jap trucks you mention are even worse.

Odd, until my little Crossfire, I've never owned anything else in my life but full size pick-ups. Funny the stuff I can still haul in the XF, tho. Living out of the thing can be a challenge.

 

The used F150 market seems pretty good, actually. I'm definitely looking for something with an extended or quad cab, I don't think I could live without having space behind the front seat.

BTW I am not going to install the optional gunrack

 

Do not forget to stick a broom in a box pocket as well.

 

I keep watching the ~2004 Ram SRT10s to see where the prices bottom out. That would be a sweet truck IMO.
Might be difficult towing the Crossfire with a 4 cylinder Ford/Mazda.

 

From everything I've heard, stay away from Nissan trucks. Have you checked out Toyota Tundras? They are awesome.

Extended F150's are great but they have a very wide turning radius.

 

Then it must be terrible living with the Crossfire. Just terrible.

 

lol, that's why I have two cars

The Crossfire is wonderful, but it's definitely not a daily driver for me. I only have 5K on mine as it comes out for date nights, weekend cruising, etc.

 

If you can afford a diesel go ahead and get one with your quad cab. I drove a 1500 for years with a V8 and switched to 2500 diesel a few years ago. It gets better mileage and will last twice as long as a gas burner, plus they have the power to pull that big fifth wheel or toy hauler you will want next.

 

My wife and I have owned three Toyota 4X4s, 87, 96, 06. Never had one break! Gas, oil and break pads is all they have ever needed. Thats in just under half a million miles and still counting. I did put a dent in the side of the 87 when I slid off a trail, l but I took it out with a toilet plunger.

 

Sonoronos, any decisions yet?
I'm thinking about doing the same thing. The Cougar is at 210K & is starting to require some major repairs. Though it will kill me I'm really not interested in driving either Xfire through another winter, especially if this up & coming one is anything like the last 2 & the ole reliable Merc. may not make it another year.

 

Are you getting a used truck, or a brand new one?

If used, I'd go for a later model 2.5 four banger ranger. The one with the lima 8 valve engine, not the newer duratec.

I only say this because I'd stick in a set of forged stock pistons/rods from the 2.3t motor, boost it with a holset hx35, and lay down 350+ hp with good tuning.

Turbo Ranger Forums TRF