Which pickup for $10k?

Hey all,

Looking for a manual trans 4x4 pickup, max price $10k. Minimal rust, single axle, whatever cab config, AC would be nice, but other options not needed.

Uses:
- Light offroading/beach driving (open diffs & regular clearance will be fine) & general pickup stuff :)

I've narrowed it down to 2000-2006 F150s, rangers, v6 silverados, and dodge ram 1500's. I've seen one too many ailing tacoma frames to consider those unfortunately.

Some of the 'nearby' picks via autotrader: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=352725602

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=350353522

AT-152F5072

AT-153464AF

What say you GRM?...

Why v6 silverado and not V8? We've got a fleet of F150s, E250s and an e350 as well as a couple Silverados. We've had some problems with circa 2003 OHC Ford V8s, whereas the SBCs have been bulletproof.

Oh, and I've got a 2003 Dakota with the 360 V8. At 130,000 miles, both heads were cracked. Amazing for what's supposed to be a tried and true iron motor.

I've only seen v6 silverados via a few car search sites for my price point with a manual trans, would definitely prefer the v8 for the power increase & similar mpg to the 6.

I didn't think you could get a manual with 4x4 in the f150 through those years.

In reply to yamaha:

I think you could up until '03. Very rare to see the 4x4/V8/Manual trans combo in any of these trucks IMHO.

If look for a super clean circa 2000 non Silverado model 1500/2500 with 5.7 vortec. They had manual options and a whole lot of truck for money. You could get a 2001 here with ext cab z71 package 4x4 for 6500 around here but it would be a 5.3 and auto most likely.

At 130,000 miles, both heads were cracked

Just to clarify, what made you take it apart?

I prefer the 4.2v6 in those ford pickups to the 4.6. They're more reliable and easier to work on. And a 4.2/5spd feels about as powerful as a 4.6/auto anyway.

^^^ provided you don't tow anything I actually like the 4.2/5sp combo better.

ShadowSix wrote: Very rare to see the 4x4/V8/Manual trans combo in any of these trucks IMHO.

Agreed. When it comes to late-model American pick-ups, holding out for a manual can really limit your options.

I got frustrated and bought the first 5 spd truck that met my criteria without doing due-dilligence and paid dearly for my lack of patience. Had I been willing to get an automatic, my choice of trucks would have been much better (and closer).

IMHO, buy the cleanest and lowest mileage truck you can, manufactuer and transmission be damned.

I have a hard time thinking about paying this much money for one of these but i like this truck you posted pretty well.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=350353522

danger ranger if your not hauling, cheap to maintain, plenty of neat ford parts to swap in from other vehicles. 10k worth would get you like a 2010 or one VERY new-ish.

It looks like your just wanting to have fun with it and not haul too much. I'd go with a Ranger Fx4 with the stick. I can vouch for the F150 4.2/manual for longevity and low cost.

GM did offer the "little" 4.8L V8 with a manual on the previous couple of generations of the 1500s. You'll mostly find them in "Work Truck" models. Vast majority of Work Trucks got a 4.3l or if they got a V8 they got an auto, but the 4.8l/manual combo exists.

• Lee

You can get into a 7.3 Powerstroke or early Cummins for that sort of money.

My daily is an 02 F250 Crew Cab Lariat FX4 with a 7.3 Powerstroke. $9800. Super clean, super reliable, super comfy.

Those bigger heavier trucks are going to cost a lot more over time to do the same light-duty work as a v6 f150. On the other hand, a ranger is tiny and while it will probably do the job, having been around and worked on both i would take a 4.2/5spd f150 over a 3.0 or 4.0 ranger any day of the week.

The 3.0/5spd ranger is a decent little truck, no doubt. But i like driving the 4.2/5spd F150s better and they dont cost much more to operate.