What small truck?

Rangers with the 4 cylinder and manual tranny....not quick and mileage only in the low 20s, but if reasonably well cared for, they are reliable. And because there were so many of them sold, they are dirt cheap. A similar year/similar mileage Toyota will cost more to buy but it will probably even out in the long haul.

HiTempguy wrote:

I bought a 2wd 1994 Nissan Hardbody last fall. I routinely get 27 mpg. 2.4L, 5speed, standard cab/box.

I call bull. On the highway mabye. Why get a small truck when ANY 1/2 ton 2wd pickup from the 90's gets the same gas mileage.

I get 24-25 on the highway with my 86 kingcab D-21. Have since the day I got it. Now at 332k. I have rebuilt the engine.

ProDarwin wrote: S10 Ecotec 5spd (not sure if that is too new or not).

More like non-existent. The S-10's had the old push rod 2.2l, all the way up until 2003, 2004 they were only available with a 43.l V6, and 2005 they were replaced by the Colorado. They never got the Ecotech.

This is the only truck you'll ever need...ever:

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/750861531.html

Small trucks don't get anywhere near the fuel economy that they should.

I almost bought a Tacoma a few years back, until I realized it was rated for 16-20 mpg (V-6). The V-4 is rated for 20-25 mpg.

I get 22 mpg in my F-250 Diesel. What's the point??

Considering the weight and size, these trucks should do A LOT better than they do.

SVreX wrote: I get 22 mpg in my F-250 Diesel. What's the point??

Exactly. Now, if I could fit that diesel in my Hardbody pickup, I'd be a happy, happy man.

I figure swapping in a tight small block Chevy would net me around 22 mpg, and I'd have more power than I'd know what to do with. Except in winter, of course.

16vCorey wrote:

ProDarwin wrote: S10 Ecotec 5spd (not sure if that is too new or not).

More like non-existent. The S-10's had the old push rod 2.2l, all the way up until 2003

Before the 2.2, they had the 2.5 Iron Duke, which was truly indestructable.

The research I've done regarding my upcoming LSx-based Vortec V8 swap into the S10 suggests that I should get at least as good for fuel economy as the 2.2L gets now, probably better. I have every expectation of over 20mpg around town and nearer 30 on the highway.

Were I a bored lotto winner I would love to see the 4BT Cummins or similarly-sized Isuzu diesel shoe-horned into an S10. That or a DeDion axle with a 4-link out back driven by a WRX motor mounted under the front half of the bed using a 2WD trans. Subtle change in bed floor height to hide it, back-halfed frame.......

My father has a late 90's GMC Sonoma (S-15?) long-bed, extended cab, 4-banger w/ 5speed. That thing is no fun at all to drive. Awful.

Its true. I test drove one, and it could barely move. Thats way too much truck for that little motor.