Compact crew cab truck shopping...

Looking at picking up a compact crew cab truck and looking for some owner advice or look out fors.  Looking at Canyon/Colorado, Frontier, etc.  Would love a Tacoma but don't really need to spend the extra Toyota tax on one. Really want a crew cab so the back windows can go down for the dogs to enjoy.  Any suggestions for something cheap around $6k?  This won't be a daily driver, just a once in a while hauler, buying some land so would come in handy.  

I'd also add the Gladiator to that list, especially since it's more in the 'fun' category.  Checks all your boxes, and has the bonus of taking the roof off (or the doors if you're so inclined).  

Edit:

D'oh, just saw your $6k requirement.  No way the Gladiator makes that cut.  

I have enjoyed my Frontier crew cab. I also wanted a Tacoma but couldn't pay the extra money for the same specs that the Frontier has just with a Toyota badge. 

Yea for not spending a ton, I don't expect to sell later and get all the money back like you can with  a Tacoma.  I had a crew cab one that i owned for about a year and I sold it for what I paid for it.  

At that price point, it's probably best to pick the cleanest example you can find among the Frontier, Colorado... and the Suzuki Equator, which was a rebadged Frontier. 

Are you avoiding the Dakota on purpose? Would something like an Explorer Sport-Trac or Honda Ridgeline work?

 

I've just seen more Dakota's with trans issues so was avoiding them. 

Not mentioned so far,but the Ford Explorer Sport Trac... A little lacking on the truck side, not sure how much "truck" you need out of it. 

V6 Sport Trac is a Gas Hog empty, guessing it does not get any better towing.

Good Luck

I have a 2010 Frontier I'd consider selling so I can buy a full size truck with a bigger bed, which would be advantageous on race weekends. Mine has about 152k, I'd probably be asking closer to $9k though.