Question about trucks ?

**cyfreddy** · 12-23-2007, 10:16 AM

I currently have a 2001 F150 Crew Cab, I am looking to downsize to a smaller pickup. I have looked at a few Chevy S10's anybody have anything information on if these are solid pickups or not ? I am also looking at something to help lower my payments, so any information will help.

P.S. My truck currently is a four door, prefer to stay that way if possible.

**cytech** · 12-23-2007, 10:22 AM

My dad bought a S-10 2 door 2007 last spring, it was basically a no frills work truck and it gets the job done. Big gas tank, about 20-25 mpg on the highway ( I drove it to Detroit from cedar rapids in July ) I didn't need to stop for gas the entire way ( but I did have to stop to use the restroom)
I like that it is lower to the ground easy loading and unloading, though a crappy winter car w/o 4wd
But it drives nice and was pretty inexpensive

**erikbj** · 12-23-2007, 10:41 AM

I would recommend the Tacomma 4-door. It drives real well and is a good work truck.

**CycloneDaddy** · 12-23-2007, 11:18 AM

I have a Dodge Dakota Quad cab, my buddy drives a Chevy Colorado Quad cab and my co-worker drives a S-10 Quad cab. We all agree that the Dodge is the way to go and it also has the most interior room of the 3.

**dmclone** · 12-23-2007, 11:35 AM

New or used. What about one of the older Tundra's. They are smaller than the current model and more reliable.

I wouldn't buy a new chevy s-10 because of the depreciation but picking up a couple year old one would work.

**ekim121** · 12-23-2007, 12:09 PM

They made the s10 in a quad cab for a few years before the Colorado came out, so you could probably find one for a decent price. They were essentially the same for over 10 years and had the 4.3L which is uber reliable.

The dakotas were redesigned for 04 or 05, I can't remember which, but would definitely have the most room of all the 'small' trucks, and its the only with with an available v8. On the flip side, its a Dodge, so quality can be a bit iffy, but who am I to say, I drive a Jeep.

The Tacoma double cab would be a solid choice, but they're expensive enough that unless you found one with higher mileage you likely wouldn't lower your payments at all. Same story with the Tundra as that didn't come in a true double cab until 04 or somewhere around there.

The Nissan Frontier has actually had the crew cab around longer than any of the other small trucks. They redesigned for 02, but the ones prevous to that are nice as well. They have a 3.3L which is a higly regarded engine, but its going to be smaller on the inside than options like the dakota.

Sort of a lot of information, but if it were me I'd probably look for an S-10 as it'd be you best bet in terms of price and reliability.

**cytech** · 12-23-2007, 12:16 PM

that new s-10 we got in may was like 15k and with the gm card we use for business we took like 3500 off that so it really wasn't that expensive

**dmclone** · 12-23-2007, 12:34 PM

My sister drives a Dakota. It creaks more than a 76 Trans Am, she just replaced the transmission at 100K miles, and it gets about 16mpg. She likes it though.

**DaddyMac** · 12-23-2007, 12:53 PM

I have a '00 Dakota quad cab. Can't complain about it, although my wife does endlessly.

Only have the 4x2, so in slicker weather it's a task. Her main complaint is the heat during the winter. Doesn't really kick it out and the older ones don't have vents to the back seat. Don't know if the new ones do or not.

Otherwise, knock on wood - I haven't had much of anything go wrong with it in nearly 7 years and 75K miles. I'm sure I just jinxed myself. If I get another truck after this one, it'll definitely be quad cab. That's just too nice.

FWIW - I believe the Toyota Tacoma gets better ratings and reviews from Consumer Reports - if you put much stock in those things.

**CYCLONE STATE** · 12-23-2007, 12:54 PM

Tacoma or Tundra the way to go. I love my Tacoma-no problems ever. It may cost more up front but will save money in the end.

**jumbopackage** · 12-24-2007, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by CycloneDaddy

I have a Dodge Dakota Quad cab, my buddy drives a Chevy Colorado Quad cab and my co-worker drives a S-10 Quad cab. We all agree that the Dodge is the way to go and it also has the most interior room of the 3.

The Dakota really isn't a whole lot smaller than a full size truck. I don't put a whole lot of faith in Dodge's stuff these days, even though I'm a Mopar guy (why oh why did they have to ditch the 727 transmission??? couple that with a 318 or 360 Magnum and you've got a pretty bulletproof combo).

Neighbor has Tacomas and swears by them. I've heard nothing but good stuff about them. Don't know if something like that would help lower your payments.

**DareDevil** · 12-24-2007, 02:35 PM

I have had my Danger Ranger for almost 5 years and I would have recommended it however after my sisters Exploder of the same year did just that... I would recommend the Tacomma it might be my next choice.

**iccyfan** · 12-25-2007, 07:28 PM

You need a pickup like I need a kick to the groin. Trade that big gas guzzler in on a four-cylinder manual transmission commuter car that your sixteen Y/O can drive. Problem solved...

P.S. I know cyfreddy...

**cyfreddy** · 12-25-2007, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by iccyfan

You need a pickup like I need a kick to the groin. Trade that big gas guzzler in on a four-cylinder manual transmission commuter car that your sixteen Y/O can drive. Problem solved...

P.S. I know cyfreddy...

Welcome back iccyfan ! Yes, you are probably right, but for some damn reason I want a pickup or a suv. I just need something with low payments, and good gas mileage.

**jumbopackage** · 12-25-2007, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by cyfreddy

Welcome back iccyfan ! Yes, you are probably right, but for some damn reason I want a pickup or a suv. I just need something with low payments, and good gas mileage.

If those are the most important things to you, a truck is certainly not what youre looking for. Maybe one of those old Isuzu trucks or something, but nothing made in the last 15 years or so.