Woodworking As Hobby=Need New Vehicle Advice

[Ken Weaver]

quote:Originally posted by frumper64

I'll throw in another vote for Nissan trucks - I've had two and they have both been absolutely bulletproof mechanically. They also tend to go pretty cheap in both the new and used car markets compared to Toyota trucks. If my current one were to get totalled, I would get another one in a heartbeat.

I agree - I have a '96 Nissan 4-banger Extended Cab, 105,000 miles, still has the original spark plugs, 22 around town, 27 hiway. Only thing I've done is brake pads and tires (mostly due to the teenager (#2 son) that drove it for 2 years before I took it over), and I replaced all hoses and belts at 100k miles (my normal PM). I drive it to work every day and find it good for hauling everything that I need to satisfy my WW habit. I have a toolbox in the back and if I have a lot of 4x8 sheet goods to haul I'll take it out to make things easier.

[frumper64]

I solved the sheet goods problem with my Nissan by making a frame to go in the back of the bed the same height as my toolbox. The frame is simply three pieces of 2 by 4 hinged together (for easier storage in the garage). I use a couple of C clamps to clamp the verticals to the sides of the bed back near the tailgate and then lay the sheet goods on it and on the toolbox. They still overhang the back by a couple of feet, but it's easy to load and tie down. Now if only there were a way to make 3/4" MDF a bit lighter.

[axio]

quote:Originally posted by JR

quote:Originally posted by axio

use my [u]girlfriend's</u> accord ... My budget is extrememly limited as well since I [u]just bought an engagement ring</u>.

Um, axio, does your girlfriend know you're engaged?

JR

Not yet... I just got it this weekend...

[JR]

quote:Originally posted by axio

Not yet... I just got it this weekend...

Oh, baby, it's nervous time! Good luck!

JR

[Ken Weaver]

quote:Originally posted by frumper64

I solved the sheet goods problem with my Nissan by making a frame to go in the back of the bed the same height as my toolbox. The frame is simply three pieces of 2 by 4 hinged together (for easier storage in the garage). I use a couple of C clamps to clamp the verticals to the sides of the bed back near the tailgate and then lay the sheet goods on it and on the toolbox. They still overhang the back by a couple of feet, but it's easy to load and tie down. Now if only there were a way to make 3/4" MDF a bit lighter.

Good idea Jim - mind taking a pic?

[Ken Massingale]

I've never owned a Toyota, so I can't address that brand. I have had 2 DATSUN (Nissan to you youngsters) pickups, and never had a problem, and abused the heck out of them.
I also have an 84 Chevy S-10 Blazer, (bought new) same everything as the pickup except the enclosed back, had the motor rebuilt at 350k, now at about 425k miles. We have off-roaded it to the max.
Normal maintenance is all I've had to do. I don't know about the later model S-10's but the earlier models were tough.
Good luck with whatever you decide on,
ken

[guycox]

I'm in the same predicament, Ford Explorer 4Dr. - I've thought about getting a 4x8 trailer -- are those trailer EXACTLY 4 feet wide? (I've been meaning to run by and measure them). -- Otherwise how do ya put a full sheet in withoug propping it up on one edge...

[Cody.h]

Let me add my 2 cents here. I'm a service advisor at a Lincoln/Mercury dealership...we had Nissan also till about 2 years ago so I get to see alot of cars and trucks.

I have to agree with alota people here about the Nissan....great truck and cheaper then a Toyota till ya have to repair them...parts are very high...probably same as a Toyota though. They are also right that a V6 gas mileage is about the same in these small trucks.

I also agree dont overlook a Ford Ranger though. I had a 87 with the 4cyl 5 speed..wouldnt get out of its own way but a great truck. I bought it with 130,000 miles drove it 3 years and sold it 195,000 on it for almost what I had bought it for. My boss has a 91 now that he got for $3000.00 a couple of years ago ..had 65,000 on it and he loves it. The 4 cyl in the Ranger is much more reliable then any of the 6 cly's and cheaper too so thats where I'd go if ya were considering a Ranger.

I must say though that if you want a good cheap truck look for a reg cab 6 cly 5 speed Ford F-150 any where from a 80 to 96 model. You can find them in your price range with around 100,000 miles on them...at least here in Texas and they are almost bulletproof. Ive had my 93 for 8 years fixin to turn 100,000 and Ive had to replace 1 headlamp bulb the turnsignal switch and the slave cylinder for the clutch in 67,000 miles.Best thing is its a fullsize long bed truck so no loading concerns ever and if ya ask any man thats owned a small truck and then a fullsize he'd tell ya he'd never go back to a little one again.

[twistsol]

I have the $249 folding 4x8 trailer from harbor freight which is now $219. I pull it with the minivan or the intrepid and have never had a problem. The best part about it is that we also use it as a construction dumpster and just toss stuff in it until it's full, then hook it up a take it to the dump. It also folds up and tucks away in the corner of the garage.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=90154

[Scottydont]

As a former Auto Dealer Service Manager of 17 years, let me throw my two cents in. I have owned many small and full size pick ups. I would be in favor of the Toyota over the S10. I have seen many Toyota pickups into the 150K-200K range that were still going strong. I have two used Toyota pickups and they NEVER failed me. As for the S10, as a Service Manager I was consistently frustrated and dissapointed about the shabby quality of them. Motor replacements under 100K were as common as replacing brake pads. Absolutely intolerable. Shame on GM. Ford Rangers (4cyl not V6) are a slight improvement, and I agree with some others who commented on Nissan. A Nissan is not a Toyota would be a viable lumber hauler.

I have normally had trucks all my life but my wife convinced me that we could do without the expense of our '85 F250 straight six truck since I have a company car. I loved that truck. I agree with a previous post about the F series trucks with the straight six. Very reliable, lots of torque. I bought a Featherlite all aluminum trailer which is very light but has an axle rated for 3500 LBS. and installed a trailer hitch on my wifes Toyota RAV4 (my company prohibits the installation of trailer hitches on company vehicles.) It works out great for us other than having to time my lumber runs when her car is a available.

Good luck!

[Pappy]

I have a 91 Dakota long bed that has 2 advantages over some of the mid-sized trucks. The bed is a full 8' long and it has notches in the side walls to accept 3 2x6's even with the top of the wheel wells allowing you to lay down a full sheet of plywood.

[tojan19]

I second the recommendation for a small trailer. You can get a 4x8 at harbor freight for a couple of hundred and haul 1000-1500#'s of stuff. Get a folding one and it even fits in the garage. No insurance and depending on how much you plan to load it it can be towed with most cars.

[scorrpio]

I would also consider the trailer. A lot less headache.
And yes, vast majority of trailers are sized to accept a 4x8' sheet.

[tung tied]

I've a '00 S10 Ext cab. V6. Not a single problem. 330 miles on 13.5 gal fillups- consistantly. Have soft bed cover. Hauled a LOT of mulch. Plan to keep another 7 years. The only dent looks like a bullet hole from a rapidly expelled cut-off from my BT3000 into the drivers door! Plenty of scratches though.

Also, I agree with Larry G. Consumer Reports lost my respect when they rated (my memory is fuzzy from the early 80s) a Toyota as being better than a Chevy Nova. The cars were built at the same factory, on the same line, at the same time. A neighbor even had one that had a Chevy emblem on the transom, and Toyota emblem on the trunk lid (thank you QC!).

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer Simpson

[crokett]

For a small truck I'd go with a Toyota or Nissan. For the truck vs trailer, I have a trailer. A lot of days I wish I had a truck. A lot more convenient for the quick trip to get smallish messy stuff you really don't want in your car. Then I think about having to insure it, maintain it, put gas in it, etc and I am glad I have a trailer.