Ranger, S-10, Tacoma, or Dakota...Which is better?

Question

I want a smaller truck with 4WD. I will be using it to haul my dirtbike around. I also would prefer the extended cab so at least three people could fit in it. My price limit is around $10,000. Which is better and why?

Answer 1

Toyota before 2004 or whenever they changed the body style try to stick with the 22R and avoid the V6 as well as the automatic. Take care of it and it will last forever. If you wish to go with a 2wd then an S10 with auto.

Answer 2

Personally I have had experience with all of them. I would go with the tacoma personally I have a 1999 V6 automatic with 3 inch fab tech lift and 35 " Super Swamper's on it and it goes places big trucks can't fit into, they also retain their value very very well against all other competitors. There is nothing wrong with the dakota either as I have hit a deer at 45MPH with hair in the grill and there was no damage to the truck whatsoever. I had a ranger with transmission problems, it wouldn't shift gears without reving the engine while driving. S-10's are ok, I don't like the look much and neither it or the ranger will have a very high towing capacity.