Whats the right truck for me?

Question

I'm looking at getting a truck considering I just caused some significant damage to my blazer, don't know if its totaled yet but I want to get a jump start on the vehicle search.

It will prorbably take some long trips on the highway but I need the versatility for moving furniture and other random things you can't beat having a pickup for. I'm in the under 10000 dollar range but obviously want to save as much money as possible. Extended cab is desirable, not crew cab. 2001 time frame v6 s10's and rangers are in the running for best price but they seem a little small for me so any experience for larger individuals? Tacomas are pretty good trucks from what I've heard and seem a little roomier but they take a pretty good price jump. f150's 1500's and tundras are plenty big but the gas starts becoming an issue with v8's, are the v6's underpowered for these trucks?

Anyway thats a lot to consider, please give me any thoughts or experience to help me make my decision

Answer 1

i would consider the Tacoma, Tundra, nissan Frointer, or Titan, even silverados, because they all get pretty good gas mileage, the Rangers get 15 city and 21 highway just like the new silverado's get and most of those pickups named even the older ones so i owuld consider those or the Dodge Dakota is a good buy.

Answer 2

honestly your best solution is a dakota with a v6.its wider in the bed than the ranger/s-10/colorado/canyon, and also has higher payload capacity.the dakota's ranging from as early as 91,going to 03 have the larger cabs,and share components  with the full size line, so in the dakota's lighter weight range the trans/engine are easily able to handle heavy loads, and the bed will be long enough with the tail gate down to accomodate 7-8' long couches.the dakota has plenty of room for 3 peoplethough it will seat 6 in a pinch.the dakota also allows for the use of a class 4 hitch should you need to pull a trailer. ive moved furniture lots of times with my dakota and loading it up with 2 full coaches,and a lounge chair didnt take much effort. with a air intake,exhaust modification, it is possible to see upper 20's mpg on the highway, i avg about 19 in the city with my v6 club cab 4x4.

Answer 3

Check the GMC Sonoma extended cab

Answer 4

You didn't state your geographic location. If gas is an issue then look at the smaller trucks. I have an f-150 4x4 and it only gets around 13mpg. But it does everything I need. 4wd in the winter, plenty of room for moving things, extended cab for extra room and keeping stuff out of the rain, and bench seat so you can take more than 1 person with you. Price fords against chevies. I drive a ford only because I can get more value for the dollar. I have owned full & s-10 blazers, short box chevies and fords, all being 4wd. I don't think you will be happy though with the smaller pickup if you are plannin g to haul much. You just have to weigh it all out. Sounds like you are on the right track though.

Good Luck!!!!