Advice on used truck

[ExcellentRed]

Hey guys,

I am currently am owner of a 93 F150 with about 155k miles. While I love driving around that big machine and getting 11 mpg with a 5.8 liter V8, I am getting sick of paying for gas and since I am just a poor college student I need something more practical and also extremely reliable.

My neighbor owned a late 80's toyota pickup that he put nearly 300k miles on with little mechanical problems. Toyota makes reliable trucks as far as i know.

So here's the deal...
I am interested in getting an early 90's toyota pickup. Here's what I would really like -
$5000 price
4wd
extended cab, short bed
20+ mpg city. Is this only possible with a 4 cylinder?
AC

What pickup would you recommend? Is there a certain year I should avoid? What engines are available, and what kind of mileage/performance can I expect from them?

Thanks alot for your help

[nofear4189]

early 90's toyota go for 1000 up to probably 5000. For me personally to buy an early (90-95) truck, itd have to look really good with somewhat low miles for tops of $5,000. Mines a 92 and in decent condition, 164,000 miles, 22-RE (which is the toyota 4cyl EFI) 5spd for $1,500. They are darn good trucks if they are taken care of. the extended cabs are popular for that time, and shouldnt be hard to find. I see more of them around here than regular cabs. Im not sure of the gas mileage, as i havnt ever checked mine. But should be around 20, or a little less. It depends on how you drive it. My 92 has good a/c and heat. works well. ive heard of these yrs trucks going to 250,000 + miles easially.

hope that helps
-Adam-

[reb]

You probably won't get 20 mpg with 4WD. You will also sacrifice some of the reliabillity (more moving parts yields a higher failure rate). I was in your shoes a few (?) years ago and remember the budget problems. If I were there now, I'd opt for a clean 4 cyl 2WD (stick shift) and buy the 4WD after graduation. I'd also recommend the extended cab. The standard cab is cramped.

[ExcellentRed]

Alright, thanks for the help guys. I think you are right about the 2wd, I have gone 3 years without it so I don't need it now heh heh. But I will definitely need the extended cab - I'm a little over 6'3". Speaking of which, will i be fairly comfortable in that size truck at my height?

And with the 2.4L, how much pickup will it have? I am used to a V8, though it is a little arthritic. Does it still scoot since it is a small truck?

[reb]

It won't be a drag racer, but quite adequate. I was a believer in Detroit V8s until I got my first import 4-banger. I haven't wanted to go back.

I am 6'2" and found my '85 xtra cab quite comfortable. I believe the later trucks are a bit bigger.

Try one out; make up your own mind.

[ExcellentRed]

I was reading that the '96's are alot nicer than the 95's. Power Steering, etc. Is this the case?