Completely impractical and not good on gas, but i'd love to have one:  Ford SVT F150 Lightning.

ahhhhhhh Wabbit Twuck 

lots of info and classifieds on VeeDubs here...  http://www.thesamba.com
i use this site extensively for my 1973 Karmann Ghia restoration project.

Well, if you're in the market for a Nissan, I have a 2000 Frontier XE regular cab that you can have for 12000.  That's cheaper than the Tacoma....and what I paid for it when it was new. 

Well update on the truck hunt.  I have decided to get a used cheap truck cause that is what is best for me and the lady.  I am going to look at a 95 nissan pickup 4x4 today.  The engine was replaced 30k ago and it has had a number of things replaced with new parts.  The only problem that the saler stated over the phone is that there is rust above the rear fenders and in one of the front wheel wells.  The rust is repairable but would need metal on the bed.  But hell if it is a good mechanically as he says i am prob going to end up getting it.  he is asking 4900.

that sounds way too much for a rusty truck, IMO.

There's no such thing as "reparable rust"  If it's rusting now, it will continue to rust, no matter what you do to it. 

Well i am giving him the benifit of the doubt right now.  I havn't seen it so i am going to take a look and see what is going on.  I agree that if it is rusted like in my head then he is asking to much.  While i am in that area I am going to take a look at a couple other trucks as well and see if i can't find a used dealer or two.  The first one i looked at was a 99 dodge dakota and it was in great shape and drove nice, untill i checked the under carriage, it was dumping trans fluid and that is something that i don't want to think about fixing first thing.

Dude, someone else already mentioned your best option: The Ford Ranger.

They depreciate like crazy, especially compared to Toyotas.  That's a really good thing when you're buying used-they'll cost you about half as much for the same year and mileage.  For example, the first tacoma you listed for like 17K could be had for around 8 K if it was a Ranger.

It's also the same design that's been used for like 15 years...kind of like the GS.  They've pretty much got the kinks worked out.  I'd get the 4.0 L V6. The 4 cylinder is pretty weak and the 3.0 V6 is notorious for a knock problem.  Other than that they are fairly reliable-Ford did well with its pickup trucks.

Also replacement parts are cheaper.  Checkout consumer guide for the price of an AC compressor or transmission for the Ranger vs. Tacoma.  AC or tranny is like 1300 for toyota, 650 for Ford.  If I were buying used I'd definately get a Ranger.  (As it is I'm buying new in a few months and will probably go for the Frontier).

yeah i have seen a couple decent rangers, most of the ones that are in my range have a gazilion miles and have been beat to hell.  I have seen one that was ok untill i test drove it.  Service light was on and it started to overheat, wonder why he was selling it lol.  the rest are being sold by dealers and i really don't feel like paying 14k for a used truck.  I hate car shopping, if i were in the city i grew up in this wouldn't be a problem, there are a million pickups everywhere.  While i'm on it has anyone heard anything bad about dakotas.  There is an 02 2wd with 55k on it for 7500.  I have heard things about the transmissions but don't know how much of the rantings of chevy people to believe

You can tow a GS no problem.  I'm an avid duck hunter and I tow a boat and gear that equal the weight of 4 GS's in a little honda civic!  Been doing so for the last 15 years without a problem.   No problem with front wheel drive cv joints.  I tow far too, 3hr trips each way.  Find an old 12 to 14" boat trailer and put a couple sheets of 4by8's to tow one gs or a utility trailer to tow more bikes.  Unless you are set of getting a PU.  Used I'd look at Rangers.  Toyota has the highest resale value on use vehicles right now, esp the tacos.  But you can get a 4by4 Ranger for under 10k in primo shape.

Hope this helps


Chris

eh ive always had probs with dodge automatics, nissan ac systems hell prolly had probs with jus about every brand, except ford. hell ive got an '00 frontier im trying to get out from under. heh the damned ac quit. black truck with dark interior on a hot day = 

yeah that sucks, i have had a black firebird with black leather and that thing would roast on a hot summer day.  Hell it would take the AC a good 10 mins to catch up once it was blowing cold.  I am looking at a lot of rangers and dakotas because that is what i am seeing out there that is priced right.  Not to many s-10s but there are some around, they are normally just older and have the starts of cancer because they have been offroading the hard way or they have so many miles I question how long they will be around.

Did you do an auto trader search?  I found over 300 hits checking for Ford Rangers between $3000 and $10,000 within 200 miles of your zip.  Lotta options there.

  rust = car cancer

I'm thinking of selling my oo frontier xe 4 x 4...93,000 miles just serviced @ dealer.

Have you looked at small enclosed trailers? I saw one at home depot for under $2000. No extra gas or insurance just repack the wheel bearings once a year. On trips the bike and gear will stay dry, you can even use as storage for the winter

actually that is what i a looking for.  If you decide to and the price is right i would be for it.

found 98 nissan Frontier, garage kept and in mint condition.  98k miles 6700 i am making it mine.  And just to let you know trailers are bad because i am not allowed to park them where i live, forgot to mention that before.  oh well hopefull the thing will be good for years to come.