At Last, A Small Pickup?

[TripleR]

Freedom of choice is a wonderful thing, is it not?

Couple more thoughts:

1. Individual driving style can easily affect gas mileage by 2-3 MPG. Gradual acceleration/deceleration and using your momentum are keys -- even on freeway driving -- especially in hilly areas. Example: I can usually get better mileage where I drive with my right foot than on cruise control because I can anticipate the need to accelerate while cruise control cannot...

2. Any vehicle is a compromise in daily use -- no one vehicle does all things well. You simply choose the compromise that best meets your specific needs -- if you research it well, that is...

3. As I said earlier, I've driven pickups for many years because I need the utility of hauling and towing moderate loads. If I used it daily to make a living hauling/towing heavy loads, like on a construction site, farm or a landscape business, I would prioritize and choose differently.

4. Just as many small pickups (Nissan and Toyota -- not Ford Ranger) have "grown" over the years into mid-sizes, the F-150/1500 size pickups have grown to be oversized for many of us. My Frontier has essentially the same size and performance specs (though 6500lb towing instead of 7000lb) of the F-150s that I drove years ago. I do need 4WD because of snow and I do need good MPG...

As far as price points -- I paid $23,500 for my Frontier SE Value Package, without special yearend closeout deals or anything. It came with automatic, 4-wheel ABS and 4-wheel traction control (uses brakes to provide automatic limited slip on all four wheels), power everything except seats, tow package, aluminum wheels, bedliner, air, cruise, sliding rear window, etc. It is not the "stripped model" that's often advertised with low prices by some brands/dealers, though it doesn't have leather, heated seats, etc. It's just an affordable light truck, that has proven reliable and comfortable -- and meets my needs -- similar to the F-150s that I grew up driving...

I moved down from full-size trucks a few years ago, moving first from a Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4WD to a V-8 Dakota 4WD Quad Cab (which wasn't much of an improvement in mileage, only maneuverability), and then later moved to the Frontiers. This is my second one -- my son totalled my first one, and I was so pleased with it, that I simply replaced it with a new one...

I typically put about 100,000 miles on my 4WD trucks then trade them in, while they still have some trade-in value, are still reliable, and before I have to deal with the expense of rebuilding transfer cases, transmissions, etc. I need a vehicle that I can hook up my trailer and head off on a 2,000 mile venture without worrying about breaking down, overheating, etc. If I were trying to get 250,000 miles out of one I'd likely make my decisions differently... just like I'd do differently if I needed to tow 10,000 lb....

IMO, make your choices based on your needs -- while respecting the point that different people have different needs and different priorities...

All good points. My present "full size" is an 06 Tundra which is really maybe a 7/8ths rather than full size and that is all I need. I had an F150 for a few years and it was a good truck, but it about broke me keeping gas in it.

My little 2WD trucks were before the Tacoma and as you mentioned the Tacoma has gotten big. They were compromises that worked OK in a lot of areas, but not really well in any one.

I don't need to pull anything really heavy on any kind of regular basis, so if I do, I just hire someone.

This is only my second 4WD; totaled my first at 56k, so I don't know how long I will keep it. I use to put a minimum of 200K on my trucks, but I am getting too old to walk home, so who knows.

 

[Markcuda]

This is my 06 Frontier, and I love it.
115,000 miles and going strong.

 

[Scooby074]

If Toyota brought over the Euro Hilux diesel they'd sell every one they brought in. I know it would be the only vehicle id trade my 96 tacoma in on. Personally the current NA Tacoma does absolutely nothing for me. In either styling or performance.

Ive sent emails to Toyota canada, talked to my dealer etc etc... but it falls on deaf ears.

Honestly in MY opinion its the American market. The US (other than those on TBN) hates diesels especially in cars , jetta excepted. California emissions plays a part but probably not as much as the american psyche.

Take the Smart for example. When it came to Canada is had great mileage as a diesel. It was launched here first. Canadians love diesels, much more than americians. When it went to the states, they swapped in a gas engine. Killed the mileage and ruined the car.

They say the Canadian market isnt big enough, so we only get whats sold in the states. BS i say..

Then there is the BMW 335d. Gets well over 35MPG and maintains awesome performance (more torque than a 6.1L hemi), yet they cant sell them? If i was in the market for a $45,000 car id be all over it, especially if they brought over the estate (3 series touring).

Im not tallking out of my hat here, ive had a diesel Jetta. It was phenomenal. The mileage!!. It was almost comical to get that on a tank. Drive and drive between fillups. I just wish more companies would get on the bandwagon.

 

[ljohnson778]

Regardless of "need" some people simply prefer trucks. My dad drove big trucks for a living. He owned cars over the years, but the last few years of his life, after he retired, his "truck" was an F150 and his "car" was a Mazda B2000.

I drove cars to work for much of my career because of the 4 cylinder gas mileage. I now get in a car only under the most extreme situations.

My mom had to sell her little Toyota 5-speed pick up after she broke her arm and it never healed well enough to shift, so now she drives an automatic Ford Ranger. She is 89 and simply prefers trucks.

I know a lot of people who drive high performance sports cars and see that as no different than someone driving a big pickup even though they don't haul or pull anything.

x2

Since when do you have to need a truck in order to own one? How many of us actually need our tractors? I love my truck, and I love my tractor, that's all the "need" I need.

As far as smaller pickups, I suspect a lot of buyers are looking for better maneuverability and easier parking, while still having a truck. I don't think they are necessarily looking for extreme fuel economy or raw capability.

I drive a diesel truck because I want to, not that I need to. A gasser would be capable for the amount of towing I do, but it isn't what I want.

 

[TripleR]

x2

Since when do you have to need a truck in order to own one? How many of us actually need our tractors? I love my truck, and I love my tractor, that's all the "need" I need.

As far as smaller pickups, I suspect a lot of buyers are looking for better maneuverability and easier parking, while still having a truck. I don't think they are necessarily looking for extreme fuel economy or raw capability.

I drive a diesel truck because I want to, not that I need to. A gasser would be capable for the amount of towing I do, but it isn't what I want.

That should cover it.:thumbsup:

 

[rnh1]

what about a remake of the Chevy LUVs? Ford owns Cummmins, why can't they put the four cylinder version in something small? Why do they still use International engines?

 

[ljohnson778]

what about a remake of the Chevy LUVs? Ford owns Cummmins, why can't they put the four cylinder version in something small? Why do they still use International engines?

I won't knock the international engines, I've had a 7.3 powerstroke and a 6.4 powerstroke. Both were good to me. I will say this, I have a 2011 F250 with the Ford built 6.7 diesel, and it is far and away my favorite. What I'm hoping is that if Ford's venture into the diesel world proves out, they might consider offering similar, smaller diesels in other platforms.

 

[Markcuda]

Ford owns Cummmins,

Post proof of that, if you can't, you have no clue what you are spewing.

 

[QRTRHRS]

what about a remake of the Chevy LUVs? Ford owns Cummmins, why can't they put the four cylinder version in something small? Why do they still use International engines?

You need to take some time and search the net before you post unless you like abuse.

FORD DOES NOT OWN CUMMINS, NEVER DID, ONLY SOME SHARES!

FORD AND INTERNATIONAL GOT DIVORCED! Though, plenty of Fords still rely on IH for replacement parts/engines.

 

[QRTRHRS]

American pickup trucks are sold as macho jewelry to insecure wannabes.
Check out the ones on the highway during the commute. One or two people up front, and NOTHING in the bed.

This is a good thing for people like me that buy used. Nothing like picking up a clean diesel truck for 10k or so off of the sticker price.

 

[ljohnson778]

You need to take some time and search the net before you post unless you like abuse.

FORD DOES NOT OWN CUMMINS, NEVER DID, ONLY SOME SHARES!

FORD AND INTERNATIONAL GOT DIVORCED! Though, plenty of Fords still rely on IH for replacement parts/engines.

Yeah, I didn't touch the Cummins comment because I'm jet sick of that stupid rumor... Great answer on your part!

 

[Markcuda]

Originally Posted by DAY

One or two people up front, and NOTHING in the bed.

So what?
Are you the pick up truck police:laughing:

 

[ljohnson778]

So what?
Are you the pick up truck police:laughing:

Ha ha :thumbsup:

 

[Sasquatch4100]

That looks like my parents Nissan. Nice truck. Didn't take the WV roads (or deer) very well. I think theirs was an 05? I know the Chevy 2500HD they have currently have had it a while. They have to plow lots of snow and occasionally rescue my moms Subaru from the ditch in the winter LOL.

I LOVE the Toyota Hilux! The ones with the diesel and flat aluminum beds with 4WD and snorkels and winches equipped with tons of work lights and a 'roo bumper. Man I'd give a kidney for one of those! I used to drool every time saw one when I lived in Australia. And the diesels were so quiet! Not like the ones here in the states (excluding the new vw's and mercedes).

 

[rnh1]

in our area the new thing is natural gas. it lists $1.60 for gallon gas equivalent. the state reimburses you for most of the conversion cost. the problem is not too many convienient filling stations. as far as diesels, couldn't someone come up with a conversion, say four cylinder from small tractor or something to fit small truck?

 

[rnh1]

there's nothing wrong with International engines, just that Cummmins gets a lot more push out of the same cubes. As far as Ford, my 3000 has close to 5000 hours and still running strong. Years ago I drove F700s with Brazillian made Fords that would leave comparable Internationals way behind in a hard pull.

 

[DIRTROAD]

And the diesels were so quiet! Not like the ones here in the states (excluding the new vw's and mercedes).

I bought my wife a new 2011 Jetta TDI last new years eve. Boy is that thing quiet compared to my 1982 rabbit pickup. It has a ton more power too. But when it comes down to the fuel milage and simplicity, My lil' truck is the winner.

 

[J_J]

Had one of these way back when.

Were made from about 61 - 67.

140 or 170 cu in , 6 cyl , 85 HP 25 to 30 mpg

 

[TripleR]

Had one of these way back when.

Were made from about 61 - 67.

140 or 170 cu in , 6 cyl , 85 HP 25 to 30 mpg

A friend of mine had one of those and he used it to deliver propane bottles out of his dad's small country store.

 

[jinman]

I see advertise and in trafic as well Chinesse made Great Wall PU. They look OK to me and cost about 45% less than comparable truck from in ex Nissan. I am in Australia.
Great Wall | Paceway Great Wall dealer Perth, Western Australia

But at 6,250 lb for the diesel version, I'd call it anything but a compact pickup.

I had a '74 Mazda B2000 that I loved, but needed a bigger pickup to haul larger loads on my trailer. That B2000 regularly got 29 mpg and ran like a top when I sold it with 189k mi on it. I bought it for $2795 with 25k miles on it and sold it for $1250. I don't know how I could ever say anything bad about that little pickup.

My neighbor has a 4WD Datsun pickup that he can't bear to part with. It's his #1 deer lease truck. It looks similar to the one in the photo below, but is blue and not nearly as nice looking.