Best Small Truck a Few Years Old?

Which small truck (~2007 or 2008)

  • Colorado/Canyon

    Votes: 6 16.7%

  • Ranger/B3000

    Votes: 11 30.6%

  • Tacoma

    Votes: 17 47.2%

  • Dakota

    Votes: 1 2.8%

  • Other (post in comments)

    Votes: 1 2.8%
  • Total voters
    36
Motorcycle Mike

Motorcycle Mike

Well-known member
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I'm considering buying a 2nd hand truck... probably around 2007 or 2008, preferably under $10k.

Wanting a smaller truck because it is all I need and the wife will be driving it too... so it needs to be automatic for her.

I've googled around and I know what consumer reports, etc, say... but what about your experiences? What would you suggest?
 
Bought a 2008 Ranger a little over a year ago. Bed Liner and cap. Automatic, 4 cylinder, pretty much nothing other than that (no air, standard roll down windows etc) for $9K +taxes with 37,000 km on it. Still had 3 months warranty. Been rock solid with no issues *knock on wood*. Most I put in the back was approx 1200-1500 lbs gravel.
Towed a heavy duty sailboat trailer (1500 lbs weight) without issue. Put my bike in the back regularly.
The Ranger's been around forever and are pretty much bullet proof. Lots around for cheap parts availability from wreckers etc too.

Only thing I regret about it is not getting one with the extended cab - would be handy. But at that price, I couldn't pass it up.
 
I voted Tacoma as well. Mine is an '02 Prerunner and runs like a top. I'll be upgrading to an '07-'09 in a few years. Great ride IMO and the gas mileage is good compared to full size trucks. Mine isn't 4WD but I can lock the rear differential. The stance is slightly higher than a regular Tacoma which is good for access/egress.
 
Roasted said:
How about the Nissan Frontier? Any opinions on this truck?
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04 and up with the 4.0L motor are American built and had there share of issues like ujoints and rads disintegrating internally mixing coolant with Trans fluid blowing the tranny's.
Also the 4.0L burned fuel like a V8.
 
Have you considered the Ford Explorer Sport Trac? The 2nd gen isn't technically a "truck" but it's got a short bed, 4 doors and probably a more comfortable ride.
 
boooya said:
04 and up with the 4.0L motor are American built and had there share of issues like ujoints and rads disintegrating internally mixing coolant with Trans fluid blowing the tranny's.
Also the 4.0L burned fuel like a V8.
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Interdasting, ..... I will keep this in mind and stay away, thanks
 
I am on my second Canyon now both have been rock solid and are nice to drive. I tried out the Ranger as well but it was very narrow and felt tippy (the madatory roll over stickers on the headliner are less then inspiring). I still have my 2006, 5 cyl, ext. cab auto and it has 190,000 on it now. My 2011, V8 ext. cab auto has 30,000 km on it and no issues yet.
 
Are you only looking at pickups? We've had good luck with our V6 Escape, up to 3,500lbs towing capacity and reasonable gas mileage.
 
I voted Canyon as well.
The best small truck in my opinion.
Don't bother looking at the Dakota.
Ranger is super out dated.
Tacoma... Just because it's a Toyota doesn't mean it's king. It's had more recalls and service bulletins than the Canyon/Colorado. But, it is a nice truck.

The only real recall that the Canyons had was the 04 models with valve seat issues, but since you're looking at 07 and newer, you're getting the newer motors with no issues. Another one early on was a brake switch issue, but that bug got worked out quick too.

I love my Canyon, but I have just outgrown it for what I need to do with it. It pulled a 5x10 Steel enclosed trailer packed with 2 bikes, and a about 250-300lbs of camping gear in the trailer no problem. If it wasn't for having a much larger trailer now, I would have stayed with it... And I got more "wow, nice truck!" comments with it than I do with my new Ram.
And, with the 4x4 it NEVER got stuck. And I tried, I mean really tried. It's better in the snow in 2wd than my new ram is too. Make sure you get the G80 rear end (locking) and you'll never ever have an issue.
 
Scuba Steve said:
I am on my second Canyon now both have been rock solid and are nice to drive. I tried out the Ranger as well but it was very narrow and felt tippy (the madatory roll over stickers on the headliner are less then inspiring). I still have my 2006, 5 cyl, ext. cab auto and it has 190,000 on it now. My 2011, V8 ext. cab auto has 30,000 km on it and no issues yet.
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Ya I have a 04 Canyon sle ext 5cyl....1st year truck. Must say for driveablilty the 5cyl is awesome power. Great cab space compared s-1 or a ranger. Front rotor problems and seized abs sensors ....some front tire wear, so be sure to rotate on the older trucks. It's been a great truck til my daughters got hold of it....lol. 235,000k and counting.
 
I'm still on the original front hubs at 183000 with a lift and big tires. It's on it's second set of brakes that are still in great shape. Can't complain about the reliability of the truck.
 
rmemedic said:
Tacoma... Just because it's a Toyota doesn't mean it's king. It's had more recalls and service bulletins than the Canyon/Colorado. But, it is a nice truck.
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I have a 2006 Tacoma and never had any recall work done.
 
AF4iK said:
Have you considered the Ford Explorer Sport Trac? The 2nd gen isn't technically a "truck" but it's got a short bed, 4 doors and probably a more comfortable ride.
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Definetaly worth considering...... I bought my wife one, and she loves everything about it. Makes a perfect second vehicle. 4 doors for the kids, auto for her, 4x4 for a piece of mind for myself, and makes the perfect grocery getter with the small covered box. Many trouble free km's, and looking forward to many more. These engines have proven to be good for 400,000km over and over again.
 
zeniceguy said:
sport trac is ok if you get the v8, my 4.0l sport trac cost $120 to fill and get 400km a tank
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Yes the 4.6L is much much more efficient, and pure out more power. Newer ones are attached to a 6 speed auto that gets great hyw milage.
 
zeniceguy said:
sport trac is ok if you get the v8, my 4.0l sport trac cost $120 to fill and get 400km a tank
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Wow... That is absolutely horrible! My Canyon with 7" of lift and 33" tires could get about 400-500km for around 80 on a decent trip.
My new Ram is getting just over 650 for $110 with the Hemi
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