The BEST Super-Frugal but Reliable Truck for Towing/4x4?

[LurkingMustache]

This may not be the right place to ask... But I am looking for suggestions on a truck that would be good at towing (not huge weight) and also have all wheel drive.  When I say "Super Frugal" I mean are there any great old model trucks that just .. work.. and are simple to repair, doesn't need power anything (windows, etc.) or any features at all?

Realize this might not be the best place for vehicle advice, but I feel like this forum probably understands the end goal of getting a reliable vehicle with no frills for the least money possible.  :)

[Vindicated]

My Dad has a base-model 2005 S10 that he's run up over 250k miles and still drives.  It's not 4x4, but I'm pretty sure they make the smaller trucks as 4x4.  Look at Rangers, S10s, Frontiers, Tacoma or Ridgeline.

What are you hoping to tow around?  Another solution could be to just sell what you're towing ;)

[Trifle]

We have a 2001 Ford F-150 4X4 that we use heavily around our farm and for construction needs -- hauling lumber/construction waste/construction materials/gravel/mulch/etc.  It's a base level model -- no power anything, standard cab.  We don't have a tractor right now, so we put some aggressive tires on it and are even using it for tasks like pulling out stumps, dragging logs, etc.  The truck is a little rusty but it runs well, and we have never had any problems with the four wheel drive.  It's got a full length bed, which is ideal for hauling construction materials -- you can lay in 4X8 sheets of drywall or plywood and still shut the tailgate.  It has a towing capacity of around 7,500 lbs.   

If the F-150 is too big for what you need (not sure what you are towing), you could look for an old Ranger.  I'm not generally a fan of US-built vehicles, however the nice thing about Ford trucks is that they are so common that any mechanic can work on them.  Although DH does most of our maintenance and repairs himself, it is nice to be able to take it down the road to the local small repair shop, instead of to a dealer.  Way cheaper.   

[Fishindude]

The Ford F-150 and Chevy 1/2 ton pretty much dominate the pickup truck market, there are tons of used ones out there for sale every day.
Find one with a standard cab, 4wd and not too loaded down with accessories, and you should be able to get a decent deal.

[LurkingMustache]

My Dad has a base-model 2005 S10 that he's run up over 250k miles and still drives.  It's not 4x4, but I'm pretty sure they make the smaller trucks as 4x4.  Look at Rangers, S10s, Frontiers, Tacoma or Ridgeline.

What are you hoping to tow around?  Another solution could be to just sell what you're towing ;)

Was looking at starting a very small rental side business for fun, that I'd need to tow for.  :)  It would require less than 1,000 lbs of towing capacity.  Also working on real estate renovations, etc. that could use a bed for.  May check out the smaller models.  Thanks again for the feedback!

[Vindicated]

Was looking at starting a very small rental side business for fun, that I'd need to tow for.  :)

I'm curious, renting out what?

[Optimiser]

My dad and I put about 200,000 miles on a 1992 Nissan Hardbody. It wasn't all wheel drive, but you can buy them that are. Super reliable, only ever needed regular routine maintenance.

[LurkingMustache]

Was looking at starting a very small rental side business for fun, that I'd need to tow for.  :)

I'm curious, renting out what?

Ha, it's kind of funny to share because I don't know how/if it will work yet and people may think it's silly.  Basically I'd like to rent out BBQ smokers.  BBQ is obviously huge in Texas, and I'm finding that a lot of folks want to try their hand at it but the large smokers take up too much space/are expensive.  I'd like to possibly rent them out at events (corporate events, weddings, etc.).  I like the idea of being able to drop it off at 5am / early morning  before work and come pick it up at the end of the day or over the weekend.

It's just something I have toyed with for a long time.  And I figure if it doesn't work out -- well I'll have a smoker or two.  :)

[NoVa]

Was looking at starting a very small rental side business for fun, that I'd need to tow for.  :)

I'm curious, renting out what?

Ha, it's kind of funny to share because I don't know how/if it will work yet and people may think it's silly.  Basically I'd like to rent out BBQ smokers.  BBQ is obviously huge in Texas, and I'm finding that a lot of folks want to try their hand at it but the large smokers take up too much space/are expensive.  I'd like to possibly rent them out at events (corporate events, weddings, etc.).  I like the idea of being able to drop it off at 5am / early morning  before work and come pick it up at the end of the day or over the weekend.

It's just something I have toyed with for a long time.  And I figure if it doesn't work out -- well I'll have a smoker or two.  :)

I see nothing wrong with your concept, it sounds quite reasonable. Where does the four wheel drive come into it?

[Vindicated]

If you do buy something, definitely write it off as a business expense!  Maybe get a logo made and stick a large decal on the vehicle for advertising too.

I like the idea too.  It's unique, and seems like a good market for you to make some side income.

I wouldn't want to clean those bad boys up after strangers went nuts with the BBQ and let it cook all day long though.  I guess you could look at it as a weekly exercise routine.

[neo von retorch]

I see nothing wrong with your concept, it sounds quite reasonable. Where does the four wheel drive come into it?

Ditto! I thought maybe you meant "construction sites" and then I saw that this is for "events" and "in Texas." If you get a RWD Chevrolet with a towing package, it'll come with a G80 Eaton automatic locking differential which will make it pretty damn hard to get stuck, and you'll get 18-20 mpg⁰ instead of 14.

⁰ http://www.fuelly.com/car/chevrolet/silverado_1500/2005?engineconfig_id=63&bodytype_id=11&submodel_id=

[fishnfool]

Renting out smoker/BBQ, great idea!

I vote for a older Tacoma PU. Very reliable and economical.

Good luck!

[Cadman]

I was going to recommend a pre-95 Chevy or GMC 1500, but if you only need to tow ~1000 lbs, that would be overkill. Since this vehicle will be a reflection of you and your business, you'll definitely want something clean and reliable, and perhaps a little different. What about a newer 2wd Canyon or Colorado? They project professionalism without 'excess'.

[JLee]

You can tow 1000lbs with many different cars - a truck might be unnecessary.

[neo von retorch]

You can tow 1000lbs with many different cars - a truck might be unnecessary.

Too true! A 2013 CX-5 could tow that and get 32mpg (well, 32mpg when not towing!)

[Chris22]

In terms of total cost of ownership, it will be hard to beat a Tacoma with its reliability and stellar resale value. 

However, because of the stellar resale value, the price on a used one is sky high, so it's hard to recommend a well-used one versus the competition.  If you are looking at the bottom of the market (<$5k) I'd say a Ranger or maybe a Nissan Frontier is the best bet.  If you're looking at $20k+, I'd say get a new Tacoma.  In between those two extremes, hard to say, it more comes down to what the supply is in your area and what's the best condition one for sale. 

[hoping2retire35]

Lots of 4x4 crossovers that will get good mileage. just go to autotrader select under $4k and 4x4. should be lots of options

edit;

sponsored ad on autotrader....never thought I would see this.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=450585849&zip=29631&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D29631%26showcaseOwnerId%3D55802783%26startYear%3D1981%26vehicleStyleCodes%3DAWD4WD%26incremental%3Dall%26firstRecord%3D0%26endYear%3D2018%26makeCodeList%3DFORD%26searchRadius%3D100&startYear=1981&numRecords=25&vehicleStyleCodes=AWD4WD&firstRecord=0&endYear=2018&makeCodeList=FORD&searchRadius=100&makeCode1=FORD&modelCode1=F150PICKUP

[inline five]

Buy a trailer from Harbor Freight for $300. You don't need another vehicle to tow 1000# assuming you have a car right now. Lot easier to unload a trailer as well. And no mx costs involved outside a set of wheel bearings every 5 years.

Trucks in general are expensive. Your best bet if still wanting a truck is a two door model.

I tow with my 20+ year old FWD wagon. Has a 1 1/4 hitch on it. Works awesome for around town stuff.  I also do home renovations and a trailer has really come in handy.

There a coupon for this one for $259 IIRC.

http://m.harborfreight.com/1195-lb-capacity-48-in-x-96-in-heavy-duty-folding-trailer-62648.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided

[Chris22]

Buy a trailer from Harbor Freight for $300. You don't need another vehicle to tow 1000# assuming you have a car right now. Lot easier to unload a trailer as well. And no mx costs involved outside a set of wheel bearings every 5 years.

Trucks in general are expensive. Your best bet if still wanting a truck is a two door model.

I tow with my 20+ year old FWD wagon. Has a 1 1/4 hitch on it. Works awesome for around town stuff.  I also do home renovations and a trailer has really come in handy.

There a coupon for this one for $259 IIRC.

http://m.harborfreight.com/1195-lb-capacity-48-in-x-96-in-heavy-duty-folding-trailer-62648.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided

Guessing it's a trailer-mounted smoker, that's how a lot of them are built.

I also think this is a wicked cool idea, BTW.  No idea how lucrative, but really cool.