First truck purchase advice

Joined
Feb 20, 2020
Messages
1,605
Location
CO
With the fun caveat that I will be moving from CO to MI so could buy in either area. Prices look a fair bit lower in the Midwest, but I worry about the rust. We are going from a 1/4 acre to 10 acres to have chickens, goats, and will probably build a large greenhouse.

I don’t need much out of a truck besides A to B reliability. I have no plans to tow, and in the event I did it would be light. Preferably decent MPG but I do commute by motorcycle in fair weather so miles will be low regardless. My last “truck” was a Honda Odyssey I pulled the rear seat out of and it worked pretty well, but the utility and convenience of a bed will be much more warranted for starting up a homestead.

I’m tempted by a few different 2WD Tacoma listings in CO but they seem overpriced (close to 10K with 200K+ miles). I have a bad taste in my mouth with Ford and really any American made brand, but read good things about Rangers. I’m not opposed to going larger if the reliability and resale are better. I could spend above 10K but would prefer not to.
 
OP
ramsdude47
Joined
Feb 20, 2020
Messages
1,605
Location
CO
Interesting, the Ridgeline is one of the only trucks I haven’t looked into. Probably just because it’s kind of ugly, but IDGAF I drove an Odyssey lol.
 

GSPHUNTER

WKR
Joined
Jun 30, 2020
Messages
4,600
Decide what you want size wise and option then go bigger with more and better option. I have made the lesser choice mistake, once.
 

gbuz ee

FNG
Joined
Jan 29, 2024
Messages
12
Location
Tampa
I owned Tacomas the entire time I worked for Ford. There is no comparison in longevity. I know have a 2010 Tundra that I love but I am sacrificing miles per gallon for bed size. Oh, and the rust proofing on Toyatas is not very good.
 
Joined
Jun 28, 2021
Messages
476
Location
South Carolina
Interesting, the Ridgeline is one of the only trucks I haven’t looked into. Probably just because it’s kind of ugly, but IDGAF I drove an Odyssey lol.
I have an 06 Cummins, wife has a 4Runner and we bought a 24 oddessy since the 3rd kid is on the way, the van is sweet. Can’t wait to stack deer in the back of it haha.

Everytime I sell a 3/4 truck and downsize I had a Tacoma, if I ever had to do it again it would be the ridge line all day.
 

7mm-08

WKR
Joined
Oct 31, 2016
Messages
839
Location
Idaho
I would try to find a Gen 1 Tundra. Mine has been amazing.
They are amazing trucks! I have a 2002 Gen 1 Toyota Tundra with 70K on the odometer. Here's a word of caution - the frame rust issue on these trucks is real. Look for one from Arizona or some other location where they don't have snow if you want a solid one. And, be prepared to pay a premium for the vehicle. They don't get great gas mileage either.
 

Oldrifle

FNG
Joined
Oct 25, 2022
Messages
31
Choose your desired size and then go larger with better and more alternatives. If you can afford it, I personally would choose a Tacoma or new ranger.
 
OP
ramsdude47
Joined
Feb 20, 2020
Messages
1,605
Location
CO
Anyone see any red flags here? The guy seems like a straight shooter, it’s incredibly clean, well priced and he has good records.

 
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