yeah, as far as small trucks, i would say toyota to, *-10'* and rangers are junk, we work on those the most at the garage i work at, toyota'* last forever, and never have may problems, they usually rust before they stop running,

The 2.2 engine in the GMC Sonoma and Chevy *-10s are NOT an Ecotec. The Ecotec is only available in cars, not trucks.

The trucks got the 2.2 litre or 2200, depending on year, but never an Ecotec.

*This is a completly biased opinion, as I am a GM fan ONLY *


hmmmm, looking for something reliable, good winter vehicle, want to put a mower in the back ( so you don't want an ultra - high tailgate ), need descent mileage....

If you want 4X4 I would prolly recommend an early '90s *-10 or *-15 / Sonoma. They are not as powerfull as the later years, but they also seem to be a bit cheaper to buy then the newer / rounded style. They all came with the 4.3 engine and would get around 17 MPG. They are very easy to work on and parts can be had for cheap if you needed them.

If you want 2 wheel drive, I would say a '95 + *-10 or Sonoma would be a good choice. They could be had with either the 2.2 or the 4.3 and both can get descent mileage. My personal choice would be a 4.3, but they are a little more expensive and harder to find.

Both 2 and 4 wheel drive were available with an extended cab ( sort of ) for extra stuff to haul around inside.

My $.02:

He'* looking for a dependable work truck, not a show piece or hotrod. Doesn't sound like he'* going to be hauling loads of gravel either. So he really doesn't need a big engine or a large truck, just a backup vehicle that can haul a lawnmower or a load of crap to the dump.

Toyotas are good but, being Toyotas, people think they're made of gold and want waaaay too much for them.

If you have a chance to get a Ford Ranger with a 2.8L engine, pass on it. Those engines are gutless wonders, trust me. A 2.9 Ranger with fuel injection is twice the engine.

My son has a late 80'* 2wd *-10 with a 4 cylinder. It gets about still gets 24 mpg, runs great, hauls his RMF450 at highway speeds, and has 300k miles on it. He'* done nothing to it other than normal maintenance. I can't believe that stupid thing. It'* also a stick. I think you should stay away from an automatic in a small truck - learn to drive a standard transmission.

A little Mazda would be a decent choice too. Less money than a Toyota.

Truth is, you're probably going to get a better deal on an American made truck. Find one that runs good and is in your price range, then get it.

Very good point, you will definitley pay more for a foreign made truck.
Another good point. I would definitley go with a stick if at all possible.

All I know is, I love my 1996 S10 LS, 4.3 power. Enough torque to power it'* way through just about anything, but drives smoothly and sublimely like a car. Very discreet until you lay the throttle down.

Not much for high end power but low end is amazing.
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How about an El Camino or better yet, confuse people with a Dodge Rampage

Could always go with a V DUb Caddy thing.
I still say Toyota if you want to spend the $ or an S10 if you wanna save some $.
Just my 2 cents.

The dodge rampage isn't exactly what I would call a popular vehicle, anotherwords, even IF he wanted one, it would be very hard to find one.

El Camino.... those aren't exactly easy to find either, sure they are around, but I am sure that he can find a better deal on a small truck.

eBay for a Dodge Rampage.
Small strcks? I guess that rules out the Kenworth W900