I'm looking at getting another pickup for a travel and runaround vehicle. I'm kind of looking at either a compact truck or a 1/2 ton fullsize. Need a 4x4, extended or crew cab. About the biggest thing I'll be towing with it is my 2 place sled trailer, probably about 2000 lbs. I'm looking for something that gets good mileage, close to 20 MPG or so. Probably looking at used, but I'll see what kind of deals they've got on new ones too.

Just thought I'd check with you guys and see what you'd recommend and get some real world opinions from those of you that have these trucks. Also, any to stay away from.

 

Full size 1/2 ton 4x4 and 20 mpg?!

Good luck.

I'd get a half ton Silverado with the 350 and a rebuilt trans. If it has over 80K on it you'll end up doing it anyway.

 

I would not expect over 15 mpg out of a full size 4x4 truck with a gas engine. Probably less.

 

I picked up a 96 Dakota 2 years ago for $2100, with 80k on the clock. Although it is a 2wd, it gets 23 +/- highway with the 3.9V6/5 spd. Simple truck to operate and fix, and so far has been extremely reliable, I think it has 130k on it now with my dad driving it. Has good power to tow light, most I've ever had behind it was 3500 and it took it well, the old pushrod V6 has decent low end power. If you want something a little bigger the "2nd gen" style Dakota's can still be had for pretty cheap, but 20mpg will be tough in any variety of motor with 4x4.

An S10 with the 4.3 is another option, but I don't think they have anywhere near the interior room of a Dakota if that is something you really need. And personally, I don't think I would consider another Ranger, feels very cheap when inside. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the input.

I used to have a 94 F150 that got about 15. I thought the newer ones got a little better mileage. Our work trucks, we've got a 2007 GMC 2500 reg cab, long box, 6.0 Vortec, with a 4.10 rearend that gets 16-18 empty and a 2008 Chevy 1500 Reg cab, long box that gets 18 consistently. I don't know for sure what motor or gears it has. Those are kind of what I'm basing this off of. I haven't driven a gas pickup other than these in years.

I would be alright with 16-18 in a fullsize. I know the compact trucks get a bit better mileage, but even the people with Tacoma's I've talked to are only getting around 20. I'm just kind of looking at options and thinking it might be worth sacrificing a couple MPG's for the extra room of a fullsize.

 

Gen 2 Frontier.
You'll get close unloaded, on the highway without much hills.
my 2wd Xterra got 23 on a recent run to houston and back.
Most of the guys on club frontier are reporting upper teens to lower 20s on theirs.

 

I was looking at the Nissans. What years are the Gen 2's?

 

Get a 12v CTD, most get 20mpg or more. If not, I'd get a 94-99 Toyota V6.

 

I've always found F-150s to be a decent half-ton, and they have a new lineup of engines this year that are supposed to be more fuel efficient. The Ecoboost engine should be out now and I'm really interested in tracking its mileage and reliability for a while. Like anything new, I don't think I'd rush out and buy one of the first.

 

If I was to go gas and wanted fuel economy, I would have to go with the Chevy and the 5.3. Decent power and good on fuel. I like how the dodge sounds, (my dad has one with the 5.7) but boy she is thirsty.

 

I'd stick to Ford or Chevy if full size.

Dad's 01 Dakota was always in the shop for something, he traded it in at 35K miles.

My employee has an 07 F-150 with the 5.4. Says he averaged 18 with his poptop camper on his trip to Bishop last month.

I'd say that's pretty good. He says its better than his 04 F-350 could ever get.

 

I've got a 12v CTD. It's just not really in a condition I'd trust to go real far. I want something I can hop in and drive 1000 miles. I don't trust my W350 for that. I like the truck, but it's a regular cab and I want more room.

 

I'm not in a hurry to buy anything. Just kinda trying to decide what I want to do. Thanks for the input.

 

05 and up.
Major problems being reported are timing chain issues around 50K. Actually, its the rails that adjust the VVT. The other biggie is a defect in the radiator that allows the transmission fluid to leak into the radiator until it starts sucking coolant back in. Nissan stepped up to the plate and extended a warranty to 80K on these issues. the people that have had the problems usually show up under that. As with most forum, you will find your fair share of complaints on these two issues. The timing chain issue seems to have quieted down after 07 or 08

 

I'll keep that in mind. I was in town yesterday and swung by the Nissan dealer, but they were already shut down. Looked at what they had on the lot though. Not much for used, but I kind of like the looks of the crew cab Frontiers they had.