Looking For A New Vehicle

[Rex]

Chrysler is on my shit list. I've owned the car for less than year, and no shit the check engine light has come on 5 times. Unsat. So I'm going to start looking for something more reliable. Preferably a small pick up with good reliability ratings. Reviews, experiences, and opinions welcome.

 

[The Shadow]

I'm in a 2005 Acura TL for the week


LOVE IT


Car is a damn rocket

 

[Dunk]

wanna buy a Honda S2000? 03'

 

[nycgirl]

I'm in a 2005 Acura TL for the week


LOVE IT


Car is a damn rocket

Shadow decided to splurge!! Is your Ford Escort in the garage?

 

[sweed]

whats your price range?

 

[The Shadow]

Shadow decided to splurge!! Is your Ford Escort in the garage?

LOL

Close....my Acura CL is...since I bought the car form the dealer they put me in a new one as Im about ready to trade

 

[slat1]

I have a 2004 Mazda 6. I am surprised how much I like the car. 220 hp, 196 lbs or torque. It moves and handles well.
*As a bonus... you can fit at least 5 dead hookers in the trunk!

 

[rnch]

as much as i hate to admit it..........Jap cars have the best quality control of any of 'em on the market.

my last two american vehicles, although MUCH more reliable and well-built than those of the past, still are not in the same ballpark as hondas or toyotas.

 

[Rex]

whats your price range?

Probably around 18k. The Chrysler was 20k when I got it, and that was 10,000 miles ago. I still need to figure out how much I owe on it, and the trade in value. I'm getting out in about a year and have no real job lined up so I don't want to go deep into debt quite yet.

 

[Y_lifter]

Mid sized PU's

Nissan Frontier V6

Just as Reliable as Toyota Tacoma and with better HP(265) and features
as Standard for a lower cost. usually $1,000 average less than similar Toyo.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

Small pickup? Tacoma would have my vote. The 4cyl isn't strong enough for me though, not nearly enough torque, but the V6 isn't going to get you more than 20mpg on the highway.

Mazda trucks are good too. I've heard plenty of good about them.

As long as you aren't doing excessively heavy work with them, they'll hold up fine. Someone I know had a Mazda ext cab, only a few years old, and he recently toasted the transmission. Of course, he was towing his fishing boat with it every other weekend or so for years and had to go up and down 2 mountains each way. Forget the total weight of the boat and trailer, but he was really close to the rated towing limit. It was the mountains that killed the truck. He just replaced it with a Silverado (V8) and is getting the same milage that the V6 Mazda got him.

 

[rnch]

Probably around 18k. The Chrysler was 20k when I got it, and that was 10,000 miles ago. I still need to figure out how much I owe on it, and the trade in value. I'm getting out in about a year and have no real job lined up so I don't want to go deep into debt quite yet.

hope you aren't "upside down" on your loan balance........

 

[Y_lifter]

Mazda PU = Ford Ranger...

 

[Buddy_Christ]

Mid sized PU's

Nissan Frontier V6

Just as Reliable as Toyota Tacoma and with better HP(265) and features
as Standard for a lower cost. usually $1,000 average less than similar Toyo.

The Frontier is fugly though.

Plus if looking at the 4cyl and if you don't need an extended cab, the Tacoma base price for rwd is lower than the frontier base price and the Tacoma 4cyl has a bit more power. Depends on what you want out of a truck though.

 

[rnch]

in my experience, nissans have cheaper interiors than toyotas (cars or trucks)....thinner seat and carpeting materials, more cheap looking plastic body parts that crack over time, more prone to squeaks and rattles than toyotas as they age.


for a long term, highly reliable, repair and squeak and rattle free vehicle.........a new (or near new) Toyota is hard to beat.





dammit.

 

[Rex]

As long as you aren't doing excessively heavy work with them, they'll hold up fine. QUOTE]

The most I intend on hauling would be some tools, and my stuff when I head back North for good. No boats for me quite yet.

 

[bluepeter]

Nissan, Toyota or Honda.

 

[NJjuice22]

I'm in a 2005 Acura TL for the week


LOVE IT


Car is a damn rocket

I love that car, i got an acura tsx and a few months later the new tl's came out...i cried when i saw how nice they were, i wish I waited.

 

[Rex]

hope you aren't "upside down" on your loan balance........

I think I'm still good on that part. If anything I should only take a bath for a small amount.

YLifter, is Mazda = the Ranger good? bad? should be avoided?

 

[Dunk]

I love that car, i got an acura tsx and a few months later the new tl's came out...i cried when i saw how nice they were, i wish I waited.

im a big fan of the rsx type s

 

[Buddy_Christ]

As long as you aren't doing excessively heavy work with them, they'll hold up fine. QUOTE]

The most I intend on hauling would be some tools, and my stuff when I head back North for good. No boats for me quite yet.

Single, extended, or quad cab truck?

4x4?

Manual or automatic?

Gotta be more specific here If you're planning on staying up north, might want 4wd for the winter. It'd beat the hell out of loading down the bed of the truck to get traction, but it's going to jack the price up. I loved having a 4x4 for 2 winters, felt like I was on dry road when cruising around.

 

[NJjuice22]

im a big fan of the rsx type s

yea they are nice, im not into small cars..but if i was younger and didnt have a baby..i would get it..that type S engine is the same engine that the tsx has....but the tl has me beat by 75 ponies..damn.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

im a big fan of the rsx type s

They're nice, but I'm pissed that the Prelude is gone. I always liked preludes, except for the last model revision. They were fugly compared to the old ones.

 

[NJjuice22]

They're nice, but I'm pissed that the Prelude is gone. I always liked preludes, except for the last model revision. They were fugly compared to the old ones.

preludes were awesome!...and yea, the most rescent design was hideous.

 

[bluepeter]

I like the Nissan Maxima.

 

[Rex]

Single, extended, or quad cab truck?

4x4?

Manual or automatic?

Gotta be more specific here If you're planning on staying up north, might want 4wd for the winter. It'd beat the hell out of loading down the bed of the truck to get traction, but it's going to jack the price up. I loved having a 4x4 for 2 winters, felt like I was on dry road when cruising around.

Extended. Like being able to toss stuff in the back seat.

4x4 is a definite consideration since I'm going to live in north again.

Automatic. I hate driving a stick mostly b/c I can't, and my right shoulder is about to go rendering it useless for a few months, so no gear shifting for me.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

preludes were awesome!...and yea, the most rescent design was hideous.

Yup, problem is, I could've never bought a used one unless I knew it was 100% adult owned and driven. Too much potential to beat the shit out of them. Same goes with any Si Civic.

Some day I will find another 82 Prelude, do an engine swap, and turn that bitch into a turboed sleeper. I loved my 82 lude, it screamed DRIVE ME every time I saw the car.

Fucking Volvo pulling out in front of me and totalling it.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

I like the Nissan Maxima.

They've got some balls, but they're also $26-28K.

If you look at the top model Sentra, they've got a 2.5L 4cyl and a 6spd. I drove an 05 Altima that had the same engine but was automatic. 175hp (dunno torque) and that fucker moved pretty damn good. Can't imagine how much faster it'd be in the smaller Sentra with a 6spd, but that car would definetly move like a bat out of hell.

They run mid $18K.

 

[bluepeter]

They've got some balls, but they're also $26-28K.

If you look at the top model Sentra, they've got a 2.5L 4cyl and a 6spd. I drove an 05 Altima that had the same engine but was automatic. 175hp (dunno torque) and that fucker moved pretty damn good. Can't imagine how much faster it'd be in the smaller Sentra with a 6spd, but that car would definetly move like a bat out of hell.

They run mid $18K.

3.5 litre v6 with 265 horses. Has all the toys too, I love it. Sentra is a nice little car, I believe they have a model that comes with a 300 watt stereo system as well.

 

[Y_lifter]

in my experience, nissans have cheaper interiors than toyotas (cars or trucks)....thinner seat and carpeting materials, more cheap looking plastic body parts that crack over time, more prone to squeaks and rattles than toyotas as they age.

I don't find this to be true, owning and driving 2 Nissans(2002 and 2005)
and having Test driven both Toyotas and Nissans over several model years , both in SUV's and Trucks across the trim lines..

Nothing against Toyotas, but I don't think the differences in quality mentioned between Nissan and Toyota is true in recent models, and not worth the large price difference.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

Extended. Like being able to toss stuff in the back seat.

4x4 is a definite consideration since I'm going to live in north again.

Automatic. I hate driving a stick mostly b/c I can't, and my right shoulder is about to go rendering it useless for a few months, so no gear shifting for me.

Probably the Nissan King Cab SE then. Looks to be the cheapest out of all of them with 4x4. The Tacoma ext is mid $20K with 4x4, the Mazda B4000 is mid $22K, and the Nissan is mid $18K.

The Nissan does have a bit more power than the Tacoma, just like Y-lifter said. The 5spd auto is optional.

Drive the Tacoma and Frontier and see what fits you best. Considering Mazda wants more, I'd walk away unless you could get them down in price to make it comparable to the other 2 and there was something you really liked about the Mazda over the others.

 

[bluepeter]

I don't find this to be true, owning and driving 2 Nissans(2002 and 2005)
and having Test driven both Toyotas and Nissans over several model years , both in SUV's and Trucks across the trim lines..

Nothing against Toyotas, but I don't think the differences in quality mentioned between Nissan and Toyota is true in recent models, and not worth the large price difference.

I would agree. Nissans have always seemed of a higher quality to me.

 

[Steve The Bluesman]

Chrysler is on my shit list. I've owned the car for less than year, and no shit the check engine light has come on 5 times. Unsat. So I'm going to start looking for something more reliable. Preferably a small pick up with good reliability ratings. Reviews, experiences, and opinions welcome.

Reliable pickups are Toyotas. My brother has a 93 Tacoma 4x4 that has over 300k on it - no problems.

And for what it's worth, CEL's usually come on for very minor reasons. Like a loose gas cap. Your Chryslet may not be the lemon you are making it out to be.

Good luck either way,


Bluesman

 

[Y_lifter]

Check out the Standard features differences between the Toyota Tacoma V6 extended cab and the Nissan Frontier V6 SE King Cab...

Nissan beats it like a Pimp on a Fat hooker .

 

[Buddy_Christ]

3.5 litre v6 with 265 horses. Has all the toys too, I love it. Sentra is a nice little car, I believe they have a model that comes with a 300 watt stereo system as well.

Factory stereos suck balls, even the "beefed up" ones. Unless they've put the R&D into positioning speakers, it's a waste of time. The altima I was abusing had tweeters mounted on the A Pillars and their position and angle was obviously not researched very well. I couldn't get a distinct left/right out of that car no matter how many CDs I threw in there and listened to. To me, a car that's already set up like that is a waste of a stereo, as I'd have to find new locations for the tweeters, thus carving up the car some more.

A dealer got me to try a Suzuki that had a "300 watt" stereo. He had heard me make mention to my gf about speaker positioning in the cars we were looking at and discussing upgrading the system, so I guess he figured he'd try to make my life easy. After messing around with the Suzuki, I asked him if there really was a subwoofer in the car. When he said yes, I asked him if it was hooked up. He got a little pissy, but the stock 6x9s in my gf's Civic made more bass than that car did.

 

[The Shadow]

im a big fan of the rsx type s

You would like the TL's

270 Horsepower


manual automatic

250 watt DTS sterio...in dash 6 cd changer

 

[bluepeter]

Factory stereos suck balls, even the "beefed up" ones. Unless they've put the R&D into positioning speakers, it's a waste of time. The altima I was abusing had tweeters mounted on the A Pillars and their position and angle was obviously not researched very well. I couldn't get a distinct left/right out of that car no matter how many CDs I threw in there and listened to. To me, a car that's already set up like that is a waste of a stereo, as I'd have to find new locations for the tweeters, thus carving up the car some more.

A dealer got me to try a Suzuki that had a "300 watt" stereo. He had heard me make mention to my gf about speaker positioning in the cars we were looking at and discussing upgrading the system, so I guess he figured he'd try to make my life easy. After messing around with the Suzuki, I asked him if there really was a subwoofer in the car. When he said yes, I asked him if it was hooked up. He got a little pissy, but the stock 6x9s in my gf's Civic made more bass than that car did.

True but the one in the Maxima is the best stock system I've heard. At least other than high end vehicles.

 

[Mr. dB]

wanna buy a Honda S2000? 03'

What color? I'll consider anything but pewter or black.

 

[Mr. dB]

Mazda trucks are good too. I've heard plenty of good about them.

Mazda trucks are Fords.

 

[Mr. dB]

Small truck? Toyota or Nissan. There's your shortlist, now test drive and enjoy.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

True but the one in the Maxima is the best stock system I've heard. At least other than high end vehicles.

I think it just depends on how much of an audiophile you are really. What sounds great for one person sounds like shit to another. About 10 years ago a guy I worked with bought a Mustang GT with the Mach 1 sound system. He was raving to us about how good the stereo sounded, so me and another guy checked it out. We weren't impressed, but the owner of the car was, so we were happy for him.

My buddy can't understand why I'm trying to drop a kick ass stereo in my Civic, as he doesn't even turn the radio on in his truck. I just can't drive without music, no matter who is in the car with me. The only thing about the Civic's stock stereo that has me impressed is the speaker location. L/R/center are all pretty damn good, but I can't use the factory door mounts with the speakers I have. That's what's holding me up at the moment, the fact that I have to order $150 kick panels to finish off this install.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

Mazda trucks are Fords.

Newer ones or all? I used to be friends with a Mazda technician that raved about their quality (and was also able to tell me which ones had the most problems and what to expect to work on with a used mazda). When I was truck shopping a few years ago, the 2 trucks he recommended over everything else were a straight 6 injected F150 and a Mazda B2600i. He said either one would have enough power to suit me and both would run forever. I found an F150 for sale but couldn't find a B2600i locally.

Friend has an older Dodge but made by Mazda pickup. 3 transmissions, a shitload of miles, tiny 4 banger, and it's still running. Only reason he's been through 3 transmissions is he continiously uses a 1/4 ton truck as a 1 ton.


I wouldn't touch a Ford Ranger unless it was free. Drove one that had absolutely no balls whatsoever, and it had a 4L V6. I was highly disappointed because it had a nice stock lift, reasonable clearance for offroading.

 

[Mr. dB]

I think it just depends on how much of an audiophile you are really.

Or how much you can "turn loose". I'm a recovering home stereo audiophile, and a live sound tech guy, but I don't expect good sound in a car so as long as it's merely passable I'm content. Audio in a car is sort of like perfume in a glue factory.

 

[Y_lifter]

Ford has made Mazda's Trucks since like the mid 80's I believe and
still does.. Same with Ford making the Escape - Mazda Tribute

From the Web..
Rangers started out being named the Courier PU manufactured BY Mazda.
Ford had been importing the Courier since about 1972 as a compact pick up.
The Courier was produced by Mazda and at the time Ford owned a 25% stake in Mazda. In 1982 Ford began producing the Ranger as a replacement to the Courier
and badged them also to mazda as the B series.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

Or how much you can "turn loose". I'm a recovering home stereo audiophile, and a live sound tech guy, but I don't expect good sound in a car so as long as it's merely passable I'm content. Audio in a car is sort of like perfume in a glue factory.

I have to seriously disagree with the glue factory comment. I drive 35-40 minutes to and from school twice a day. It's my wake up/unwind time, and nothing does it better for me than having the stereo cranked up.

Different strokes for different folks though. I'm into it, others aren't. Don't know how far into this car I'm going to get though. I know I'm going to upgrade my subs eventually, something close to competition quality. I don't think I'm going to soundproof the entire car though, but I have thought about it. I will dynamat my trunk, as I bought some thinking I could put my speakers in the doors and would need it there, but that's not happening. Going to take advantage of it somehow though.

Also thinking about redoing the trunk build I was working on. I think I'm going to fiberglass the spare tire well and mount my amps and changer down there. Fuck the spare tire, I'll either let it sit in the trunk or just toss it altogether.

 

[rnch]

Newer ones or all? I found an F150 for sale but couldn't find a B2600i locally.

Friend has an older Dodge but made by Mazda pickup. 3 transmissions, a shitload of miles, tiny 4 banger, and it's still running. Only reason he's been through 3 transmissions is he continiously uses a 1/4 ton truck as a 1 ton.

didn't mitsubishi make the small 4 cylinder truck for dodge?

 

[Y_lifter]

didn't mitsubishi make the small 4 cylinder truck for dodge?

YES

 

[rnch]

Newer ones or all? I used to be friends with a Mazda technician that raved about their quality (and was also able to tell me which ones had the most problems and what to expect to work on with a used mazda). When I was truck shopping a few years ago, the 2 trucks he recommended over everything else were a straight 6 injected F150 and a Mazda B2600i.

I wouldn't touch a Ford Ranger unless it was free. Drove one that had absolutely no balls whatsoever, and it had a 4L V6. I was highly disappointed because it had a nice stock lift, reasonable clearance for offroading.

if u think a v6 ranger has no balls, then a straight 6 in the full sized ford wudda left u ever more unimpressed. "acceleration" is too strong of a term for this powertrain.

 

[Spartacus]

in my experience, nissans have cheaper interiors than toyotas (cars or trucks)....thinner seat and carpeting materials, more cheap looking plastic body parts that crack over time, more prone to squeaks and rattles than toyotas as they age.


for a long term, highly reliable, repair and squeak and rattle free vehicle.........a new (or near new) Toyota is hard to beat.





dammit.

I remember reading once that Nissan and Honda engineer thier parts down to the last possible MM
where as Toyota doesn't cut it so close
remember the "technicals" in Somalia or for that matter any 3rd world army/militia
they're always driving Toyota's
even the US army used toyota's in korea
only 5 years after WWII:

"The Korean War (1950-1953) had spurred demand for military vehicles, and Japanese automakers were invited to meet further demand by supplying the US Army Procurement Agency in Japan. From January through March of 1957, test vehicles supplied by major Japanese automakers were put through their paces at the Aberdeen Proving Ground outside Baltimore, MD. The Toyota 750kg capacity truck and the 2.5 ton capacity diesel truck were selected, but not the Land Cruiser FJ25L (the L designated a left-hand drive model). Toyota learned much from the experience: changes were made to specs and inspection methods, and processes such as cleaning, painting, rust protection and product packaging were improved. That know-how later made the difference when Toyota expanded into the American market."

http://www.brian894x4.com/LC25.html

 

[Spartacus]

they sort of ripped us off to some extent
but then made it better
http://img121.echo.cx/img121/7657/bjredtancanvas1pv.gif

"The beginnings of the Toyota Lancruiser can be traced back to 1950, when the first BJ prototype was designed. Originally designed to compete with the Willies Overland Jeep as an all purpose off road vehicle, it was marketed to the military and civilians alike. The original concept borrowed heavily from the Willies Jeep in style, but other than that, the Landcruiser has proven to be anything but a copy of the Jeep.

In 1951, one of the first Landcruisers built, succeeded in driving to the 6th station on Mt. Fuji, In Japan. Something no other motor vehicle had done up to that time. It was a milestone feat indicative of what would later be known as one of the most off road capable marques in the world. Beginning in 1955, the Landcruiser was powered by a 3.8 liter inline 6 cylinder that made 105 h.p. This motor was strikingly similier to the Chevrolet 225 cid I-6 of the day, although few, if any parts interchanged. However, the motor was familier looking to American buyers and military serviceman who sometimes found themselves driving the little cruisers in Japan and Korea. And this was real advantage for making sales, later, in the United States."

 

[rnch]

my current job has me working out in the field at several of the grain elevators along the mississippi river. most of the guys that work in the elevators are hunter and/or fishermen in their off time.....these guys go thru a lot of pick up trucks.

the ones that are not die hard american buyers are 98% toyota truck owners. those that have bought nissans complain about early transmission and a/c compressor failures. they only complain about their "tie-otta" is if it doesn't make 300,000 miles before the clutch dies.

walking thru the parking lot at work; it looks like the toyota's paint quality holds up better to the harsh evironment (the 3 way punch of blazing sun, thunder showers and grain dust are hard on a paint job) than any american or nissan truck's fit and finish.

 

[Spartacus]

Every American teenage kid's fantasy is to drop a big 454 into an old Chevy Nova and terrorize the neighborhood. Here every Somali's fantasy is to drop an antiaircraft gun onto the back of a Toyota pickup truck and terrorize the country. Actually, a technical might be a great way to get through the morning commute. Technicals are essentially anything with wheels to which Somalis can bolt a belt-fed machine gun. Homemade technicals were invented in Lebanon in the '80s when warring groups wanted to hit and run (and make a lot of noise). Technicals became the ride of choice when the locals found out that the UN workers would hire them as security. Needless to say, it was harder to find a Toyota Land Cruiser with a roof after that. Thank goodness it only rains bullets here.

 

[The Shadow]

Every American teenage kid's fantasy is to drop a big 454 into an old Chevy Nova and terrorize the neighborhood. Here every Somali's fantasy is to drop an antiaircraft gun onto the back of a Toyota pickup truck and terrorize the country. Actually, a technical might be a great way to get through the morning commute. Technicals are essentially anything with wheels to which Somalis can bolt a belt-fed machine gun. Homemade technicals were invented in Lebanon in the '80s when warring groups wanted to hit and run (and make a lot of noise). Technicals became the ride of choice when the locals found out that the UN workers would hire them as security. Needless to say, it was harder to find a Toyota Land Cruiser with a roof after that. Thank goodness it only rains bullets here.

had a restored matching numbers LS454 70 Chevelle

 

[Y_lifter]

I remember reading once that Nissan and Honda engineer thier parts down to the last possible MM
where as Toyota doesn't cut it so close
remember the "technicals" in Somalia or for that matter any 3rd world army/militia
they're always driving Toyota's
even the US army used toyota land cruisers in korea
only 5 years after WWII

I know I sound like a Nissan freak Toyota basher but seriously I like both trucks.



1/2 seriously, Key word in the above is USED...
I see more Nissan's with machine guns in the back rolling around Afghan and Iraq today than anything else.. I think it means little other than maybe availability of brand at the time vs quality..


But.. to your point.
Check the curb weights on both the Toyota and Nissan extended cab V6 trucks and you will see that the Nissan has outweighed the Toyota by as much as 600 lbs for several years. Yet they have always been similar in size. That to me says the Toyota has the thinner metal. Of course part of that weight up until this year was an all aluminum engine block in the Toy vs the Cast one in the <2005 Nissans.

Yet, even todays 2005 nissan is heavier.

T 3715 lbs
N 4139 lbs

This is why up until the 2005 model year the toyota was faster with the few extra HP it had. It was much lighter. So, this year Nissan put a new Infinity based 265 HP engine in the trucks to solve that.

 

[PICK3]

From what I've been reading at Edmunds.com the new redesigned Tacomas are experiencing quality problems uncharacteristic of Toyotas, e.g. leaking cabs and paint chips.

Too bad the old Tacoma (esp 4 cylinder) was one of the most reliable vehicles on the planet ... next to Mercedes diesels.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

didn't mitsubishi make the small 4 cylinder truck for dodge?

Maybe it was Mistubushi that made his truck, it's one or the other. I've driven the truck before and it scared the royal piss out of me each and every time.

if u think a v6 ranger has no balls, then a straight 6 in the full sized ford wudda left u ever more unimpressed. "acceleration" is too strong of a term for this powertrain.

Not true. I have been in and driven straight 6 5spd F150s and was more than impressed. I think the injected straight 6s are 300 cu in, I can't remember offhand. They have assloads of torque. First time I was in one, I asked the guy if it had a 302 or 351 under the hood, and he told me it was a straight 6. I didn't believe him, so when we pulled over for gas, he popped the hood and showed me. When I got a chance to drive one, I was definetly impressed with the power. In comparison, I drove an F250 with a 400-something cu in V8 and it didn't feel like it had near the pickup of the straight 6. Both of the ones that I drove were early-mid 90s.

There's just something about a straight 6 that makes them churn out torque. Wish that were possible with I4s.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

had a restored matching numbers LS454 70 Chevelle

Close friend of mine has an SS396, but by the time he got it the 402 had been pulled and replaced with a worked 350.

That car still needs work to make it perfect, and he's had it for 11 years now. I need to light a fire under his ass.

 

[Spartacus]

I like this one
http://img172.echo.cx/img172/6859/toyotalc7kx.jpg

This Toyota Land Cruiser with a 106 mm recoilless rifle mounted in the back was the only technical turned over to the Canadians by the USC forces. The cantonment area, however, was full of derelict tanks and armored cars; these included T55s, a T54, Centurions, T34s, and Saladins.

The 106 Rcl Rifle is an old but still formidable weapon. As far as I know, it is still capable of knocking out any modern tank. It was a favorite choice for mounting on light technicals.

Note that the vehicle, as well as the gun, is camouflaged in wavy vertical stripes of black and white spray painted over the commercial khaki-colored factory paint from Toyota. (Early 1993, near Guri Ceel, Somalia)

 

[rnch]

Maybe it was Mistubushi that made his truck, it's one or the other. I've driven the truck before and it scared the royal piss out of me each and every time.




Not true. I have been in and driven straight 6 5spd F150s and was more than impressed. I think the injected straight 6s are 300 cu in, I can't remember offhand. They have assloads of torque. First time I was in one, I asked the guy if it had a 302 or 351 under the hood, and he told me it was a straight 6. I didn't believe him, so when we pulled over for gas, he popped the hood and showed me. When I got a chance to drive one, I was definetly impressed with the power. In comparison, I drove an F250 with a 400-something cu in V8 and it didn't feel like it had near the pickup of the straight 6. Both of the ones that I drove were early-mid 90s.

There's just something about a straight 6 that makes them churn out torque. Wish that were possible with I4s.

hmmm.........i had a mid 90's straight six/5 speed combo for 3 months while on TDY in tampa a few years ago..........it SOUNDED and FELT like it was quick until i started watching the speedometer needle's (deliberate) climb....seemed like a LOT of lesser vehicles were pulling away from me. this was a high mileage government truck....perhaps not truly represenative of the vehicle....

ah well.............perception vs. reality.

 

[Spartacus]

I know I sound like a Nissan freak Toyota basher but seriously I like both trucks.



1/2 seriously, Key word in the above is USED...
I see more Nissan's with machine guns in the back rolling around Afghan and Iraq today than anything else.. I think it means little other than maybe availability of brand at the time vs quality..


But.. to your point.
Check the curb weights on both the Toyota and Nissan extended cab V6 trucks and you will see that the Nissan has outweighed the Toyota by as much as 600 lbs for several years. Yet they have always been similar in size. That to me says the Toyota has the thinner metal. Of course part of that weight up until this year was an all aluminum engine block in the Toy vs the Cast one in the <2005 Nissans.

Yet, even todays 2005 nissan is heavier.

T 3715 lbs
N 4139 lbs

This is why up until the 2005 model year the toyota was faster with the few extra HP it had. It was much lighter. So, this year Nissan put a new Infinity based 265 HP engine in the trucks to solve that.

I stand corrected then. It was awhile back.

 

[Y_lifter]

My all time Favorite truck in life so far was a 1985 Toyota 4x4 Standard Cab
5 speed with no A/C. It was the last year Toyota or maybe anyone made
a small PU with big solid axles in both the front and the rear..

That thing was a mini tank and the 2.2 4 cyl fuel injected 22RE engine ran without
being touched other than oil/filters for 110,000 miles. I decided to change
the platinum plugs for the second time and put new rotor/wires on it just because, not that it wasn't running good.

I miss that little red truck..

 

[Buddy_Christ]

hmmm.........i had a mid 90's straight six/5 speed combo for 3 months while on TDY in tampa a few years ago..........it SOUNDED like it was quick until i started watching the speedometer needle's (deliverate) climb....seemed like a LOT of lesser vehicles were pulling away from me. this was a high mileage government truck....perhaps not truly represenative of the vehicle....

ah well.............perception vs. reality.

Yeah, which I should mention about the 400-something cu in F250 I drove on quite a few occasions. It had been a city truck in San Diego and had reasonably high miles. It wasn't weak by any means, but it had definetly seen better days.

My buddy let anyone and everyone abuse that pickup. One of the most abusive drivers I knew said it would've taken him a year to kill that thing and he could mortally wound a HMMWV in just a few days.

 

[Spartacus]

http://img172.echo.cx/img172/6406/2techs9hl.jpg

This photo shows two heavy technicals parked in the bush outside of a village called Balenbale in the SNF enclave about 20 kilometers from the Ethiopian frontier. The vehicle on the left is an old Mercedes Benz. It is painted a medium blue, but heavily coated in the red dust of the region. The roof of the cab has been removed to allow free rotation of the twin 40 mm AA cannon mounted in the bed. One of my men, Staff Sergeant David Davis, stands in the bed contemplating the best way to surreptitiously disable the cannon while nobody is watching.

The vehicle on the right is a Pegaso, which I believe is an Italian make. It also mounts a twin 40 mm AA cannon in the bed. The vehicle is painted in a light tan-yellow, very close to the U.S. desert yellow camouflage color. The reddish-brown spots and stripes are the result of heavy use in the bush and a heavy coat of dust. The front and sides of the truck are covered in small horizontal stripes from years of negotiating paths though the thick thorn bushes common all over Somalia.

The beds of both technicals were littered with ready ammo and bits and pieces of broken or spare parts. The drum behind the driver's seat of the Benz would be used to carry spare diesel during operations. Photo: February 1993

http://img172.echo.cx/img172/8651/tankdr9fd.jpg

Taken from the back deck of a T55, this picture gives a clear impression of the typical militia tank crewman. In addition to the Soviet tanker helmet, note the bare feet. It was extremely hot outside, usually well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and inside the tank the temperature was unbearable -- thus no shirt. Infantry troops, however, were never seen without shirts or jackets. It would not be a good idea to try fighting in the bush without some protection from the thorn bushes and the burning hot rocks.

LOL

interesting stuff
http://membres.lycos.fr/France40/

 

[Buddy_Christ]

My all time Favorite truck in life so far was a 1985 Toyota 4x4 Standard Cab
5 speed with no A/C. It was the last year Toyota or maybe anyone made
a small PU with big solid axles in both the front and the rear..

That thing was a mini tank and the 2.2 4 cyl fuel injected 22RE engine ran without
being touched other than oil/filters for 110,000 miles. I decided to change
the platinum plugs for the second time and put new rotor/wires on it just because, not that it wasn't running good.

I miss that little red truck..

My buddy's dad had almost the exact same truck. It was red and 5spd, but no 4wd. They kept that truck for almost 15 years and had not one problem with it ever.

Buddy was driving it once on the highway with his dad in the passenger's seat. His dad asked him why in the hell he put it in 5th gear...he said it was a pointless worthless gear and he never used it. His dad wasn't too bright, but maintenance wise they always took care of their cars. I bought my 78 Impala from them in 96. It had around 150K miles and ran like it was brand new.

 

[rnch]

when i would try to merge onto I-4's horrific traffic, all of my foot on the front bumper and speed shifting techniques would be in vain......traffic seemed to pile up on my rear step bumper. stompin' the skinny pedal in that truck sounded satisfying, but was not.

the 20,000 mile old v6 chev corsica i dumped the 6 cyl ford truck for was a pocket rocket by comparisom.

mighta been just that particular truck?

 

[PICK3]

2.2 4 cyl fuel injected 22RE engine

Legendary engine! Toyota's best effort.

 

[Rex]

Thanks for the input, fellas. I'm going to look into the Nissan and Toyota. I'll play the dealers off of each other, gather some more information needed, and take it from there. Nissan and Toyota are the choices for a compact PU though.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

when i would try to merge onto I-4's horrific traffic, all of my foot on the front bumper and speed shifting techniques would be in vain......traffic seemed to pile up on my rear step bumper. stompin' the skinny pedal in that truck sounded satisfying, but was not.

the 20,000 mile old v6 chev corsica i dumped the 6 cyl ford truck for was a pocket rocket by comparisom.

mighta been just that particular truck?

Maybe, I dunno. I thought the straight 6s I've been in have had plenty of pickup, no need to rev them out high either.

You said it was a former gov truck though. We used to abuse the vans that our unit got like crazy. I took one of our Triton V8 equipped ford vans and manualy downshifted it into 1st gear at 45mph. You should've heard that engine and trans complain.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

Thanks for the input, fellas. I'm going to look into the Nissan and Toyota. I'll play the dealers off of each other, gather some more information needed, and take it from there. Nissan and Toyota are the choices for a compact PU though.

Bttom line is that you're really not going to go wrong with either. Pick the one that suits you the best.

 

[rnch]

true dat, crak..........revving the "six in a row that don't go" past about 3500 rpm was an exercise in futility and noise.



rex......have you ever bought a vehicle online? this way, you bypass all the dealer's bullshit and greedy add on sticker boosters.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

true dat, crak..........revving the "six in a row that don't go" past about 3500 rpm was an exercise in futility and noise.



rex......have you ever bought a vehicle online? this way, you bypass all the dealer's bullshit and greedy add on sticker boosters.

We had an 88 Beretta GT that was useless once you got close to 5000rpm. It redlined at 5500 I think. Take it to 5K rpm and shift and you'd be right in the power in the next gear. Amazing how well that car moved for a 2.8L V6 with 125hp.

 

[Y_lifter]

Both Toy Nis vehicles are brand new as of this model year.
Nissan a total redesign and Toyota a new Engine and Body.

Don't expect to pay MSRP, but you probably won't get it for Invoice either
The Edmunds TMV price is about right..

Seriously, compare the standard features on both and you will be pleasantly
surprised at the acceleration of both of the V6 engines. Very fast trucks

Especially the Nissan Infinity Q series Engine and 5 speed auto.

 

[Rex]

rex......have you ever bought a vehicle online? this way, you bypass all the dealer's bullshit and greedy add on sticker boosters.

Nah, I'm a little gun shy of making such big purchases online. I know what you mean about the add on sticker boosters. I don't need $80 floor mats, or any other of the nonsense they put in there. Yet every car in the dealer's inventory has them.

 

[Rex]

Both Toy Nis vehicles are brand new as of this model year.
Nissan a total redesign and Toyota a new Engine and Body.

Don't expect to pay MSRP, but you probably won't get it for Invoice either
The Edmunds TMV price is about right..

Seriously, compare the standard features on both and you will be pleasantly
surprised at the acceleration of both of the V6 engines. Very fast trucks

Especially the Nissan Infinity Q series Engine and 5 speed auto.

What do you think about the 4 cylinders from both companies? Just trying to get an idea on all aspects before I commit.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

What do you think about the 4 cylinders from both companies? Just trying to get an idea on all aspects before I commit.

Only way you're going to know is to drive them. You might find the 4cyl has enough power for you whereas I'll say flat out I couldn't handle a 4cyl. I drove an 02 Tacoma with a 4cyl and I knew there wasn't a chance in hell I could take it offroad and actually enjoy myself. It got out of it's own way without a problem, but lack of torque sucked.

If you're not heavy hauling/towing and not planning on offroading, a 4cyl would be decent just for the added gas milage. Mostly depends on what you're going to use it for, IMO.

 

[Y_lifter]

I really like the Toyota 4 banger in 4x4 and King Cab as a low cost alternative
but its ONLY available in a 5 speed with the 4x4 .. NO AUTO..

2.7 ... 164 HP ..... 183 torq ... 21/26 MPG




Nissan's 4 banger is also nice and is available with an auto and king cab,
but 4x4 is available Only with a V6 engine. Nissan isn't offering a 4cyl 4x4.

2.5 liter ... 154 HP ..... 173 torq ... 19/24 MPG

But Nissan is all about its new V6 engine IMO..




If I were going 4cyl, I would give Toyota the Nod regardless..

*The MPG with the 4cyl is not really that much better than the V6's though. They can get in the high teens for both city/hwy

 

[Rex]

Thanks again fellas. I'm off to go to work my weekend away.

 

[Choderboy]

chevy cobalt for a decent price

 

[Spartacus]

living in philadelphia you should probably purchase the "recoilless rifle w/urban camo" option package

 

[wootoom]

chevy cobalt for a decent price

im not a cobalt fan at all

 

[vansmack2000]

http://toyotatruckworld.tenmagazines.com/showownerpic.ten-u-3350-n-79455-pos-1
I know i read somewhere 1 toyota had over 1 million miles

 

[rnch]

im not a cobalt fan at all

the colbalt wudda been an excellent car....................











about 10 years ago.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

the colbalt wudda been an excellent car....................



about 10 years ago.

No shit. The Cobalt is just a redesigned Cavalier.

What's really sad is they're putting a 2.2L I4 in them that spits out 145hp. My 1.7L Civic kicks out 127 and can probably keep up with a Cobalt no questions asked.

 

[rnch]

No shit. The Cobalt is just a redesigned Cavalier.

What's really sad is they're putting a 2.2L I4 in them that spits out 145hp. My 1.7L Civic kicks out 127 and can probably keep up with a Cobalt no questions asked.

yeh, typical General Motors...........great body and interior, freezing cold a/c......lackluster engine and suspension.

the General just doesn't "get" small cars....never did, looks like they never will.

full sized pick up trucks and cadillacs is all the general seems to give a shiot about.

 

[Testosterone boy]

Time to rain on everyones parade:

Check your states insurancle policy laws and your policy closely. Colorado has been under Republican control for years now:

1999: TB has 250,000 policy including medical for 900/year
2005: TB has 50,000 policy with no medical for 1200/year

The key here: no medical

Policies now come with exactly zero medical coverage unless you pay out the ying yang for 10,000 in medical.

I looked at the rate for 10,000 in medical and thought they were joking. For one thing, most of us can figure out a way to pay 10,000 in medical. 10,000 is not a disaster. We buy insurance for disasters.

We can all recover from losing our cars. We can all recover from a 10,000 medical bill. We pay out the ying yang for the possible 100,000 medical bill.

Your car insurance policy is likely a joke if a true disaster hits.


Buy air bags for the side of whatever car you buy and take a close look at the crap they are calling "insurance policies" these days.

 

[Spartacus]

yeh, typical General Motors...........great body and interior, freezing cold a/c......lackluster engine and suspension.

the General just doesn't "get" small cars....never did, looks like they never will.

full sized pick up trucks and cadillacs is all the general seems to give a shiot about.

buick has favored well lately
it's a shame they labor under the "lousy US vehicle" syndrome

personally I'm mainly concerned with the quality of US made military hardware
argue that bitch

 

[Spartacus]

and don't send me no crap about "under-armored" humvees

you best learn up on combat environments before you cut n paste

 

[Testosterone boy]

buick has favored well lately
it's a shame they labor under the "lousy US vehicle" syndrome

personally I'm mainly concerned with the quality of US made military hardware
argue that bitch

Should be first rate.

Public library was closed today so Bush can wage more wars and stuff.

 

[Mr. dB]

No shit. The Cobalt is just a redesigned Cavalier.

What's really sad is they're putting a 2.2L I4 in them that spits out 145hp. My 1.7L Civic kicks out 127 and can probably keep up with a Cobalt no questions asked.

No, it's not based on the old Cavalier platform. It's one of those new GM greek-letter platforms shared with Opel and Vauxhall in Europe.

 

[Spartacus]

Should be first rate.

Public library was closed today so Bush can wage more wars and stuff.

as long as we win
WIN!

 

[Spartacus]

u do want US to WIN!
don't you?

 

[rnch]

No, it's not based on the old Cavalier platform. It's one of those new GM greek-letter platforms shared with Opel and Vauxhall in Europe.

it still sounds, shifts and srives like the old cadaver....i mean cavalier.

 

[PICK3]

the General just doesn't "get" small cars....never did, looks like they never will.

and that's why I drive a 2005 Toyota Corolla with a "J" VIN.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

No, it's not based on the old Cavalier platform. It's one of those new GM greek-letter platforms shared with Opel and Vauxhall in Europe.

I know it's not based on the cavalier platform, but it's the cavalier's replacement and looks a lot like it. It's the same size, same engine (Cobalt has 5hp more, big deal)....they should've just called it the "redesigned cavalier" or "new and hopefully improved Cavalier."

It screams cavalier, it really does. They want $6k more for the base cobalt compared to the base cavalier. If I needed another car and for some reason I said fuck all the Jap manufacturers and went with Chevy, I'd pick up a Cavalier instead of a Cobalt and save myself some money. It's not like the Cobalt is a sports car, I mean, come on, calling it a sports car is like calling a Civic or Corolla a sports car.

 

[Spartacus]

check the insurance rates when you get the bolt on 40MM AA gun

 

[elwaydaddy]

I drive an audi s4 now and love it. Whatever you buy, make sure it has a good warranty. As far as pickup trucks my friend has driven chevy's for the last 15 years and wouldnt buy anything else. Go to the local chevy dealership and take a few for test drives. Then go to the ford dealership and do the same. If your going to buy a truck I would buy american. If your looking at a car I would buy foreign!

 

[Rex]

check the insurance rates when you get the bolt on 40MM AA gun

lol I'm thinking I may have them built in next to the headlights to clear my way through traffic jams. Bumper to bumper on 95 will be a problem no more.

 

[Gambino]

i dig my ford 4wd ranger

 

[Testosterone boy]

u do want US to WIN!
don't you?

Our conduct in the procurement of the Iraqi oilfields was one of the reasons that I have changed perspectives.

I would fight to protect but not to agress.


When I determine that a foreign power is seeking to attach our domestic assets then I will root for the US.

When I determine that the US is seeking to attach foreign assets then I will root for peace.

TB gives blind allegiance to no quarter.