Topic: What used car+truck to buy?

[ovr50]

Ten times as many sold? Couldn't be, could it?

[Smainville]

I'll have to go with Barrie1 on this one, an older Ford pick up can be expensive to fix.  Also those older models with twin-I-beam love to eat tires and and little can be done about it.  A GMC would be better.

[ovr50]

Just pullin' Barrie's chain a bit. I know nothing about older trucks and their maintenance costs... and freely admit it....

[Serniter]

I've had to do some used car shopping in the USA and noticed that Mitsubishi Lancers (not EVOs) were quite cheap. Honda civics didnt depreciate and good corollas were hard to find. Nissan Sentra seemed to be next best to the Mitsubishis. I eventually bought a VW Golf, but just cause I liked it. Dunno much about trucks, sorry. Drove new Chevy Silverado and Ford F150, the F150 had transmission whine. This may be just a US thing though, cause most Ford vehicles built in USA dont seem to be good?!  

[barrie1]

I would suspect the Canadian built products from all of our producers to be built to a higher standard. All Dealerships in the World like the quality of the cars and trucks produced here.

[jostein]

Again: Thanks for all the good replies, guys! I guess I'm still a Mopar guy at heart, so the last few days I've been looking into (on Autotrader etc.) getting a 2003 Dodge SX 2.0 and a '96-'97 Ram 1500 or Dakota. This should be possible for $20k or less. The truck will have 160k-200kkm on it - but I'm guessing a well-maintained truck should have another 100kkm of life left without any major overhaul. Agree? Disagree?

[barrie1]

Yes I think you will be able to squeeze into those 2 vehicles for that kind of money. The 1500 will probably have the 318 engine which likes it fuel abit but overall is a sound engine. Its the transmmision that you have to watch out for, as long as it has records of being serviced at the right times they should stand allright as well. The smaller engine which is the 3.9 V6 is very good as well but still has the same type of transmission matters. The only real beef I have with them is they are noisy trucks with little insulation in them. Other then that they will serve you well.

[jeeper]

maybe a Chrysler Sebring?  

[Smainville]

A truck is a truck and the Dakota or 1500 are not bad bets, my brother has one with over 300k on it and won't die! The SX 2.0 would never make my list, sorry but that's me, a 2-3 year old Sunfire or Cavalier is far better the later ones come with the 2.2 Ecotec engine.

[mrthompson]

I would have to disagree with you Barrie1 about the Dodge trucks.  The 5.2L V8 in the Ram isn't terrible on fuel, unless you drive it like it's stolen.  The 3.9L V6 is not available in 4x4 models. Barrie1's right about the tranny though. Make sure it's been serviced properly.  

I would not consider a mid 90's Dodge to be a noisy truck. Okay, maybe ones equipped with the Cummins.  But compared to the same vintage GM, the Dodge trucks are very civilized.  

The newer Neons (2.0 Sx) seem to be far superior to the previous generation (Pre 2000).  In my opinion the newer Neons are a superior car to the Bumfire & Crapolier.

[articsteve]

Chev or GMC mid 90's 1/2 tons are going to be on average a better vehicle.  Like Barrie says, repairs are easier and parts are much cheaper and that is what it is all about when you buy an old pickup.

As far as the Neon is concerned.  There are basicly junk and would have a worthless trade in value later.

I see you have a 96 Saab 900.  Just in case you decided on another over here, do not under any circumstances buy the V6 that was offered from 94 to 97.  Major problems.  Don't know if the V6 was available in Europe?

Buy from a private seller.  You save 7% GST.  Older vehicles off used car lots are a crap shoot.  Try and buy a pickup that does not have a large trailer hitch on it or a large wiring harness.  Ball hitch in bumper would be better.  Watch out for drill holes in the truck bed which may have been for fifth wheel hitches.

Look for pickups with Limited Slip Rear Differential.  LSD.