Snow got me thinking I need a truck!

So I live in a rural area. Winter weather can cut me off, 2 miles from civilization. My purchase options are: tractor (yeah!), helicopter (all right!), or a truck (drool). The truck wins because it is cheaper and I can fix them.
Not sure if I want it to be a light-duty-daily-driver, but it has to be able to pull other vehicles (small cars) out of ditches.

Why am I on a Tacoma forum? Research led me to 2 light trucks made today, available in Manual 4WD: Nissan's Frontier and Toyota's Tacoma.
There is no better resource than a forum, so I rely on the good graces of you people here. I have a working knowledge of vehicles. I've done countless oil changes and brake jobs. I have replaced light bulbs, batteries, dash components, radios, tires, wheels, intake gaskets (not easy on a 302), so on.

Each vehicle is different. I want to know more about the Tacoma.

Thanks for having me,
mattthebat

 

welcome to TW

 

Welcome. Lots of information on this site. Might be biased though, but it can be backed up by all kinds of studies and reports by consumer reports, car magazines, JD Powers etc. Toyota is one of the most reliable vehicles through the whole range - compact cars, vans, trucks etc. You can't go wrong there.


...And yes, you do need a truck.

 

This ^. The V6 comes with a 6-speed manual that has a few known issues. The I4 has a bulletproof 5-speed hooked up to it, but I would only get the I4 on an access cab. If you want to do a lot of ditch recovery buying a winch and a good set of tackle, plus a bubba rope for when you want to pull without the winch, will make your life a lot easier and make you look smart.

 

Welcome to TW.

Some insight from Michigan.

I've pulled out Explorers from ditches without too much trouble. The 2nd Gens trac control needs to be turned off or the throttle cuts out when you start to spin your tires. We also used a snatch strap that stretches and is designed for a running start, but I had little issue getting him out.

Daily driver. I have the V6 and average about 17-18mpg.

In the snow I throw a good amount of weight in the back, IMO the 2nd gen composite bed saves on mpg in the summer but the weight loss keeps the rear floating too much, so I throw play sand (I think I'm running with 6 60lbs bags) in and noticed a huge difference right away.

I'm pretty happy with my DC and would recommend them to anyone, I haul pop-campers around the state as well as an overweight utility trailer full of Boy Scout camping gear.

Good luck and welcome again.

 

Thanks for the welcome!
My wife got back to me and wants to keep my econocar for a daily driver, so that allows me to buy a more powerful truck!

I'm thinking 1st-gen V6 5-speed 4wd with diff lock. Which Taco trims/packages am I looking for? She hasn't said no to a $15k budget.

 

Get a Subaru... pick ups are shite in the snow.

 

Look for a truck with the word "supercharged" in it's description.

 

I'm reading through erg80's buyer's guide. Great resources here!
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/156943-1st-gen-tacoma-buyers-guide.html

 

Taco truck obtained!

2000 V6 5 speed 4x4. Was an Arizona truck. No frame rust! <200k miles.

Testing it out when I got home, there was no problem getting itself out of a ditch. I'm so pleased!

 

Congrats and thanks for the update!

 

Enjoy your new truck! Use some fluid film and protect dat frame!