Best MPG pickup?

[buffalorancher]

I need a new ranch truck but I want gas and good mileage. We don't buy new for the ranch and usually end up with several *** trucks that work but I drive a Dodge diesel and want to park it. I was thinking somewhere around $5K but it has to get great mileage. Maybe a Toyota or something like that since they seem to go forever. What kind of gas mileage do these older Jap trucks get?? Any input would be nice and I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking this way.

 

[Buffalobob]

A 2002 Toyota Tacoma 4 dr 4X4 with V6 gets about 22 mph and hates corn squeezings gas.

I do not know what damage ethanol does to the engine but the check engine light comes on and the truck smokes and acts like it needs a big dose of Viagra.

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

Sounds like you need a toyota pick up or tacoma with the 4 cylinder, 5 speed manual transmission. These little 4x4's get 25 MPG on the highway and about 20 running around town. They will last at least 250,000 if not more miles. Great little trucks. I need to sell my stinkin 04 Nissan XTerra SUV, with the 3.3L V-6, auto tranny, its only getting 15 MPG on the highway!

 

[James H]

Lance,
I don't know how much stuff you need to haul around with you, but a GEO Tracker or Suzuki Samari will suit your purposes well. Great fuel mileage and will go anywhere you point it.
The Suzuki has a better body but the Tracker has fuel injection.

James

 

[buffalorancher]

Bob,
22 mpg isn't too bad for anything in this day and age. I might have to look else where though, ethanol has been pretty good for our communtiy and I try to burn as much as I can.

 

[buffalorancher]

Remington,
That is the direction I think I'm headed and I started shopping for an older Toyota. It's amazing how many there are with a gazillion miles but you are right about the 4 cyl./manual.

 

[buffalorancher]

James,
My neighbor uses a GEO and it works pretty well for him but I want a pick up. The GEO has a pretty good following around here especially when you consider my Polaris Ranger gets crappy gas mileage and cost me almost $10K a couple years ago while a GEO cost my neighbor $2500 with AC/heat and a nice stereo.

 

[Buffalobob]

I have nothing against ethanol myself but my truck just hates it. I have to go up to about 89 octane to get it to run correctly.

I would consult a Toyota mechanic to see if there is any real problem with it before buying one.

 

[stxhunter]

ethanol will eat up any rubber fuel lines made for gasoline. alcohal and rubber don't get along especially on older carberated models

 

[silvertip-co]

My 1999 Dodge Ram 4wd gets 21 mpg 24/7/365 if I am not towing my camper trailer.
I dont really care if gas is 10.00 a gallon, I'll just stay home, but I am NOT buyin a rice burner so I can to give all my capital to the Japs for a vehickle then give the operating expense money to the aRabs for gas. In fact, next yr I am buying a bigger 4wd Dodge truck. It may sit in the drive way but DODGE POWER WAGON here I come.

 

[linksmechanic]

The thing that doesn't make since to me about corn gas is that you get less mpg's. So it cost's more you use more and it's hard on the engine and it makes corn prices go up. So where's the benifits?

 

[buffalorancher]

I don't want this to turn into an ethanol thread but a lot of money has been spent on negative embelishments with regards to ethanol. I would rather spend more at home than use what oil is left and support some other not so friendly country. Corn will get some type of subsidy so you just as well get some gas out of it.