I somehow survived last winter without one but I need to buy a truck or SUV to serve as a beater and to haul stuff from home depot or purchased on craig's list. I have a budget of around 5K, what should I get? I have been looking at craigs list and so far it seems I can get a 98/99 explorer/mountaineer with around 100k miles.

Any other ideas?

 

I'd go with a non SUV for a winter beater like an accord or civic, then throw a hitch and buy a trailer for the same money. You'll get great mpg's, they don't break, and they go great in snow, and for the few times you need a "bed" throw stuff in the trailer, there you go.

Ooooooh, just found something even bettet...Accord Wagon for 4k with 77k miles!!

Accord Wagon

 

Nah, too much work with a trailer. We already have an accord that my wife drives. I need an SUV, I won't be driving it very much so MPG does not matter.

 

I'd skip the 4wd for cost and repair potential.....I'm sure you could find a super cheap F-150 or Ranger.....I think Paivag has a Mazda version of the ranger that he swears by........

Go domestic for a Pick up truck...they hold their value less than say a Toyota Tacoma...and I think they are a solid pick for a beater.

 

i drive by a decent looking GMC jimmy every day - very clean - i'll get the details for you tomorrow

 

Yeah I used to drive Mazda P/U all the time. I now have a Nissan Frontier Crew Cab because I wanted rear seats. Dollar for Dollar you can't go wrong with a Mazda or Ranger pickup to keep around the house. For full size trucks I would go with domestic as suggested above, used F150. SUVs aren't worth shit in my opinion if you want to haul and do stuff around the house. Get a small pickup you won't regret it.

 

There is a supposedly "low mileage" F-150 near my house that looks to be in great condition. I mean seriously, I don't think there is a stitch of rust on it, almost like it was locked away in a barn or something.

Looks like a 94 - 96 model and they want 3 grand for it. It is located in Westford, MA. I can drive by and get a picture if you want, I live right nearby.

 

Another thought, and I know it's probably no "Dream car" but how about a Crown Vic or a Grand Marquis? 9 times out of 10 they're owned by older folks and are "lightly driven" and well maintained. Plus they're still BOF so you can tow with them and if your not a lead foot, they'll deliver mileage in the high 20's.

Rear wheel drive but they're tanks so a good set of snows and you should be able to hoof the snow with the SUV's.

 

you mean like steve?

 

I have not owned a car with more than 2 doors for a very very long time, my wife's accord is also a coupe. I have never paid much attention to trucks/suvs before so I really appreciate the advice.

I guess I am trying to do too many things with this new auto:

1- Haul stuff (like small furniture, snowthrower, mower, yard waste, etc.).
2- Take the dog to the park/vet.
3- Haul 5 or more people and dog for trips under 30 miles.
5- Drive to work on snow days.

So, it seems a pickup will not work unless it's one of those extended cabs (?). That's why I was thinking of a big SUV. I guess I need to spend some more time researching pickups.