User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 9:41:58 AM EST
[#1]
Serious question: Why isn't your 15 year old asking these questions? When I got my first car at 16, I not only paid for it myself, but I was doing the research into what I should get.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 9:50:08 AM EST
[#2]
You're just going to have to keep watching you locale for something that comes up. In today's market everyone thinks their clapped out, 300K mile, shit box is worth a fortune. You'll have to act fast if a half way decent deal comes around 'cuz they are few and far between.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 9:51:58 AM EST
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Serious question: Why isn't your 15 year old asking these questions? When I got my first car at 16, I not only paid for it myself, but I was doing the research into what I should get. We have been talking about vehicles quite a bit. He has over $10K saved from various stuff, but I am not going to make him drop a lot of coin. Him having a vehicle is a huge benefit to me. We have 5 kids attending the same private school too. 2 are mine and 3 are nephews. We don't need him to cart all of them, but I'm looking forward to that school bus. He shows me "finds" almost every day. The purpose of this thread is to narrow the field for what best fits the bill, considering the criteria. It was the same for me. We owned a lot of citrus and cattle when I was a kid. You can be certain that my dad wanted me in the truck I got. How else could I go to work for that $1.75 per hour, lol. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 9:56:15 AM EST
[#4]
Frankly, an older Jeep with the I-6/4.0L would be fine. Early 1990s (YJ) to 2006 (TJ). The motors aren't perfect (known seal issues, like to eat/disappear oil, etc) but there's a metric shitton of parts out there for it, it'll tow reasonably well, plenty of space for a kid and his shit, and you can even get them with AC. Easy to work on, too.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 9:56:41 AM EST
[#5]
How much work does he want to put into it?
My oldest just turned 16. He's got 89 s10 that needs a new clutch and some body work. It's got a crate Iron Duke 4-banger that's in good shape. You might be able to find something older for not much few hundred to a few grand if he's gonna work on it. You got $10k, might find a $2k pickup, somewhat mechanically sound, that only needs a little work. If you're not super mechanically inclined to be able to help, dont worry. There's youtube and you can still get some of the old Hayes service manuals. I'd just keep looking around your locale. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 9:57:38 AM EST
[#6]
Late 80s-early 90s 1/2 ton for dead simple maintenance and throttle body fuel injection for better engine life and fuel mileage than carburetor.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 9:57:40 AM EST
[#7]
The Frontiers are excellent trucks, but finding a 4x4 manual transmission in decent shape is exceedingly rare. They didn't make a ton of them even over the long run from 05-20 so if you see one you better jump. Manual Xterras are hard to find as well.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 9:57:49 AM EST
[#8]
Do you really need a 4x4 in Florida?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 9:59:57 AM EST
[#9]
Quoted: First vehicle. I don't intend to spend a lot. Needs - 4x4; Extended or double cab; Towing capability, but it won't be asked to pull more than a decent size utility for hay, wood, etc. Bedside length doesn't matter. Reliability. I am not a wrench beyond ordinary maintenance. Wants - Manual transmission; Basic as can be. It can have an 8 track with roll-up windows for all I care. I have several months to worry about it. The only vehicle I'm seeing that fits the bill & has MT is a Frontier. Are there others? If MT wasn't essential, what should I be looking for. For the sake of the thread, it will be less than $20k. Also - is there a way to target cosmetically damaged vehicles? Rough looking, but still sound? He's exceptional on the road, but can do some dumb kid shit at the ranch. I really don't care what it looks like. My first truck was a 1985 Ford stepside with mismatched doors, and I loved that truck. I haven't really sorted out the arrangement with my son. He's a good kid, FFA, and works at our little farm and cattle ranch often. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Big ass truck and manual. Good luck with insurance. The gasbill will be great as well You don't need 4x4 or a big truck. Kids and big trucks = insurance money. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:00:44 AM EST
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Serious question: Why isn't your 15 year old asking these questions? When I got my first car at 16, I not only paid for it myself, but I was doing the research into what I should get. This. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:00:50 AM EST
[#11]
Find a Dodge Dakota quad cab
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:01:28 AM EST
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: How much work does he want to put into it? My oldest just turned 16. He's got 89 s10 that needs a new clutch and some body work. It's got a crate Iron Duke 4-banger that's in good shape. You might be able to find something older for not much few hundred to a few grand if he's gonna work on it. You got $10k, might find a $2k pickup, somewhat mechanically sound, that only needs a little work. If you're not super mechanically inclined to be able to help, dont worry. There's youtube and you can still get some of the old Hayes service manuals. I'd just keep looking around your locale. My 16 year old nephew is currently dual enrolled in a diesel technician program. My son intends to go into the trades, but isn't entirely resolved. At any rate, he and the cousin will get there. They just aren't that capable yet, and I didn't grow up under a car. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:02:37 AM EST
[#13]
88-98 Chevy/GMC K1500
or 99-07 Chevy GMC 1/2 ton Basically same truck series, motor and tranny not withstanding. Doubt you find one with a 5 speed. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:03:29 AM EST
[#14]
a 2013-20 frontier is a good vehicle for a young man if you can find one that has been maintained
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:04:27 AM EST
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: We have 5 kids attending the same private school too. 2 are mine and 3 are nephews. We don't need him to cart all of them, but I'm looking forward to that school bus . I don't think a fresh licensed teen can drive that many minors, my daughter ended up in ICU after a helicopter flight for life along with 5 other teens cause the neighbor kid got his driver's license and they all went for a cruise that afternoon. As a father I was completely lost not knowing if she was going to make it or not. 13yrs later and she is okay, she refuses to drive due to that so her and my 2 grand sons walk alot. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:07:08 AM EST
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You're just going to have to keep watching you locale for something that comes up. In today's market everyone thinks their clapped out, 300K mile, shit box is worth a fortune. You'll have to act fast if a half way decent deal comes around 'cuz they are few and far between. It’s this, expect to hear a lot of “NO LOWBALLERS, I KNOW WHAT I GOT.” |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:07:12 AM EST
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 88-98 Chevy/GMC K1500 or 99-07 Chevy GMC 1/2 ton Basically same truck series, motor and tranny not withstanding. Doubt you find one with a 5 speed. Great suggestions. I'll add to that the rest of the GMT 400 (Chevy Suburban, GMC Suburban, GMC Yukon) series. Long lasting and great for hauling people and trailers. OP, you didn't state what your search range was, but I've found that states like Kentucky and Tennessee are great places to find those trucks and SUVs. Possibly Georgia as well, though I haven't personally looked there. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:09:16 AM EST
[#18]
Plan on spending more than you think for any truck in good shape.
If you see a "deal" its more than likely a POS. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:09:33 AM EST
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 88-98 Chevy/GMC K1500 or 99-07 Chevy GMC 1/2 ton Basically same truck series, motor and tranny not withstanding. Doubt you find one with a 5 speed. This post above is good . But why does he need a 4x4? The autos of that era are also pretty darn reliable. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:11:32 AM EST
[#20]
I would not put my first-time driver in a manual....just an opinion.
Best of luck with the search. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:11:56 AM EST
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Do you really need a 4x4 in Florida? 800+ acres of cattle ranches that have a mixed bag of improved pasture, oak hammock and wetland. Checking fences, filling feeders, checking hog traps, clearing trails...yes, we need 4x4. It can get a little gnarly in the wet season.  Attached FileDid I mention the kids are good at dumb shit?  Attached FileEntrance to my little farm. We get a bit of rain sometimes.  Attached File |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:16:09 AM EST
[#22]
Older Tundra.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:16:26 AM EST
[#23]
No one suggested OBS Ford yet? I am disappoint.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:28:30 AM EST
[#24]
4x4 won't do anything there except get you to where you need more than a tractor to get you out.
 a small 2wd truck with street tires on it will keep it to where you can pull them out without much fuss, usually. Trust me, I'm still a kid really good at doing stupid things. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 10:38:26 AM EST
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Great suggestions. I'll add to that the rest of the GMT 400 (Chevy Suburban, GMC Suburban, GMC Yukon) series. Long lasting and great for hauling people and trailers. OP, you didn't state what your search range was, but I've found that states like Kentucky and Tennessee are great places to find those trucks and SUVs. Possibly Georgia as well, though I haven't personally looked there. I agree with this. A 1500, 4wd, extended cab GMT800 (99 too 07 classic) would make just about the ideal vehicle for what you are looking for. They are very reliable. The only downside to some is they are a little more prone to rust than the 88-98s, but you said the body isn’t the primary criteria. OP, PM me if you’d like for me to help you look around in TN. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 11:00:32 AM EST
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I agree with this. A 1500, 4wd, extended cab GMT800 (99 too 07 classic) would make just about the ideal vehicle for what you are looking for. They are very reliable. The only downside to some is they are a little more prone to rust than the 88-98s, but you said the body isn’t the primary criteria. OP, PM me if you’d like for me to help you look around in TN. Thanks for the offer, but I'll poke around here for a while. I also have a couple friends that go to auctions. I'm wondering if its worthwhile for them to target something with cosmetic problems, but otherwise in good shape. ETA: I'm nosing around those GMT800s. I'm seeing a lot of miles on them. Are people getting 300K out of them, or will there be a monthly garage party? |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 11:05:17 AM EST
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks for the offer, but I'll poke around here for a while. I also have a couple friends that go to auctions. I'm wondering if its worthwhile for them to target something with cosmetic problems, but otherwise in good shape. You mentioned not wanting to spend a lot, and we're talking about 20+ year old trucks. You kinda take what you can get. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 11:09:19 AM EST
[#28]
Get an imported 97-98 Hilux
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 11:38:27 AM EST
[#29]
Quoted: First vehicle. I don't intend to spend a lot. Needs - 4x4; Extended or double cab; Towing capability, but it won't be asked to pull more than a decent size utility for hay, wood, etc. Bedside length doesn't matter. Reliability. I am not a wrench beyond ordinary maintenance. Wants - Manual transmission; Basic as can be. It can have an 8 track with roll-up windows for all I care. I have several months to worry about it. The only vehicle I'm seeing that fits the bill & has MT is a Frontier. Are there others? If MT wasn't essential, what should I be looking for. For the sake of the thread, it will be less than $20k. Also - is there a way to target cosmetically damaged vehicles? Rough looking, but still sound? He's exceptional on the road, but can do some dumb kid shit at the ranch. I really don't care what it looks like. My first truck was a 1985 Ford stepside with mismatched doors, and I loved that truck. I haven't really sorted out the arrangement with my son. He's a good kid, FFA, and works at our little farm and cattle ranch often. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. It seems like around here, (rural Mo) most boys 1st trucks are beater F150 4x4s, usually 15-20 years old. Square body chevys are popular too, but because of folks building show trucks out of them anything from 67 to 85 or so, is almost untouchable, if in any shape worth having. Unless you want to put a lot of work into it to get it road worthy. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 11:43:52 AM EST
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I would not put my first-time driver in a manual....just an opinion. Best of luck with the search. Why? As a kid- I wasn’t allowed to get my license until I could drive a manual, being of the mind that it made for a better driver. Thirty something years later, I’m of the mind that kids should be able to drive a stick. Both of my kids learned on a stick. None of their friends can drive a manual. My oldest’s first car was a stick- no issues. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 11:53:10 AM EST
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Why? As a kid- I wasn’t allowed to get my license until I could drive a manual, being of the mind that it made for a better driver. Thirty something years later, I’m of the mind that kids should be able to drive a stick. Both of my kids learned on a stick. None of their friends can drive a manual. My oldest’s first car was a stick- no issues. Yeah - not essential, but definitely a skill set I'd like him to have. He can run backhoes, tractors, etc. As a ranch kid, he's driving for a while now. I think MT's help to make better drivers. I've had MT in a CJ, Pathfinder, Eagle Talon and 2 BMW's over the years. I've always preferred MT and think its a shame they are going away for the most part. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 11:58:20 AM EST
[#32]
Hey OP, if you come across a '93-'94 Toyota SR5 extend cab with low miles, let me know...
...
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 12:00:33 PM EST
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks for the offer, but I'll poke around here for a while. I also have a couple friends that go to auctions. I'm wondering if its worthwhile for them to target something with cosmetic problems, but otherwise in good shape. ETA: I'm nosing around those GMT800s. I'm seeing a lot of miles on them. Are people getting 300K out of them, or will there be a monthly garage party? Some here just posted a pic of their 2000ish with 450k on it. Avatar is Emilio in young guns I believe. Someone will @ him shortly. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 12:01:54 PM EST
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 800+ acres of cattle ranches that have a mixed bag of improved pasture, oak hammock and wetland. Checking fences, filling feeders, checking hog traps, clearing trails...yes, we need 4x4. It can get a little gnarly in the wet season. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/112839/1000006066_jpg-2965762.JPG Did I mention the kids are good at dumb shit? https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/112839/1000006067_jpg-2965764.JPG Entrance to my little farm. We get a bit of rain sometimes. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/112839/1000006068_jpg-2965765.JPG That last pic looks like full metal jacket Vietnam. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 12:06:52 PM EST
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Some here just posted a pic of their 2000ish with 450k on it. Avatar is Emilio in young guns I believe. Someone will @ him shortly. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Thanks for the offer, but I'll poke around here for a while. I also have a couple friends that go to auctions. I'm wondering if its worthwhile for them to target something with cosmetic problems, but otherwise in good shape. ETA: I'm nosing around those GMT800s. I'm seeing a lot of miles on them. Are people getting 300K out of them, or will there be a monthly garage party? Some here just posted a pic of their 2000ish with 450k on it. Avatar is Emilio in young guns I believe. Someone will @ him shortly. @aerowagen Thats close, not sure if correct though... ...also, my '01 is going strong with ~260k. It had the trans rebuilt at 210k & every oil gasket or seal replaced (except for the valve cover gaskets). They seep a bit, but no issue. Replaced/repaired the radiator, water pump, heater hoses, timing chains, starter, ABS module, one window regulator, couple blend door actuators, crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor & probably something else I ain't remembering right now. Its got the 4.8l, 2wd with suicide extend cab doors |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 12:13:42 PM EST
[#36]
If the bed length doesn't matter sometimes you can find the Ford Explorer Sport Tracs (4 foot bed) pretty cheap. Body on frame, two speed 4x4 transfer case, can be had with the 4.6 V8 or a V6. Since the front half is just an Explorer they are pretty easy to work on and parts are cheap.
Nissan Frontier is a pretty solid choice too as long as you find one that isn't clapped out. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 12:23:25 PM EST
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @aerowagen Thats close, not sure if correct though... ...also, my '01 is going strong with ~260k. It had the trans rebuilt at 210k & every oil gasket or seal replaced (except for the valve cover gaskets). They seep a bit, but no issue. Replaced/repaired the radiator, water pump, heater hoses, timing chains, starter, ABS module, one window regulator, couple blend door actuators, crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor & probably something else I ain't remembering right now. Its got the 4.8l, 2wd with suicide extend cab doors @arowneragain You were close. I'll be interested to see how much work has been done on his motor. The era 5.3 pre AFM are solid IMO. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 12:24:58 PM EST
[#38]
Apparently you can search facebook marketplace without an account again.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/987363135810520/ |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 12:25:30 PM EST
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Hey OP, if you come across a '93-'94 Toyota SR5 extend cab with low miles, let me know... ... I know where there is one at. but it's not gonna be cheap
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 12:28:27 PM EST
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I would not put my first-time driver in a manual....just an opinion. Best of luck with the search. @buckfever34 Why not? I grew up in manuals (92 ranger & '69 Karmen Ghia with that goofy clutchless manual). If he learned to drive on a manual he should be fine. If not that I'd avoid a manual for a first car. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 12:31:35 PM EST
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I would not put my first-time driver in a manual....just an opinion. Best of luck with the search. Most of us here learned on one Drove one to school Drove to work etc.. Best anti-theft device too |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 12:35:27 PM EST
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @buckfever34 Why not? I grew up in manuals (92 ranger & '69 Karmen Ghia with that goofy clutchless manual). If he learned to drive on a manual he should be fine. If not that I'd avoid a manual for a first car. I intend to acquire the vehicle before he turns. We are in a rural area with miles and miles of boring road. I won't be turning him loose on the interstate on day one. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 1:41:00 PM EST
[#43]
Quoted: @aerowagen Thats close, not sure if correct though... ...also, my '01 is going strong with ~260k. It had the trans rebuilt at 210k & every oil gasket or seal replaced (except for the valve cover gaskets). They seep a bit, but no issue. Replaced/repaired the radiator, water pump, heater hoses, timing chains, starter, ABS module, one window regulator, couple blend door actuators, crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor & probably something else I ain't remembering right now. Its got the 4.8l, 2wd with suicide extend cab doors Quoted: @arowneragain You were close. I'll be interested to see how much work has been done on his motor. The era 5.3 pre AFM are solid IMO. That's me. My truck is a 2001 5.3 1500 series, Z71 extended cab. 449k on the motor. NOTHING has been done to the motor except oil changes and those aren't even terribly regular. It had a slight tick when I bought it, in 2003, at 33k. I've heard this called 'wrist pin slap'. It does it sometimes. Always has. Once in a while a lifter will stick, usually for a few dozen miles. It's done that for 200k+ miles now. Since about 200k it has burned a bit of oil if left to idle for long periods. Like, anything over 1-2 minutes at idle and it smoked when you accelerate. It burns oil *very* slowly. Less than a quart between changes. First 4l60 transmission lasted 310k, second one lasted less than 100k, third one is still holding up. Transfer case went around 350k. I recently went through the front end and, with the help of a mountain of cash, replaced all the worn parts that made it wobble - lots of steering stuff, new shocks, new rotors and brakes all the way around, new tires, and so on. It now, as of Saturday, will cruise on the interstate at 'full highway speed', exactly as it did when it was new, or at least when it was younger, even though it now has 285/75/16 tires instead of the stock 265/75/16s it wore all of its life until a couple weeks ago. I do have some rust below either door. I sprayed it with rust converter, it's ugly, but I think it'll stop the rust spreading. There are minor mechanical things wrong with it, but I hope to do some serious travel with it in the (near and far!) future.  
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 1:49:00 PM EST
[#44]
F150. Anything from 1987 to early 2000s. Dirt cheap. Like 1k-2k. Probably closer to $2k with the extended cap and 4x4 options.
Save the other $8k for gas and maintenance. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 1:50:49 PM EST
[#45]
early 2000s Chevy 2500.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 3:03:15 PM EST
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I know where there is one at. but it's not gonna be cheap Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Hey OP, if you come across a '93-'94 Toyota SR5 extend cab with low miles, let me know... ... I know where there is one at. but it's not gonna be cheap None of them are  ......a neighbor up the street recently brought a single cab '94 (unknown engine, assume 4cyl) home. I stopped later to inquire and ended up congratulating him as it has 88k on it. Very clean body too. Didn't ask what he paid but another similar '90 single cab is listed locally for $12k w/118k on it. That is still quite low (miles) |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 4:41:40 PM EST
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Serious question: Why isn't your 15 year old asking these questions? When I got my first car at 16, I not only paid for it myself, but I was doing the research into what I should get. yup same here. Get him a toyota corolla. when he needs a truck he can borrow yours. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 4:42:52 PM EST
[#48]
Lol stick with a Corolla
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 4:49:18 PM EST
[#49]
Quoted: I have several months to worry about it. The only vehicle I'm seeing that fits the bill & has MT is a Frontier. Are there others? If MT wasn't essential, what should I be looking for. For the sake of the thread, it will be less than $20k. . you have the answer there in the OP. they're decent little trucks. if you pick up an '05-'10 model year look for the oil cooler bypass and the stand alone transmission cooler. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/25/2023 4:57:10 PM EST
[#50]
99-06 GM pickup or Tahoe/Suburban
88-96 Ford pickup or Bronco 96-98 GM 3rd Gen 4 runner 1st gen Tacoma. |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2023 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
