Member of the Month

KilaTsunami
October, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Vehicle for mountain life?

profile picture
freewillie
Posts: 429 - Karma: 3,321
Looking at purchasing my first vehicle...I was looking at mini trucks, specifically a nissan hardbody (d21). Thinking a mini truck because being able to just put a tailgate pad on and throw my bike in without dicking around with a rack is attractive. I am assuming that the bed is also big enough for a couple pairs of skis. I think the 4cyl for sure bc I also commute like 50 miles a day for school.
Anyone have any experience with the nissans? Also looking at late 90s early 2000s ford rangers and nissan frontiers. I am trying to pick something up for around $2500 bc I want to leave room for a set of tires.
Any input is appreciated
POLL
Edit Poll
Votes:

Take care when editing a poll; Options should be similar to maintain vote integrity.

More options will be added automatically as you type. You must supply a question and at least two options. No HTML is allowed.

Aug 31 2016 4:59PM
1 0
profile picture
CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
Nissans are pieces of shit. especially in those age ranges.

How do I know?

I'm still driving a 2000 nissan maxima.

Find a Toyota.
Aug 31 2016 5:10PM
0 0
profile picture
freewillie
Posts: 429 - Karma: 3,321
CaptainObvious.Nissans are pieces of shit. especially in those age ranges.

How do I know?

I'm still driving a 2000 nissan maxima.

Find a Toyota.


bunch of people in my fam have died in yotas, I would love to get a taco but me mum wont have it...
Aug 31 2016 5:13PM
0 0
profile picture
CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
freewilliebunch of people in my fam have died in yotas, I would love to get a taco but me mum wont have it...


Then go subie. Or go Volvo. Or if you're lucky find a Jeep Cherokee when it had the straight six in it.

The years and price you're looking at are when those three companies (and toyota) were building tanks.

Don't, for the love of god, go nissan. Your $2500 will compound in six months.
Aug 31 2016 5:30PM
0 0
profile picture
MIHoodlum
Posts: 245 - Karma: 256
In that price range just get a 200k mile Subaru Outback, Impreza outback, or forester. Change the timing belt, water pump, idler pulley, and your good to go.
Aug 31 2016 6:03PM
0 0
profile picture
freewillie
Posts: 429 - Karma: 3,321
CaptainObvious.Then go subie. Or go Volvo. Or if you're lucky find a Jeep Cherokee when it had the straight six in it.

The years and price you're looking at are when those three companies (and toyota) were building tanks.

Don't, for the love of god, go nissan. Your $2500 will compound in six months.


From the research I have done people say that those nissan hardbodys are invincible. I really want to be able to carry things separate from the cabin, which is why the mini truck is so attractive. I will look a little deeper into the subi market, I have done a bunch of research on the 2 series volvos, but the lack of awd/4wd is a bit of an issue for me. I will keep your warning in mind tho
Aug 31 2016 6:27PM
0 0
profile picture
JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
MIHoodlumIn that price range just get a 200k mile Subaru Outback, Impreza outback, or forester. Change the timing belt, water pump, idler pulley, and your good to go.


Then you can replace everything else as it all starts to fall apart!

Save up a couple thousand more OP and buy a decent vehicle or you all you will be doing is sticking money into parts. If you do find something in that price range, look over it like a hawk, bring it for a nice looooonnnngggg test drive and ask about any repaires done.
Aug 31 2016 6:28PM
0 0
profile picture
OregonDead
Posts: 6890 - Karma: 24,544
freewillieFrom the research I have done people say that those nissan hardbodys are invincible. I really want to be able to carry things separate from the cabin, which is why the mini truck is so attractive. I will look a little deeper into the subi market, I have done a bunch of research on the 2 series volvos, but the lack of awd/4wd is a bit of an issue for me. I will keep your warning in mind tho


Didn't know what you were talking about so I googled "Nissan Hardbody" . Images that came up look just like the 1995 Nissan pickup that I used to own. Mine was a 4 cylinder 2wd. Not invincible, mine was totaled in a low speed crash. The body and frame are actually really thin, basically no side impact protection. It ran great and got ok mileage but got quite squirly on snow and ice. Thing was also easy to steal too which happened to mine once. I guess there aren't that many Nissan/Datsun keys out there. One time my Dad borrowed his coworkers Nissan and went out to the lot and accidentally drove off in another coworkers Nissan.
I replaced that truck with a 4x4 Ranger that I still own. Way nicer truck but kinda sucks on gas. It has way better traction than the Nissan did but sucks compared to my Forester. I'd get snow tires for sure if I had to rely on the Ranger as a ski car.
Aug 31 2016 6:42PM
0 0
profile picture
freewillie
Posts: 429 - Karma: 3,321
OregonDeadDidn't know what you were talking about so I googled "Nissan Hardbody" . Images that came up look just like the 1995 Nissan pickup that I used to own. Mine was a 4 cylinder 2wd. Not invincible, mine was totaled in a low speed crash. The body and frame are actually really thin, basically no side impact protection. It ran great and got ok mileage but got quite squirly on snow and ice. Thing was also easy to steal too which happened to mine once. I guess there aren't that many Nissan/Datsun keys out there. One time my Dad borrowed his coworkers Nissan and went out to the lot and accidentally drove off in another coworkers Nissan.
I replaced that truck with a 4x4 Ranger that I still own. Way nicer truck but kinda sucks on gas. It has way better traction than the Nissan did but sucks compared to my Forester. I'd get snow tires for sure if I had to rely on the Ranger as a ski car.


Yeah defiantly looking into rangers too. The nissans I am looking at are 4x4. Your experience is quite worrying to me about the integrity of the frame/body.
Aug 31 2016 7:04PM
0 0
profile picture
McNoche
Posts: 1731 - Karma: 3,661
Does it really fucking matter with a budget of $2500? Isn't your only criteria options are 1) does it have 4 wheels 2) does it start ?
Aug 31 2016 7:20PM
0 0
profile picture
freewillie
Posts: 429 - Karma: 3,321
McNocheDoes it really fucking matter with a budget of $2500? Isn't your only criteria options are 1) does it have 4 wheels 2) does it start ?


I feel like thats a rule of thumb for a 500 dollar budget. I say 2500 bc I am expecting to have to pay about 600 all in for new tires and an other 500-1000 for misc repairs
Aug 31 2016 7:26PM
0 0
profile picture
.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,484
Ive heard nothing but shit about old nissan trucks. Id never touch one
Aug 31 2016 7:27PM
0 0
profile picture
FastSpeed
Posts: 646 - Karma: 644
4Runner mafia for lyfe
Sep 1 2016 9:06AM
0 0
profile picture
Swaggy_P
Posts: 130 - Karma: 361
4Runner is the best you can get
Sep 1 2016 9:56AM
0 0
profile picture
McNoche
Posts: 1731 - Karma: 3,661
36ChambersOfWu4Runner mafia for lyfe


Swaggy_P4Runner is the best you can get


Isn't that a lesbian car?
Sep 1 2016 10:03AM
0 0
profile picture
Dddsz
Posts: 3042 - Karma: 7,324
I've been trying to decide between a Toyota Tacoma and the outback. Several pros and cons for both.
Sep 1 2016 10:06AM
0 0
profile picture
JayRich
Posts: 969 - Karma: 1,301
I just got an outback, and it's perfect for what you described. They're awesome cars, and can haul a lot. Hard to find one that cheap though.
Sep 1 2016 10:08AM
0 0
profile picture
CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
freewillieI feel like thats a rule of thumb for a 500 dollar budget. I say 2500 bc I am expecting to have to pay about 600 all in for new tires and an other 500-1000 for misc repairs


.......I think you might need to rethink expectations. Anything under $1000 I would not expect to run. $1,000 - $2,000 would be "It starts, but before you drive it, there are some necessary repairs". $2,000 - $3,000 would be "Yeah it runs, but it's got boku miles on it so there's no guarantee you won't need to spend a grand in six months".

If you scrape up another 2k, and buy in the $5,000 range you can probably find a "Yeah, she runs great. Just got some repairs done and should go for a while before anything else is needed."
Sep 1 2016 10:43AM
0 0
profile picture
freewillie
Posts: 429 - Karma: 3,321
CaptainObvious........I think you might need to rethink expectations. Anything under $1000 I would not expect to run. $1,000 - $2,000 would be "It starts, but before you drive it, there are some necessary repairs". $2,000 - $3,000 would be "Yeah it runs, but it's got boku miles on it so there's no guarantee you won't need to spend a grand in six months".

If you scrape up another 2k, and buy in the $5,000 range you can probably find a "Yeah, she runs great. Just got some repairs done and should go for a while before anything else is needed."


didnt Garrett russell buy his subi for like 400? It shouldnt be that hard too find a fairly dec ride in the 2-3g range in my opinion...idk where you live but if I go to the portland craigslist and make my max price three grand, there are tons of what appear to be alright vehicles. That being said, most are 100,000+ miles, thats why I have been looking at the nissans, people say they have seen those trucks go beyond 600000 miles. Now that I have though about it tho, I dont really want to die so I think if I go the truck route I will go american.
Sep 1 2016 11:03AM
0 0
profile picture
freewillie
Posts: 429 - Karma: 3,321
JayRichI just got an outback, and it's perfect for what you described. They're awesome cars, and can haul a lot. Hard to find one that cheap though.


Yeah, both my parents actually own obs, my mother owned one first, and they liked it so much that they just got another one...tbh I was kinda thinking I could do something different to expand our vehicular horizons, but an older ob or ob sport looks like a good option.
Sep 1 2016 11:11AM
0 0
profile picture
freewillie
Posts: 429 - Karma: 3,321
CaptainObvious........I think you might need to rethink expectations. Anything under $1000 I would not expect to run. $1,000 - $2,000 would be "It starts, but before you drive it, there are some necessary repairs". $2,000 - $3,000 would be "Yeah it runs, but it's got boku miles on it so there's no guarantee you won't need to spend a grand in six months".

If you scrape up another 2k, and buy in the $5,000 range you can probably find a "Yeah, she runs great. Just got some repairs done and should go for a while before anything else is needed."


freewilliedidnt Garrett russell buy his subi for like 400? It shouldnt be that hard too find a fairly dec ride in the 2-3g range in my opinion...idk where you live but if I go to the portland craigslist and make my max price three grand, there are tons of what appear to be alright vehicles. That being said, most are 100,000+ miles, thats why I have been looking at the nissans, people say they have seen those trucks go beyond 600000 miles. Now that I have though about it tho, I dont really want to die so I think if I go the truck route I will go american.


Really, I guess I expect repairs at that price, I guess my top end would be around 4 or 5 thousand, I just feel like cars even in that price range are going to need repairs and I really wouldnt want to spend any more at that point
Sep 1 2016 11:14AM
0 0
profile picture
JayRich
Posts: 969 - Karma: 1,301
freewillieYeah, both my parents actually own obs, my mother owned one first, and they liked it so much that they just got another one...tbh I was kinda thinking I could do something different to expand our vehicular horizons, but an older ob or ob sport looks like a good option.


Oh damn, I see why you want a different car then. Haha my next suggestion would be an old taco, but then I read the comments above.
Sep 1 2016 11:40AM
0 0
profile picture
crotchvent
Posts: 1527 - Karma: 2,184
Get a Mini truck they are super cool.
Sep 1 2016 4:02PM
0 0
profile picture
250r
Posts: 2276 - Karma: 1,013
ultimate ski trip vehicle...


Sep 1 2016 4:13PM
1 0
profile picture
AdamLoafer
Posts: 170 - Karma: 291
I've owned an '01 Tacoma, '03 Outback Sport and now '00 4Runner. Great mountain trucks/car.
Sep 1 2016 4:52PM
0 0
profile picture
grilled_steeze
Posts: 422 - Karma: 1,447
Any subie wagon is great for mountain life (except for a crosstrek, no trunk space). the AWD is amazing, they handle really well, are reliable, and you can easily live out of something like an outback or forester for a while, and maybe an impreza wagon if its a shorter trip. They're seriously underrated for what they can do.
Sep 1 2016 8:34PM
0 0
profile picture
daannnnieel
Posts: 5163 - Karma: 4,293
CaptainObvious.Nissans are pieces of shit.

Find a Toyota.


okay you want to take this guys advice but not because of his reasoning. Nissans are actually not pieces of shit, at all. d21s are reliable if it's not molested, have enough power to have fun, and are cheap as fucking shit to work on because its the same engine as a 240sx lol

they typically have way less rust than any toyota you'll ever find from the same year, and a decent running one is actually in your price range.
Sep 1 2016 9:02PM
0 0
profile picture
freewillie
Posts: 429 - Karma: 3,321
supermagician__okay you want to take this guys advice but not because of his reasoning. Nissans are actually not pieces of shit, at all. d21s are reliable if it's not molested, have enough power to have fun, and are cheap as fucking shit to work on because its the same engine as a 240sx lol

they typically have way less rust than any toyota you'll ever find from the same year, and a decent running one is actually in your price range.


wait, so are you saying that you think the d21 is a good idea or not? As I said above, Toyota is out of the question bc I dont want to be disowned...
Sep 1 2016 9:13PM
0 0
profile picture
daannnnieel
Posts: 5163 - Karma: 4,293
freewilliewait, so are you saying that you think the d21 is a good idea or not? As I said above, Toyota is out of the question bc I dont want to be disowned...


yeah, I'm saying for your price range its probably your best bet. and they're fun to drive, just find a 5 speed and your set!
Sep 1 2016 9:16PM
0 0
profile picture
freewillie
Posts: 429 - Karma: 3,321
supermagician__yeah, I'm saying for your price range its probably your best bet. and they're fun to drive, just find a 5 speed and your set!


Thx bredda
Sep 1 2016 9:18PM
0 0
profile picture
saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
freewilliewait, so are you saying that you think the d21 is a good idea or not? As I said above, Toyota is out of the question bc I dont want to be disowned...


Wait. The most solid, reliable truck/suv option (Taco or 4runner) is out because some family members died in that particular brand of vehicle? Was it Toyota's fault? I'm not trying to be insensitive and I don't know the circumstances, but it seems weird.
Sep 2 2016 2:33AM
0 0
profile picture
.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7480 - Karma: 11,480
saskskierWait. The most solid, reliable truck/suv option (Taco or 4runner) is out because some family members died in that particular brand of vehicle? Was it Toyota's fault? I'm not trying to be insensitive and I don't know the circumstances, but it seems weird.


Seriously, those vehicles can go for hundreds of thousands of miles.

I'm another person in the Taco/4runner/Older Tundra camp.
Sep 2 2016 8:30AM
0 0
profile picture
freewillie
Posts: 429 - Karma: 3,321
saskskierWait. The most solid, reliable truck/suv option (Taco or 4runner) is out because some family members died in that particular brand of vehicle? Was it Toyota's fault? I'm not trying to be insensitive and I don't know the circumstances, but it seems weird.


.MASSHOLE.Seriously, those vehicles can go for hundreds of thousands of miles.

I'm another person in the Taco/4runner/Older Tundra camp.


I dont really know but thats pretty much the deal. My mom wouldnt let me, and her family would all lose their shit probably. Ik a taco is prolly safer than a d21, but me mums a little strange so I just gotta go with it in hopes of ever getting a vehicle ever
Sep 2 2016 10:05AM
0 0
profile picture
McNoche
Posts: 1731 - Karma: 3,661
.MASSHOLE.Seriously, those vehicles can go for hundreds of thousands of miles.

I'm another person in the Taco/4runner/Older Tundra camp.


let me guess, 4runner
Sep 2 2016 11:00AM
0 0
profile picture
.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7480 - Karma: 11,480
McNochelet me guess, 4runner


Nope.
Sep 2 2016 11:23AM
0 0
profile picture
McNoche
Posts: 1731 - Karma: 3,661
.MASSHOLE.Nope.


shocker
Sep 2 2016 11:30AM
0 0
profile picture
CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
supermagician__okay you want to take this guys advice but not because of his reasoning. Nissans are actually not pieces of shit, at all. d21s are reliable if it's not molested, have enough power to have fun, and are cheap as fucking shit to work on because its the same engine as a 240sx lol

they typically have way less rust than any toyota you'll ever find from the same year, and a decent running one is actually in your price range.


Nissans are pieces of shit. Statistically the most catalytic converter issues by about 50%. And replacing a cat is minimum $750. Not to mention the remainder of their emmisions issues. They're notorious for blowing O2 sensors and also notorious for throwing knock sensor codes even when nothing is wrong. Their radiators are also almost guaranteed to blow right at 100k miles.

they also have huge fuel pump issues. Granted, maybe they've fixed shit. But you have no idea how much research I've done surrounding late nineties/early 00s nissans and yes...they are definitively pieces of shit.
Sep 2 2016 12:39PM
0 0
profile picture
daannnnieel
Posts: 5163 - Karma: 4,293
CaptainObvious.Nissans are pieces of shit. Statistically the most catalytic converter issues by about 50%. And replacing a cat is minimum $750. Not to mention the remainder of their emmisions issues. They're notorious for blowing O2 sensors and also notorious for throwing knock sensor codes even when nothing is wrong. Their radiators are also almost guaranteed to blow right at 100k miles.

they also have huge fuel pump issues. Granted, maybe they've fixed shit. But you have no idea how much research I've done surrounding late nineties/early 00s nissans and yes...they are definitively pieces of shit.


We have different meanings in reliability. Changing a fuel pump isn't that big of a deal on any small pickup truck. I wasn't talking late 90-early 2000's either, so i'm not even fully sure why you're telling me that they're pieces of shit.

I know piles of people who have had these trucks and absolutely love them, and ratbag the absolute piss out of them and they won't die. Who gives a fuck if you're throwing codes in a little pickup from the 80's anyways, the amount of abuse these things can take is just dumb
Sep 2 2016 11:02PM
0 0
profile picture
SACKEDPanda
Posts: 120 - Karma: 140
The nissans are fine if its desiel. The td27 are pretty solid. They are everywhere in my country. Just got to keep up with servicing every thing every 5000kms and they go forever. Me brother has one for a hack. Turboed it and wound the desiel up. Goes like a champ. In my experience everything breaks sooner or later. Just learn to fix things your self and you will be all right. And in the end of the day the best things about cheap cars is not giving a fuck and thrashing them and having heaps of fun.
Sep 3 2016 8:47AM
0 0
profile picture
TheDoughAbides
Posts: 1319 - Karma: 4,036
McNochelet me guess, 4runner


sheesh man. did some dude with a 4runner steal yo girl?


Anywho, I have an 03 outback and she does everything i ever needed, even tells 12 im a boring pussy who doesn't need to be pulled over.


One issue: Ladies. I can't keep em away when they see me rollin in my rusty white, no tint, japanese station wagon. Its been really hard to get anything done lately. As soon as they find out I drive an Outback the panties drop, dude, I'm tellin you. My advice: socks and sandles sometimes helps to fend them off (doesn't always work).
Sep 3 2016 9:45AM
0 0
profile picture
ascent_studios
Posts: 2157 - Karma: 4,580
I have an outback and its an amazing car. 28 miles to the gallon and minimal repairs
Sep 3 2016 12:46PM
0 0
profile picture
Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
The referenced post has been removed.


Came here to post this. Any AWD van for that matter.
Sep 3 2016 2:26PM
0 0
profile picture
mcnamarskiez
Posts: 692 - Karma: 159
i got a black 98 ranger and it is the illest thing ever. great mileage, can take it through just about anything, fun as fuck to drive and drift on snow, cheap to repair (parts everywhere), and it looks like its ready to romp all day every day. you could spend the extra money on a tacoma, but rangers are just fine imo.
Sep 5 2016 1:25AM
0 0
profile picture
freewillie
Posts: 429 - Karma: 3,321
mcnamarskiezi got a black 98 ranger and it is the illest thing ever. great mileage, can take it through just about anything, fun as fuck to drive and drift on snow, cheap to repair (parts everywhere), and it looks like its ready to romp all day every day. you could spend the extra money on a tacoma, but rangers are just fine imo.


4cyl or 6?
Sep 5 2016 10:37AM
0 0
profile picture
elcornholio
Posts: 797 - Karma: 1,557
I have a 2010 Audi A4 Avant and a 1997 Lexus LX450 (Toyota Landcruiser)

My A4 is my daily driver and I drive it to school and ski with it. The Lexus is a beast and is at 280K miles (purchased at 60K). Really cheap to maintain. I use it as a beach car and I drive it during blizzards.

The A4 has a 2L turbocharged straight 4cyl and the Lexus has a 4.5L straight 6. An outback would probably be cheaper and more practical though...
Sep 5 2016 11:28AM
0 0
profile picture
mcnamarskiez
Posts: 692 - Karma: 159
freewillie4cyl or 6?


3.0L v6
Sep 14 2016 9:58PM
0 0
profile picture
mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
a real truck (F150, Silverdo, Ram, etc) has you covered on dependability, 4x4, and safety
Sep 19 2016 8:22PM
0 0
profile picture
freewillie
Posts: 429 - Karma: 3,321
mike759a real truck (F150, Silverdo, Ram, etc) has you covered on dependability, 4x4, and safety


I agree on the real truck thing, but I can't afford a v8...
Sep 19 2016 9:16PM
0 0
profile picture
mike759
Posts: 879 - Karma: 1,971
freewillieI agree on the real truck thing, but I can't afford a v8...


You might be able to find an old f150 pretty cheap
Sep 20 2016 7:30AM
0 0
profile picture
.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7480 - Karma: 11,480
freewillieI agree on the real truck thing, but I can't afford a v8...


Used...look to travel a bit outside of where you currently are if you can.
Sep 20 2016 8:12AM
0 0
profile picture
Skittle.
Posts: 2537 - Karma: 718
find an old 4runner or tacoma with a 22re 4cyl engine, will run forever and you can find one with lowish miles for around $2500. i drive a 3.4l tacoma sr5 with 200k and you wouldn't guess its over 50k on the clock
Sep 20 2016 11:06AM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-5)