ooking for a truck for around $500. As long as it runs, what are my best options.

My plan right now is if I get out of debt this summer to buy a real cheap truck ($500) that I can use on a daily basis (after fixing it up), and then sell the Focus, take the money and either save it or buy something else I've been looking at.

What trucks would be best, I was thinking a Jeep Wrangler or an old Cherokee. I would also like something diesel, I know that the Wrangler had a diesel option later on.

Would I be able to swap it easily in? Are there any other trucks to consider?

Thanks

This is just a tentative plan right now, it all depends on how much debt I get cleared out, if it isn't gone, I won't be buying anything.

u cant go worng with a f-150

^agreed, longest lasting trucks on the road.

lol, doubt you'll have a choice at $500. Take what you can get and work with it.

go a lil more and get that jeep we were talking about....... but if you want long lasting, you can't go wrong with the old "Toyota" if you're lucky enough to find one for sale (I know, BOO toyota, but you can't argue facts.....well, you can, but you'll lose [hihi])

I'm definitely leaning towards the Cherokee, I still have a LONG way to go to make any serious decisions yet.

But then you'll spend more in fuel costs, etc. Why not just keep driving the Focus and save, save, save?

But then you'll spend more in fuel costs, etc. Why not just keep driving the Focus and save, save, save?

I am sick of this car on almost every level, your view was my view for awhile but I'm really coming to the end of my rope.Save, save, save is not enough reason for me to continue to keep this car.

I'm frustrated with performance, with quality, with reliabilty, public outlook, and the Focus scene itself. It's just not enjoyable anymore. I do like it in some ways but overall I it's just not as fun anymore.

Who knows, maybe I'll come around again, but right now I am leaving all options open (keep the car, sell it, etc.). One thing is for sure I'm no longer spending money on mods.

I would go w/ a comanchee/cherokee/4runner. they are all great realiable vehicles and go for forever!!!! I have a cherokee and 4runner!!! they are amazing!!

If you go with Jeep just be sure to get one with the straight six. Only Chrysler motor I would buy...

ya, i agree, they are basically bulletproof!!!

we have a 1974 f150 ranger with 450,000 miles it still runs great.

I have a 94 F 150 long wheel base and I've rolled the odometer once and it still runs like a scalded dog.

For $500 your limiting yourself. I agree on the I-6 4.0L for any Jeep you consider. They are bulletproof. Any jeep, though, gets crap for gas mileage.

If you raise your purchase price to $1k, you'll find a better vehicle all together. My friend had a mid-90's 4runner and it was sweet! Another friend bought an '85 K5 for $3700 with a nice 4 wheel drive (can't spin in the mud in 4H, he's tried) and a 454 with a removable rear fiberglass top thingy and 33's.

cherokee. 4.0

best cheap vehicle you can get for the money.

The Ford 4.9L I-6 is a good engine too. (its 300cu. in., only 2 less than a 5.0 but they didn't want to label it the same size.) If you find an old F150, they are solid trucks. But the Cherokee 4.0 is a solid choice as well. The old 350 chevy engine was solid to, My 1990 Siera had 280,000 on it when I sold it. (It was my first vehicle, and I beat on it!) Two years later, I ran into the guy, and he had about 330,000 on it, running strong, never been rebuilt, original tranny too.

In your area of the country they've probably all rusted and gone to truck heaven, but the old Mazda B-series trucks are cheap and reliable. Extremely basic but that means less to go wrong.

Thanks for the input guys, never considered the ranger/b series, gonna add that to the list. Here's hoping the summer is good for me.

In my experience, a ranger is def a good choice. I was 16 when i got my hands on an 89 v6 3.0 ranger auto. Had about 165,000 miles, original tranny and still ran good. Its so easy to work on.. all you need is a Haynes book and Ur set. Plus, i could sell you a shitload of parts haha.

yeah +1 for ranger. not fancy at all but theyre tough