Wanted: Inexpensive, Reliable Truck
 

Yes, I know those are usually contradictory terms, but...

I am looking for an occasional use truck, capable of towing an equipment trailer and hauling firewood and lumber. My budget is ~$10k, so I know I am looking for an older used truck. It won't be worked all that often, so I will need to occasionally drive it to work to keep things in proper condition.

I do not want to have to upgrade or modify the truck to do this; I have more important demands on my time.

Given this scenario, what are the positives and negatives of the various trucks out there?
Dodge, Ford, GM?
Manual or automatic?

What areas of concern for any given combination?

If this has already been answered, please point me to the relevant post(s).

Given your budget, I would be looking for an older Cummins or Powerstroke... Both are pretty tough trucks...

If you don't mind driving a manual, It will last longer in stock form than a stock automatic.

I agree fully. Definitely look for a stick shift. One thing I feel needs to be mentioned( though I know someone will try to pick a fight for saying this) you can usually get good looking 6.0 diesels for that price, but those motor are only good daily drivers when modified. Go for a cummins or 7.3 powerstroke.

Early 90's ford is as simple and reliable as they come, no electronics, manual everything, less to break and will tow pretty good. Manual tranny is the way to go for reliability. You can pick up a great truck for 5k.

Thanks all for your replies. This pretty much matched what I guessed, but I'd rather go with experience than guesses. :tu:

If you can find a dealer that specialises in fleet vehicles, they are excellent bang for the buck trucks. Manual everything, no bells and whistles, rubber floormats, etc.. no sense in paying for it if it's not important to you. A work truck is a tool. Being able to hose the interior out(literally) is a big plus for me.

Can't beat what's said here! I laughed about the hosing out the interior but its true :)

-Z

I am a cummins man but the only powerstroke I would buy would be a 7.3. I would look at a 12v cummins or the 7.3 PSD.

Find a 12v with a 5 speed behind it or a 7.3 Powerstroke, both can be found with lower miles for under $10k.

:tttt:hi ron i have a 1999 ford f350 with7.3 litre diesel quad cab with8 foot box in november i just bought the truck for 10000 from switzer motors but since then have had a guy fall off a roof that i was working onand other un forseen misjapes and am forced to sell my truck it has all new glow pluga and wire jarrness a new starter and alternater .it jas a manual trans this truck has no rust and is in exellent shape i wosh i never had to sell if interested please call at 2899390905