Bring back little trucks!!!

MX_Andrew83
Posts
748
Joined
10/6/2010
Location
Morehead city, NC US
7/15/2024 6:17am

I had small trucks like Tacoma's and Frontiers, but always wanted a 3/4 ton. I have one now and hate it lol. It would be gone if I wasn't using it to tow a boat. It barely fits anywhere we go. I'm also not tall, so it's a rolling short joke... Would love to go back to a Tacoma, but it doesn't make sense right now.

For the sake of nostalgia, I bought a 92 ranger with 9"s of lift, 35's and a rollbar. It was pretty fun to drive, but the gf hated it, so it didn't last long.

Sandusky26
Posts
3392
Joined
7/28/2021
Location
Eastern, NC US
7/16/2024 2:42am
kapaa10 wrote:
I saw the new tacoma and they are ridiculously big.  Looks as big as the first gen tundras.  and a top of the line model is...

I saw the new tacoma and they are ridiculously big.  Looks as big as the first gen tundras.  and a top of the line model is $75,000 before fees, how is that possible?

Because guys have been over paying for that truck since it came out.

My 16 F150 gets better fuel mileage, can haul any thing I need, much bigger, way easier to pull chicks, cost less.

1
grunkster
Posts
442
Joined
12/2/2014
Location
Rochester, MN US
7/16/2024 4:36am

Frontier is not only truck with non turbo. Maverick hybrid is Atkinson cycle engine and is not turbo...fyi

early
Posts
9796
Joined
2/13/2013
Location
University Heights, OH US
7/16/2024 6:04am
Sandusky26 wrote:
Because guys have been over paying for that truck since it came out. My 16 F150 gets better fuel mileage, can haul any thing I need...

Because guys have been over paying for that truck since it came out.

My 16 F150 gets better fuel mileage, can haul any thing I need, much bigger, way easier to pull chicks, cost less.

F150 is a work truck, Tacoma is an offroading truck 

1
1

The Shop

oldnescVet
Posts
153
Joined
12/5/2023
Location
By The Sea, CT US
7/16/2024 6:21am

Short bed reg cab F150 4x4 with a 5.0. Over 20 mpg avg. and a shit load of gitty up. Bought it used in mint condition. I like the maverick but that cvt tranny scares me

5
BoxcarWilly
Posts
1135
Joined
10/5/2023
Location
Thunder Bay, ON CA
7/16/2024 6:26am

I will never own any vehicle with a CVT trans. 

 

I just bought a 2001 5 speed 2WD Tacoma for $1000. I figure I'll drive that for another decade until I can find another oneTongue

3
oldnescVet
Posts
153
Joined
12/5/2023
Location
By The Sea, CT US
7/16/2024 6:52am

Reg cab long bed 3.3l 2wd work truck. Gets 23 mgg avg and the truck I use the most. Bought it used in mint condition.

4
early
Posts
9796
Joined
2/13/2013
Location
University Heights, OH US
7/16/2024 9:34am
oldnescVet wrote:
Short bed reg cab F150 4x4 with a 5.0. Over 20 mpg avg. and a shit load of gitty up. Bought it used in mint condition...

Short bed reg cab F150 4x4 with a 5.0. Over 20 mpg avg. and a shit load of gitty up. Bought it used in mint condition. I like the maverick but that cvt tranny scares me

FYI, cvt's that are in hybrids don't have any belts and pulleys, they are a planetary gear that coordinates the engine, electric drive, and generator. They've been reliable in toyotas for a long time, I'm not so sure about Ford's. FWIW I've driven a bronco sport the Maverick is based on with a conventional engine and transmission and it was one of thebworst sounding and feeling drive trains I've ever encountered. 

 

 

1
ThePizzaCobra
Posts
722
Joined
12/1/2018
Location
The Garden State, NJ US
7/16/2024 10:17am



To the point of this thread, anyone wanting a modern mini truck, the Maverick is the way to go. I’ve put 18,xxx flawless miles on mine since September 2023. It’s fully a loaded EcoBoost Lariat (sans a sunroof) and it was about $35k OTD in NJ. I lowered it and put Ford Edge ST wheels on it with 265 tires because I can’t leave well enough alone. Despite the massively increased tread width, I still average about 27 mpg. It’s fun to drive, efficient, and easily hauls my dirt bike and gear… what else can a moto guy ask for from a vehicle? 
 

14
BoxcarWilly
Posts
1135
Joined
10/5/2023
Location
Thunder Bay, ON CA
7/16/2024 10:27am
To the point of this thread, anyone wanting a modern mini truck, the Maverick is the way to go. I’ve put 18,xxx flawless miles on mine...



To the point of this thread, anyone wanting a modern mini truck, the Maverick is the way to go. I’ve put 18,xxx flawless miles on mine since September 2023. It’s fully a loaded EcoBoost Lariat (sans a sunroof) and it was about $35k OTD in NJ. I lowered it and put Ford Edge ST wheels on it with 265 tires because I can’t leave well enough alone. Despite the massively increased tread width, I still average about 27 mpg. It’s fun to drive, efficient, and easily hauls my dirt bike and gear… what else can a moto guy ask for from a vehicle? 
 

Sweet! How is it on the highway with that much weight? Could you fit two bikes?

 

I love the Idea, but I need to see some well into the 100k mile range before I'm sold. 

1
ThePizzaCobra
Posts
722
Joined
12/1/2018
Location
The Garden State, NJ US
7/16/2024 10:56am
To the point of this thread, anyone wanting a modern mini truck, the Maverick is the way to go. I’ve put 18,xxx flawless miles on mine...



To the point of this thread, anyone wanting a modern mini truck, the Maverick is the way to go. I’ve put 18,xxx flawless miles on mine since September 2023. It’s fully a loaded EcoBoost Lariat (sans a sunroof) and it was about $35k OTD in NJ. I lowered it and put Ford Edge ST wheels on it with 265 tires because I can’t leave well enough alone. Despite the massively increased tread width, I still average about 27 mpg. It’s fun to drive, efficient, and easily hauls my dirt bike and gear… what else can a moto guy ask for from a vehicle? 
 

Sweet! How is it on the highway with that much weight? Could you fit two bikes?   I love the Idea, but I need to see...

Sweet! How is it on the highway with that much weight? Could you fit two bikes?

 

I love the Idea, but I need to see some well into the 100k mile range before I'm sold. 

At this rate, I’ll let you know when I hit 100k in another 3 years lol. Fits 2 bikes just fine… two gear bags is more so the issue. If you have something the size of a 9800, you have to stack them tightly in the back seat, or one needs to go in the bed between the bikes. That’s only an issue in bad weather. The added weight of 1 bike in the bed is unnoticeable. I’ve only hauled twoonce or twice, but I don’t recall it feeling much different. 

OleTex2
Posts
535
Joined
8/12/2021
Location
Central, TX US
Fantasy
7/16/2024 11:23am
mtbkris2 wrote:

Anyone got experience with the Hyundai Santa Cruz as a bike hauler?

I would like to know too. 100k warranty is nice. I’ve seen them around. It’s a small truck based on one of their SUV’s. 

Chuck_Nice
Posts
76
Joined
1/31/2011
Location
Indianapolis, IN US
7/16/2024 11:53am

2
dadofagun
Posts
1991
Joined
3/28/2015
Location
Satan's Hollow, OK US
Fantasy
7/16/2024 12:56pm
To the point of this thread, anyone wanting a modern mini truck, the Maverick is the way to go. I’ve put 18,xxx flawless miles on mine...



To the point of this thread, anyone wanting a modern mini truck, the Maverick is the way to go. I’ve put 18,xxx flawless miles on mine since September 2023. It’s fully a loaded EcoBoost Lariat (sans a sunroof) and it was about $35k OTD in NJ. I lowered it and put Ford Edge ST wheels on it with 265 tires because I can’t leave well enough alone. Despite the massively increased tread width, I still average about 27 mpg. It’s fun to drive, efficient, and easily hauls my dirt bike and gear… what else can a moto guy ask for from a vehicle? 
 

That Mav looks incredible.  I have 2 of those next door to me, one grey like yours, one white.  I've REALLY been watching them over the last 6 months, as I am older now, and do not need in a truck what I did 20 years ago,  This one here just may seal the deal for me.  Great looking ride!  

However, I am still quite fond of my little girl I searched for over a decade for....  It's a 97 F150, reg cab, short bed,  2wd, 5spd manual.  When that gen truck came out, was winter 96, and my best friend bought one new.  I drove it and fell in love.  Promised myself, one day I would have one......  Later in life, I did not realize how few of those there were.  Everything was based on "He who has the most doors, and windows, wins....."  If I found one, it was a long bed, owned by a plumber or whatever, beat to shit....  But finally, a friend of mine called.  He owns a car lot, and said, "I found your truck"....

4.2, crank your own windows, lock your own doors, cloth interior.  White, VIRGIN truck, 88.000 miles.  $4300 later, all mine.  This was 2016, and I still adore it.  She is up to 130,000 now, and still basically perfect.  No rips, tears, dents, or resprays.  Always stored indoors at night, but thinking now let her rest and have an easier life.  That afore mentioned Mav just looks too tempting.  Besides, all newer half ton trucks are so FUCKING big, for no reason at all.....other than a dick measuring contest.  Pretty bad when my 97 half ton, is smaller than a new Ranger....

Again, badass Mav buddy!

1
Magoofan
Posts
10401
Joined
5/4/2021
Location
Shadow Glen (for those who remember), CA US
7/16/2024 2:15pm Edited Date/Time 7/16/2024 2:16pm
I will never own any vehicle with a CVT trans.    I just bought a 2001 5 speed 2WD Tacoma for $1000. I figure I'll drive...

I will never own any vehicle with a CVT trans. 

 

I just bought a 2001 5 speed 2WD Tacoma for $1000. I figure I'll drive that for another decade until I can find another oneTongue

Knew someone that just had to have a CVT gone thru.... $8K      Less than 100k miles on it

 

2
ThePizzaCobra
Posts
722
Joined
12/1/2018
Location
The Garden State, NJ US
7/16/2024 3:14pm
To the point of this thread, anyone wanting a modern mini truck, the Maverick is the way to go. I’ve put 18,xxx flawless miles on mine...



To the point of this thread, anyone wanting a modern mini truck, the Maverick is the way to go. I’ve put 18,xxx flawless miles on mine since September 2023. It’s fully a loaded EcoBoost Lariat (sans a sunroof) and it was about $35k OTD in NJ. I lowered it and put Ford Edge ST wheels on it with 265 tires because I can’t leave well enough alone. Despite the massively increased tread width, I still average about 27 mpg. It’s fun to drive, efficient, and easily hauls my dirt bike and gear… what else can a moto guy ask for from a vehicle? 
 

dadofagun wrote:
That Mav looks incredible.  I have 2 of those next door to me, one grey like yours, one white.  I've REALLY been watching them over the...

That Mav looks incredible.  I have 2 of those next door to me, one grey like yours, one white.  I've REALLY been watching them over the last 6 months, as I am older now, and do not need in a truck what I did 20 years ago,  This one here just may seal the deal for me.  Great looking ride!  

However, I am still quite fond of my little girl I searched for over a decade for....  It's a 97 F150, reg cab, short bed,  2wd, 5spd manual.  When that gen truck came out, was winter 96, and my best friend bought one new.  I drove it and fell in love.  Promised myself, one day I would have one......  Later in life, I did not realize how few of those there were.  Everything was based on "He who has the most doors, and windows, wins....."  If I found one, it was a long bed, owned by a plumber or whatever, beat to shit....  But finally, a friend of mine called.  He owns a car lot, and said, "I found your truck"....

4.2, crank your own windows, lock your own doors, cloth interior.  White, VIRGIN truck, 88.000 miles.  $4300 later, all mine.  This was 2016, and I still adore it.  She is up to 130,000 now, and still basically perfect.  No rips, tears, dents, or resprays.  Always stored indoors at night, but thinking now let her rest and have an easier life.  That afore mentioned Mav just looks too tempting.  Besides, all newer half ton trucks are so FUCKING big, for no reason at all.....other than a dick measuring contest.  Pretty bad when my 97 half ton, is smaller than a new Ranger....

Again, badass Mav buddy!

Thanks for the kind words. I say keep the 97 AND get the Mav! 

2
Yzf916
Posts
735
Joined
10/13/2011
Location
MS US
7/16/2024 3:29pm

2010 Frontier. 335,000 miles. Nothing more than routine fluid, filters, tires, battery, belt. Best vehicle I have owned. And I’ve owned many. Don’t believe the “ratings” you read. 

5
Yzf916
Posts
735
Joined
10/13/2011
Location
MS US
7/16/2024 3:32pm

4
Yzf916
Posts
735
Joined
10/13/2011
Location
MS US
7/16/2024 3:33pm

7
dadofagun
Posts
1991
Joined
3/28/2015
Location
Satan's Hollow, OK US
Fantasy
7/16/2024 3:46pm
To the point of this thread, anyone wanting a modern mini truck, the Maverick is the way to go. I’ve put 18,xxx flawless miles on mine...



To the point of this thread, anyone wanting a modern mini truck, the Maverick is the way to go. I’ve put 18,xxx flawless miles on mine since September 2023. It’s fully a loaded EcoBoost Lariat (sans a sunroof) and it was about $35k OTD in NJ. I lowered it and put Ford Edge ST wheels on it with 265 tires because I can’t leave well enough alone. Despite the massively increased tread width, I still average about 27 mpg. It’s fun to drive, efficient, and easily hauls my dirt bike and gear… what else can a moto guy ask for from a vehicle? 
 

dadofagun wrote:
That Mav looks incredible.  I have 2 of those next door to me, one grey like yours, one white.  I've REALLY been watching them over the...

That Mav looks incredible.  I have 2 of those next door to me, one grey like yours, one white.  I've REALLY been watching them over the last 6 months, as I am older now, and do not need in a truck what I did 20 years ago,  This one here just may seal the deal for me.  Great looking ride!  

However, I am still quite fond of my little girl I searched for over a decade for....  It's a 97 F150, reg cab, short bed,  2wd, 5spd manual.  When that gen truck came out, was winter 96, and my best friend bought one new.  I drove it and fell in love.  Promised myself, one day I would have one......  Later in life, I did not realize how few of those there were.  Everything was based on "He who has the most doors, and windows, wins....."  If I found one, it was a long bed, owned by a plumber or whatever, beat to shit....  But finally, a friend of mine called.  He owns a car lot, and said, "I found your truck"....

4.2, crank your own windows, lock your own doors, cloth interior.  White, VIRGIN truck, 88.000 miles.  $4300 later, all mine.  This was 2016, and I still adore it.  She is up to 130,000 now, and still basically perfect.  No rips, tears, dents, or resprays.  Always stored indoors at night, but thinking now let her rest and have an easier life.  That afore mentioned Mav just looks too tempting.  Besides, all newer half ton trucks are so FUCKING big, for no reason at all.....other than a dick measuring contest.  Pretty bad when my 97 half ton, is smaller than a new Ranger....

Again, badass Mav buddy!

Thanks for the kind words. I say keep the 97 AND get the Mav! 

Already on it.......!  Searching the car ads now. 

dadofagun
Posts
1991
Joined
3/28/2015
Location
Satan's Hollow, OK US
Fantasy
7/16/2024 3:59pm
dadofagun wrote:
That Mav looks incredible.  I have 2 of those next door to me, one grey like yours, one white.  I've REALLY been watching them over the...

That Mav looks incredible.  I have 2 of those next door to me, one grey like yours, one white.  I've REALLY been watching them over the last 6 months, as I am older now, and do not need in a truck what I did 20 years ago,  This one here just may seal the deal for me.  Great looking ride!  

However, I am still quite fond of my little girl I searched for over a decade for....  It's a 97 F150, reg cab, short bed,  2wd, 5spd manual.  When that gen truck came out, was winter 96, and my best friend bought one new.  I drove it and fell in love.  Promised myself, one day I would have one......  Later in life, I did not realize how few of those there were.  Everything was based on "He who has the most doors, and windows, wins....."  If I found one, it was a long bed, owned by a plumber or whatever, beat to shit....  But finally, a friend of mine called.  He owns a car lot, and said, "I found your truck"....

4.2, crank your own windows, lock your own doors, cloth interior.  White, VIRGIN truck, 88.000 miles.  $4300 later, all mine.  This was 2016, and I still adore it.  She is up to 130,000 now, and still basically perfect.  No rips, tears, dents, or resprays.  Always stored indoors at night, but thinking now let her rest and have an easier life.  That afore mentioned Mav just looks too tempting.  Besides, all newer half ton trucks are so FUCKING big, for no reason at all.....other than a dick measuring contest.  Pretty bad when my 97 half ton, is smaller than a new Ranger....

Again, badass Mav buddy!

Thanks for the kind words. I say keep the 97 AND get the Mav! 

dadofagun wrote:

Already on it.......!  Searching the car ads now. 

And yes, Maggie the 97 stays right here.

dadofagun
Posts
1991
Joined
3/28/2015
Location
Satan's Hollow, OK US
Fantasy
7/16/2024 4:00pm
Yzf916 wrote:
2010 Frontier. 335,000 miles. Nothing more than routine fluid, filters, tires, battery, belt. Best vehicle I have owned. And I’ve owned many. Don’t believe the “ratings”...

2010 Frontier. 335,000 miles. Nothing more than routine fluid, filters, tires, battery, belt. Best vehicle I have owned. And I’ve owned many. Don’t believe the “ratings” you read. 

Damn solid ride buddy.

mx_563
Posts
2174
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
CA US
7/18/2024 3:31am
Yzf916 wrote:
2010 Frontier. 335,000 miles. Nothing more than routine fluid, filters, tires, battery, belt. Best vehicle I have owned. And I’ve owned many. Don’t believe the “ratings”...

2010 Frontier. 335,000 miles. Nothing more than routine fluid, filters, tires, battery, belt. Best vehicle I have owned. And I’ve owned many. Don’t believe the “ratings” you read. 

Glad you posted this. 

I have the euro version of the Frontier....a 2007 Nissan Navara. It's got a 2.5l turbocharged diesel and 6-speed manual. It's a beater, accident recovery. Bondo all over, assembled from a few different vehicles....dual climate zone heater box but single climate zone wiring harness, the a/c switch is a generic add-on, etc etc....

I joined a Facebook owners group and it seems like every post on there is someone seeking help with a mechanical/electrical problem. So I drive my truck with the constant feeling that something serious is about to happen. Meanwhile it just keeps on going, and going and going. Hardware store runs, the dump, gravel, moto track.....it gets it done. 

I think I'm going to reward it with an EGR delete so it can breathe fresh air.

IMG 20240330 163603490 HDR

IMG 20240402 114404794 HDR.jpg?VersionId=OlvsUGh0rPbSi3DTX2E4ocQw

 

IMG 20240323 083510984 HDR

 


IMG 20240602 135418825 HDR.jpg?VersionId= 

3
Robbirob25
Posts
404
Joined
11/19/2007
Location
Fort Wayne, IN US
7/18/2024 4:56am
canyon 6.0
5
3
Robbirob25
Posts
404
Joined
11/19/2007
Location
Fort Wayne, IN US
7/18/2024 4:59am
Robbirob25 wrote:
canyon 6.0

2023 Canyon 310 HP 410 lb ft torque. Best truck i have ever owned. I have owned Tacoma, Sierra, F-150, Ranger, S-10, Isuzu...

This thing beats them all, of the one's i have owned.

2
7/18/2024 9:36am

87 Jeep Comanche has been working for me as the bike hauler. Not the fastest thing on the road but it'll get you there...eventually! I keep thinking about selling and getting something newer, but just can't bring myself to get rid of the Jeep. 

IMG 0210 0.jpg?VersionId=Bt1X

 

71409266006  FD178AFC-2A6E-4402-A25E-4D8B20D23EE4 0.jpg?VersionId=abRbsDE8KB3UzjFmNvVj.oAG7KF71467710382  EF172E61-796C-4001-A6EF-56D286277500 0.jpg?VersionId=Ua8rEmIm8vUQhPkZebJ .1IMG 1060 0.jpg?VersionId=0Zb3F2W9TJ66tF tdJHGY8r55Fw

 

23
Warlock
Posts
362
Joined
7/11/2019
Location
West Middlesex, PA US
7/18/2024 9:45am Edited Date/Time 7/18/2024 9:46am

20220619 134117 0MY 2011 Ridgeline. 189k and still runs and drives like new.

6
2

Post a reply to: Bring back little trucks!!!

The Latest