I am a girl who is not mechanical. I have been hit a few times not my fault so feel safer in a truck. I don't have a huge amount of money and want dependable and if possible good fuel economy, You all sound so knowledgeable. Can you please suggest options, I am in British Columbia
Thank you

 

Partly depends on your needs and budget. Does a pickup or a 4Runner or other Toyota product suit what you need/want? Do you want/need 4x4? What is your budget?
Fuel economy would lean toward a 4 cylinder pick up I believe.

 

Thank you
i don't need four wheel drive
safety most impant
fuel economy 2nd
can go up to $15,000
maybe 1/2 ton?

 

1/2 ton suggests you're leaning toward a pickup vs SUV - does that sound right to you?
15k is a budget that gets you something from this century vs 19xx and less age tends to equal more dependable.
I'm more familiar with vehicles from 19xx so hopefully some of the others here can help you further.

 

[QUOTE=jillya;52370211]I am a girl who is not mechanical. ...

I would recommend a first-generation Tacoma with 4 cylinders
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota...August_2004.29

People talk about that on Yotatech here.

When buying watch out for / inspect the lower ball-joint. There have been issues with 4Runner of that generation. Might also apply to the Tacoma.

 

Thank you very much

 

I see your idea and mine about not having a huge amount of money are about $14,000.00 apart

The generation of Tacoma`s was also known for the Poor frames built by Dana

Depending how much use of winter chemicals they see they will tend to need attention

They have the same suspension as the 4Runner so share the lower ball joint problems

Unless you really need a truck for hauling Big bulky loads a 4Runner will give you a much better ride

 

If you're referring to my comment - here 15k can get you a very good used truck.

I was leaning toward a 4Runner too but she said 1/2 ton soooo . . .

Also, for the lady, receipts from the buyer would be a very good thing for a non-mechanical person (male or female).
No receipts might be a deal breaker.

 

no matter what you decide to buy make sure to have it looked over thoroughly first. bring a mechanic with you or take it to a shop for a buyer's survey. The best mileage you can get with a Toyota truck is going to be with a 2 wheel drive 4 cylinder stick shift pickup, I'm not sure what the newer one's will get, but 4runners, v-6 and 4 wheel drives are not generally known to be efficient vehicles. If you get it checked out to be sure it's in good shape and do all of the preventive care when it's needed Toyotas can be very dependable, of course your driving style and where you live/go can make a big difference. If you live where they use salt on the roads in the winter your frame won't last as long as if you live in a desert.

 

thank you

 

V6 Japanese vehicles are inefficient in general. My 2001 Xterra did 19mpg max,.the new 4Runners are no better, while my 31YO, truck with the i-Four engine (LOL) does 21mpg hwy.
I don't understand why. Perhaps there was an agreement between Japanese automakers and the USA for Japanese brands to never be as efficient as American brands. ?