did i mention i got a new rig?

[model 70]

yep, sold the dodge for cheap and got myself an '01 double cab tacoma 4x4 trd with a camper shell. i gotta tell ya, this is the best truck of the 2 i've owned. slapped on some bfg a/t's and took it out on the trail last weekend. WOW, this thing can get through some surprising stuff. that full locker in the rear comes in handy. so narrow it fits down the skinny trail. i dunno how you super duty guys take your BIG rigs into the back country when space is at a minimum. i'm pleased with this truck since it's also my city runnin' daily driver.

[fabsroman]

Every truck has its advantages and disadvantages. The small trucks fit into tight places, but try to haul something significant with it.

For instance, I hauled 88 boxes of hardwood between the bed of my truck and a trailer. I would love to see a Tacoma, Ranger, S10, or whatever else try to haul that. Also, I would have a tough time trying to haul all my waterfowl stuff in the bed of a mid size pickup.

On the flip side, I have had to try to squeeze my truck in places that a mid size could have gone easily and I always have to take two spaces when parking at the grocery store.

[Dom]

You's know how to fix the problem, just get one of each. I know, easier said than done. I also drive a mid-size S series, Blazer, and you's think space is at a premium in the states . . . most parking spots over here are made to fit a moped in, Waidmannsheil, Dom.

[fabsroman]

Dom,

I was in Itlay about 4 yeas ago and I have several pcitures of the SMART car that fits about 3 people in it. Gas prices are also a lot higher in Europe, so driving a truck everyday would be insane unless you actually needed to drive it for work.

I might just have to think about buying a small Ford Ranger to fix this entire problem. It will save me money on gas too. Thing is, I am really thinking about getting an Expedition (i.e., large sized SUV) and the wife wants one too. I'll have to see how everything works out.

[model 70]

good thing i didn't need a heavy duty hauler. i needed a vehicle that i could drive everyday and not empty my pockets on gas. i needed something as dependable as it gets and i needed some thing to get me there and back in the woods, especially when stuff gets a little nasty. TACOMA!

[fabsroman]

Exactly. It all comes down to what a peson needs most. I probably need a truck to haul stuff more than I need it to fit in small places. If I really need to get into small places for hunting, I will buy a 4 wheeler and load it into the F-350. Then I will have the best of both worlds.

[Dom]

Ya Fabs, that third person best be mighty small, maybe a Chichuahua fit back there !! It's actually made under Mercedes Benz, not sure what gas mileage they get, but for a tight city vehicle wouldn't be a bad idea . . .

[Tater]

I'd be scared to death to drive something like that.

[fabsroman]

Tater,

I couldn't believe them when I saw them. Here is a picture of one in Rome 4 years ago. My sister was standing next to it, but I cut her out because I don't want to put a pic of her on the net without her permission. Let's just say they are extremely small.

[model 70]

Originally posted by fabsroman
Exactly. It all comes down to what a peson needs most. I probably need a truck to haul stuff more than I need it to fit in small places. If I really need to get into small places for hunting, I will buy a 4 wheeler and load it into the F-350. Then I will have the best of both worlds.

but what if you're as broke as i am and need an all-in-one vehicle?

[jmarriott]

I am still awaiting the Jeep gladiator in 2007 and saving my meager 25 bucks a week untill i can get one.

[fabsroman]

If I was broke, I would still buy the F-350 because a mid-sized truck would end up broken on the side of the road. Everybody has to determine what they will use their truck the most for. If you are going to haul a lot of heavy stuff, you cannot get a mid size truck and hope for it to live very long without some serious repairs. If you are going to drive long distances and not need the hauling power of a full size truck, then the mid size is your truck. If you need both, you are screwed.

It all comes down to personal needs, as I am sure you already know.

What is the Jeep Gladiator?

[model 70]

i have a feeling the tacoma would leave the ford broken down on the side of the road looooooong before it's the other way around. plus insurance and gas for my taco is why my broke a$$ made that choice.

[TreeDoc]

Love the SCUBA mask on wheels. A guy could die from a good wholesome fart in one of those things! I also love your "American Way" spirit, Fabs...a guy that's broke would still sign the papers on the $45,000 rig!

[fabsroman]

TD,

If a guy is broke, he isn't going to buy anything. However, if he NEEDS the truck for work or what have you, then he NEEDS the truck.

For the most part, my truck is for fun, but I do some serious hauling with it every so often and all my goose hunting stuff would never fit in the bed of a Tacoma.

As far as the Tacoma out lasting the Ford I have, I might agree with that statement if I had the gasoline engine in it, but I have heard of these diesel motors running for quite some time and mileage.

Yes, the Tacoma is a lot cheaper than most other full size trucks, but then again, I think most mid sized trucks are cheaper than full size trucks.

If it came down to me having only 25,000 or so to spend on a truck, I would probably still get the entry level F-150 in two wheel drive, or the most entry level F-150 in 4 wheel drive is something is available in that price range.

Good thing for me, I'm not poor, or at least I wasn't until I got married.