truck shopping - need help

[jman]

I'll admit up front that I'm not a car expert, whatsoever. I DO know the intricacies of engines however (go figure).

Anyways, I'm looking for a USED truck. It will be my primary vehicle for work to SLC (travel 40miles roundtrip/day) AND recreation on the weekends such as the Roost, Swell, Moab and Zion (althought not every weekend). I drive roughly 17kmiles/year.

-4 Doors isn't a must, but very preferred (a crew cab).
-4x4 is preferred (but can be compromised for other things) and if it's 2x2 then it has to be front wheel drive
-6-cylinder
-Will not be used for towing (well maybe rarely for pulling our seadoos)
-Power windows/locks
-standard bed of 5'8" or larger.

I can be more picky, but those are the only things I care about. Basically, carry me, my girlfriend, and our gear. I don't want a huge truck like a 350, but something similar in size to the Chevy S10 or Toyota Tacoma, although definitely not the S10.

So, what other trucks or mid-size trucks fit in what I have listed? I just don't know how to look for similar ones.

Thanks!

[oldno7]

Can't go wrong with the 4 door Tacoma's.
Are you checking ksl and craigslist?
If you get a white one, Shane and I will include you in our club.

[Skylinerider]

Look at tacomas and nissan Frontiers. I wouldn't compromise on 4x4 and here in Utah you shouldnt have to most trucks are 4x4.

[jman]

Can't go wrong with the 4 door Tacoma's.
Are you checking ksl and craigslist?
If you get a white one, Shane and I will include you in our club.

lol. Well the one I'm looking at is red....hmm. No elite status for me.

So I narrowed it down a little:

Ford Silverado 1500, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevy Colorado.

I just can't decide!

[oldno7]

I got a bit over 19mpg coming from Page to Parowan.

Got 17.3 from Phoenix to Page mostly 75mph and lots of uphill, I'm hoping that will be my worst.

Don't the Colorados get better MPG?

[accadacca]

Toyota Tacoma fan here...

[ibenick]

I own a Tacoma and drive a Colorado for work, both are 4-door 4x4 short beds. After several years of driving both, I can say that I absolutely love the Tacoma and you couldn't pay me to own a Colorado. Hell, sometimes I leave the P.O.S. Colorado at home and drive the Taco to work. I have to pay for the gas and wear but it's worth it.

[REDFOX]

Your stipulation of having a 5' 8" bed will probably rule out most of the 4 door tacomas. I get 19.5 mpg regularly out of my fullsize 2004 4x4 silverado 300 hp. v8. You may want to look at the toyota tundra or dodge dakota for the larger bed size.

[jman]

So......I just got my new truck today! I got a 2004 f-150 5.4 v8, 4x4 3-door extended cab. 90k, fully loaded, towing package all under $11,000. Thanks Young Chevrolet for hooking me up!

Pics are coming tomorrow!

[jman]

Here's a few pics. Man I love this truck.

And new double-din A/V deck to arrive tomorrow!

[Sandstone Addiction]

Very nice truck!

I love the color.

Does it run as good as it looks?

[JP]

How's it running? One good looking truck

[accadacca]

Damn nice color AND sticker! How did I miss this?

[phatch]

Crap, how'd I get in this thread. Sorry.

[jman]

I love it! I should take a pic of the inside and show you all the cool stuff I've done over the year!

But I hate the chrome gas cap cover that came with it. Time to go to pick n pull tomorrow and see what I can find.