Wheremi gwana find?

[buzz worth]

My neighbor and I were discussing small trucks the other day and he told me what he would really like, he can't find. He tows a pontoon boat to and fro a couple of local lakes close by for day trips.

Since he doesn't need to haul alot of stuff, he doesn't want a big truck.

Since it is somewhat hilly, he'd like the torque of a diesel.

Does anyone know of such an animal available in the U.S. ? I believe many companies have them for service in other countries, but with todays fuel prices and his needs it seems like it would be something that's time has come for the U.S./



Thoughts? Suggestions???



buzz

 

[John Salov]

i sold my ST for an 05 chevy colorado extended cab. its nice i like. engine is a straight 5. makes 220 hp and 225 lb/t. i havent really hauled anything that heavy, just a few garbage loads froma construction site. 19 gallon tank. light comes on at 17. gets around 350 miles a tank. im gonna get the k&n for 200 dollars and a tonnaue cover so i can get around 23/24 mpg. i get 21 as of right now. has a diff locker in the back.

the other competiton is i think the ranger, frontier, tacoma, dakota.

hope this helps. John

 

[Richard L]

You can find small trucks with V8 that make a few more HP, but no small trucks that sport diesel engines.



With the larger engine bay in the 2007 Sport Trac to fit the V8, perhaps a diesel will be coming too. You might be able to do your own engine swap for PowerStroke diesel, but I can only imagine how expensive that would be.



...Rich

 

[Travis Munday]

The VW Rabbit pickup cam with a diesel motor...although I doubt that's what you're looking for.



I also think some older Rangers came with a diesel, although they were very rare, if even at all. You could just go to Mexico, buy a Ranger with a turbo diesel...

 

[2]

Tiger - I think those VW's were called Dashers. Man, those engines ran forever.

 

[Johnny O]

The Jeep Liberty diesel is rated to tow 5000 lb. It's not a pickup though. There are no small truck diesels in the U.S. due to emissions regulations. The Jeep oil-burner will be gone after next year. New 3/4 ton diesels cost big money and you'd need to drive it a lot before you'd save in fuel what the engine cost you to buy.

If he really really wants a diesel, get a used one unless money is no object. Go with a Trac or 4.0 Ranger or V8 Dakota.

 

[buzz worth]

JohnnyO.........Jeep ! Thanks for the idea. Might be just the right ride for the day tripper.



bu$$