I’m considering buying an older full-sized truck - what are my best options?
I’d like something full-sized so I can take my 2 boys with me places or to drop them off at school, but not the size of a larger cab. A manual transmission because I miss having one. 4wd for a bit of fun or winter use. Short bed would be ideal, but an 8’ bed would be fine. Step side would be awesome, but those are pretty rare. Antique plates would be nice so I don’t have to worry about emissions, but not so old to worry about reliability. Not pristine, but not a beater. Not a daily driver, but for runs for lumber or mulch. Budget of $5k or so. No huge hurry.
My initial target has been a ford between 1980 and 1996 since I like the square body style, but I’m not seeing much on the market. I’m mostly watching craigslist and Facebook - autotrader and cars.com don’t have much at all.
Where else should I look? Other things I should look for? Anyone have any leads on something?
I’d like something full-sized so I can take my 2 boys with me places or to drop them off at school, but not the size of a larger cab. A manual transmission because I miss having one. 4wd for a bit of fun or winter use. Short bed would be ideal, but an 8’ bed would be fine. Step side would be awesome, but those are pretty rare. Antique plates would be nice so I don’t have to worry about emissions, but not so old to worry about reliability. Not pristine, but not a beater. Not a daily driver, but for runs for lumber or mulch. Budget of $5k or so. No huge hurry.
My initial target has been a ford between 1980 and 1996 since I like the square body style, but I’m not seeing much on the market. I’m mostly watching craigslist and Facebook - autotrader and cars.com don’t have much at all.
Where else should I look? Other things I should look for? Anyone have any leads on something?