Need new Towed, Sidekick needs extensive rebuilding

[D_E_Bishop]

Our 1995 Sidekick has 180,000 miles on it with 120,000 being towed and it is literally disintegrating, most of the interior is falling apart and the door and window gaskets are turning to dust, the front suspension needs replacing. I am no longer in love with a the little darling.

I had to give the DGS my old beater F150 and I have been sorry ever since. I want a truck, preferably a small or mid size with an automatic trans and 4 wheel drive. My DW has a 2017 Explorer Limited for a DD and so we don't need a family/friends vehicle. We used the Grand Vitara I had as a DD for part of purchase.

The Ford Ranger was my first choice, a 1990 to 1995, not too many in good shape and DW doesn't want me to buy another hobby truck. So I settled on a budget of +/- $5000, found that the small and mid-sized trucks in my range are also older and not too many in good shape.

Checked Motorhome annual releases of four downs, I have narrowed it down to a Ranger, Tacoma, Frontier and Dakota. I also raised my budget to $6000, plus what I can get for the Suzi.

The most promising is the Dakota and the Chevy Colorado. A 2006 Colorado, 4X4, four door, with AT is only slightly heavier than the Vitara was so it is now at the top of the list, followed by the Dakota.

Anyone with either of those have any input?

[Hank85713]

Here is current on CL:

https://tucson.craigslist.org/search/cta?query=ford+ranger+

[Gonzo42]

Subaru Baja MPG

[Hank85713]

Expand your search to AZ on craigslist. Lotsa rangers on it. I checked on towing a toyota and they cannot be towed per the manual with an auto and I dont think they offer a stick anymore?

I have a 94 ranger we are going to put the towing stuff on so I can pull it and put the boat on a rack so the grandkids can go fishing. Maybe this summer, waiting for SIL to let me know when he can come help with the stuff.

[Bumpyroad]

Gonzo42 wrote:
I like the Subaru Baja Sport Pickup. Not many around, but it is small, has 4 doors.

Subaru Baja

mileage??? WISCONSIN SALT????????????? $$$$
bumpy

[Gonzo42]

I like the Subaru Baja Sport Pickup. Not many around, but it is small, has 4 doors.

Subaru Baja

[D_E_Bishop]

At present my towing capacity is limited by the hitch, it is a Class III.

So I Googled ROCKY, no vehicles listed. What is a ROCKY?

Googled Rocky SX and found them. Sorry, but as I said I want a pick up.

[Gonzo42]

First of all, what is your towing capacity?

If you can find a ROCKY, consider it. Especially the SX.

[STBRetired]

Look into Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The 4X4 can be towed 4 down with a transfer case neutral kit (basically a reprogram) to get transfer case to stop in neutral position.

[Nutinelse2do]

We towed a 2008 Colorado for several years.
Great toad, super easy hook up, but VERY difficult to find with lower miles
and expensive if you can find one. The z71 weighs in substantially more than
the G Vitara. Ours weighed 5250, vs GV at 3700-3800.

A common problem with them was the BCM, which ours,
unfortunately had.

A Dakota the same years is an even rarer breed.