I currently own 4 cars. But for the first time only 1 is really a normal rig I'd be willing to daily. My 80 series.
Its not been the most reliable. I think I have it ironed out, but sometimes you just never know.
I've thought of picking up an 84-88 2wd truck as a daily for just back and forth to work and the occasional dump run. I'll keep the 80 for road trips, camping and anything that involves me running the kids around.
I know, i could just pick up a cheap civic or accord and that's the more responsible idea, but I like the mini trucks and have always kind of wanted one.
My commute is 24 miles 1 way and about 75% freeway(60-65mph). I've been doing this commute for a year in my diesel 80 so really anything i buy is going to be cheaper to buy, and with the amount of driving i can re-coup the cost of purchase pretty easy, not to mention im keeping miles off the 80.
I feel the truck should be able to handle this drive and knock down mid 20s while doing it. Its big enough for just me. Im not a big person. 5'11" and 180lbs if i pooped this morning.
That said, I've never driven one. the closest I've come is a first gen 4runner with a 3.0. But it was on tons with 40s. So its not comparable.
Thoughts?
Some matg
My diesel is currently costing me about $.26 per mile in fuel.
18.5 mpg and $4.85 a gallon for diesel
If i can knock down 25 mpg with the cost of 87, the little truck would run $.16 a mile
This would save me about $120 a month in fuel and likely more when counting in tires, and basic maintenance. Lets say $140 for fun.
Basically within 2 years i'd be money ahead on the truck with a budget of 3500-4000.
Its not been the most reliable. I think I have it ironed out, but sometimes you just never know.
I've thought of picking up an 84-88 2wd truck as a daily for just back and forth to work and the occasional dump run. I'll keep the 80 for road trips, camping and anything that involves me running the kids around.
I know, i could just pick up a cheap civic or accord and that's the more responsible idea, but I like the mini trucks and have always kind of wanted one.
My commute is 24 miles 1 way and about 75% freeway(60-65mph). I've been doing this commute for a year in my diesel 80 so really anything i buy is going to be cheaper to buy, and with the amount of driving i can re-coup the cost of purchase pretty easy, not to mention im keeping miles off the 80.
I feel the truck should be able to handle this drive and knock down mid 20s while doing it. Its big enough for just me. Im not a big person. 5'11" and 180lbs if i pooped this morning.
That said, I've never driven one. the closest I've come is a first gen 4runner with a 3.0. But it was on tons with 40s. So its not comparable.
Thoughts?
Some matg
My diesel is currently costing me about $.26 per mile in fuel.
18.5 mpg and $4.85 a gallon for diesel
If i can knock down 25 mpg with the cost of 87, the little truck would run $.16 a mile
This would save me about $120 a month in fuel and likely more when counting in tires, and basic maintenance. Lets say $140 for fun.
Basically within 2 years i'd be money ahead on the truck with a budget of 3500-4000.
Last edited:
