Who needs a V8...Or V6! - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

jrschultz · 09-22-2009, 03:43 PM

This is my 4 cylinder Sonoma. It'll get near 30 mpg highway, and it has just enough room to hall my tools. I've been able to put quite a lot on the ladder racks. I also installed 1,000 pounds helper springs to assist with heavy loads. I'd like a bigger truck, but I can't beat the economy of this one. Anybody else use a "mini" truck as their main work vehicle?

Mike Finley · 09-22-2009, 04:37 PM

Those are hard to find around here. 4 cylinders are not around in trucks! Dammit!

nEighter · 09-22-2009, 04:40 PM

I have one. Not 30mpg, it is an automatic.. and just two weekends ago put in my third engine... I won't spoil your thread with my hatred for GM though..

72chevy4x4 · 09-22-2009, 06:46 PM

the original style dodge sprinter had a smaller 5 cylinder diesel and were capable of getting mid to upper 20's. I've considered getting a VW TDI front clip and welding on a van onto the back-hauling tools to 45mpg is a nice dream

.

on the realistic side, the late 80's style suburban's w/ the 6.2 diesel engine, while under powered were good for the mid to upper 20's in fuel mileage.

BTW, nice clean truck

BCConstruction · 09-22-2009, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72chevy4x4

the original style dodge sprinter had a smaller 5 cylinder diesel and were capable of getting mid to upper 20's. I've considered getting a VW TDI front clip and welding on a van onto the back-hauling tools to 45mpg is a nice dream

.

on the realistic side, the late 80's style suburban's w/ the 6.2 diesel engine, while under powered were good for the mid to upper 20's in fuel mileage.

BTW, nice clean truck

It's a shame VW dont do the transporter sportline over here. Now thats a nice van.

The one below does 0-60 in 5.1 secs and top speed of 170mph

I need a V8 though as my trailer is pretty dam heavy and the mountains around here would kill a 4 banger.

jrschultz · 09-22-2009, 08:41 PM

Those above pics are real? I'll take the bottom one please!

TBFGhost · 09-22-2009, 09:01 PM

I have a Ranger that I use.

nEighter · 09-22-2009, 09:49 PM

a ranger..

and it is extended cab to boot

I want to get a ranger 4 banger manual and put a SVO/turbocoupe engine in it!

TBFGhost · 09-22-2009, 10:39 PM

best mini work truck ever....200k on the clock and she is still going. The extended cab is great...recline the pass seat and my 12" slider fits on the seat if I get caught with it in the rain.

nEighter · 09-22-2009, 11:08 PM

My mini truck is a 99 S10.. I have literally rebuilt it in the 4 yrs of ownership. I wanted a Ranger when I got this, I got it (clean body) with 200k on the clock with shell for $850.00. I couldn't pass it up. Two weeks ago I started looking at rangers again. I am a Ford guy anyway..

TBFGhost · 09-23-2009, 05:57 AM

I have done....oil changes and tune ups, replaced the heater core and belt tensioner....that is about it.

jrschultz · 09-23-2009, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nEighter

My mini truck is a 99 S10.. I have literally rebuilt it in the 4 yrs of ownership. I wanted a Ranger when I got this, I got it (clean body) with 200k on the clock with shell for $850.00. I couldn't pass it up. Two weeks ago I started looking at rangers again. I am a Ford guy anyway..

That's kinda funny. I was actually looking for a manual 4 cylinder Ranger as well when I found this.

nEighter · 09-23-2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrschultz

That's kinda funny. I was actually looking for a manual 4 cylinder Ranger as well when I found this.

gm happens to the best of us

They are a NICE looking truck though..

BCConstruction · 09-23-2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrschultz

Those above pics are real? I'll take the bottom one please!

Yep both real trucks. The top one is a factory truck and you dont even wanna know the price of the lower one lol. But if you do it's $250k

10-10-2009, 05:16 AM

very sp. vehicle ,,,in this forum question....question is not so awesome but you this giant mini awesome truck is best,,,,,,,,,whats its name you have,...........

MakeReady · 10-29-2009, 11:16 PM

2000 Nissan Frontier XE, 4cyl, 5spd, 26mpg. It's basic, but hard to beat the economy. Back when gas was pushing $5/gal I had guys trying to trade me their full size trucks. As much as I'd like a full size truck, I just can't convince myself to upgrade. Although, as my business grows, I'll have to eventually. This truck will stay in the fleet for a long time though. I love it.

woodchuck2 · 10-30-2009, 07:59 AM

Welcome to the site, those little Nissans are tough trucks. I bet that boat puts a hurting on the get up and go though.

jfranklin · 10-30-2009, 03:49 PM

i like my little six cylinder.. but it also has 600 foot pounds of torque and 18mpg

KennMacMoragh · 10-31-2009, 11:13 AM

Yes, I drive a four cylinder compact Toyota. I've never been a fan of using a large vehicle for a work truck, I don't understand why people use them. You have not only the gas millage problem, but wouldn't it be hard to find a place to park on job sites? Parking is often scarce on a job, it would drive me crazy if I had a large vehicle.

Every now and then I suppose a large vehicle would be nice for hauling material, but it's not worth it. I've been thinking about getting a Toyota Highlander for work, they have hybrid engines and look just big enough to haul all the tools I need. But I would need a garage to park it in first, SUV's can be broken into too easily.

BCConstruction · 11-01-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfranklin

i like my little six cylinder.. but it also has 600 foot pounds of torque and 18mpg

What V6 has that kind of TQ? Our old V8 7.3 TD with tuner didnt even have that kind of TQ. Even my brandnew 5.4 triton has about 400ft/lb and thats one of the most powerful engines on the market for a gasser.