danmdevries
Master
Seriously if you're leaning toward pickup, look at Dakotas, Tacomas, and even the Canyon/Colorado twins (a little smaller). If you don't need a decent sized bed, Ford had the Exploder SportTrac
Dakota/Tacoma/Canyon/Colorado are going to return high teens in the MPG dept. Maybe even low 20s and can tow a decent amount, as well as haul a decent amount in the bed.
Most 1/2 ton fullsize pickups with a v6, 2wd std cab will give similar mileage with better capacity.
If you're looking to spend a decent amount of money (newer than 05/06ish when transmissions started adding a 5th or 6th gear) you can look at smaller v8s in fullsize pickups to return the same mileage.
If towing/hauling is primary or even secondary function, these are too light duty. But for the occasional load, they'll do it.
If you've got a trailer, then your world opens up even further for enclosed body vehicles like the Cherokee.
I was going to suggest a minivan but you've got one it seems. Carpenter buddy of mine buys beater minivans, strips interior and hauls way more than I'd ever think possible. Obviously unsafe, but it still does the job. Not unlike my Dakota, I've towed 5500lbs more than once, and have put 2000lbs+ in the bed several times. Don't think I'd be willing to do this with a new vehicle that I spent good money on, but my $1k beaters get treated appropriately.
Dakota/Tacoma/Canyon/Colorado are going to return high teens in the MPG dept. Maybe even low 20s and can tow a decent amount, as well as haul a decent amount in the bed.
Most 1/2 ton fullsize pickups with a v6, 2wd std cab will give similar mileage with better capacity.
If you're looking to spend a decent amount of money (newer than 05/06ish when transmissions started adding a 5th or 6th gear) you can look at smaller v8s in fullsize pickups to return the same mileage.
If towing/hauling is primary or even secondary function, these are too light duty. But for the occasional load, they'll do it.
If you've got a trailer, then your world opens up even further for enclosed body vehicles like the Cherokee.
I was going to suggest a minivan but you've got one it seems. Carpenter buddy of mine buys beater minivans, strips interior and hauls way more than I'd ever think possible. Obviously unsafe, but it still does the job. Not unlike my Dakota, I've towed 5500lbs more than once, and have put 2000lbs+ in the bed several times. Don't think I'd be willing to do this with a new vehicle that I spent good money on, but my $1k beaters get treated appropriately.
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