2008 Mazda B-SeriesMazda
Have you seen the fall colours yet? They really are beautiful and autumn almost makes the coming winter worth it. Almost.
It's time to get the most out of the last few nice days. Whether visiting antique shops in the countryside or bringing home a few loads of wood for the fireplace, there are always things to do in the waning days of autumn.
But you can't fit an old rocking chair or a cord of firewood in your Civic. How about a pickup truck? C'mon, you've always wanted one, be honest. But you're not a contractor; you don't need a behemoth and, besides, you won't find parking easily in the city with a full-sized truck. So how about a compact truck? They're more fuel efficient and you'll still have gads of space in the bed for whatever you want to haul – plus some even have room for you and the family. So put on your trucker's cap and take a look at these pickup choices with seating for four for less than $10,000.
Sensible
The Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series extended cabs are basically the same truck with different cosmetics. You'll find them both in the 2006-2010 range for this price. They also come in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive and a selection of four engines – two four-cylinders and two V-6s, with power up to 207 horsepower. Their rides are rough and jittery – like a pickup – and they're not the most refined inside the cab. They rate fairly good for reliability, but have a long list of recalls that range from faulty lights to a front wheel spindle that could break; best to get these checked out.
The four-door Toyota Tacoma is a rugged workhorse with an optional 4.0-litre V-6 rated at 239 hp and available four-wheel drive that makes it stellar off-road, if you like getting dirty; plus, a top tow capacity of 6,200 pounds with the V-6. On road, it's also a rougher ride, but it has a nicer interior; it's dependable, but it might be difficult finding one with decent kilometres at these prices because of that.
Nissan's Frontier offers both an extended cab and a four-door crew cab, and can be found in the 2005-2007 model years. Again, another rugged pickup, with a tow rating of 6,100 pounds and payload of 1,160 pounds, optional four-wheel drive and an optional smooth-running 4.0-litre V-6 with 261 hp that makes it feel like a V-8. A good choice, although the rear seats are a little tight for adults.
Indispensible
This truck is the most radical, yet makes the most sense. The Honda Ridgeline has always been an odd one, what with it being one of the only pickups with an integrated cabin and bed – think of the larger Chevrolet Avalanche. It's just slightly larger than the other choices (labelled a mid-size), but it's by far the most car-like of the lot, in both looks, driving demeanour and interior comfort – which, for those brainwashed by the "Like A Rock" commercials, may not be masculine enough. Whatever. Unless you actually carry loads of rock on a regular basis, it will more than suit your needs, with a 250-hp V-6, a 1,530-pound payload and a 5,000-pound tow rating. The four-door also has distinct touches, such as a tailgate that opens both horizontally and vertically, storage compartments under the five-foot bed floor and an all-wheel-drive system that powers the front wheels under normal conditions. Add to that a stellar reliability record and just a few minor recalls, and you have a truck that will satisfy your hauling needs while giving you the refinement you deserve.
Questionable
Subaru is a great marque, don't get us wrong. But the four-door Baja, with its tiny bed in the back, just looks weird – you think the Ridgeline isn't masculine enough? Think of the Outback wagon with the back roof shaved off; that's what the Baja is based on. They were discontinued in 2006 after disappointing sales but there are still a few on the road today. If you see one, you'll also see why you wouldn't want it in your driveway.
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