First Truck Question
 

Hey I just got my license and I need help on which truck to choose. My budget is $10,000. I would prefer a 4x4 with automatic trans, and I wouldn't mind an older truck. I was looking at Tacomas and Tundras since they seem to last forever but they are expensive. My favorite trucks are Dodge Rams, but I like all the American trucks to lol. I need something thats reliable and has decent gas mileage to. I'm asking this here because I figured a lot of you guys had some experiences with your first truck and could give me some good advice. Thanks!

Personally I'd recommend GMC, with Chevy as a close second. However, a look at my profile pic tells you why. Its hard to go wrong with any truck. All brands have their faults and advantages. Its a really personal choice. I drive a GMC, my favorite brand of truck, because its my favorite brand of truck. I know its mechanically identical to Chevy and I m well aware of the issues that this particular model has.

My advice to you is, if you want a Ram, buy a Ram. My brother drives Dodges/Rams exclusively, and has for many years. They are nice trucks.... just not my thing. He owned one Chevy that never gave him trouble, but he didn't like it as much because it wasn't a Dodge. Study up on the internet, determine which model years and motor/transmission combinations have more problems and avoid those if possible. Once you have a truck, get a hayes repair manual or other such book for it and teach yourself about Ram. There was a time when I could service a GM 350 (5.7L) in my sleep. I was a teenager and we owned three. To this day, my comfort level working on GM is higher than on other brands. If you like Ram, you want to get to that level.

Good luck finding a truck. I hope this helps some.

I have to go the direction of Chris.

Don't worry about fuel economy. the difference between 14 and 16mpg is not going to be worth buying a "worse" truck.

I'd look for a 95-99 GMC or Chevy extended cab Z-71 with a 350 v8. If you can find one in good shape it should run you around $5-7000. Use the rest to help with gas or repairs and you'll have a mostly headahce free vehicle that looks pretty sweet