The CAR WIZARD shares the top MIDSIZED TRUCKS TO Buy & NOT to Buy 

My little 2001 Ranger 2.3 5 speed has over 250k miles. Can sit for 2 months, fires right up. Starter install took an hour. Love it.

Had a manual ranger 4.0 6 and put nearly 300k miles on it still running to this day. Super motor and reliable truck.

I have a 04 3.0 Ranger with 349,000 original miles. Only thing replaced over the years has been plugs, wires, coil and routine maintenance with oil changes. Still runs and drives great to this day. I even pull a 6x12 enclosed trailer with 2 4-wheelers a lot.

Guy I work with has a colorado with over 300,000 miles, has owned it for 12 years and says he has never had a problem with it, highly recommended it

I think there is demand for smaller trucks because even mid size trucks are very expensive.

WIZARD!!! You know you messed up when you said that you took a call and made the video. That's letting the people know that you have a request line!

I was pretty relieved when you said my 08 Tacoma would continue to never have problems haha.

I still miss my 97 S-10. Got T-boned two weeks after reporting to Ft Hood. I also cry thinking about it. I loved that truck

The Wizard's voice is super soothing like Mr. Rogers. 🥱

Older tacomas also have serious frame rot issues, to the point that they recalled many but some were too late

I disagree on the Dakota, my 97 5.2 V8 has been great for 18 years! Been taken care of in that time frame to avoid serious trouble. The 2.5 is solid but the 3.9 is also alright and the 5.2/5.9 are lots of fun. I agree to the 4.7 and 3.7 being not worthwhile.

My uncle had his 96 ranger for 22 years before he bought a new truck had 1,100,00 km on it great truck

He talks about Toyotas while wearing a baby yoda t-shirt

Honda Ridgeline- the non truck that is really what most people need.

I agree that the 2nd Gen Dakotas overall are great with the 4 cylinder engines, but the 318 V8 you could get in them was reliable, powerful enough and cheap enough, that they were worth squeezing around the sides of them to work on. I've seen some with over 250k- they are great when paired with the Aisin manual transmissions as well. 1st or 2nd gen Dakotas were both fine with the 4 or 8 cylinders and manual transmissions

I live in the midwest and I know multiple farmers who own an 04-12 Colorado (which is really an Isuzu) with over 250k miles. Mine has 150k right now. The 5 cylinder is a great motor, and overall the trucks work great. Easy to work on as well. No data on HVAC issues here (A/C works in all the trucks I'm around)

I get confused. Today's midsized truck seems to be the same size as my 79 GMC.

My Dad has an '07 Dodge Dakota with a 4.7 V8 that 253k miles. It has never blown a head gasket. He has only replaced the water pump and just recently replaced some sort-of sensors. The truck was almost totaled just after it was bought, luckily they we able to save it. The truck has served our family very well.

I agree with you about the Ranger except that you didn’t mention the 4.0 SOHC which is a terrible engine that blows up a lot. The 4.0L pushrod engine is a fantastic and durable engine.

If you want a V6 in your ranger, get a 2005 or later 4.0. Got that instead of a 4 cylinder because that's what the lot had. 2004 and earlier had issues with the timing chain.

Just ask the Taliban and similar forces around the world about the Toyota truck. All you need to know.

I’m glad that it looks like small trucks are going to make a comeback soon. Plenty of people just don’t have the workload or finances to warrant having a full size or even mid size truck. A two door truck with a small bed that I could throw my fishing gear in would be great!

Weird I have had two 3.0 Rangers with no problems. First one I sold at 286k, current one is about to turn 200k. Change your fluids people.

Had an '87 Ranger 4x4, ex-cab, 2.9L auto. Loved that truck. Wasn't fast or a powerhouse but outside of a transmission I toasted towing a 22' cuddy cabin boat it was a great truck.

I had a 2000 nissan frontier with the 3.3 v6. I sold it with 350k miles on it a year ago, and I still see it rolling around town every once in a while.

I have a 2008 Ford ranger 4.0 4x4 manual with 218,000 miles. Still tow almost everyday and never had an issue with that truck.

Thank you. Your information is so valuable. I recommend your videos to everyone I know.

Thank you for the tip on Clearwater cylinder heads, I did not know about them and I live a few miles from Clearwater.

I have a 1988 Dakota LE V6 2wd 5 speed with 120k miles. Fully restored. Good and reliable. Owned it for 8 years as a summer ride.

I had a 2002 Dakota 2wd with the 3.9 that i used as a concrete work truck for a few years and I absolutely loved the thing

Just spent a whole day at work listening to these videos. Thanks wizard for the content.

This is insanely valuable information. Thank you. Definitely sharing this to anyone interested in buying a used truck.

The '97 - '04 Dodge Dakota can really punch above it's weight if you get one with the optional 5.9L magnum. It's the same V8 used in the late 90s Rams and has 250hp with 350lb-ft of torque! Supposedly it's pretty robust too.

i have a buddy who had the recall toyota, they replace the entire frame. its like new now

Thank you for your service 🙏 ❤️. And I really enjoyed the video. I'm a car guru and I like good trucks and vehicles and I have purchased several based on you reviews and I gotta say that are FABULOUS

My manual 02 4.0 Ranger was probably the best vehicle I’ve owned thus far. I put over 80k on it to where it’s sitting now at 200k and it’s still going strong, I just ended up giving it to my younger brother. Only things I ever did were U Joints and a clutch, it’s just been an all around fantastic truck. There’s a reason you see so many still running around, they don’t die

I had a 98 Chevy s10, 4cylinder 5 speed. I payed 300$ for it and drove the living hell out of it for 2 years! I abused it like crazy, doing burnouts, hauling full size trailers, attempting to drift it Haha, but it never let me down! It had over 250k and was a complete rust bucket, rustiest vehicle I've ever owned, but so dependable! The guy I sold it to is still driving it around today and he has had it for 2 years now

Tacoma also had a huge problem with frames rusting out. Was handled under warranty for a lot of them Great video wizzard

Thank you again! Got to buy a used 4 wheel vehicle of some sort next year and I feel a lot better about it after listening to you.

The Dakotas/Rams pretty much are solid. I've owned all three of the Magnums 5.9/5.2/3.9. they are solid motors and will run without issue 90% of the time. Most issue I've seen with them is the water pumps fail (replaced 2) but other than that they don't give many issues

I got a 2005 chevy colorado with 428,000 miles on it right now.

Spot on again Wizard. I had a 2001 Dakota with the V6, the engine went BAD at 64k miles....

I rebuilt the carb and new clutch, but my 85 S10 is my favorite one thus far. It's got the 173 60° V6 with 4 spd floor shifter. Love that thing

I got a 94, 6cyl, c1500 short bed stepside manual. Going on 275k. Runs like a champ. Replaced water pump and other common things myself, super easy to work on. Got it maybe 6 yrs ago for 900 with a bad clutch. Was another 1000 or so for new clutch. Couldn't be happier with it.

The 05-07 Frontiers also suffered from frame rot. A buddy of mine had a Pathfinder on the same frame and his mechanic pushed a philips screwdriver thru the frame rail like butter

my 1999 Dakota 5.2l V8 has 263,000 miles. It has been abused and neglected for he 15 years I have owned it. It just keeps going and going.

As you call me, a “hillbilly” yes we do take S-10’s and rangers off road. If FAR more numbers than any Toyota and they come back home usually. But I will say I’ve never seen an abandoned taco but I have seen a few abandoned S-10’s in the woods.

Sir, Thank you, thank you! We are looking for a new used car and your video is extremely helpful!

"Some of the hillbilly type people..." 🤣

I love my 2013 Tacoma 4X4! Bought it with 20,000 miles 3 years ago. I now have 130,000 miles on it. Great truck! No issues so far!

My 02 S10 has the 4.3 with 330,00 miles, still drive it everyday.

I had a 2005 Ford Ranger XLT with the 4 cyl and 5 speed Manual Transmission. That was a pretty reliable truck. The only thing I had to fix was the fuel pump. In 2015, I was involved in a roll over and totaled the truck. Last time I checked on it, my ex wife's mother in law has the truck and it still run and drives to this day.

My 2004 Colorado 2.8 five speed has been insanely great to me..no valve issues so far since I've put 30,000 miles on it. The HVAC issues are summed up to poor grounds. I fixed mine easy. Some pass lock issues but I've never had any.

My Canyon has 348K on it and I have done semiregular maintenance and put in seven sensors, that qualifies it for Wizard statis wouldn't you agree. It's a 4.2 straight six

Great advice I feel compelled to take heed to. Thanks a lot.

My 2008 3L Ranger had rough idling until I changed the plug wires and water pump leaks but nut serious, only when it's cold! 240,000 Kilometers, bought 8 years ago! Love it!

The only Colorado/Canyon I would recommend is the 09-12 with the 5.3 V8 and they do not have the Active Fuel Management system.

You know what Wizard, I love these videos. Thank you for sharing the mechanic's viewpoint on these trucks. I feel like people just buy whatever truck/car looks best or is cheapest and it's really nice of you to let us in on the problems you have seen so that we can avoid them.

You are my new favorite RU-vid thank you from someone who’s new to cars and trying to get into them

I'm just glad that chevy is talking about brining the avalanche back!! Absolutely loved that truck.

2.2 S10 with a 5 speed. The truck so good, I bought it 2x. Literally, mine is my 3rd and sixth vehicle. My brother in law thought he totally killed it. I bought it back from him and fixed the no start. She runs like a champ eveb after 18 years.

great insightful video. i would like to point out with the 1995-04 tacomas (and some tundras too), they have issues with rust eating welds away on the 3rd member carrier causing rear diff leaks. I have one and its a p.i.t.a to put it lightly.

I have two 3.0L Rangers, one has 26000 on the clock, the other has 195000. So far no major problems other than the usual squeaky Cam synchro or burned out sensor. I suspect the 3.0s with cracked heads had overheating issues. The cooling system on the 3.0 needs to burp for it to work properly. If you change a radiator hoses, thermostat or anything else on the cooling system and do not properly fill and burp the system, it will overheat. But before that it will chew up the water pump impellor due to cavitation. So if you do crack a head, make sure to change the water pump. The top hose on the 3.0 is above the engine, it will develops an air pocket in that hose. If you don't clear that air pocket you will have problems. I'm surprised "the Wizard" didn't know about this. If you do swap heads and don't replace the water pump, it will only happen again. The 3.0L is a strong reliable pushrod engine if maintained property. Lastly, if your 3.0L is down on power, check to see that your throttle cable hasn't stretched. If it has, a couple of zip ties at the throttle peddle side to take up the slack might solve the problem. And yes, I am a common sense mechanic.

I have a 2006 nissan frontier with the 6 speed manual and the 4.0 v6. we had to do the timing chain work on it but it was pretty low on miles and now it has been fantastic. the manuel doesn't have the same problems as the automatic and the v6 has incredible power

Currently have a 2000 Nissan Frontier 4 cylinder (KA24DE) with the 5 speed manual and 4WD and I can confirm that the engine is solid. Only thing to look out for is bad knock sensors. Getting mine replaced right now but it’s definitely a solid truck.

Does your s10 recommendation stretch to Astro vans as well? I'd love to see a Buy This Not That on older Conversion Vans and standard vans like that. G series, Econolines, Eurovans, etc.

I have a 07 Mitsubishi Raider (rebadged Dakota) with almost 224000 miles and the 3.7 with no issues at all. I've noticed also that you have very little if any videos regarding said trucks. Love the videos keep em coming.

I have a 91 s10 with the 4.3 and it still runs perfect. Can’t say the same for the body, and that GM paint. I’m convinced it’ll rust out from under me before anything happens to the motor. I love it.

I have a 2006 Tacoma with the 4.0 it has 374k miles on it.

Don’t know Wizard, I have a 2007 Colorado with the I5 and it’s been pretty reliable. Conversely, my 2000 S10 with the 2.2 was just god awful. Luckily it was a lease and the dealer had to fix it each time but I was happy when I turned it in.

Thank you sir for your service. I have 1998 s10 longbed 4.3 tow pakage, 5 speed manual, two wheel drive, it can tow 5000lbs. Today mpg 27.3 that was blended highway and town driving. It was a fleet vehicle for a local pest control company. Had like 135000 miles when I got it 9 years ago. It now has 224522 miles. Just had the intake gasket replaced this year. Did timing chain at 200000 miles. Only major issue that caught me by surprise was passenger side lower ball joint broke while driving in parking lot.

I love my Ranger, though it’s a 4.0 V6 with 61k miles that was barely driven in the past few years, so it’s no shock that it runs well.

I kept looping 8:07 and just couldn't stop laughing. Thanks for the advice Wizard, solid as always.

I love your style of speaking no big words and super tech language it reminds me of Saturday morning kids educational entertainment shows Although I am a tech I feel there's no need to talk to clients like that thanks again Wizard 👍

I’m glad you mentioned the Dakota 4.7s. My former company furnished me a new 09 Dakota 4x4 quad cab with the 4.7. The motor it’s self ran strong, but the day after taking it in for its first service, the plastic radiator cracked at the mouth and I had a rough time getting the dealership to fix it under warranty. They basically accused me of cracking it because I probably took the radiator cap off myself. The other issue was seats that had all the lumbar support of a bucket. Came that from the factory and I still have lower back problems from driving that piece of work. After it got passed to other employees, all complained of lower back pain when driving it. The 4.7 actually ran pretty good, but I learned that although they recommended the tuneup at 100k miles, the second set of spark plugs required replacement every 30k, which was a $750 bill every time.

4 cylinder 5 speed.. hell yea..!

I'm glad you mentioned it Wizard. I have an 03 Tacoma and love it, ill never sell my 1st gen, the key is watching for ball joints and getting the frame checked and painted. I have a California truck and will be painting my frame despite it having almost no rust, mechanical throttle, and solid fuel injection with a non interference V6. Good truck.

Had a 98’ S-10 2.2 (first year of the upgraded head gaskets) with a 5-speed. It was an endless money pit (electrical mostly) along the way, but I managed to trade it in with 168k miles and still got $2750 for it back in 2007. I drove a 2007 Mazda B-2300 5-speed to 100k miles and replaced the ignition coil and a battery. Bullet Proof! Wizard is right it rode terrible though even with slightly bigger tires and Monroe shocks!

I've got a 3.7 Dakota, and it's a tank; the 4.7s had overheating problems, but the 3.7 was the same drivetrain as the old Jeep Libertys, and they just went forever.

Hopefully my 2021 ranger will make it on a future list of trucks to buy. Only time will tell. So far I absolutely love this truck

My grandfather has an early 2000’s Ranger 4 Cylinder with over 200k miles.That truck has been driven across the country, been hit by a deer, and it just keeps going. Definitely a solid truck. 💪

Got a 2010 Tacoma for my plumbing apprenticship in 2017 all I've done is oil changes and put gas in it THATS IT, it isn't very fast but it's never left me stranded all my other friends (plumber apprentices) who bought their Rams or dodges have all broken down at some point and it's usually me to pick em up and car pool them to work absolutely love my Toyota

I've got a '99 Ford Ranger, V6 automatic with 119,000 miles on it. It's been in my family since new and we've never had a problem with it. I kind of want a full size truck but I can't justify getting rid of my Ranger.

I had a 94 Dakota. V6 with the 5 speed. Still my favorite vehicle of all time. I had more fun in that truck than any other vehicle I've had.

Thought you might find this interesting, in Australia the two most popular "utes" (pick ups) are the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger. I personally have owned two Ford Ranger's both 3.2 litre 5 Cylinder diesels and my advice would be in the Ford's around the 2013 - 2014 range pre DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) but still the newer Rangers are a very reliable and capable vehicle, in the Toyota pre 2015 is probably the best bet. In Australia we generally only drive a diesel ute, whereas it seems to me in the US you prefer petrol (gas). Both the Hilux and the Ranger are very reliable, earlier Ranger's did suffer from transmission issues but that doesn't seem to affect the newer models. In Australia these are considered large vehicles, we can buy the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, VW Amarock , Mazda BT50 (based on the ranger platform), Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Jeep's and even the Chinese Great Wall and SAIC LDV T60. I know personally I would love an F150 or F250 but the price of them here puts them out of the range of the average buyer ($150 - $190000) and they are not "officially" supported by Ford, the only true factory backed large US truck available in Australia is the RAM 1500 or 2500 which are converted to right hand drive and sold by RAM Trucks Australia (still over $100K).

I’ve heard mixed opinions on the 04-12 canyons. My dad owned an 07 but besides an accident he got in with it, he had close to zero issues with it

Just The Advice I Was Looking For...Unfortunatly Its 10° Out All Month And Nothing Available Yet In My Area...THANK YOU......RANGER IT WILL BE

The main reason I love your videos is the amount of content per video. So many videos are on YT are just people reading Wikipedia pages and padding it with a lot of found footage and motion graphics.

Wow. I had the exact opposite luck with the S10 vs Colorado (badged as an Isuzu i290). I had much less issues with the Colorado than the S10. But like everything sometimes it’s just the luck of the draw.

Keep in mind, the S10 and Ranger weren't available as a 4 Cylinder 4WD, 4WD was only available with the optional V6.

I have a 2008 Tundra with almost 300,000 miles. It has never had any serious issues, it's never broken down on me for the time I owned it, never broke down on my uncle who I bought it from either. He's a contractor so he put most of the miles on the truck. I now have a 2022 Toyota Tacoma and I love it. It is the same size of a first gen Tundra which was my first truck, also another reliable truck with the 4.7L V8 engine. I just love Toyota trucks.

Thanks this is such a public service to help people. I'll rely on your expertise

On the spark plug thing. If I remember right the 4 cylinders ford/mazda had 2 spark plugs per cylinder (8 total) vs the 6 cylinder

My friend found a D21 in a field that had been there for at least 20 years. He put in a new battery, new gas, and changed all the fluids and daily drove it until his wife crashed it head-on. It still runs fine, but the frame is bent enough that he only offroads it now. They really are bulletproof.

This was very helpful!! Thank you very much

Learned about you on the show “car issues“ like your rapport with the main guy. Thanks for the reviews I’ve been watching them all afternoon Makes me feel awful good about buying my 2017 Toyota Tacoma. Thanks Wizard

Nice. 2016 Frontier with the 4L here, love the trucl. only issue was a fuel sending unit that was covered under warranty

Perfect timing Wizard, in the market for a truck. Thanks!

I have a 93 Dakota 3.9 v6 with a 5 speed 4x4 with 336,000 and the cylinders still push over 150 psi out of them and it still runs amazing, I run it everyday with out a hitch. And it does anything I ask it to, I pull with it everyday so I am not sure if I got a gem in the rough but I love my v6.

I've had my 2002 Tacoma for about 7 years now. I can totally attest to the ball joints. Had to replace those with my friend last year because they were starting to go. Mine has the 2.4, and I don't know anything about burn valves, but it's always been a very reliable truck for me. That's something I will speak gold and look into now that I know about it, though.