What Pickup Truck Should I Get for My First Car?

Just wondering what I need to look for in a truck when I go look at them with my parents. Trying to buy something under $4,000. I like the third generation Chevys (73-87.) I'm also a fan of late 1990s, early 2000s Fords. Trying to figure out what years where some of the trucks have the same problems (Example: Almost every 2003 Ford Crown Victoria has a transmission problem where it needs to be replaced.) Now since the trucks I'm looking at are old, any problems that could've existed coming out of the factory may have already been taken care of by previous owners. I live in New England, and we get terrible snow storms here sometimes, so I was trying to decide between 2WD and 4WD. I'm also concered with insurance, so if you guys could tell me what in a truck increases/decreases insurance costs (Year? 4WDvs2WD? Size?)

88-97 Toyota Pickup (extra cab), with a stick.

See what year F150 you can afford.

Don't believe everything you read on the Internet, Skippy… If EVERY 2003 Ford Crown Victoria ever made had a transmission problem that required a NEW transmission, the lawyers would be SCREAMING and Ford Motor Company would be bankrupt! ANY used vehicle is only as good as the care and maintenance it received from its previous owner(s).

If YOU are not qualified to inspect and evaluate the condition of a used car, then find a good, honest independent mechanic to do that for you. ANY used vehicle you are serious about buying should be inspected BEFORE you put any cash down. A pre-purchase inspection may cost a few bucks, but it could save you THOUSANDS in the long run.

One you can drive. I drive standard transmission because it is my work truck. Domestics are good Chev, Ford, Dodge, and so are the Asian… Toyota. A truck is a truck. Nothing glamorous about it. It does the job.