Piggybacking off the other thread. Long story short, still trying to figure out what to replace my cx-5 with after hurricane Beryl parked an oak tree on top of it. As a potential first time truck buyer i'm looking for advice on what to avoid and what to look for along with recommendations for a full sized truck under $30K. It would just be used as a daily driver and for weekend projects around the house, no need for towing. Hoping to get about 5 years and 60,000 relatively trouble free miles out of it.

I would add the 2011-2014 F150 with the 5.0 or 6.2 V8 or any Chevy/GMC WITHOUT active fuel management. They may not be quite as reliable as the Tundra, but they are pretty solid.

Some big engines and poor gas mileage suggested above - great trucks but maybe more than you need for a daily if not towing.

I only have experience with the 5.7 Toyota engine, but I know Ford makes a 2.7L that has been praised on here and you could also consider the midsize trucks with 4 cylinders like a Tacoma, they have gotten pretty big for "midsize".

Tacoma would fit the bill for what the OP is describing. The $30k budget will definitely buy a good used one.

Agree with the above. Find a long bed previous gen Taco.

Redass username!

I have a new driver in the family and he tells me his high school parking lot has a lot of used F150 XLTs and STXs. Those come standard with the 2.7 boost engines if I'm not mistaken. Another option is a used Ram Classic. These are trucks I'm considering for my son, in addition to a used Titan. Trying to get a used Tundra below $30k is probably going to require you to buy a higher mileage truck (maybe 100k or more miles). Previous generation Tundras command a premium because of their reputation for reliability.

Just curious why you're not considering a Honda Ridgeline given you have no need for towing? I'm not criticizing your choice BTW, just curious why you've ruled out a smaller truck. I'm deciding on my next vehicle, which will be a truck. It has been between an F-150 and a Ridgeline, but I'm currently leaning towards the Ridgeline as I don't have heavy towing/payload needs. The fuel economy isn't much better than a full sized truck but it is cheaper, easier to park and maneuver, and is more comfortable to drive.

My son is about to turn 16 next August, and I drive a 2011 Honda Ridgeline (1st gen) that he will be driving until he graduates from high school. I will buy a used truck or SUV that he will then take to college. I am currently looking at 4Runners, Lexus GX460s, and a slew of used trucks (Titans, Tundras, Tacomas, Frontiers, F150s, you name it).

I want to keep it between $25 to 35K. It's not easy. Anything that looks halfway decent is over $30K. Anything under $30K seems to have a lot of wear and tear. Good luck to you in your search. I'm not in too big of a rush because I still have some time before my son is 16, but I was hoping that prices will come down towards the end of this year. Seems like there are a ton of new trucks sitting on the dealership lots when I drive by them. It's probably because the new trucks cost $65K+ for ones that aren't work trucks. Crazy expensive now a days.

I have retired with 35+ years as a used car buyer for a toyota and chev store. If you are looking to buy anything used now until the end of December is the time to do it. After January 1st used car prices will jump 20-25% because dealers want to stock up for tax season when everyone gets their tax refunds for down payments and Carmax will looking to completely fill their lots and pay whatever it takes at the car auctions causing used car wholesale prices to skyrocket.

As far as full size used trucks for under 30k you will be looking at 2014-2019 year models depending on mileage. For everyday driving I would stay away from Toy tundra or Nissan Titan unless you can live with 15mpg. If you don't need a full size truck I would recommend Toy Tacoma or Nissan Frontier. I will say I haven't driven the new Ford Ranger so I can recommend one way or another. As far as full size trucks and you don't need to tow and for everyday driving I would suggest any of the Silverado, F150 or Ram with a 6cyl because you will get 2-3 more mpg than the 8 cyl.

Appreciate all of the responses and recommendations. I was thinking full size over Tacoma etc to get the larger cab. With an almost 1 year old, dog and God willing having a 2nd kiddo while having the truck I just didn't want to grow out of it.

FWIW, in January, I purchased a 2014 Titan SL 4x4 for only $25k. It has the 5.6L V8, towing package, leather, power everything, and a good bed cover. While older, it only had 81k miles, 1 owner, and no wrecks. I say all that just to show you it's possible to get a good, solid truck for under $30k. A similar Tundra was running $8-10k more, but if that's not a turn off, those are fabulous trucks. If you don't need 4x4, the price comes down.

I'm a huge fan of Titans. I have a 2010 Titan Pro4x and it towed my boat with no problems, is comfortable, drives like a truck, and has plenty of technology in it.

It has 180K+miles on it and everything I've done has been normal maintenance. I've also found that it's pretty damn easy to work on.