BajaNomad - Gotta buy my kid his first truck, suggestions?

Gotta buy my kid his first truck, suggestions?

JZ - 1-21-2020 at 07:38 PM

Thinking about 3-4 years old. Less than 50K miles.

Will definitely use it in Baja, but mostly in SoCal.

What must have mods would you make for offroading in Baja?

thebajarunner - 1-21-2020 at 07:43 PM

Brace yourself.....
The Tacoma worshippers will inundate you very soon....

DK to the front and center.....drumrolllllllllll

Bob and Susan - 1-21-2020 at 07:58 PM

drivers with 2yrs or less get into accidents...
happens every time

cheapest most gas efficient thing made is my advice
no frills

mtgoat666 - 1-21-2020 at 08:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

Thinking about 3-4 years old. Less than 50K miles.

Will definitely use it in Baja, but mostly in SoCal.

What must have mods would you make for offroading in Baja?

I was a rebel kid. I know kids. I would not give a kid a lifted/modded truck. Give them a boring sedan with crash protection, no racy acceleration, and low center of gravity. Kids crash cars. Kids make dumb decisions. Kids DWI, even if they know they shouldn’t. Your job as parent is to keep them alive until they are mature enough make reasoned adult decisions on their own and avoid peer pressure.

If kids want offroad truck, a truck tailor made for foolish driving decisions, then tell them to get a job and earn their toys.

My own boring high school cars: GMC Travelall, Dodge Dart, and a Bug.

:light:

JZ - 1-21-2020 at 09:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

drivers with 2yrs or less get into accidents...
happens every time

cheapest most gas efficient thing made is my advice
no frills

He drove from the border to La Paz at age 15 in my truck. Probably 15K Baja miles under his belt. Has been driving a beater Tahoe for a couple years. 18 and a half now. Very good grades, etc.

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Agree with that being the way it was when we were kids. And probably still is for a ton of kids these days.

I've introduced him and his younger brother to all types of things. Started driving dirt roads at 10 or 11. Has a couple hundred hours driving boats on the ocean. He's ridden hundreds of miles on his dirt bike in Baja. And knows one wrong turn or bad crash is very big trouble.

Starting at age 17 I let him drink in Baja. He can now handle his alcohol.

He's a kid of the Uber generation, no need to drive drunk.

[Edited on 1-22-2020 by JZ]

David K - 1-21-2020 at 09:06 PM

Things to shop for in a Baja truck:
Dependability
Capability
Economy

Not necessary is: popularity, looks, or what your dad drove.

4x4abc - 1-21-2020 at 09:48 PM

why don't you start by asking your kid

he seems to be mature enough to make his own decisions

JZ - 1-21-2020 at 10:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

why don't you start by asking your kid

he seems to be mature enough to make his own decisions

Gonna be a surprise.

defrag4 - 1-22-2020 at 12:57 AM

why a Tacoma or 4runner of course

DavidT - 1-22-2020 at 05:33 AM

A Bollinger B2.

And a very long extension cord.

Bob and Susan - 1-22-2020 at 05:47 AM

since he has time already driving....buy a NEW car or truck

new is way better

paranewbi - 1-22-2020 at 06:10 AM

I know with the technology in today's vehicles this is almost impossible...

In high school I worked with a girl who received a VW squareback from her dad for Christmas. She found a card on the xmas tree that told her to look in the garage for her 'gift'.
She went to the garage and there sat a shiny VW Sqbk. on the side she couldn't see, on the floor of the garage, was the entire engine disassembled and laid out.
There was another wrapped gift which she opened and found a VW rebuild book of the day "for the complete idiot".
Her dad told her he would help her, but that she had to take the lead putting the motor back together and back in the car.
It amazes me that people can drive a car for an entire life and still can't change the oil or replace a tire.
And they had good grades in school to. And they could 'handle' their booze. And they bought cars for their kids.

Marc - 1-22-2020 at 08:01 AM

Kids!? I bought a new Porsche & offered my older one to my son. He said he would rather have a truck. He ended up with a big Ram that you could actually see the gas gauge drop as it was driven. He is now a CHP & drives a Ram diesel.
I've have a Tundra now that I am happy with, but I would go with a Tacoma if for Baja.

55steve - 1-22-2020 at 08:53 AM

Jeep (Grand?) Cherokee 4x4 - cheap, parts are readily available everywhere.

John Harper - 1-22-2020 at 09:24 AM

One of my nephews got a Mustang for his 16th birthday, the other a Corvette. Both wrecked within 6 months. Fast cars get driven fast.

I'd go with a 3-4 year old vehicle, why lose money on a new car or truck through depreciation. Most vehicles today will easily go 300K or more miles.

John

Lee - 1-22-2020 at 09:48 AM

I'd talk with the kid and have an idea what he likes. JZ will make the correct decision. I believe kid is responsible and mature for his age -- in part because of JZs parenting.

sancho - 1-22-2020 at 01:45 PM

These Tacomas get good $, glancing the other day 17k$
for a truck with 140,000. I understand the longevity.
Was a guy put 1 million on a Tundra, Toyota gave him
a new one

bajaric - 1-22-2020 at 03:01 PM

get him a Dodge or a Jeep
most of the time it will be in the shop --

[Edited on 1-22-2020 by bajaric]

motoged - 1-22-2020 at 03:14 PM

JZ,
Your posts seem to indicate you like spending money and look down on those being thrifty. And since you have been willing to ignore laws regarding legal driving and alcohol consumption (no mention of his other drug use), just go buy the biggest new 4X4 you can find, sit back, and see what happens.

Then your son will be gifted into the Big Boy club.

Oh, and see if you can get some good life insurance for him.

Happy trails.

JZ - 1-22-2020 at 03:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged

JZ,
Your posts seem to indicate you like spending money and look down on those being thrifty. And since you have been willing to ignore laws regarding legal driving and alcohol consumption (no mention of his other drug use), just go buy the biggest new 4X4 you can find, sit back, and see what happens.

Then your son will be gifted into the Big Boy club.

Oh, and see if you can get some good life insurance for him.

Happy trails.

Please don't kick your dog too hard in the mornings.

mojo_norte - 1-22-2020 at 04:56 PM

Give him your truck - buy a new one!

Don Pisto - 1-22-2020 at 04:57 PM

Ford Raptor would be nice......

msteve1014 - 1-22-2020 at 05:47 PM

You have dirt bikes. Something with a long enough bed to haul them with the tailgate closed would be nice. Do you need 4 doors?

advrider - 1-22-2020 at 08:00 PM

Are you machinal? Do you like building stuff? Older 80's or 90's truck and make it what you want, plus he learns how to do some of his own work? Being in Socal and going to Baja a lot you might look at one of the prerunners on race desert or CL? They look fun and come in a wide price range and style.
I'm a jeep guy so a jeep is always top on my list and the newer stuff is much nicer to drive then in days gone by. You can always put the bikes in a trailer behind a jeep and they are good camping rigs.

LancairDriver - 1-22-2020 at 09:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged

Knew this was coming. Just surprised it took this long.

pappy - 1-23-2020 at 07:13 AM

How about give him your truck and get yourself a new one!

pappy - 1-23-2020 at 07:17 AM

How about give him your truck and get yourself a new one!

TMW - 1-23-2020 at 10:39 AM

What ever you get him consider where it came from. Mid-west and northeast salt from the winter snow and ice not good. The storms caused a lot of damage in the southeast so be careful. Last year I bought a 2006 Toyota 4 Runner. It took a while but worth it. Any vehicle you get have a good mechanic check it out along with a carfax report.

Mr. Bills - 1-23-2020 at 11:00 AM

You may want to consider matching funds rather than an outright gift.

If you give a kid a vehicle, he/she has no skin in the game. Easy come, easy go. The result may likely be different if the kid has something to lose by being stupid or careless.

As far as what vehicle - something practical and reliable and somewhat short of the "dream truck." That would be something to aspire to and earn on one's own.

But that's just me.

del mar - 1-23-2020 at 12:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Don Pisto

Ford Raptor would be nice......

son can I borrow your truck this weekend?

blackwolfmt - 1-23-2020 at 01:01 PM

I wanted one of these when I was 18

OIP.qm3f4kHRGcGeWawpLP7sagHaEi.jpg - 9kB

WestyWanderer - 1-24-2020 at 09:42 PM

JZ,

The first car I bought when I was 20 was a Tacoma. I know people on here love to hate on them but I absolutely loved that truck. Ran the peninsula many times surfing and riding my dirt bike out of that little extra cab and never did I have an issue. Honestly, only thing I did was a 1” spacer lift in the front and BFG all terrains. If you have a little more money to spend then an icon stage 3 kit would be nice instead of the spacers. For an 18 year old it’s perfect in my opinion. Fits two dirt bikes not problem, gets decent mileage, easy to park and drive around town, works great south of the border. I would recommend a 2015, had the 4.0L V6 with the 5 speed which is much better than the newer 3.5L with the 6 speed. I know that’s a little older than you wanted to go but it’s definitely worth it. I had both a 2005 and a 2016 and the ‘05 was so much better.

[Edited on 1-25-2020 by WestyWanderer]

DavidT - 1-25-2020 at 07:44 AM

In todays newspaper (Yes, newspapers still exist) a short article said that the new Rivian trucks will have a Zero turning radius.
I think that would be useful in Baja. Or Walmart parking lots.

Because it has four independent motors the wheels can be driven forward on one side and reverse on the other.

Bonus: Prices start at only $69,000.00

bajaric - 2-18-2020 at 10:43 AM

Allow me to rant. Yesterday, got all packed up for a quick trip south of the border, put the passport in a plastic box on the floor of the truck cab (2106 F-150) along with misc items. This morning to my surprise found the glove box open, box was missing, along with cameras, notebooks, etc. Found box on neighbor's front lawn, everything still in it except the passport and a camera Gone!! This happened in the US in front of my house.

In hindsight, appears I left the truck unlocked. Why? Because it has a locking tailgate, and every time I want to open the tailgate have to find the key fob and click it, which also unlocks the front doors, so in process of loading truck left the cab unlocked. This amazingly stupid feature is in addition to the gas cap, which can not be locked. So they can steal gas, and get in the cab, but by golly the can't steal that tailgate. Get your kid a truck with a manual lock on the tailgate.

So no passport for minimum 3 weeks, hassle, no Baja for me today. I need to go to Mexico where it is safe! On the bright side, they did not get the thousand dollar metal detector sitting behind the seats. Most likely some homeless tweaker looking for spare change, welcome to San Diego, lock you vehicle.

Marty McFly's dream machine... 1985 Toyota Hilux 4x4

David K - 2-18-2020 at 10:49 AM

gnukid - 2-18-2020 at 11:43 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaric

Allow me to rant. Yesterday, got all packed up for a quick trip south of the border, put the passport in a plastic box on the floor of the truck cab (2106 F-150) along with misc items. This morning to my surprise found the glove box open, box was missing, along with cameras, notebooks, etc. Found box on neighbor's front lawn, everything still in it except the passport and a camera Gone!! This happened in the US in front of my house.

In hindsight, appears I left the truck unlocked. Why? Because it has a locking tailgate, and every time I want to open the tailgate have to find the key fob and click it, which also unlocks the front doors, so in process of loading truck left the cab unlocked. This amazingly stupid feature is in addition to the gas cap, which can not be locked. So they can steal gas, and get in the cab, but by golly the can't steal that tailgate. Get your kid a truck with a manual lock on the tailgate.

So no passport for minimum 3 weeks, hassle, no Baja for me today. I need to go to Mexico where it is safe! On the bright side, they did not get the thousand dollar metal detector sitting behind the seats. Most likely some homeless tweaker looking for spare change, welcome to San Diego, lock you vehicle.

You can get a passport expedited in one day at the passport office? Usually helps to have an intinerary printed just make one or make a reservation on line for a few days from today print it and cancel it?

bajaric - 2-18-2020 at 12:25 PM

Thanks gnukid, but I don't think the one day expedited replacement is possible. The information I got from US Dept of State if a passport is stolen it must be reported, which cancels it forever. Then I have to go through the whole process to get a new one, birth certificate, photo etc. looks to be 3 weeks with expedited processing.

I am hoping the dirty rat tossed it on the ground and someone will find it, I put the word out around the neighborhood, so will hold off on reporting it stolen for a couple of days. The irony is that the stupid locking tailgate, that has always been a pain because I have to find the key fob every time I want to open it, resulted in the cab being unlocked. Modern technology. I purchased the camera at a yard sale for fifteen dollars so monetarily no big deal just a hassle, I was just going to drive down to look at Real del Castillo Viejo for research, can wait.

edit for clarification: If a passport is lost or stolen outside of the US it might be possible to get a quick replacement at the US consulate but this happened at my residence in the US. Strictly a crime of opportunity, checking doors, been some scruffy people snooping around lately, time for motion lights and an alarm. Also DK's post crossed paths in case anyone might accuse him of being insensitive.

[Edited on 2-18-2020 by bajaric]

LancairDriver - 2-18-2020 at 12:42 PM

Left the vehicle unlocked? Good move. At least saved you having to clean up smashed glass and replacing the window. I once left a movie theater and walked out to the parking lot to a lot full of smashed car windows. I was ready for the same scene with my car, but was amazed it was untouched. Why? I failed to lock my car and nothing was stolen as there was nothing worth stealing. Since most cars today are equipped with loud alarms it is probably better to lock up.

BajaTed - 2-18-2020 at 06:22 PM

1988 Toyota P/U with a 22R motor is what I got my son.
I have an 89 with same motor; 350K+ miles
get asked if I want to sell all the time, have collection of window notes too

DBaja - 2-18-2020 at 06:30 PM

3/4 year old first car!? Dang, lucky kid!!

[Edited on 2-19-2020 by DBaja]

surabi - 2-19-2020 at 11:54 PM

What is it with Americans that they think they have to buy their kids vehicles? Teens and young adults take much better care of things they have to work to earn the money for.

JZ - 2-19-2020 at 11:56 PM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi

What is it with Americans that they think they have to buy their kids vehicles? Teens and young adults take much better care of things they have to work to earn the money for.

Sorry to hear that your dad didn't love you.

[Edited on 2-20-2020 by JZ]

surabi - 2-20-2020 at 01:31 AM

Buying high ticket items for your kids has nothing to do with love.

[Edited on 2-20-2020 by JZ][/rquote]

[Edited on 2-20-2020 by surabi]

[Edited on 2-20-2020 by surabi]

mtgoat666 - 2-20-2020 at 04:48 AM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi

What is it with Americans that they think they have to buy their kids vehicles? Teens and young adults take much better care of things they have to work to earn the money for.

The kid has prob never had a real job.

mtgoat666 - 2-20-2020 at 04:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

Quote: Originally posted by surabi

What is it with Americans that they think they have to buy their kids vehicles? Teens and young adults take much better care of things they have to work to earn the money for.

Sorry to hear that your dad didn't love you.

[Edited on 2-20-2020 by JZ]

Jizz,
Money can’t buy you love.

bajaric - 2-20-2020 at 06:20 AM

Passport was found in front yard down the street, posted on next door app, and recovered. whoo hoo! Real del Castillo here I come.

Nuthin wrong with helping a kid out, my parents paid my tuition through 4 years of college (Back then was a total of $15,000 for 4 years) and I graduated debt free and now am in a position to help them. They also got me a car, at age of 19, a used Chevy Vega. Put a hole in the oil pan and fried the engine. Then they got me used Yellow Volkswagon Dasher, which lasted until I was supporting myself. I did work part time and summers for spending money. I would say the moral is don't go overboard with a really nice vehicle cause he will probably wreck it, get something used, boxy and underpowered with lots of air bags, like an Explorer or Izuzu. And no locking tailgate!

[Edited on 2-20-2020 by bajaric]

David K - 2-20-2020 at 08:53 AM

So glad you got your passport back!!!

I was very lucky to have a dad who supported my Baja-addiction! My first car was a street-legal dune buggy (Meyers Manx VW) my parents bought, which I drove to Baja after I turned 16... but soon it had issues. Before my 18th birthday, my dad bought me a new Jeep Cherokee Chief (1975) as a graduation present and more practical/ reliable Baja vehicle. Sadly, it was not reliable and nearly everything failed (it's a 'Jeep thing')... After two years I sold it, and for what I sold it for I could buy a new 4WD Subaru wagon. Now, that WAS a reliable vehicle and I drove the hell out of it all over Baja, including to Gonzaga Bay in 1979 well before the original 'goat trail' was replaced with a graded roadbed! It was the first of three 4WD Subarus I owned ('77, '80, '86).

TMW - 2-20-2020 at 11:03 AM

I bought my son three trucks between age 16-20. He went into the Army and got married at 22 and I bought him a new Toyota truck for a wedding present. Boys and trucks go together. Lots of motorcycles and ATVs too, can't have too many toys.

Mulege Canuck - 2-20-2020 at 03:29 PM

JZ

I have a 2006 Taco I have beat the crap out of in the bush in Canada. Not fancy but we’ll maintained. Find a truck like that. Your son will learn to pull wrenches and get some “man training” . My boys had fixer uppers and it was good for them.

MC

John Harper - 2-20-2020 at 06:46 PM

Bought a real "barn find" VW dune buggy (it was actually in a horse barn) from my dad's friend for $200 just before my 16th birthday (1974). Fixed it up, got it running well, and registered it. Mom hated it, figured I'd kill myself. Drove it for 6 months (rainstorms and freezing weather), then mom said she'd match me with whatever I sold that "menace" for to get a "real" car. Sold the dune buggy for $600 to a fellow worker at Safeway, took the $1200 (+another $500) and bought a 1971 VW van which I drove for another 15 years, from Canada to Cabo. That van went everywhere and anywhere.

Now I've had two Rangers and could not be happier. Don't really miss those valve adjustments and the occasional engine rebuilds.

John

[Edited on 2-21-2020 by John Harper]

AKgringo - 2-20-2020 at 07:14 PM

I had a paper route when I was twelve, started working retail part time all through high school, so I had enough money to buy a nice car.

Because my dad was concerned about the liability a minor in his house could bring against his property, he would not allow me to buy a car until I turned 18 and had my own insurance!

He did let me and my brother take turns using his car though, but not whenever we felt like it.

David K - 2-21-2020 at 10:49 AM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper

Bought a real "barn find" VW dune buggy (it was actually in a horse barn) from my dad's friend for $200 just before my 16th birthday (1974). Fixed it up, got it running well, and registered it. Mom hated it, figured I'd kill myself. Drove it for 6 months (rainstorms and freezing weather), then mom said she'd match me with whatever I sold that "menace" for to get a "real" car. Sold the dune buggy for $600 to a fellow worker at Safeway, took the $1200 (+another $500) and bought a 1971 VW van which I drove for another 15 years, from Canada to Cabo. That van went everywhere and anywhere.

Now I've had two Rangers and could not be happier. Don't really miss those valve adjustments and the occasional engine rebuilds.

John

[Edited on 2-21-2020 by John Harper]

Sounds like we were in the same years with our VW dune buggies?
Mine was made as an off road race buggy originally we were told. It had a roll cage and turning brakes. The next use was for a Baja trip by the previous owner. They added a roof, with a rack for gear, and removable side curtains for bad weather. When we got it, we towed it to Baja for a couple of trips for excursions as my dad sold his 4x4. When I turned 16, it became my car for school and Baja trips. I rebuilt the engine, with a big bore kit (1650cc) and a couple other mods.

From 1974, Nuevo Mazatlan and the road south of San Felipe (all that camping gear I could pack onto the buggy)...

AKgringo - 2-21-2020 at 11:22 AM

Get your kid a Dodge Ram 700! You can't buy them in the US, but it is a little mini truck with a Ram logo on it so your kid's friends won't laugh at him for driving a Fiat.
https://www.allpar.com/trucks/ram/ram-700.html

I know....it probably wouldn't work out for him. Besides not being able to register it in California, I can't find a 4x4 option, and 1.6L is a bit puny for an engine.

It is cute though, and might be fun to drive within the limitations of a front wheel drive with a locking differential!

mtgoat666 - 2-21-2020 at 11:31 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Mulege Canuck

... 2006 Taco... Find a truck like that. Your son will learn to pull wrenches and get some “man training” . My boys had fixer uppers and it was good for them.

ok, boomer: the world is changing, and IC engines are going the way of the dodo bird. get your kid a tesla. learn how to turn a wrench on a engine technology that is the way of the future and not a technology quickly going extinct.
and, teslas got way more cool factor than a dirty old pickup truck :cool:

tesla model 3 is reasonably priced...

[Edited on 2-21-2020 by mtgoat666]

David K - 2-21-2020 at 12:12 PM

Electric cars don't go vroom vroom... no American teenage heterosexual male wants one to pick up chicks with!

John Harper - 2-21-2020 at 12:36 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Sounds like we were in the same years with our VW dune buggies?

Mine was built on a 1962 chassis, color was metal flake orange like yours and looked very similar. Mine was more of a street buggy. Only the 40hp motor with a dual Cherry Bomb muffler exhaust system and K&N filter. Balloon tires all around. Probably would have been good in the sand.

John

[Edited on 2-21-2020 by John Harper]

David K - 2-21-2020 at 12:58 PM

It was pretty amazing where it would go... the Gonzaga Grades south of Puertecitos as well as the deep sand beaches were never a problem.
I had big flotation tires for the back.

[Edited on 2-21-2020 by David K]