I have a 1987 Ford Ranger with the diesel engine. These trucks are apparently pretty rare, and it might be a bit harder to find parts for but so far I haven't had any problems. I like having the cargo capacity of a truck and the gas mileage of a car. I bought this truck and then went on a road trip to California from Washington and back. The truck did fine the whole way. It's a stick shift, and it shifts amazingly easily. The bed is also designed with groves that will hold 2x6 planks to support a queen size mattress. I haven't used that feature yet, but it sounds like an awesome idea for car camping. The truck also has a spare tire, which not all vehicles have these days. I won't buy a vehicle without one.

I bought this truck in 1999 and paid cash. It is a basic, no nonsense model. It is bright red with manual transmission, manual windows, and a rear view mirror that likes to fall off about once a year. This truck has over 140,000 miles on it and still has its shiny coat and no dents. It has had a minimal amount of mechanical difficulties despite having had to put up with three teenage drivers trying to learn stick shift. The truck has had many successful state inspections and rarely needs anything more than brakes. The only body damage was when a bungie cord accidentally snapped against the rear window, causing it to shatter in many pieces of safety glass. The bed of the truck still has its original liner and it looks as good as it did when it was new. The upholstery inside is a light grey and not at all conducive to a fisherman and hunter. It is quite stained, but it is totally intact with no holes or rips. There is no rust on the body nor any on the undercarriage. The radio still works, but the air conditioner can be finicky. I would definitely buy another Ranger if Ford ever starts to sell them in the US again.