3 Underrated Used Trucks You Can Buy Dirt Cheap

Toyota T100: The Forgotten Big Truck

• 💡 The Toyota T100 was Toyota's first attempt at a larger truck for the US market, made in Japan but never sold there.
• 🎯 It was later replaced by the T-150, which Ford sued over, leading to the name change to Toyota Tundra.
• 🔑 These trucks are known for their extremely reliable V6 engines, with many examples exceeding 200,000 miles without burning oil.
• ⚠️ While fenders and beds might rust or be replaced, the frame on these early models is typically very solid, unlike some later Tacomas and Tundras.

Nissan Frontier: A Cheaper Alternative

• 🚀 The Nissan Frontier is presented as a more affordable alternative to the popular Toyota Tacoma and Tundra.
• 🛠️ Older models feature reliable Nissan V6 engines and robust rear-wheel-drive transmissions, which are rarely seen to break down.
• ⚠️ A key point to check is the frame for rust, especially on northern vehicles, as Nissan has had issues with frame rot on some models.
• 💰 Buyers can often find a much better price on a Frontier compared to a comparable Toyota.

Honda Ridgeline: The Smooth Unibody Pickup

• ✨ The Honda Ridgeline is highlighted for its unibody construction, offering a much smoother ride than traditional body-on-frame trucks.
• 🔌 It features a unique 115-volt receptacle in the bed and hidden speakers, making it versatile for tailgating or utility.
• ⚙️ While it has a V6 engine and all-wheel drive, it's not intended for heavy-duty towing, with a towing capacity of around 5,000 lbs.
• 💡 The stop-start feature is noted as an annoyance that owners often disable, but otherwise, it's praised for its reliability and comfortable ride, even for Uber drivers.

Scan Tool Performance

• ⚠️ The video reviews two scan tools: an Xtool IP 819 which failed to communicate with older vehicles, and a Denovo which worked reliably.
• 📈 A RT Diag Pro Top ($370) is also tested and found to perform well for its price, offering many functions and live data, though slower than high-end tools.
• ✅ The importance of checking live data, like fuel trims and ignition timing, is demonstrated to assess engine health on older vehicles.