# Help Buying a Car **URL:** \ **Category:** Auto Type/Class\ **Tags:** trucks\ **Created:** [February 15, 2011, 7:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-buying-a-car/61377 "2011-02-15T19:25:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![bcormie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d2c977/32.png) [@bcormie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bcormie)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2011, 7:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-buying-a-car/61377/1 "2011-02-15T19:25:08Z")
I have lived in the city of Chicago for the last 5 years, so I never needed a car and don’t really know much about cars at all. Recently got a new job and am moving to Sacramento and need help buying a car. I am 23 and looking for a car under about $22,000. I would prefer a truck so I can take trips to Yosemite and Lake Tahoe so will need 4wd or Awd. I don’t need a huge truck, but more of a compact type truck. Not sure whether buying a new car or used car is the best way to go? Also I was wondering what are the best value trucks regarding price and durability. Thanks for your help! ---
**Author:** ![pleasedodgevan2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ad7895/32.png) [@pleasedodgevan2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pleasedodgevan2)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2011, 7:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-buying-a-car/61377/2 "2011-02-15T19:35:22Z")
You shouldn’t need 4WD for that unless you go in Winter and maybe not even then. I like the Nissan four door trucks but the skis don’t fit in the bed. They are 4WD and going for $30,000 new I think. I can’t remember any details and I never drove one. Keep looking. ---
**Author:** ![lion9car](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/59ef9b/32.png) [@lion9car](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lion9car)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2011, 7:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-buying-a-car/61377/3 "2011-02-15T19:36:19Z")
Why do you need a truck? Do you plan to haul or tow things? Trucks have a number of disadvantages, so I’m trying to understand your needs here. ---
**Author:** ![andrew\_j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/91b2a8/32.png) [@andrew\_j](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andrew_j)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2011, 7:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-buying-a-car/61377/4 "2011-02-15T19:41:11Z")
I would suggest a Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4, or Subaru Forester as a better option than a compact truck. Ford Ranger though is an excellent value compact truck. ---
**Author:** ![eraser1998](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6de8d8/32.png) [@eraser1998](https://community.cartalk.com/u/eraser1998)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2011, 8:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-buying-a-car/61377/5 "2011-02-15T20:35:15Z")
Second that advice… unless the weather is bad when you go, the roads into Yosemite and Tahoe in no way require 4WD or AWD vehicles. ---
**Author:** ![bscar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bscar/32/34_2.png) [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2011, 1:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-buying-a-car/61377/6 "2011-02-16T01:18:20Z")
And, for $22k, one should be able to buy a brand new Ranger. ---
**Author:** ![waterboy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/waterboy/32/764_2.png) [@waterboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/waterboy)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2011, 1:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-buying-a-car/61377/7 "2011-02-16T01:23:41Z")
I always thought and experienced when looking Nissan and Chevy small trucks were underperformers compared to Ford and Toyota. 2wd should be fine. ---
**Author:** ![waterboy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/waterboy/32/764_2.png) [@waterboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/waterboy)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2011, 1:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-buying-a-car/61377/8 "2011-02-16T01:25:41Z")
In 03 I bought a ranger for 10k, after rebates, cheaper than the used ones on the lot!