04-27-2018, 01:48 PM
I'm on my 3rd Mazda/Ford Ranger-type 4x4 truck. I get the ones with extra cab suicide doors. For me it's the perfect mix of enough inside space with a full 4'x6' bed. And not as hard to park as some of the bigger trucks. I'm on my 3rd because I buy them cheap and beat them up on my farm. My driveway is okay without 4x4, but its better on the road and the truck to switch to 4x4, and when I really need to go off road that option is there. I've been stuck one too many times with 2x over the years that 4x4 is definitely a requirement. One advantage to an older truck is that its not as tempting to thieves. (Toyota Tacoma is the most stolen vehicle in Hawaii.) There are also LOTS of these trucks already here so parts and experienced mechanics are easy to find.
That being said, Hawaii is a very limited market for truck availability. Only so many were originally sent here, and most of them get used until they die. There will definitely be more selection on the mainland. Sometimes you will make that up with shipping costs, better selection, and mainland market prices. It all depends on how picky you are and your price point. I know I could have got a better truck for the price on the mainland, but the cost of travel plus time out of work while shopping were not worth it for me to make the trip. I've also heard a few horror stories about delayed shipping and damage en route, so you have to figure that into your equation.
That being said, Hawaii is a very limited market for truck availability. Only so many were originally sent here, and most of them get used until they die. There will definitely be more selection on the mainland. Sometimes you will make that up with shipping costs, better selection, and mainland market prices. It all depends on how picky you are and your price point. I know I could have got a better truck for the price on the mainland, but the cost of travel plus time out of work while shopping were not worth it for me to make the trip. I've also heard a few horror stories about delayed shipping and damage en route, so you have to figure that into your equation.