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Ford Ranger
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Comments
Even with the pinging, I still like my Ranger. It's comfortable, fun to drive, get's good gas milage, it's affordable, and I firmly beleive it's been designed and built to as high a level of quality as any other truck available. I bought it from a local dealer who's treated me well, and been responsive to my concerns. I don't know how expensive Toyota parts are but based on my experience with my other truck, an F150 which has 250,000 miles on it, Ford parts are readilly available at CAP at a resonable price. Just this past weekend I replaced the brake shoes, wheel cylinders, all the springs, brake lines, self adjusters, and drums on both rear wheels for less than $150. Half of those parts didn't need to be replaced but I figured as long as I was getting dirty, and having fun, I might as well do it all. Besides, I love the look of new metal.
Your truck is cheaply built and cheaply sold, deal with it! Stop whinning! In most comparisons tests Tacoma always wins, deal with that too!
You have an axe to grind with everyone! Especially, Toyota owners!
Even Consumer Reports, an avid critic of domestic makes, rates the Ranger and the Dakota ahead of the Tacoma. Blind brand loyalty doesn't get you very far nowadays. Next time, base your decision on the facts and logic, not on loyalty and emotions. You paid that much for a Tacoma? So who got taken?
Both trucks are good trucks, but regarding the price of a 4x4 Tacoma can be had for about 23K pretty much loaded. Actually was going to seriously consider the B4000 until I saw the horsepower on that 4.0 engine. Try the Mazda pickup discussion group.
PS. Let me see you buy a 4Dr Tacoma (hee..hee) loaded out for $16,500 like I got my Ranger. (MSRP ~ $20K)
Thanks for the info; obviously I realize that to pay 25K for any compact truck is ridiculous, which is what a "good deal" on a fully loaded Tacoma Limited would run. I like the Toyota quite a bit, but cannot justify spending 3-4K more than a similary equipped B4000/Ranger. I did some research and can get the Mazda B4000 for about 21K before TTL. I will say this, though: I have read much about the Tacoma's off-road prowess versus all other compacts.....I have also noted that many of the off-road/safari vehicles on Discovery Channel programs are Toys.....just a thought. Vince8: are you certain about that 200HP 4L V-6 being in the 2000;s?
I have heard that the Mazda has a better warranty coverage than Ford.
Parkman 50, congrads on your buy! Good choice. You got one heck of a price! I got mine loaded for about 19K. 98 Ranger 4.0 5spd 4x4 and love it! I added the K&N air kit, spray in bedliner, nurfbars, hood guard, better tires and a few other goodies so far. Thinking about a Superchip also. I won't take up too much space here, but if you scroll back you can see I use mine in the outdoors and it has NEVER failed me yet. See you in the hills!
Thanks for the input,
The Merg
One thing I can say. For not much more you can get the 3.0 rather than the 2.5. This will give you much better towing/hauling ability. Also increased acceleration. The mpg is not much different either if you get the 5spd.
I will be getting the 3.0L engine. Actually, Ford makes you get it if you want the 4-door SuperCab. I guess it's just another way to get more money out of the consumer.
- The Merg
Sounds like you got a fun truck. Of the performance options such as the K&N filter you installed and the superchip consideration, which do you think is the most bang for the buck? I am considering total aspiration as my first choice. So I am considering K&N combined with a high flow exhaust system although I plan to maintain the quietness of the truck. I'm not looking for "loud" dual exhaust. My combined goal is more power and increased fuel mileage through the more air in/ less restricted air out system. I think I can increase power by about 20 ponies and increase fuel economy by about 2-3 mpg.
Let me know what you think.
If you really have some bucks to spend the way to go is to install a performance exhaust system. There are quiet a few around that will even pass air quality standards and increase HP from 15 - 20 percent.
Enjoy your Mazda/Rangers and see you in the great outdoors!
I drive 25,000 to 30,000 miles a year and between these three vehicles I have done one brake job, three tune-ups, replaced a set of shocks, one exhaust system, one serpentine belt, a windshield wiper motor, and a timing belt. Oh, and a bunch of tires and wiper blades (they are supposed to wear out).
Most of these miles were highway, but these trucks worked for a living too. They pulled boats too big for them to pull, hauled roofing shingles, stone, dirt, pulled shrubs, etc.
I would recommend a Ranger to anyone looking for a small truck, but get the 4.0 and an automatic if you are going to do any really serious towing.
If your thinking about buying a Ranger, or know anyone who is, please note that the updated owner's manual for the 3.0L engine specifies a minimum octane rating of 91. If you experience
performance problems they recommend you go to a higher grade of premium.
HTH,
The Merg
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I purchased this truck for transportation and hauling equipment; no towing. It's always started, always run, always carried the load and been a reliable truck for the 18,000+ miles I've owned it. My gas mileage has averaged 20-22, and I do 80% of my driving in the city or in rush-hour traffic.
1: I have experienced the following annoyances during ownership (none of these have been mentioned to the dealer)
- The rear tailgate squeaks a lot
- The paint seems to scratch and chip very easily.
2: I have experienced the following mechanical failures during ownership (successfully repaired by the dealer)
- At 12K miles, the steering gear began emitting a "grinding, creaking" noise after extended driving. At 15K miles, it got bad enough to do something about it. After duplicating the problem for the dealership, they replaced the steering gear under warranty. Time down: one day.
3: I have experienced the following mechanical failures during ownership (no repairs made, dealership cannot duplicate the problem)
- Parked in cold/wet weather, the brakes "seize" occasionally; after a few attempts, the brakes release with an audible "thud". This has occurred on four occasions. Time down: none.
- Driving for the first time in cold/wet weather, the brakes are occasionally "grabby" on the first few applications; usually I slide a tire, even at low speeds. This has occurred on six occasions. Time down: none.
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Overall, I've been very happy with the truck and would consider selling it to a friend. It's comfortable, roomy, handles well, has a great stereo and looks really nice in basic black with silver alloys and raised white letter tires. I plan to keep it for four years (unless my fiance, who can't drive stick, persuades me to sell it.)
At the same time, I will monitor this discussion to see if anyone else has similar brake problems, and will post the solution if my dealership ever finds one. I'm also annoyed by the paint's willingness to scratch and chip, which makes adding touch-up paint a common ritual.
Overall: Good/Great - not perfect, but no regrets.
There is only one minor complaint that I have and that is the paint (especially on the front end) seems to chip easily. I don't seem to have this problem in the bed nor on the very bottom of the sides of the truck. I haven't had any problems with the brakes or anything mechanical, just the paint.
Just thought that I'd share.
- The Merg
The V6 is free, however and is a great deal. But wait, there is a $500 discount if you get the 4 cylinder! Hmmm...
It's hard to figure out just what's a bonus and what you are paying for.