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Comments
Why does Mazda list 143hp for the 3.0 Ford engine while Ford lists 150hp? Same differential with the torque listing.
Why does the Mazda appear to sit higher? Are there differences in the suspension?
What is the maximum trailer weight, equipped with nothing other than a class 3 hitch?
Any other differences?
I have looked and bugged the dealer as much as I care to at this point. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
I have a 99 Ranger 2.5L 5spd supercab and I get about 20 mpg. But that is almost 100% city driving, and I do have a lead foot. The 2.5L is fine around town, just not very quick at all. But on the highway once you get up to 70-75 mph, the engine sounds like it's working really hard. I don't have a tach so I don't know what the rpm is at that speed.
Will I have any (ANY) problems towing a tandem trailer with a 21 ft 3900 lb boat. The trailer is equipped with brakes.
Please respond if you have had experience with a similar size load.
Thanks !!!!!!!!!!
If anyone is interested, I'm looking to sell my 98 Ranger, 4x4 Off-Road supercab. High miles (50,000), but I've never had a single problem (besides the stupid transmission, which was completely replaced at 36k miles). I love this model and already have my 2000 edition picked out, but I just can't stand driving a manual transmission in a large city (Minneapolis) during rush hour. Check out my posting at
http://www.carsoup.com/UsedVehicles/detail.asp?uvid=256977
http://www.blueovalnews.com (click on "2001 Ranger")
Changes include the new 4.0 and 2.3L OHC engines, standard 4-wheel ABS and tach on all models, some options no longer available, new colors, etc. Go Ranger!
Designed to appeal to buyers seeking a cool-looking truck with features to
support their active work and leisure needs, Ranger's new Edge series
features bold new styling. Key features include:
· Power dome hood
· Monochromatic exterior color treatment
· 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain - 4x2 drivetrain features same ride height as 4x4
· Standard 3.0-liter V-6 engine with manual transmission
· 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 with automatic transmission available
· Standard painted silver styled wheels; available 16-inch five spoke
aluminum wheels and 245 OWL A/T tires
· Front tow hooks
· Optional bed extender
· Pickup box rail protectors
· Washable flooring
· CD radio standard and optional in-dash six disc CD changer available
Is Ford going to continue thier current style Ranger, and offer a Seperate "EDGE" series pickup? Or will all 2001/2002 Rangers have the "EDGE" styling?
The standard 3.0 liter rated at 143 HP and
the Flexible Fuel 3.0 liter rated at 152 HP.
The Mazda must use the standard 3.0, I'm not sure Ford offers the standard 3.0 anymore, at least I've not seen one.
If you don't have your heart set on a 2001 with one of the new engine choices, you might want to check into a 2000 with the 3.0L. You should be able to get a nice deal on one. Check out the Mazda B-Series as well. I've got a '99 B3000 4WD with a manual tranny and I've been very happy with it...
P.S. - My B3000 is listed as a flexible fuel vehicle. However, I have never used the alternative fuel...
By June of 2001, the initial demand for the new Ranger will probably have subsided a bit and you should be able to get a nice XLT with a 4 banger for a decent price. I would agree with Vince8, however, and recommend that you at least drive one with the 3.0L engine. In fact, you could take a test drive right now, that particular engine remains the same for 2001. If you decide on the new 4 cyl (2.3L?) do your research and be wary of any possible 1st year problems. I believe that engine is brand new for 2001.
I'm anxious for 2001's myself. Many of us Ranger and B-Series types are dying to drive one with the SOHC 4.0L. If the performance is as expected, I may be upgrading to a new truck next summer myself.
Keep us informed of your decisions. I feel you're making a good choice here. Rangers take a lot of bashing in the various compact pickup topics. But I tell you what, they are well built, and a good value. There's a reason why you see so many of them...
The 3.0L is the same in the Ford and Mazda - both are flex fuel capable. I am still wondering why sales literature from both companies list the hp rating (143hs MAZ vs. 150hp FOR) differently. So far, seems adequate, though.
There is a hole for a tow ball in the bumper and there is a plate that is bolted to the frame under the rear bumper. Is this all I need to tow up to mfg ratings, or do I need a receiver hitch?
I want to switch to a synthetic motor oil. Any suggestions on when I should do this? I usually change oil at the first 2000 miles for my new cars. I've got <250 miles at this time. Still smells good...
Congrats on your new B3000. Is it a 4x4? Does it have the heavy-duty Payload Package suspension? This might explain the stiffness. Some trucks with heavy-duty suspensions are actually smoother with +500 pounds in the bed.
Saturnboy:
Regular-cab 4x2 XLT 3.0L flareside automatics currently start at about $13.5 on http://www.carsdirect.com. If nothing else, you can use this info. to bargain with your dealer. You can get that down to $12K if you like the 5sp (better MPG, cheaper) and can live without the flareside. Xcabs are about $1500 more--make sure you need the Xtra space before spending the Xtra money.
As far as miles, 100K is alot. Timing belt is ready to be changed for sure. Have it looked over with a fine tooth comb by a mechanic you trust the money spent could save you thousands.
you're burning coolant, just as consistent grey or black smoke means you're burning oil. Intermittent?....
If there is a pinhole leak(s) in the head gasket, that could put coolant leaking into the cylinder(s) overnight and/or at a stoplight. Have you been checking your coolant levels? Good luck!
Front Porch Philosopher
SUV, Pickups, & Aftermarket and Accessories Host
signed: An unhappy Ford owner.
signed: An unhappy Ford owner.
Queenlegs@aol.com
FYI: to Tacoma_trd, I've been driving a stick since 1969. I learned to drive a car with the stick on the column. (Geez, Am I dating myself or what?!?!?!) All my other vehicles have been 5 speeds, and foreign made to boot, so I think I have a handle on driving a 5 speed. This is my first American made vehicle and I'm not to sure if I like it or not. Thanks again and enjoy!
E. LaCicero :-)
1. Are you checking the coolant level regularly? if it's burning coolant, you should see a noticeable drop after a short period of time. A purely mechanical problem like a leak in a head gasket will NOT show up on the computer.
2. Gas gauge going crazy.... Any other electrical issues? Tach bouncing around, etc?
3. Do NOT assume that this is a SINGLE problem. You MAY have the misfortune of several small problems adding together.
4. After a break-in, some problems will go away. Sounds like the dealer is praying for this! I assume you have power steering? Power steering without power is like BAD manual steering, BUT the steering column should NOT lock in place?
5. TOO many dealer "mechanics" cannot diagnose what the computer cannot find. They will frequently start replacing parts from one end to the other to try and find something by accident. Find a mechanics shop where they both have the newest SUN or comparable diagnostic equipment, AND know what a carbureator is and how to work on one. THEN you have competent people looking at your car.
TRUE STORY:
I had an intermittent fault in an '87 Cherokee for about 8 years, it would periodicly "skip" like the clutch had momentarily disengaged. Initially this only occurred at highway speeds, but late it declined to occurring in the 25 mph range even. The dealer could not duplicate the problem.... but they replaced my computer at a cost of $1100.... and the problem still recurred....
Now.... Jeeps are known for electrical issues, particularly as they age.... In January, this vehicle began arbitrarily just dying on me. When it died, it would strand me beside the road for between 15 and 45 minutes. Engine would crank fine, but it wouldn't catch. Happened 4 times. My mechanics, otherwise a fairly reliable lot, could neither find nor duplicate the problem....
I bought a Haynes manual for this vehicle, and a Chiltons and read both thoroughly. Then I replaced the coil/ECU and the fuel pump relay for about $175 in parts and 30 minutes work. The problem has, so far (4 weeks), not recurred.
Hang in there!
Front Porch Philosopher
SUV, Pickups, & Aftermarket and Accessories Host
In the old days, there were no vacuum hoses on manual trannies. So I don't think this helps your problem. But maybe there are some vacuum hoses on some of today's 5sp trucks? I don't know for sure, my own 5sp Ranger is a 1985!
1. Paint Problems. I think I mentioned this before. The paint on the tailgate looks terrible in the sun. It is the metallic gold color and one side looks lighter than the other, almost like you can see the strokes where the paint was airbrushed on. I first noticed it about two days after I took delivery, after the sun came out following a two day rain. I pointed it out to the salesman who told me that it would be fixed. But the body shop manager later said that there is nothing wrong with it, that it is a chaacteristic of metallic paint. An independent body shop tells me otherwise, that the paint is flawed, perhaps even it was repainted in just that area for some reason. I tried calling Ford Customer Service Center. The only thing they tell me is that workmanship is not covered under warranty. Should I continue to fight with the dealership over this or should I just go and have it repainted on my own?
2. Stammering at idle. I first noticed this at about 500 miles. I have the 2.5L 5spd. The engine will stammer intermittenly at idle. You can feel the motor shake a little and then return to normal rpms. Similar to what somebody else posted but it doesn't seem to do it when I first come to a stop, but off and on while idling at a light, etc. On cooler days you barely notice it at all but the hotter the weather the more pronounced it seems to be. I asked the dealer about it and they said to switch to a lower octane fuel. I tried that but it hasn't helped much. I only have 2,000 miles now and plan on having it checked out when I get my 3,000 mile oil change. Is this something to be concerned about or is it a characteristic of this engine?
I noticed the entry about your concerns with the 3.0L engine. I experienced many of the same impressions during my first road trip with my '99 Mazda B3000. It has the same engine as your Ranger. During my trip from Arizona to Colorado last summer, it seemed that I was constantly getting passed up by all manner of animal, vegetable, and mineral. It took me a while to understand that the 3.0L needs to be kept near its power band (3000 RPM) to be most effective. You just cannot romp on the accelerator at low RPM with this engine and expect it to take off. Fortunately, you've got the manual tranny. So, keeping the engine in its most effective power band is under your control. Don't be afraid to rev the engine a little bit if you have to. I have driven mine hard the last year and it has done fine. I think lack of low-end torque is the real culprit here. My previous truck with a 4.3L V6 (Chevy) did not have this problem. It was an adjustment for me. Perhaps it might require a bit of time for you to get used to the characteristics of the 3.0L. Just my .02 cents. Good luck with your new Ranger...
I noticed that you have a bit of a fire-storm brewing over in the Frontier vs Ranger topic. One issue I amicably debated over there last month was the contention that the Frontier had superior suspension to the Ranger/B-Series. The Edmund's review of the '99 Frontier was not overly impressed with its suspension characteristics. Any info or opinions on the matter? Just wondering...
Yeah, I started a brawl in the Frontier vs Ranger room, and when I showed those guys the Ford rated better at JD powers, better in crash tests, better performance, they blew up!! and started in on the name calling.. The Frontier is a joke, the 3.3 is a joke. Nissan is bandaiding the 3.3 with a supercharger just to match the normally aspirated engines of its competition...
All responses are taken to heart and most appreciated. Also, thanks for the heads up on the wiper recall. Do I have to wait to receive a notice, or just tell them to take care of it? Enjoy your day! Liz/Betty :-)
For those of us who do not go off-road, I have something that may interest some in the tire arena. I immediately swapped the 225/70 Firestones for some 235/70 Bridgestone Dualer H/L and my ride was immediately better. The raised white letter tires are 1/2" taller (no big deal) but seem to fill the wheel well much nicer. The total out of pocket to do this (trading the brand new Firestones) was $125.
Anyone know the pros/cons of switching the front speakers out of my 4-speaker CD stereo system? I would like to improve the sound, although it's ok.
http://fordranger.com/RangerProgram.html