need help picking Daily driver ranger.

BDASPNY · May 4, 2011

ive been looking around here and other places on the net. i need a truck for the utility but i dont want a gas hog as everyone knows how exp gas is these days.

so what im wanting is a 2wd ranger w the space/entended cab. id prefer a somewhat newer model such as 2000-2005. i need input on reliablity and performance on the diff engines. also need an auto which i know hurts performance but due to knee and shoulder injuries its best. any info you guys can help me with would be great. thanks in advance. :icon_thumby:

bilzy7 · May 4, 2011

Decent condition 4.0 CAN get about 18 mpg average. Mine gets about 12-14 cause I got 31 1/2 inch tires and not regard but I dont think tires are big enough to matter... Other engines others will have to chime in about.

Heavyfire14 · May 4, 2011

get like a 1998 3.0. little better gas mileage than the 4.0. these trucks are tougher than nails. very reliable good solid trucks.

lil'_big_truck · May 4, 2011

I have a gen III 3.0. these engines get good mileage for a truck (about 18) but like HeavyFire said, they are as tough as nails. I heard of rangers lasting 300,000+ miles. If you want still better mileage, get a 4 cylinder. good luck on finding the right truck

Heavyfire14 · May 4, 2011

lil'_big_truck said:
I have a gen III 3.0. these engines get good mileage for a truck (about 18) but like HeavyFire said, they are as tough as nails. I heard of rangers lasting 300,000+ miles. If you want still better mileage, get a 4 cylinder. good luck on finding the right truck

nice truck.

it depends, the v6 is good for a work truck cause the power. but if you want a truck just cause its not a car than the four cyl is for you.

Mac · May 4, 2011

The newer 4.0L get better mileage than the old OHV ones. I could get an honest 21-22 mpg on the interstate at 72 mph with my '05' 4x4 ext cab, manual w/4.10 gears and 265 tires. Same trip, same speed with my 4x2 ext cab w/3.0L auto gets 20-21 mpg.
DAve of the Nord

exbass94 · May 4, 2011

If you don't need 4wd, get the 4 cylinder. Fantastic mileage and still enough power to haul things.

Heavyfire14 · May 4, 2011

thats amazing!

lil'_big_truck · May 4, 2011

thanks HeavyFire. urs is cool too. I like the older body styles. ok thread-jack over now. haha

also the tech pages will help. there is an engine section on the top left that covers all of the engines so it might be useful:

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.php

BDASPNY · May 4, 2011

thanks for the input so far. ive considered the 4cyls but im used to driving something with more power. my toy is a 91 foxbody mustang. not sure the 4 cyl auto would be enough to for lack of a better term drive safely. lol i had read the 3.o tends to get better mileage.

Original_Ranger84 · May 4, 2011

Yes I totally agree with the 3.0L! I have a 99 3.0L 4x4 manual ext. cab stepside bed lifted a little with 31's and 3.73's with locked hubs and I just pulled off 24mpg with about 600lb's in the bed. and I average about 17 in the city. My friend doesn't even try and he gets 25 on the highway with his 2wd 3.0L 5 speed going about 80.

bilzy7 · May 4, 2011

as far as long lasting im compared to 300k only at 210k miles now. and i run perfect, engine seems weak but i think its only cause my exhaust leak and some other small stuff, who know. but it starts up like a dream everytime. anything can get ok mileage long as your feet arent fat.

84bluebronco2 · May 4, 2011

With my old '91 4cyl, I got about 18-20 city (no exhaust after manifold, bad tires, rusted out completely and then some, and a heavy foot back then). I get about 15-17 on my 94 4.0 now. The newer 4cyls (my friend has an 06ish) gets mid to upper 20's, and another friend has a 4.0 5spd open 4.10's in his '04 and hits almost 20. Expect high teens to low 20's on either V6, and mid to upper 20's out of the I4.

BDASPNY · May 5, 2011

great info guys. def helping me narrow it down a bit.

need help picking Daily driver ranger.

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