What kind of truck? I want 4wd, 4doors, auto...

[RumpRanger98]

I'm looking to trade in my 99 3.slow 5spd 4wd ext cab xlt with 173k miles(hopefully they will take it as trade...) in for something '03 or newer. I would prefer a Ford, but I want to get something I can be happy with for years to come and if that comes as another make thats fine.

I go hunting a few weeks out of the year and I go with family and friends, so I would really like a truck with 4 doors, I dont want rear doors that only open if fronts are open. I think they are called supercrews? Its got to be an automatic, as it just makes it easier for towing IMO, and cruisin for hunting.
Needs to have some power, going to be towing a 16' boat. 4wd is a must.

What make/models/year trucks would anyone out there reccomend?
Realiability? Costs?

I was kind of looking at the F150 4x4 FX4 supercrew 2000+, inputs on those?

Thanks,

 

[brother rat]

I'm going to risk my neck here...
If you are willing to spend some money, you might look into the Nissan Frontier/Suzuki Equator. That's really about the only mid-size truck you can get with four full doors AND the long bed. Unless you don't mind having a tiny bed.
Another option would be a Dodge Dakota.
Other than that, you're gonna have to go full-size.

 

[Tiollib]

I would get either a F150 or a Superduty with a 7.3 diesel. Both are offered in supercrews.

 

[02RangerXLT]

I would get a half-ton Chevy (Keep the anti-chevy BS out please). Chevy has a great track record with their half tons and I know many people that have them, and love them.

Just take a look at them, its worth a try.

Otherwise, I would get a diesel. Because you can get just as good of mileage with a diesel as you can in a half ton...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Otherwise, I would get a diesel. Because you can get just as good of mileage with a diesel as you can in a half ton...

After you pay more for the truck, more per gallon for fuel, and mega more for any repairs. They are also a much clumsier truck.

97-03 F-150's are nice trucks, I have had mine for 5 years and love it, haven't met a truck I would consider trading it for yet. It could flirt with 20mpg hwy on stock rubber, and will pull everything I need to pull (which is more than a 16' boat)

FWI, 5.4's get about the same milage as a 4.6, so go with the 5.4.

Newer F-150's ('06ish+) have an optional 6.5 bed for the Screws, which is only 6" shorter and a whole lot wider than the 7' long box on my Ranger.

 

[MountainMike]

First gen Sport Trac? Keep repping the RBV's bro!

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

I'd go with the F-150 for sure. Mine has been an incredible truck so far. Chevy 1500's are very nice trucks as well, but for some reason I just don't think I could ever buy one. It's all about personal preference. Go to some dealerships and test drive some of your favorite candidates, it's worth it.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

i would get a sport-trac. u get the 4 doors, a bed for those just in case situations, and its almost Ranger size.

 

[mn_smokeater]

id say F150 or a Chevy/GMC 1500

 

[Tony Raine]

I have an 06 F150 XL supercab 4x4 with the 4.6 v8 and auto trans.

the XL gives me rubber floors, vinyl seats, and a manual 4x4 lever.

absolutely love the truck. the only thing i would change is the rear doors. i have the "suicide" rear doors that only open with the fronts. kind of a pain in a crowded parking lot, but it is more roomy with out that b pillar when it comes to loading bulky items.

the supercrew (4 full doors) and the supercab both can have a 5.5' or 6.5' bed.

my 4.6 can haul, but nothing like my mom's 5.4 supercrew

lately, i have been seeing more 04-08 XL supercrews in my area. all the room, all the power, none of the "fluff" and a lot easier on the wallet

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

the XL gives me rubber floors, vinyl seats, and a manual 4x4 lever.

I think some of that is still optional though, my XLT has manual shift 4x4, my dad's '04 F-250 XL has cloth seat.

I do wish I had a rubber floor, I do love that in my Ranger.

 

[06RangerXLT]

06+ f150 fx4

 

[superds]

I'm gonna throw something different out there. Dodge Ram Cummins Crewcab. A friend of mine has about an '06 or '07 one ton, it hauls very well and gets respectable fuel economy even when towing (better than a 7.3 Powerstroke truck on the same trip, travelling together; and way better than any gas engine vehicle we've ever asked to do the same thing).

He bought it new and got a smokin deal on it, way less than a comparably equipped Ford or Chevy. And it has a Cummins, awesome engines. Of course, being a diesel, it does have the downsides as previously mentioned by 85_Ranger4x4.

I wouldn't personally buy one, but that's because I'm loyal to the blue oval.

 

[AgPete139]

I agree. What's wrong with Explorers?

OR...
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20626&highlight=safari

Build your 4 door supercab and add a long bed to a 4.0L SOHC ranger.

 

[Andres629]

I'm gonna throw something different out there. Dodge Ram Cummins Crewcab. A friend of mine has about an '06 or '07 one ton, it hauls very well and gets respectable fuel economy even when towing (better than a 7.3 Powerstroke truck on the same trip, travelling together; and way better than any gas engine vehicle we've ever asked to do the same thing).

He bought it new and got a smokin deal on it, way less than a comparably equipped Ford or Chevy. And it has a Cummins, awesome engines. Of course, being a diesel, it does have the downsides as previously mentioned by 85_Ranger4x4.

I wouldn't personally buy one, but that's because I'm loyal to the blue oval.

I agree, my buddy has a 97 with a 6 speed manual. Thing is a monster, a few minor mods and he's making about 400 horse and over 1000 lb-ft. and still get 27 MPG on 35's. But that thing will tow ANYTHING. But they do come with their downsides I suppose.