3.0 or 2.3

[Norton01]

I'm thinking of retiring my 98 and get an 08. However, I don't know which engine to choose. Right now I have the 2.5L, and the fuel economy isn't that great for a 4cyl (about 21-22), and it is pretty weak. Supposedly the new 2.3L is pretty responsive and gets good gas mileage.
I do know that the 3.0 is a favorite amongst many Ranger owners. Would the 3.0 be a better option if I plan to tow a small utility trailor? Also what's the gas mileage like in these things? I'm just getting a 2wd with a limited slip.
Are they as slow as some people claim. No Ford dealers in my area has a 3.0 so I would have to order it (no dealers have Rangers any more it seems). Thanks for all your input.

 

[aggoodin]

My 07 2.3 auto gets disappointing mileage like 22mpg. If I had it to do over again I'd go with the 3.0

 

[almostclueless]

If you search threads here you might be surprised about the gas mileage of the 2.3/2.5, 3.0, and 4.0




disclaimer; I don't like the 3.0

 

[Southern3.0]

Get the 3.0, power wise there better then the 2.3, my Old '02 Auto 3.0 felt kinda peppy around town and the mileage was around 17 to 18 MPG

 

[thegoat4]

Hit up some used car places just so you can test drive both. I like my 3.0, but I had to learn how to drive it effectively. I've known a couple of guys who had newer 4-bangers ('01 and '02 IIRC) and loved them.

Either way, go stick shift.

 

[almostclueless]

Either way, go stick shift.

Wisdom.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

Either way, go stick shift.

+3

fords shift points for the auto 3.0 are much too early...causing the motor to bog.

how big of a trailer are we talking here? the 2.3 could easily tow under 2,000lbs or so at highway speed (downshift for hills).

ive hit 24MPG in my 130,000mile, poorly geared, 4x4, 3.0. ive heard some guys pushing 28 MPG in 2wd, 3.0 equipped trucks (this is NOT the norm.) i would expect 20-25 highway out of the 3.0...25-27 out of the four-popper.

 

[Ranger44]

I will agree also, stick shift is the way to go with either the 2.3 or 3.0. The manuals are more reliable anyhow. Mileage and power depends on how you drive these engines, and where you shift (biggest problem is people shifting them to soon and lugging the engine). Both the 2.3 and 3.0 are good engines.

 

[Kdawg532]

if you get a manual 3.0 with 4.10 LS diff i have towed 4000 lbs easily with it, and i still get 20-22 MPG with it. I love mine.
also my 99 with a 2.5 got around 27-29 MPG i dont know why cause all my friends got HORRIBLE gas mileage with them, but that engine was taken care of religiously and died at 260000 miles when some girl pulled out in front of me:-(