97 4x4 standard v6 ranger vs v8 dakota

[Tonyt22]

So im buying a used truck to get back and forth to work all highway miles im stuck between a 97 3.0 v6 4x4 standard extended cab and a 97 dakota 5.2 v8 4x4 standard regular cab i used to have a 04 3.0 v6 2wd standard regular cab (never should have sold it )so i assume gas mileage should be about the same 18-20 hwy and i believe the dakota is seeing about 15 hwy now if it was just mpg id choose the ranger hands down but i head to Nebraska once a year which truck has better towing capability? Im looking at a small travel trailer for me and my wife something about 4k loaded which would do better ill install a trailer break in either if need be

 

[Will]

This is a Ranger site. Go with the Ranger.

1997 is the last year of the good Ranger. It has an old-school front axle with u-joints in the axles and serviceable wheel bearings. Plus real lock-outs for the hubs.

I wouldn't give you 50 cents for that Dodge.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Once a year? Rent a truck for the holiday. You'll end up saving money on fuel.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS


If both have automatic trans then either will be fine, so go with the automatic if one is manual

Manual transmissions have lower weight rating for towing, automatics are stronger
No, it was never a driver thing, lol, just the laws of physics

Yes, I agree with alwaysFlOoReD, no brainer there, money saved with Ranger on MPG alone should make that decision, rent a bigger truck if needed

Any 20 year old used vehicle will require some repairs as time goes by, Ford Rangers seem to need less that chevy or dodge, so saving money there as well.
3.0l Vulcan engine was made/used from 1986 to 2008, very reliable history

 

[91stranger]

Ranger all the way. Those dodges do NOT get the gas mileage they claim they get. Guy at work has a 98 Dakota, regular cab, auto trans, v6 2wd, and gets like 8 mpg. he drives two minutes to work in the city so that doesn't help but he said he got 13 mpg once when he was driving downhill with the wind pushing him lol. Ask yourself, how many Dakotas do you see on the road and how many rangers do you see on the road?? there's a reason. plus parts are always readily available and cheap for most rangers. I would get the ranger. plus its extended cab. that's a big plus right there. GET THE RANGER, you will not regret it. trust me.

 

[Dangerrangers]

Ranger !!!!!!!!!!