Considering an 03 FX4

[scott_2683]

I am just looking for some advice, I've owned a couple rangers, but I've never had a 4x4 ranger. Right now I own a 2006 Saturn Vue, AWD V6. I found a 2003 FX4 with 69000 miles on it, and they want to trade me even. First of all what are the quality of these trucks? what issues do people have with them? Right now my gas mileage averages around 22-25mpg, what do you guys average on the FX4? Are the 4x4 sytems on them pretty solid? my vue is only rear wheel assist. I am not going to need the 4x4 often, but I want it when i need it. Any other information would be great, thanks for all the info in advance!!

 

[rangerdude91]

welcome to the site!!! i have a 2005 FX4 ranger with about 101xxx miles on it and its running great. i run 33 inch tires and it hasnt effect my gas much differently than stock but from the factory your looking at 16 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. ive had no issues with mine other than my running into another car and i came out not hurt at all... my truck is still in the shop with a 5000 dollar bill for insurance to pay.
id say go for it if you can deal with the gas consumption. they are great little trucks and i have always loved the 2 ive had

good luck

NW

 

[scott_2683]

Thanks for the advice man, I think I am going to, is the 4.0 a pretty quick engine? Plenty of room inside the extended cab? 21MPG highway really isn't that bad, not too much difference than I'm getting now, again, thanks!

 

[07rangerfx4lv2]

there great trucks, capable of a lot, but they are not family vehicles, if you are planning on driving groups of people around its not gunna happen

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

Should be about 10x more reliable in the long run than a voo, uhh sorry, "Vue". The only thing you'll dislike is the gas mileage, those SOHC 4x4s drink down the gasoline pretty good. You may get 21 mpg on the highway under the right circumstances, but don't expect anything close to that driving around town, especially in the winter.

 

[scott_2683]

Here is a link to the truck http://www.timsautooutlet.net/detail.aspx?ID=457168&PageName=newandusedcars Let me know what you guys think, should I talk him down on the price, I know he is interested in my vue, hopefully we can work something out!

 

[rangerdude91]

it is a pretty quick truck. this motor has plenty of power and will be able to do almost everything you want it too. 207hp and i think around 180 foot pounds of torque. its a really good motor and you shouldnt have much to worry as long as you do the maintenance it needs.

that red looks really good on that truck too. i would do it if i was in your shoes

NW

 

[exbass94]

it is a pretty quick truck. this motor has plenty of power and will be able to do almost everything you want it too. 207hp and i think around 180 foot pounds of torque.

It's 207 hp, 238 ft-lbs torque. I get about 17 mpg with mine, about 95% highway. I was able to squeeze 18 mpg out of it once.

 

[Ruger]

Trade!!! I helped push out a Saturn Vue from the mud a couple of years back and that transmission was broken due to the fact that it can't handle mud. It is even in the hand book not to even drive the Vue in muddy terrain because damage to the transmission will occur. Get the Ranger!

 

[babytruck]

Ranger!!!

 

[4x4wannabe]

Ranger x2!

 

[scott_2683]

Thanks for all the information guys, I think I'm going to go for it. Yeah what I don't like about the "AWD" system on the vue, it isn't really an AWD system, its more like a rear wheel assist. So if the front wheels slip, the rear wheels pick up. Its nice for taking off at slick intersections, but sucks pretty much everywhere else, plus I just want a truck!!!

 

[hoosier1104]

Truck it up!

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Yeah I never trust those traction control systems anymore... after the one on my moms subaru went haywire. Trucks are nice!

 

[dixie_boysles]

you cant go wrong man! Rangers have been the same platform and everything for years, so most/all kinks or problems have been worked out. Also i own my first 4x4 as well and after the winter we had through all this snow, ive kept it in 4x4. It is the most capable truck ive ever seen! 4x4 is AWESOME on these trucks. I have out it to the test and it has not let me down. Also, if i had it to do over again, i would have got the fx4 or level II package.