Feedback? Ranger XL 24,500 miles, 2x 2023

[Justin.Thyme]

My beloved 2010 is rusting here there and everywhere... alas time to go shopping.

I'm looking at a 2023 2x XL, 24,500, Ecoboost, Extended Cab (the one with the weenie back seats) for about $21k. I can find no issues (I do know that 2023 had some block oil leak issues, am I correct in assuming that is no longer an issue at 25k miles?

Any suggestions, the price seems spot on to me, but I haven't bought or paid much attention. Yes, I do wish that 3 years ago I had built one, even though the wait-list was a year. Things to look for? Decent price? NH car.

 

[sgtsandman]

The block oil leak issue is a new one on me. Maybe it was a bad batch of parts issue?

The biggest issue with these new Rangers is the transmission. Some of them have/had a bad drum and frankly, it's a crap shoot as to who has a problem and who doesn't. Mine has been fine so far with 92,502 on the odometer. I've been making sure to change the fluid and filter every 30,000 miles. So, hopefully it will stay that way. That transmission is used by both Chevy and Ford in a joint venture. Apparently, they are having issues as well. So, it isn't the software profile as originally guessed.

The only other known issue at this point is some of the Rangers develop a cowl leak that drips down onto the top of the engine, corroding the spark plugs and making removal and replacement a big job. Some say an engine cover, OEM or otherwise, helps mitigate the issue. So far, I've not had a problem.

One thing to look out for, and is only a problem if you ignore it, is for some reason a good number of the new Rangers alignment is off from the factory and will eat the inside edge of the tires. You will want to get the alignment checked.

That is all I can think of on them, other than there will be a bit of a learning curve since the technology and equipment is a big leap forward from the classic Ranger to the 2019+ models.

 

[JohnnyO]

I have a 2020 with 90k on it. Haven't touched the tranny but I'm of the mind to not mess with success. On my old Sport Trac I had the trans flushed several times and it crapped out at 132k anyway.
I have a Supercab also but I have no need for a full back seat and would rather have a longer bed.
Compared to your old truck, the 2023 will be 1) much better on gas and 2) frighteningly fast if you lay into it.
Tips:
Use synthetic oil and change it at least every 5000 miles. An FL-400S filter is larger and fits right on.
Run at least 89 octane gas. The manual says at minimum 87 but use 91 "for best performance". I drive too much to spend big money on 91 or 93 but the mpg is better with 89 over 87 so it doesn't cost any more in the end to use 89.