in the market

[im_bad_with_money]

Hello im thinking of buying a ranger, 97 and newer automatic, but i have some questions that i want to ask you guys. How are they on gas, are parts and insurance cheap? Is it a good A to B car and reliable? I know a lot of factors affect these but i just want a general idea of how these trucks are. What im driving now 2017 malibu is good on gas but parts and insurence are a little expensive for me. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

[sgtsandman]

A truck, even rear wheel drive with a four cylinder is NOT going to get the same gas mileage as your Malibu. Depending on the model you get, expect mid 20’s for gas mileage.

Insurance isn’t bad. A lot of that is going to depend on your area and certain demographics about you. It will be considered a two door, so insurance is going to reflect that.

Reliability is good but a lot of that is going to depend on what the previous owner did or didn’t do to it.

Parts are generally very available and cheap. Though, older models are starting to have some parts availability issues. Keep in mind, you are looking at old trucks if you are looking at a 1997. That’s a 24 year old truck. A 2011 is going to be 10 years old. If you look hard, you might find a well cared for 24 year old truck but don’t count on it and I hope you’re mechanically inclined.

 

[Chapap]

I use fuelly.com for real world fuel usage stats. I’d say these are good on gas FOR A PICKUP. The wife has a 300 hp Camaro that gets 10mpg better. I wouldn’t take my ‘94 on a trip more than a couple hours away from someone who could come pick me up. My personal experience insuring several cars (perfect record minus a seatbelt and a headlight 12 years ago) insurance is directly related to the age (replacement value) of the vehicle. I’ve insured a 25yo ranger, brand new Camaro, 10yo grand Marquis, brand new accord. The difference between all the bills lined up perfectly with age of the vehicle. Camaro was cheaper than the accord after bundling when we got married.

 

[Roert42]

Honestly mid 20s is best case on mpg, if you have a 2wd 4 banger with a manual. 4.0 with a manual might get you 20 if you try, 4.0 auto 18 on a good day.

I've found them to be fairly reliable, parts are easy enough to get. A 25 year old truck is going to need some odd and ends no matter how well it was taken care of or how many miles it has.

 

[scotts90ranger]

If you go for a 2001 or newer with a 2.3L (not a 2.5L, those that know me know I have nothing against the Lima engines, just that the Duratec is more powerful and efficient...) you'll get the best mileage you can with the platform most likely, probably mid to upper 20's with a regular cab...