Most fuel efficient Ranger?

[Junior88]

Hey Ranger nuts,

I'm a teen looking for a truck (with a budget around 5k ) and the Rangers seem to be right up my alley (Normally a Dodge kinda guy, but money talks, damn gas guzzlers) and i'm wondering what engine brings the best fuel economy in a 4x4 truck that would come in my budget? I'm not worried about it being slow, I won't be towing anything.

So, which 4x4 brings the best economy, considering the 4 cylinders are as rare as unicorn s*** around here? Would I be better off with a 4runner with the 4 cylinder?

Thanks,

Ryan

 

[mn_smokeater]

hmm id say best MPG off top of head is gunna be a 5 speed 4 banger then a 5 speed 3.0 then the 4.0 with a 5 speed.

 

[mhughes165]

Hey Ranger nuts,

I'm a teen looking for a truck (with a budget around 5k ) and the Rangers seem to be right up my alley (Normally a Dodge kinda guy, but money talks, damn gas guzzlers) and i'm wondering what engine brings the best fuel economy in a 4x4 truck that would come in my budget? I'm not worried about it being slow, I won't be towing anything.

So, which 4x4 brings the best economy, considering the 4 cylinders are as rare as unicorn s*** around here? Would I be better off with a 4runner with the 4 cylinder?

Thanks,

Ryan

realisticly having owned multiples of eachthe best ive pulled out of a 22re in a stock truck was about 24-25 mpg, that was gingerly and highway, u can achieve 20mpg with a 4.0 5spd ranger with a light foot consistently(people on here do it all the time)

it isnt worth the power difference, sure the 4cylinder truck will get a bit better mileage, but u wont have the grunt when u need it

and 3.0 4wd rangers......dont even get me started lol

 

[Captain Ledd]

I nabbed nearly 30 out of my Red Ranger (1997, 2.3L) but that was only once, and ALL highway.

Realistically, I usually see mid 20's somewhere. But I drive it pretty easy.

 

[mp3deviant721]

I can vouch for what mhughes165 said. I have a 4.0 2wd 5spd. I have gotten 20mpg with it during the summer time. It can get very good gas mileage when you treat it right. And it has the power when you need it too.

 

[rneal55555]

With my recently departed 99 3.0 5 speed 4x4 I got right at 20 pretty consistently. I replaced it with a 2000 3.0 automatic 4x4 and so far I'm seeing 16.5 to 17.5.

 

[schaffer]

Buy a 3.9 dakota reg cab if your a dodge guy.

 

[02RangerXLT]

I had a 3.0 SuperCab 4x4 a year ago, and I got about 19-21 consistently going 60-65.
I have a 4.0 SuperCab 4x4 now, and I consistently get 15-17 going 60-65. I get about 19-21 going 80.

Your best best for mileage with 4x4 is a 3.0... automatic is ok, that's what mine was, but a manual would be better. If you can find a 4 banger 4x4 that would be awesome.

 

[mn_smokeater]

Buy a 3.9 dakota reg cab if your a dodge guy.

got a 93 with the 3.9 and it dont seem to get all that great of mpg but its an ex cab and needs a tune up soon.

 

[ronclark]

I have driven 2.3L, 2.4L,2.9L,3.0L all 2x4, 2.9 both 2x4 and 4x4.
I hate the 3.0L even if its dead reliable. its so slow even with 4:10.
My 4x4 2.9L can out tow a 3.0L same size tires and gears.
out of the 4cyl i really like the old 2.3L a friend of mind had one and it was really torque.
If you want a 4x4 i would try to find a older 2.3L turbo if you can find one or a 4.0L.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Well a 4cyl 5 speed 4wd can do about 25MPG.
A 29/3.0 5 speed 4wd can do about 23.
A 4.0 5 speed 4wd can do 21-22MPG.

That's all about best case scenario.

And FWIW, if you're a Dodge guy, my 5.2 5 speed 4x4 club cab Dakota pulled off 20-21MPG highway a few times. The automatics get considerably less.

 

[feellnfroggy]

I drive a 4.0l with 4x4 5spd and 33's with 3.55's I get about 15-17 mpg. I got on average 16-18 when I had 235's and 3.27's. Make sure you buy one with a clean body, aerodyanmically this will make a big difference and wash it after playing the weight of mud or stuff in the bed really add up and sucks fuel.

 

[Junior88]

Okay, sweet, thanks guys. I think im going to start looking for a 3.0 4x4.

Any buying tips for a teen?

 

[adsm08]

Don't buy from a "buy here, pay here" place.

 

[mn_smokeater]

read these links:

http://www.therangerstation.com/resources/ProblemArea.html

http://www.therangerstation.com/resources/How_To_Buy.html