New truck or not? Advice needed...

[Mirage]

Hello all,

Don't really know where to put this post, hope this is appropriate.

Anyway. I currently own a 1996 Mazda B2300, (5 speed, extended cab, 2WD), which has been a joy to own since I bought it (used with 60k miles on it) in 2000. It has been the most reliable car I've ever owned, so far all I've had to do to it since I got it was rebuild the transmission (2nd gear went out about a year ago) and replace a broken timing belt (today, after 202,000 miles!). It has it's parking lot dings in it, and about 3 months ago I had a slight mishap involving a cow (don't ask, long story). And the passenger side front fender needs to be replaced due to a little crease.

So as you see I love this truck, but I've had an offer to pick up a 2007 Ranger, 6 cyl, AT, Extended cab (4 door) for a reasonable price. It only has 30k miles on it.

I'm having a tough time deciding what to do, part of me says, keep the Mazda, rebuild the engine, slap some paint on it and drive it for another 200,000 miles. Then the other side says go for the Ranger and drive it for 170,000 miles without a problem. (but this time change the timing belt a little sooner).

So what would you (the reader) suggest? I'd especially like to hear from those that own 2007 Rangers. Any problems with them I should be aware of? etc.

Thanks in advance.

have a great 4th of July!

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

hard decision.

do whatever is cheapier man.
u really like the manual trans? cuz maybe u will miss it if u go with an auto. i wouldnt trade my 5spd for an auto imo.

only downside about your mazda is that it would be hard to sell with that amount of miles.

 

[240gordie]

I just bought an 07 ranger XL 2.3L 5 spd and didn`t get an inspection, wow even more affordable. Shifter is getting wierd so today checked the trany oil, was ok but noticed at least 3 visible bolts snapped of of tranny mount to engine flange and a 12 inch crack on drivers side going from top to bottom. I never get my vehicles inspected and always regret it later. Do your homework! Apart from that trany issue, getting rust starting on door bottoms and cab corners and tailgate bottom and original steel wheels.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

I would keep your truck and fix it up exactly the way you want it. Or... since you probably won't be able to get much for it you could keep it and get the 07' and then work on your old truck and slowly restore it.

 

[Spowerback]

I agree with original ranger84
you have no more than $750 buck for your truck

 

[exbass94]

Which 6 cyl does the 07 have? The 4.0, while a great engine with tons of power, will get no more than 18 .mpg. The 3.0 will get around 23 mpg. Neither of them have timing belts.

 

[Mirage]

The 07 I'm looking at has the 3.0 engine. Thanks for the info on no timing belts, good to know.

 

[adsm08]

I agree with Original and Spower. You won't get much for trade or sale on you 96. If you can swing it, grab the 07, drive it, love it, and in the mean time, keep the 96 around for a spare, a toy, a project, whatever you feel like doing with it.

 

[98RedRanger]

If I were you (if I had the money to) I'd do what original said. If you can afford it keep the 96 and get the 07. Then you'll have something to mess around with if ya get bored on an afternoon without taking the chance of messing up your daily driver

 

[superds]

If I were you (if I had the money to) I'd do what original said. If you can afford it keep the 96 and get the 07. Then you'll have something to mess around with if ya get bored on an afternoon without taking the chance of messing up your daily driver

Very wise advice. This is why I have three vehicles. Mess up the primary two vehicles, well at least I can get to work if it's not snowing.

 

[xnickitynickx]

Yeah IMO, definitely take the 07. If you can keep the 96 then by all means, go for it. That's exactly what I would do.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I just bought an 07 ranger XL 2.3L 5 spd and didn`t get an inspection, wow even more affordable. Shifter is getting wierd so today checked the trany oil, was ok but noticed at least 3 visible bolts snapped of of tranny mount to engine flange and a 12 inch crack on drivers side going from top to bottom. I never get my vehicles inspected and always regret it later. Do your homework! Apart from that trany issue, getting rust starting on door bottoms and cab corners and tailgate bottom and original steel wheels.

Fixing the rust on the seams (doors and tailgate) is cheap and easy if you catch it early.

 

[Mirage]

Thank you all for the input. I finally made a decision, I'm keeping the 96!

Man what a hard decision it was. My wife is still asking me "are you sure?".

But yes, I'm sure, (for now....). Thanks again to all.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

good!!!