Ranger or jeep?

[Swamp_Nut14]

Hey guys. Sorry I haven't been as active as I wanted to be. I'll be turning 18 soon and I may have the option of getting a car and putting it under my name. Right now I have a 2003 ford ranger edge 2wd with the 3.0l v6 that has just been rebuilt (talking like 140 miles ago). I have the option of getting a jeep.

Not sure which one yet but what it boils down to is, should I keep my ranger or sell it and get a jeep?

 

[ridgerunner]

Seeing that the ranger is only 2WD...no brainer - GET THE JEEP!

 

[MrGiggles]

I'm not a big fan of Jeeps, or anything Chrysler for that matter. There's a very good reason why that company has changed hands so many times.

The guys that have them, love them, but they also work on them a lot. An "enthusiasts vehicle."

Not sure what Jeep you want, but Chrysler had a lot of Automatic transmission issues, the 4.0 6 cylinder had a bad run of cylinder heads, and a lot of crank sensor issues (which is a bitch to replace on those).

When it comes to utility and practicality, Ranger all the way. The Jeep will obviously have the upper hand when it comes to offroad capability, but at the cost of reliability and economy.

 

[bronco2fan]

I have both lol. You have to decide what you're gonna be doing most of the time. Cruising or wheeling. Rangers cruise well, Jeeps wheel well. Newer one I have no trust in. By that I mean anything newer then 2000. Chrysler owned by Fiat, not a good thing. My 97 Grand Cherokee runs well, and was inexpensive to buy, not maintain lol. Your choice in the end.

 

[Swamp_Nut14]

I want to wheel because I love offroading. Will I get to be able to often as often as I would like? Probably not. I want something reliable and that can wheel. I've thought about even converting my ranger to 4x4. But it cost to much money. So what I was thinking was just keeping my ranger and making it a more "wheel able 2wd". Like a better rear axle not the 7.5 with steeper gears like 4.10 and maybe 33s or 34s and maybe an lsd or electric locking diff

 

[prymetime1]

Fun convo here. I'll add my .02 since I'm a fan of both. U didnt mention what kind of jeep. If ur talking cherokee, grando, wrangler...or something like patriot liberty..etc. What's the pick?

I would consider where u live and what the duty of the vehicle is. Ie....living in the north east, with crap weather n regular driving I'd opt for the jeep. Getting 30 inches of snow dumped on ya and having a 4x4 jeep you'll be thankful u have it.

Both are relatively easy to work on. My dad's 93 3.0 ranger has almost 300k on the clock n still passes nj inspection with no issues. Both are known to run into the high miles as my 96 grando 4.0 had 289k on it and still kicked good.

Parts are also relatively cheap n available for both rangers & c/g/w.

 

[Swamp_Nut14]

Talking either a cherokee or a wrangler

 

[prymetime1]

Ah..it's no question jeep all the way with your intentions. The after market alone for either the xj's and wranglers is silly..just do the research and get the right one, 4.0 in a 2dr cherokee is a fun lil truck. 4drs are much cheaper n dime a dozen. I think the 95/96 are some strong motors out of the years. 2001 or so have cracking head issues. They all have cracked exhaust manifold issues at some point.

 

[pjtoledo]

Hey guys. Sorry I haven't been as active as I wanted to be. I'll be turning 18 soon and I may have the option of getting a car and putting it under my name. Right now I have a 2003 ford ranger edge 2wd with the 3.0l v6 that has just been rebuilt (talking like 140 miles ago). I have the option of getting a jeep.

Not sure which one yet but what it boils down to is, should I keep my ranger or sell it and get a jeep?

before you do that check what the insurance rates will be.
many times having a co-titled car with an older adult/parent on the title will dramatically lower the rates.

back on '02 my son, 20 then, put a V6 mustang in his name. the insurance was over $400 / month. we retitled it with my name as co-owner and the rates dropped to about $150 month. even with just the liability coverage that may save you some big dollars.

That was in Ohio., your results may vary, etc,,etc

 

[bronco2fan]

Yes, if you're really interested in the Jeep, do your research. My 97 GC has full time 4 wheel just because of the transfer case. It has a VC on it and requires close attention to wheel sizes and rotation. Can't let them wear uneven or it messes with it. Plus side is it's a 5.2 and the V8 is awesome on the road. Older GC are plentiful and inexpensive to buy. Wranglers on the other hand, people think they've got gold in them somewhere. Prices are rediculous for a little 4 banger lol. Look on jeepforum.com and see what people have had to do to fix their Jeeps and if you can afford or have the mechanical ability to do it yourself.

Anyways, it's all a personal choice in the end. Good luck.

 

[wildbill23c]

If you want a jeep buy one 1993 or older when AMC was still in the mix of building them. Although I had a 96 JGC LTD 4x4 with the 4.0L Straight 6 and had 232k on it and it still was running great, was starting to have some issues with the quadra-trac transfer case probably just needed serviced and a new chain, and viscous coupler.

I'd hand onto the ranger for sure but jump into a jeep if you can. I really miss my jeep, between a ranger and a jeep you can't go wrong with either.