want to buy ranger - 2.3 vs 2.5

[JohnF]

Hi, i want to buy an automatic 4cyl ranger for a daily driver. i hear about some problems with the 2.5 motor and 2 people i know have 2.5 rangers that have problems with the cylinder head. im looking for best fuel mileage and reliability, power would also be good. im going to try and buy one with under 120k miles

what years should i look for and anything specific to look for in the test drive?

thanks

 

[phatcap]

both engines are basically the same with a few differences in engine control sensors and whatnot. i would venture to say the cylinder heads are the same so whatever problems your boys might have, you'd have just as good a chance having the same problem with a 2.3. the 2.5 has a SLIGHT edge in power and torque and has a little more pep. the gas mileage will be the same if not better than a 2.3. also, a manual trans will net you some mpg's as well. why would you want an auto?

 

[tylerh]

i just did a swap in my 96 from a 2.3 to a 2.5 and your best bet is the 2.5 its not much more power but better than the 2.3 as for gas mileage i dont know yet just finished today so will let you know

 

[phatcap]

forgot to mention that if your talking about a '02-present truck, they have the 2.3 duratec engine, which is a little bit different than the '93-'97 2.3 limas and '98-'01 2.5 limas. from what i hear (never driven one) they are better in most respects than either old engine.

 

[JohnF]

so maybe my best bet is the duratec?....hopefully i can get one in my price range

powerwise i prefer an engine that makes low end torq, i figure this will be best for mpg. so i have good power in traffic and dont have to push the pedal so hard. im not looking for top end performance, i have another vehicle for that.

ive driven manual trans most of my life and for a daily driver i just want the convenience of an automatic, that is worth more to me than a couple mpg's.

thanks for the responses so far

 

[phatcap]

your welcome. i get your point about driving a manual in traffic. in traffic jams it does get annoying sometimes.