Re: New pick up opinions

Posted by James22 on December 31, 2011 at 20:30:12 from (207.179.221.113):

In Reply to: New pick up opinions posted by Truck died on December 30, 2011 at 21:03:07:

I bought a 2011 Ranger. Wanted to use it for retirement travel as well as farm usage within it's capability, so fuel mileage was a top consideration. For suitcases and other stuff it had to be an extended cab, and although wanted 4WD it wouldn't be used enough to justify the mileage penality nor cost/maintainance. So went looking for a 4 cyl, 2wd, extended cab, factory "Reese" hitch with an automatic (ladies input). Dakota was out since offered only a V6. Drove a Ranger, Colorado and Tacoma. Toyota was the first choice. Performance was noticably better and it was well designed/constructed. But it was considerably more expensive and ultimately decided it wasn't a good enough value. The second choice was the Colorado. We found one and were ready to sign the papers, when Ford introduced a significant Ranger rebate and would buy your old vehicle for $1000. Thus for comparable vehicles the Ranger was $5500 lower than the Tacoma and $2500 lower than the Colorado. Although the Ranger bed was the smallest, worst performing (by only a slight margin compared to the Colorado), and didn't have the highly desired third door access to the extended cab, we decided it would be a Ford. Saved a few more dollars by finding a stripped 4 cyl, extended cab Ranger which had the two required options, CD player (for traveling) and automatic. Brought it home for $16K. Do wish it had a sliding rear window. Highway mileage averages 25 mpg at 60-70 mph, but this does require a somewhat gentle foot. If you want to use cruise control and insist on maintaining your speed traveling steeper inclines, you will see that regress. In my opinion not enough power for reqular towing unless you have patience. I only use mine to occasionally tow the zero turn mower, the four wheeler, or more frequently, trailer some firewood. Works OK at that level. If necessary could tow an empty wagon, and perhaps a small tractor such as a JD LA or AC G. But I didn't buy it for frequent or heavier towing. I wouldn't consider a V6 version of the smaller trucks if you are looking for more towing power or improved highway performance. The small truck V6's aren't that fuel efficient. Would suggest jumping to a half ton and seriously consider a Ford 150 with the V6 ecoboost or perhaps look at a Tundra. Since no 4WD, thought it prudent to purchase snow tires for winter use. Bought 4 aggressive snow tires and rims so they could be rotated. It was tough to get a tool box that would work and still allow the desired room to haul the four wheeler if didn't want to trailer. Finally bought two Better-Built tool boxes from Northern Tool & Equipment. The boxes were modified and frames built which laterally attach them to the front bed floor. Spent $600 but it looks great, and gives good access. A secondary benefit is that the boxes can easily be removed from the frames and stored when staying overnight in less desirable areas.

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