@Vivian
Appreciate the feedback!
For me, the best Rangers are the ones closest to the original idea of a light, simple pickup. No fancy stuff, just a basic truck that lasts. I like the ‘97 and back, 2.3 manuals, 2WD, no power windows or AC. If you need more, get a Jeep or a full-size truck.
I love my ‘98, but be careful of maintenance on older trucks. Keep an eye on clutch and slave cylinder replacement on manuals, and be prepared for unexpected repairs. I’ve budgeted about $2k a year for mine, and sometimes it’s more.
@Ruth
Thanks for the info!
@Ruth
I’ve got a ‘99 auto with 143k miles and it’s still going strong. Picked it up used with some surface rust but overall in great condition. I’d choose this over any new truck.
For towing, you’ll want the new ones, like the 2019+, since they can tow 7500 pounds. The newer models also have great safety features like trailer blind spot monitoring.
Jordan said:
For towing, you’ll want the new ones, like the 2019+, since they can tow 7500 pounds. The newer models also have great safety features like trailer blind spot monitoring.
My ‘99 towed a loaded car trailer surprisingly well! It also had a ‘zig-zag’ feature—just flick the wheel, and it shakes off any tailgaters, lol.
Jordan said:
For towing, you’ll want the new ones, like the 2019+, since they can tow 7500 pounds. The newer models also have great safety features like trailer blind spot monitoring.
Appreciate the insight!
There’s no single ‘best’ one. Every gen has its pros and cons. I’d love a 4th gen with a manual transfer case swap.
Lyonnel said:
There’s no single ‘best’ one. Every gen has its pros and cons. I’d love a 4th gen with a manual transfer case swap.
Thanks for the feedback!
For reliability and performance, the newer the better. But if you’re looking for a classic feel, go for whatever catches your eye. Newer gens have better tech, but older ones have their charm.
Roger said:
For reliability and performance, the newer the better. But if you’re looking for a classic feel, go for whatever catches your eye. Newer gens have better tech, but older ones have their charm.
Thanks for the advice!
Roger said:
For reliability and performance, the newer the better. But if you’re looking for a classic feel, go for whatever catches your eye. Newer gens have better tech, but older ones have their charm.
You could replace every worn part on an older Ranger for way less than the cost of a new one and it’d still do the job just fine.
@Elsa
They’re just not made for towing like the new ones are. New Rangers are about the size of old F-150s though, so there’s that.
Xander said:
@Elsa
They’re just not made for towing like the new ones are. New Rangers are about the size of old F-150s though, so there’s that.
If I needed to tow, I’d just get a full-size truck.
@Elsa
Newer trucks are just better overall. They’re safer, more powerful, and handle way better. I get loving the old ones, but facts are facts.
Roger said:
@Elsa
Newer trucks are just better overall. They’re safer, more powerful, and handle way better. I get loving the old ones, but facts are facts.
The older ones can do everything the new ones can, and for way less money. I’d rather have a solid, simple truck than deal with all the new tech.
@Elsa
It’s fine to love the old ones, but the new ones just do more, better. Doesn’t mean you’re wrong for liking yours, though.
Roger said:
@Elsa
It’s fine to love the old ones, but the new ones just do more, better. Doesn’t mean you’re wrong for liking yours, though.
We’re just talking trucks, man. No need to get heated.
When I was looking, I aimed for 2005-2009 models because they seemed to have fewer issues. 2010+ introduced traction control which some people don’t like.