Crazy to trade in a 330i for a Ranger?

[Grumpaw]

As far as being a "truck" state.....Texas is one of 3 states where more Corvettes are owned and bought than anywhere else in the country.
If you have never owned a pickup or driven one for any length of time, I think you will be disappointed. Yes, it is quick, but it does not and never will be able to handle and brake like a sports sedan. You can throw thousands of $$$ into brakes, suspension, tunes, and you will have a great....truck. Even then, your Beemer will still out-preform it.
A pickup is pretty much a purpose built vehicle, and if you have a genuine need for one, by all means go for it. And if you find your not happy with it, as long as you leave it pretty much stock, in the market for the next year or so, you probably won't lose too much $$$.
If your looking for something bigger, truck like but with comfort, handling, speed, take a look at an Explorer ST, kind of the hot rod of the Explorer line, and no one in Texas will put you down for owning one.

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[Porpoise Hork]

If you have need for a truck then it's a smart move to trade the BMW for a truck. BMW's can turn into money pits, but the same could be said for most cars these days. People kept saying that my VW GTI would eat me alive in maintenance. In 140K miles The only major things I had to do with it was a replace the timing belt, thermostat housing, and AC compressor solenoid. Did all the work myself so saved a ton. Just that the interior was falling apart.

Insurance will also likely be much cheaper with the Ranger than the BMW. Especially in Harris County... When I traded my 08 GTI in on the Ranger my insurance rate went down by nearly 50%. I'm 47 and have no tickets/accidents on my driving record.

 

[fortywater12]

I'm a big bimmer guy, I have owned many and love the way they drive. I sold my single turbo 335i to get my ranger. I miss the way the 335i drives, and of course the power. But they are in different leagues, so try not to compare them apple to apples because at the end of the day its a truck vs a sports luxury car.

If you will just be commuting, the 330i makes way more sense. However, if you want to be hitting trails and doing truck things, or you need a truck, go for it.

As some people have said above, you will not be satisfied with the ranger like you are with your 330i in terms of sportiness. While the ranger is quick and you will beat any Tacoma or Colorado from stoplight to stoplight, at the end of the day its a truck and handles as such.

Lastly, not sure how long you plan on keeping the BMW, but every single one I have owned has cost me thousands on thousands in maintenance - it is just the way they are. So once that warranty runs out, open up the pocketbook!

 

[myothercarizahearse]

Buying now also leaves out the potential for the 2022 Frontier to be the winner

that's your answer right there. I do have strong strong feelings against Nissan... nicest way that could be phrased

 

[fergthulhu]

I'd say, it depends. You need to drive one first, I had to put a deposit down at a dealer on an inbound model but it was refundable if I didn't like the test drive. They can be pretty bouncy on some highway roads I've found. I heard a lot of crap about how dated the interior in the Ranger is, but (at least on the Lariat) I felt it was fine, but definitely a big step down from what you've got now. The 2.3 has plenty of power, but expect it to be a lot piggier than what you're used to from the 330.

What it will do, is allow you to go a lot more places and carry a lot more stuff. If that's at all interesting to you then it could be worth it. I've got less than 2k and I've already taken it off-road, gone camping, pulled a travel trailer, and hauled a refrigerator.

Source: Former Audi owner & not disappointed

 

[awd.nv]

So, I would not say you are crazy BUT what about the new Honda Ridgeline? Owning a '16 Honda Pilot AWD Touring and the facelift Ridgeline still being mechanically the same, it offers great tech and most of the truck features. The Pilot/Passport/Ridgeline are quite capable off-road too.

If you go Ridgeline, get a new one with the 9spd. The 6spd models would be a deal breaker for me.

skid plates (check out his red Ridgeline)
https://www.no-lodesigns.com/

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Tremor and having a turbo makes it so easy to get even more power. It rides great too so comfort is not so much of an issue for you but going between the Pilot an Ranger on the same day I can say I think the Ridgeline is the truck for most people. The Tremor w/fox shocks feels nice and plush and the Pilot now feels like a sport sedan to me (neither one is a bad thing, just saying). My 2016 Honda Pilot has a better interior than our 2021 Ranger Tremor, but that is not why I got the Tremor, it was for the reasons below.

The Ranger was purchased because
#1 I wanted a better towing experience with our Geo Pro 19BH and
#2 Adventure! I like exploring trails and BLM camping a couple times a year in the Pilot. The Pilot generally did the job great but can't wait to try harder trails with the Ranger, I will miss sleeping in the Pilot so I will be using my Tent and Cot again.

My Pilot w/our trailer and Ranger

 

[Jmarler]

I say go for it. I never owned a BMW but I've always owned a car before I got my ranger. Going with a truck was a great decision for me even though I'm a casual driver. I don't haul a trailer with it or go offroading. But when I need to go pick up up something from lowes or home depot, it works out great. A year ago when I had my car, I bought a new lawn mower. My car could usually handle some bulky boxes but not this one. I was outside trying to force that box in my car. Then I decided to take everything out of the box and put it in there. Such a pain. If I had a truck, I wouldn't be struggling. After I got my ranger, I bought a addon for my garage toolbox, and I was able to haul it home no problem. As for driving through puddles, it's definitely a lot better. I'm not hydroplaning like I did in my car. I wanted to go with a lariat tremor package for the ranger but I was getting so much resistance on the price from my wife so I settled for xlt. I really wanted the tremor because it's not as bouncy as the standard 4x4. So I guess I'll just have to replace the shocks later on. I'm also adding a tonneau cover so I can secure anything I store in the bed. My wife tried convincing me to get an suv but I really don't like the new looks of suvs. Overall I look forward to driving my ranger everyday. Even without the tunes, I can speed up pretty quick.

 

[RangerRoy]

Thanks for all the insight. Surprised there are as many no votes as there are but the obvious difference in terms of tech, comfort, and agility is clear enough, I guess.
I’ve test driven two different Lariats and like the way they drive and think it would be fun daily in a different way. No extended drives, though…only had a Tacoma rental for a weekend and still think the Ranger is a better overall package.
For reference on the BMW and warranty comments… by low mileage I mean under 13,000, and still have 1.5 years left on warranty. Wonder if that changes the encouragement to jump out of the money pit (which it will become at some point of course…just not now).

 

[Joeiconic]

The money pit part is purely speculative. I’ve had a BMW in my garage for the past 12 years and they have been very reliable. Owning a 3 series is not nearly as expensive to own as the 5 series and up. I bought a Ranger as a second vehicle because I need the utility of a truck. You say you don’t. So, if you don’t need the utility and don’t plan to off-road the Ranger, the Ranger will not be as “fun” as a 3 series as a daily driver, IMO. The 3 series is iconic for a reason.

 

[CarbonTremor]

Apples and oranges. . I sold my cayenne hybrid s & now very happily drive a tremor everyday. Not to say its a better vehicle, just enjoying the capability and platform overall. Also after owning a bunch of German vehicles I can honestly say the 335i I bought new was hands down the worst I ever owned.

 

[CarbonTremor]

Also we went from my wife's Benz to a bronco sport and she is thrilled. She actually chose the bronco over a Macan

 

[RangerRoy]

Despite the underwhelming 62% yes votes on this post, still working to make this happen with the right trade numbers. Lariat stock is obviously down to a trickle.

Have test driven most the segment except for the new Frontier which is being marked up way too much to even try.

Surprisingly, the Gladiator is really the only contender against a Ranger now. I know, I know, not really the same thing at all, but the interior finishes are definitely a step above. Rides much rougher and not as nimble as the Ranger feels (comparatively).

As my husband says, this is to go to work and the gym, grocery runs, and two trips for mulch each year.

Y’all still have time to sway me.

 

[BlackRanger01]

It'll be quite a change. I went from Honda Accord Hybrid to Ranger. Road noises went down a bit but engine noises went up quite a bit and that's expected (that Hybrid is pretty quiet most of the time). Ranger seats are much more comfty than the Honda. Both drives good. Ranger is quite a cruiser on highway - so silky smooth going 75mph. I still have the Honda (Gave it to my SO). I vote for.... get the Ranger!

 

[WhyNot21]

I moved from a Lexus ES, that I bought new in 2013, to a Ranger. My friends thought I had lost my mind, but I feel the Ranger suits my needs way more than the Lexus did. Bottom line, it's what makes you happy.

 

[ranger4x]

I have an XLT and find it to be one of the more comfortable vehicles I have owned. Only had it for a couple weeks but have owned more cars and trucks than I can count. Probably the only more comfortable seat was my 2016 F150 Platinum that was employer provided for about a year. It is definitely a different driving dynamic than a BMW but that's not necessarily a bad thing. If you're looking Lariat, get the Tech package and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I agree with the others about a long test drive. I know my local AVIS had Rangers as rentals, see if you have one near you that you can rent for a weekend.

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