Convince Me To Buy One

[mailbox4449]

So I have a Ranger on order, and am either having second thoughts or just have too much time on my hands to research other options in more depth/detail. I don't want to get anyone offended here or play favorites, but these are MY opinions based on MY life experiences while on this planet.

Pros:
Actual "mid sized" truck (although this was considered FULL size about a decade ago)
Metal bumpers/not plastic skinned
Good HP and MPG for a truck in this class
Still an actual transmission vs some CVT garbage
Bare bones features (i don't want or like too many upgraded gadgets as my belief is: the more gadgets=the more problems)
Nice ride quality (I only was able to test ride a two year old, 20K, version and that was enough to convince me)
Price (obviously this is subjective to features and trim levels, but FORD is on average a $2,000 below to similar trim levels of others)
Looks (looks like a real truck IMHO)
Aftermarket accessories available

Cons:
Dependability (again, not trying to bash anyone, but I owned a few FORDs and a GM in the past that really burned me bad enough to strictly go Japanese for the last 20 years. All very good experiences. Again...MY EXPERIENCES).
Test drove the new Nissan Frontier last night...and impressed with the revamp (won't go into details, but impressed me to think twice about my Ranger)

I guess after comparing my list here, it's pretty obvious I still have strong reservations about the dependability of a FORD. I like the Ranger and obviously enough that I placed an order for one. BUT, after doing more research here and other forums, and speaking with other FORD owners, I'm getting the feeling I might have made a mistake based on my dependability needs. While most here I'm sure enjoy their vehicles, and those that didn't , probably left this forum, I was hoping the people left here could convince me or other that FORD is just as dependable as anyone else.

Yes, I know every auto manufacturer has issues, some more than others. I've been used to driving vehicles for the last twenty years with only worrying about gas and oil. Yes, wear and tear items were replaced, and a recall or TSB may have popped on the radar, but as a whole, I have had a very pleasant experience with Japanese brands. The vehicles were stored outside 24/7 from +100 degree summers to -20 degree winters. Snow, rain, hail, even had a tree fall on one. When it was time to trade up, the vehicles held their value very well, which was a big savings moving into a new vehicle.

I'm a hands on guy, and don't mind maintaining or tinkering with my vehicles if need be. I consider myself a professional parts changer and am comfortable working on a carbureted motor to an EFI. Brakes, hoses, some electrical, trim etc....I've either done it or attempted to do it and learned in the process.

So now that you know a bit more of my background, please convince me that my future Ranger was a good call to make?? Thank you in advance to those that will contribute. I will take your feedback to heart

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[NOVA_Ranger]

Your money, your call. Good luck!

 

[Squatchranger]

its not up to us to convince you about it if you don't want it don't buy it. If you do want it great buy it when your order gets in but asking for us to sell or convince you of it is pretty presumptuous and pompous. Whatever you choose good on you we don't care either way.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Just curious. Were your Japanese vehicles trucks?

 

[VegasRanger]

At the end of the day it's your decision to buy what you feel is right. I wouldn't ask anyone to "convince" me on anything. If you're finding your research is leading to reliability concerns, then buy something else. I've had my issues with many auto makers, including Toyota. I've probably purchased 12 + cars in my lifetime (i like to upgrade often) and this is the first truck I plan on keep on keeping for the long haul. I have my concerns on certain aspects of reliability on this truck, mainly the engine with it's fuel in oil issue, but at the end of the day my research hasn't found a single case of a 2.3 engine dying from it, but I will be keeping my eye on it. If you think this truck has reliability issues, look at the list of TSB's on the Tacoma. It's ridiculous. The GM twins? Nope, shitty 8 speed transmission. The Ridgeline? Reliable but not a real truck. The Tacoma? Owned one, hated it and again the TSB's alone, not to mention the transmission shifting issues. Gladiator? Possibly reliable but history has shown a lot of electrical issues. The only other truck i'd consider if buying new would be the Frontier. I've owned one in the past, and it was bullet proof and I beat the crap out of that truck.

 

[Figarou]

Think of it as a movie. You can't talk about it unless you see it. Take one for a test drive. Only then you can make your decision. It's like trying on a new pair of shoes. ?

 

[RedlandRanger]

I will say this much as far as my experience goes. I've owned quite a few vehicles in my life, and the only vehicle that has had an engine failure was a Japanese one (a Nissan harbdody pickup, which broke off a lifter pad and put a hole in the head at about 70k miles). I've had mostly Ford's for the last 20 years or so and they have treated me well.

I'm coming up on my 3 year anniversary of my Ranger and I've had zero issues with it. I've been very happy with it. That is my anecdotal evidence - take it for what you will.

 

[BiilyJones]

I've found out that it's a good idea to call your insurance company and ask about vehicles you are considering purchasing. Mine surprised me when she said that toyotas were higher because of so many recalls, and that a nissan altima is basically the worst car ever built.

 

[halligan1201]

So I have a Ranger on order, and am either having second thoughts or just have too much time on my hands to research other options in more depth/detail. I don't want to get anyone offended here or play favorites, but these are MY opinions based on MY life experiences while on this planet.

Pros:
Actual "mid sized" truck (although this was considered FULL size about a decade ago)
Metal bumpers/not plastic skinned
Good HP and MPG for a truck in this class
Still an actual transmission vs some CVT garbage
Bare bones features (i don't want or like too many upgraded gadgets as my belief is: the more gadgets=the more problems)
Nice ride quality (I only was able to test ride a two year old, 20K, version and that was enough to convince me)
Price (obviously this is subjective to features and trim levels, but FORD is on average a $2,000 below to similar trim levels of others)
Looks (looks like a real truck IMHO)
Aftermarket accessories available

Cons:
Dependability (again, not trying to bash anyone, but I owned a few FORDs and a GM in the past that really burned me bad enough to strictly go Japanese for the last 20 years. All very good experiences. Again...MY EXPERIENCES).
Test drove the new Nissan Frontier last night...and impressed with the revamp (won't go into details, but impressed me to think twice about my Ranger)

I guess after comparing my list here, it's pretty obvious I still have strong reservations about the dependability of a FORD. I like the Ranger and obviously enough that I placed an order for one. BUT, after doing more research here and other forums, and speaking with other FORD owners, I'm getting the feeling I might have made a mistake based on my dependability needs. While most here I'm sure enjoy their vehicles, and those that didn't , probably left this forum, I was hoping the people left here could convince me or other that FORD is just as dependable as anyone else.

Yes, I know every auto manufacturer has issues, some more than others. I've been used to driving vehicles for the last twenty years with only worrying about gas and oil. Yes, wear and tear items were replaced, and a recall or TSB may have popped on the radar, but as a whole, I have had a very pleasant experience with Japanese brands. The vehicles were stored outside 24/7 from +100 degree summers to -20 degree winters. Snow, rain, hail, even had a tree fall on one. When it was time to trade up, the vehicles held their value very well, which was a big savings moving into a new vehicle.

I'm a hands on guy, and don't mind maintaining or tinkering with my vehicles if need be. I consider myself a professional parts changer and am comfortable working on a carbureted motor to an EFI. Brakes, hoses, some electrical, trim etc....I've either done it or attempted to do it and learned in the process.

So now that you know a bit more of my background, please convince me that my future Ranger was a good call to make?? Thank you in advance to those that will contribute. I will take your feedback to heart

Your money but I'll say that given the amount of thought you put into your Cons, you'll be subconsciously looking for things to be wrong and not be happy. Sounds like the Nissan will work best for you.

 

[Ranger_Pawl]

Not sure why you ordered a Ranger in the first place. While waiting for it you're test driving other vehicles, so I can't imagine you will be happy with a Ranger, or any Ford for that matter. Get what you feel comfortable with. I definitely don't want to "convince" you to buy from a company you have such reservations with. Also, it's pretty hard to gage the dependability of a vehicle that has only been on the market for 3 years.

You say you are impressed with the new Frontier, but what do you know about its dependability?

 

[Rp930]

If you don’t love us - leave us.

EDITED: I’m with RANGER PRIDE - Buy the Nissan

 

[myothercarizahearse]

Buy the Nissan

why are you always so mean eh? I wouldn't wish any kind of nissan on anybody ever and I'm a dick, buddy

@mailbox4449 My experiences have been the opposite with japanese cars vs 'Murican. my awesome japanese wife doesn't even like japanese cars. Have you looked into a korean truck? that Santa Cruz is a beast hahaha

 

[mailbox4449]

Just curious. Were your Japanese vehicles trucks?

Had an Xterra years ago, was based on the Frontier platform at that time. Was a good vehicle, but traded it for a better gas mileage vehicle at that time of my life. The thing was built like a tank. No mechanical issues what so ever. Had issues with cheap plastic cracking inside and some aluminum oxidation on the nerf running boards, but it did very well. Not a racer, but cruised very well and took our winters with ease.

 

[mailbox4449]

why are you always so mean eh? I wouldn't wish any kind of nissan on anybody ever and I'm a dick, buddy

@mailbox4449 My experiences have been the opposite with japanese cars vs 'Murican. my awesome japanese wife doesn't even like japanese cars. Have you looked into a korean truck? that Santa Cruz is a beast hahaha

Actually my neighbor has a desert tan Santa Cruz. He likes the vehicle, and stated it reminds him of the Honda Ridgeline. He doesn't like the motor, I guess he's had a few trips to the dealer for some issues. He's only had it less than a year and is already thinking of trading it in (he leased his since it was so new of a model and didn't want to commit if there were too many issues).

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Hi Alex,

These convince me posts are in the same camp as Does this dress make me look fat? So all I can say is when I had Ranger Vehicle Engineering, I took it serious to make Ranger built Ford Tough and we proved it through strong sales and high mileage vehicles, many of which are reported in the various threads. So the current Ranger has a heritage of Ford Tough. I saw to it on my watch, but this is not my watch anymore.

So does a Ranger make you look fat? Your decision and only your decision.

Best,
Phil

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