Convince Me To Buy One

[REDWM]

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

I've had mine for nearly three years with no major problems. I did have a flat tire after an off-road trip where a rock cut between the thread but that was because of the Japanese tires. The only thing that I don't like is having to remove the bash plate and left tire to change oil.

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[mailbox4449]

I've had mine for nearly three years with no major problems. I did have a flat tire after an off-road trip where a rock cut between the thread but that was because of the Japanese tires. The only thing that I don't like is having to remove the bash plate and left tire to change oil.

Sounds good. Thanks for the input. I've read that turning the wheels all the way right helps get access to that panel for the oil filter better. I'll eventually see for myself. Thanks again

 

[VTRanger]

I've had mine for nearly three years with no major problems. I did have a flat tire after an off-road trip where a rock cut between the thread but that was because of the Japanese tires. The only thing that I don't like is having to remove the bash plate and left tire to change oil.

Why did they put the oil filter in such a hard to reach area? With my other vehicles, it was either right on top of the engine or underneath.

 

[Big Blue]

Sounds good. Thanks for the input. I've read that turning the wheels all the way right helps get access to that panel for the oil filter better. I'll eventually see for myself. Thanks again

Yeah, you don't need to remove the tire, I don't even worry about turning mine. Just make sure you get the catch pan in the right place. Get yourself a drain valve with a hose, pick your choice, and you don't need to remove the skid plate and much less messy. I don't even jack my truck up.

 

[Gumbo]

I ordered one last year and it took 4 months to get here. I sold a 2016 Porsche Macan to buy it. Which I sold to Carvana for a lot more money than I had paid for it three years earlier. My salesman told me I could likely drive the Ranger for a year and sell it for more than I bought it new if I wanted to buythe next gen Ranger. What do you have to risk? Weird times as they are

 

[mailbox4449]

I ordered one last year and it took 4 months to get here. I sold a 2016 Porsche Macan to buy it. Which I sold to Carvana for a lot more money than I had paid for it three years earlier. My salesman told me I could likely drive the Ranger for a year and sell it for more than I bought it new if I wanted to buythe next gen Ranger. What do you have to risk? Weird times as they are

Thanks for the fiscal point of view I'll keep it in mind. Very good point

 

[NickTheEnforcer]

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

2019 xlt crew cab sport with some mild 'add's' nothing crazy-exotic. 22k miles magnetic metallic, heated garage kept under a cover, 4x4. no door dings, no rim curb rash no scratches [only bucket washed by me], in-line swirl free glazed, grew up in body shop as a kid, adult [53 yrs] non-smoker driven, only driver, no little kids in it, etc..etc. Its a cream-puff..unicorn whatever you want to call it. IMMACULATE.

I live in ELGIN, IL. If you are close come take a look. FOR SALE. Anyone can IM me directly
Also have a factory $100 deductible warranty I bought online from Flood Ford, Maine. VIN verifies coverage. Warranty can come with it or I can cash it out.

Have the use of company vehicle, have not put more than 100 miles on it in the last year

 

[Gumbo]

Thanks for the fiscal point of view I'll keep it in mind. Very good point

to add to that, I love my ranger tremor. The next gen will have to be a dramatic improvement for me to even consider trading. At this point I’m doubtful that will happen. I too considered not going through with my purchase before it arrived and buy the Nissan, but very happy I didn’t. They don’t have anywhere near the capability of the Tremor. And I think it is fairly good on power. My Macan had 353hp. But next upgrade is the performance tune to bring the Ranger to 320hp

 

[Burnt Money]

Mine is a 2020 FX4. My old truck was a 2008 Dakota with the 4.7. It was a great truck but finally gave out at around 250k. I read lots of reviews and test drove all of the mid size trucks never expecting to choose the Ranger. So far I have had no issues at all. I have been running the livernois tune. for the past 17k miles with 0 issues. It had plenty of power stock but I can’t leave anything stock lol. My personal experience was it took time getting used to the drivetrain always being a V8 guy. I love it now it’s just different than what I was used to. We drove it from Charleston SC to Sanibel Island FL and it was plenty comfy even for our daughter who is 5’3 sitting in the back. I’m sure you will enjoy whatever you decide on.

 

[Msfitoy]

I've had mine for nearly three years with no major problems. I did have a flat tire after an off-road trip where a rock cut between the thread but that was because of the Japanese tires. The only thing that I don't like is having to remove the bash plate and left tire to change oil.

You don't have to do either...

 

[Mark T]

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.

I had an Xterra. It was built like a tank, but it also rode like a tank. Those things will rattle your bones and chatter your teeth on bumps.

 

[Mark T]

I do appreciate the feedback. Again, I realize its a personal choice, I was mainly looking for any positive or negative experiences you had with the vehicle. While i understand not every vehicle is perfectly made, I am trying to do my due diligence before signing on the dotted line. I unfortunately do not have a local pool of people to speak to about Rangers specifically, but do have people that either own or owned FORDS of late and have taken their experiences into account.

Maybe I should have titled the thread "Your Experience with the Ranger" ??

Have you checked carcomplaints . com? It’s a pretty comprehensive site, and issues reported for the Ranger are pretty minimal.

 

[Msfitoy]

That's precisely why my closet is filled with old wore out shirts yet the garg


Spoke with Ranger owner at local gas stn and asked him about experience with vibration or fuel dilution. He is not a forum member and was blissfully unaware about any of those issues so commonly reported on this site. Just an example of the small sample size this forum represents

He's probably wondering why you're asking questions about his pickup truck lol...we are a small minority...TACO owners have more interest in Rangers than the ordinary Ranger buyer lol...

 

[Mark T]

I've recounted my story of Nissan woe on here before, but in a nutshell I bought a brand new 2018 Pro4X Frontier that was a gleaming turd. Surprised me because my 2011 Frontier was so good.

Dumped it in 6 months because I hated it so.

If you drive the new Frontier again, try making a tight turn in a parking lot.

It's built on the same frame as the old one and supposedly still has the turning radius of the Nimitz class aircraft carriers.

Also, my driving habits are the absolute worst for MPG with lots of short trips in a hilly area.

My Frontier Pro4X averaged ~12mpg. My Ranger on the same driving routine averages ~16 and has WAY more power.

I saw a review of the new Frontier on Youtube. He was generally complimentary, but did comment on (and show) the huge turning radius. I have also heard many comments on the tight steering, which some may like, but others not so much. The Ranger is also faster.

 

[mailbox4449]

Have you checked carcomplaints . com? It’s a pretty comprehensive site, and issues reported for the Ranger are pretty minimal.

No I haven't, but thanks for the input I'll give it a whirl later today. Thanks.

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