Buyer's Remorse - Requesting Advice

[JBranger]

Good morning all!

As the title states, I am having buyer's remorse. Not from owning a 2019 XLT, but due to the fact I opted for 2wd I didn't realize I was going to enjoy off-roading/camping so much). Currently I've got about 80k miles and have an opportunity coming up to get 4wd, but it wouldn't be a Ranger. My question is, has anyone gone this far in modifications and sold/traded in for an equally modified 4wd Ranger? Any pros/cons? The truck was paid off a while ago, but we are looking to get a second vehicle for my wife + potentially kids on the way and I absolutely love the cab size/space (2-5 years) - we also have a great dane + lab.

We have a private seller for a 2019 f150 Lariat 4wd (3.5L ecoboost V8) that has about 100k miles. Previous seller passed away, so I am thinking they might be selling the vehicle off at a really good price. The interior is decent, he was a smoker and you can definitely tell - but I am confident I can detail it and get the smell out eventually. Missing driver side tail light (damaged), a few dents on the driver + passenger side body, and what worried me the most was when we started it, I kind of had to hold the push button for a second or two longer than normal. They're willing to let me bring it to my mechanic for a quick look to see if we can diagnose any obvious issues since I am not a professional, but they may even be okay to bring it in to a Ford specialist at a dealership to run an official diagnosis since we are not sure of the maintenance/general history of the vehicle. I am not sure if it is worth the money + time to rebuild/repair anything on the truck if there is potential engine issues (as I have heard they usually start to have problems at 100k+ miles). KBB states based on the VIN it is worth $22-25k, I probably wouldn't pay more than $8-15k for it in this state.

With all this information, would you risk purchasing the f150 as the primary off-road vehicle (I do work from home) or get the wife a new/slightly used reliable vehicle and then trade-in or sell the ranger for a 4wd option? My worry with that is that I'd have to re-purchase and upgrade the 4wd version. I'd be okay with upgrading a basically stock F150, as it would feel like a new project. I do realize it's a long read, but I wanted to provide enough detailed information - thanks again in advance!

My current Ranger build (2wd sport):

• FORD, raptor-style front grille
• Fox 2.0 coil-over suspension + rear shocks
• 33" Falken Wildpeak AT3W
• FactionFab 1.5" wheel spacers
• Front driver/passenger aftermarket crash bars
• GoRhino bedliner running boards
• Tailgate damper
• Tint (darkest I can go at legal limit - TX)
  • Front Windshield
  • Driver/Passenger
• Ranger Decals
• Builtright Industries phone mount
• Exactmade floor mats
• LastFit LED upgrades
  • Daylight
  • Switchback fog lamps
  • Ditch pods
  • Cargo bed lights
  • Front Driver/Passenger turn signals
• FitcamX front + rear dashcam (OEM style)
• Peragon bedline-sprayed retractable bed cover
• Raptor bedliner spray

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[RedlandRanger]

One thing to consider - not sure where you go off roading, but an F150 may have a harder time accessing some of the narrower roads and trails. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[JBranger]

One thing to consider - not sure where you go off roading, but an F150 may have a harder time accessing some of the narrower roads and trails. Just something to keep in mind.

True. I live in Houston, so we'd have to travel pretty far for any exciting trails. As the years go by, I plan to visit more off-road worthy trails. The f150 just has so much cab space... I do enjoy how the Ranger handles off-road.

I've only done the following off-roading:

• Surfside/Galveston beach
  • San Luis Pass
• Sam Houston National Park
• Hill country overland route
• MOAB
  • Long Canyon Road (had a uphill, soft spot that was pretty sketchy)
  • Shafer trail
  • Arches National Park

 

[Jason B]

The only thing I can suggest is to visit the F150 forums to research before buying one with 100K miles on it.
Disclaimer: I know very little about the F150 Eco 3.5 V6. My brother had 2012 Platinum 4x4 and drove it to 230K miles, until transmission needed rebuild. The buyer put in a rebuilt, the truck now has 280K.

 

[RedlandRanger]

My son has an F-150 and the interior is HUGE - it is nice, but I much prefer my Ranger for what I use it for. If I had an F-150 I would not be able to go the places I go - it is just too wide.

I have friends with full size trucks and they can't go the places I can - OR, they can, but they get even more pinstriping due to the brush.

Like I said, just something to keep in mind as you decide what direction to go.

 

[Tom_C]

Based solely on your description of it, I would pass. That's just me cause I like to keep my machines in good condition, even if not perfectly detailed. Dents and busted parts would be a con IMO.

 

[AzScorpion]

First ask yourself would a 4wd Ranger be large enough for your family with kids on the way? If yes then I would either buy a new 6G Ranger or strip as many parts as possible off yours and look for a good used 4wd 5G Ranger. If you think it might be to small with your growing family then an F150 might be the way to go. Just remember they are very large (length and width) and do not maneuver through the trails like a smaller Ranger would.

 

[Grumpaw]

The first and most important item I have always looked at in a used vehicle, of any type is...."would you put your family in it and trust it to be a reliable vehicle" ???
If the answer is "No, not until I have to put a poop load of $$$ in it ", than you should pass.
Also, you state you will pay between $8 and $15 thousand.....that's a really big spread of $$$, and considering the 150 has issues, you might end up spending more to get it into safe, reliable condition....might need brakes, tires, suspension work, maintaince if not up to date along with the necessary fluid (all) changes, ect ect ect.

 

[JBranger]

The first and most important item I have always looked at in a used vehicle, of any type is...."would you put your family in it and trust it to be a reliable vehicle" ???
If the answer is "No, not until I have to put a poop load of $$$ in it ", than you should pass.
Also, you state you will pay between $8 and $15 thousand.....that's a really big spread of $$$, and considering the 150 has issues, you might end up spending more to get it into safe, reliable condition....might need brakes, tires, suspension work, maintaince if not up to date along with the necessary fluid (all) changes, ect ect ect.

Good point.

Yeah the range was a ballpark, as it could go lower if there was more problems with it. My thought process is that if I can get it for let's say $8k, but need to spend an additional $10-15k to get it in a safe/reliable state, I'd be able to fulfill my personal wants for upgrading my vehicle and my wife would get the Ranger as her daily (well-maintained), plus I wouldnt have to spend $40k on a new f150 lol. Fluid/Oil changes can be done by myself, etc.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Sadly, you’ll get nothing back for your mods.

That F150 sounds sketchy.

Have you considered a rear locker on your 2WD?
- that’s a thing right or am I out to lunch?

 

[Tom_C]

Good point.

Yeah the range was a ballpark, as it could go lower if there was more problems with it. My thought process is that if I can get it for let's say $8k, but need to spend an additional $10-15k to get it in a safe/reliable state, I'd be able to fulfill my personal wants for upgrading my vehicle and my wife would get the Ranger as her daily (well-maintained), plus I wouldnt have to spend $40k on a new f150 lol. Fluid/Oil changes can be done by myself, etc.

Again, my opinion. Ranger for your wifes daily driver? With kids on the way? Sounds sketchy.

 

[EJH]

I would pass solely on the previous owner being a smoker. No way you will get that out of the HVAC internals, headliner fabric, carpeted floors, etc.

I'd also not buy a Ford with 100k miles unless it was driven by someone I know well, who had a great service history with it. Even then, probably not.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

So, the more I think of this, the more my thoughts change.

• Two trucks
• Kids in the near future
• Great Dane
• Labrador Retriever
• Ranger as wife’s DD

I think your camping and wheeling days are about to take a long pause or be greatly reduced. They will pick up again later (maybe) but until then, I suggest something completely different, something with more utility suited to hauling children, giant collapsible strollers, car seats, enormous dogs, and all the kid’s crap that has to accompany the little booger miners.

Maybe a CPO Bronco Sport, Escape, or even an Explorer.

 

[JBranger]

Sadly, you’ll get nothing back for your mods.

That F150 sounds sketchy.

Have you considered a rear locker on your 2WD?
- that’s a thing right or am I out to lunch?

Yeah was thinking of just looking into a locker + tons of recovery gear as an alternative/cheaper option too.

 

[Chris M]

So, the more I think of this, the more my thoughts change.

• Two trucks
• Kids in the near future
• Great Dane
• Labrador Retriever
• Ranger as wife’s DD

I think your camping and wheeling days are about to take a long pause or be greatly reduced. They will pick up again later (maybe) but until then, I suggest something completely different, something with more utility suited to hauling children, giant collapsible strollers, car seats, enormous dogs, and all the kid’s crap that has to accompany the little booger miners.

Maybe a CPO Bronco Sport, Escape, or even an Explorer.

With all that, I'd be thinking Explorer at least.

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