Tfcurranjr
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Tom
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2020
- Threads
- 2
- Messages
- 63
- Reaction score
- 131
- Location
- Gig Harbor WA
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019 Ranger XLT
- Occupation
- Retired USAF pilot
- Thread starter
- #1
I love this site & the adult conversations…thanks very much!
Today is my 14-month anniversary with my 2019 XLT FX4; unfortunately, it’s in an auto body shop getting healed (my fault; more to follow). In the meantime, I wanted to share some thoughts on our “relationship”, so far: I’m wondering how similar/dissimilar other’s experiences have been.
Bought it new at Way-Scarff Ford in Auburn, WA; it took a long time to hunt down a 2-door XLT.
Just passed 19,000 miles; I enjoy driving it immensely & do lots of hi-speed/highway travel between Seattle and Montana.
Post-purchase modifications:
I added factory sidesteps, and MBRP’s dual rear exit cat back exhaust. Love the “mildly aggressive” exhaust note, with no drone in the cabin. Noticeable HP & torque increases; definitely worth it for the performance boost. Increased MPG…not so much. For highway cruising, I usually set it at 2,000 RPM +/-; I average @ 22 mpg.
Self-induced Issues:
I’ve already been through one blind spot rear taillight replacement (also my fault-poor trailer backing technique). My “local” Ford dealer wanted $1300. Fortunately, I found one, in stock, at a dealer in Michigan, for $720 and swapped it myself (took 3 minutes). Thankfully, it’s “plug n’ play” with no calibration required; regardless, that much money for a piece of plastic, is absolutely absurd. It’s crazy that replacing a broken plastic taillight lens puts you up past your insurance deductible…
The latest damage: I backed straight through my aural “radar warning tone” & hit a low concrete planter that I didn’t see in the backup camera: $1,500. I did use my insurance for this one.
So, other than having problems backing it up without damaging something, there are a couple things that are annoying-but not my fault….
Overall fit & finish: Big gaps between panels/doors/hood/tailgate etc. It’s not so much the size of the gaps, it’s the “asymmetry” between them that catches the eye.
The cheap plastic latches on the hidden storage compartments: Both of mine broke the FIRST time I (very gingerly) pulled on the straps to open them.
The cheap plastic bed liner: No comment. Time for Rhino.
The Rear Light Issue recall: No comment (sigh).
The Synch screen issue: Mine periodically freezes/goes “blank”, then comes back up after I shut all power off. I never hook it up to Wi-Fi. Very annoying.
My biggest concern: How long will my 2.3L EcoBoost last; it’s just too much fun to not put your foot in it, at least once in a while….
The Real Question: Would I buy another one? A tough one right now. There’s still very few Rangers in my area(!), and my ego still loves the “nice looking truck” comments. I think I’ll wait to see how well “sorted out” the new Bronco is….when it FINALLY gets here!
Thanks for your time,
Tom
Today is my 14-month anniversary with my 2019 XLT FX4; unfortunately, it’s in an auto body shop getting healed (my fault; more to follow). In the meantime, I wanted to share some thoughts on our “relationship”, so far: I’m wondering how similar/dissimilar other’s experiences have been.
Bought it new at Way-Scarff Ford in Auburn, WA; it took a long time to hunt down a 2-door XLT.
Just passed 19,000 miles; I enjoy driving it immensely & do lots of hi-speed/highway travel between Seattle and Montana.
Post-purchase modifications:
I added factory sidesteps, and MBRP’s dual rear exit cat back exhaust. Love the “mildly aggressive” exhaust note, with no drone in the cabin. Noticeable HP & torque increases; definitely worth it for the performance boost. Increased MPG…not so much. For highway cruising, I usually set it at 2,000 RPM +/-; I average @ 22 mpg.
Self-induced Issues:
I’ve already been through one blind spot rear taillight replacement (also my fault-poor trailer backing technique). My “local” Ford dealer wanted $1300. Fortunately, I found one, in stock, at a dealer in Michigan, for $720 and swapped it myself (took 3 minutes). Thankfully, it’s “plug n’ play” with no calibration required; regardless, that much money for a piece of plastic, is absolutely absurd. It’s crazy that replacing a broken plastic taillight lens puts you up past your insurance deductible…
The latest damage: I backed straight through my aural “radar warning tone” & hit a low concrete planter that I didn’t see in the backup camera: $1,500. I did use my insurance for this one.
So, other than having problems backing it up without damaging something, there are a couple things that are annoying-but not my fault….
Overall fit & finish: Big gaps between panels/doors/hood/tailgate etc. It’s not so much the size of the gaps, it’s the “asymmetry” between them that catches the eye.
The cheap plastic latches on the hidden storage compartments: Both of mine broke the FIRST time I (very gingerly) pulled on the straps to open them.
The cheap plastic bed liner: No comment. Time for Rhino.
The Rear Light Issue recall: No comment (sigh).
The Synch screen issue: Mine periodically freezes/goes “blank”, then comes back up after I shut all power off. I never hook it up to Wi-Fi. Very annoying.
My biggest concern: How long will my 2.3L EcoBoost last; it’s just too much fun to not put your foot in it, at least once in a while….
The Real Question: Would I buy another one? A tough one right now. There’s still very few Rangers in my area(!), and my ego still loves the “nice looking truck” comments. I think I’ll wait to see how well “sorted out” the new Bronco is….when it FINALLY gets here!
Thanks for your time,
Tom
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