Test drove a Ranger yesterday

[shred5]

Toyota and Ram treated me like gold, their online prices were legitimate and reasonable and their service departments did everything in their power to help me with any issues.
My local Ford dealer treated me like dirt, lied about their prices and made me fight for hours just to get (what I didn't know at the time) the standard Ford rebates. Never again.

That has nothing to do with Ford it has to do with the individual dealer.
I have a Toyota dealer around here I wont ever use but another Toyota dealer I like allot.
I have a Honda dealer I won use but is owned by the same company that ownes the Toyota dealer I like so in that case it comes down to the individual managed store.

By me a dealer can own multiple dealer ships with different manufacturers..

Take for example Heiser which has a bunch of different dealerships all over the area.
https://www.heiser.com/


Or Boucher auto group who ownes tons of different dealer ships in the area:

https://www.boucher.com/locations

If you do not like one dealer do not use them go to another. Head to a bigger city where there is competition. Do not give a bad dealer your money it is the only way to stop that stuff.

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[John Lyman]

I will say the dealer I really dealt with was easy and straightforward. I would say it took me a total of two hours over four days and that includes test drive. He quoted me a price and kept to it and finance took 20 minutes.

now one other dealer were complete waste of my time so it’s about individual dealership

 

[AzScorpion]

Toyota and Ram treated me like gold, their online prices were legitimate and reasonable and their service departments did everything in their power to help me with any issues. My local Ford dealer treated me like dirt, lied about their prices and made me fight for hours just to get (what I didn't know at the time) the standard Ford rebates. Never again.

Thats to bad about your Ford dealer,for me I've had the opposite experience. I've pretty much always owned Fords (F150's) and have had great sales and service from them when I lived back east. I was really dreading buying my first new vehicle out here in AZ as I had idea on who to go to. Lucky the one I picked has turned out to be good.,even the first free oil change went quick and easy. Now my Tacoma experience was the worst I've ever had from the sales to the delivery to the truck itself. Hopefully there's another Ford dealer close to you that's better than the one you purchased from.

 

[jsphlynch]

I've had a good experience with the local Ford dealer so far. Really responsive to e-mails, and seem genuinely interested in finding the right configuration for me. Only drawback is the sales guy I've been working with has a few relatively minor holes in his knowledge. He didn't know that the rear locker was available as a standalone option until I told him, and more surprisingly he didn't know that the big rebates were only available on the XLT (he actually accidentally quoted me the wrong price on an STX at one point, but that was partially due to copy/pasting the wrong VIN accidentally when pulling up rebates).

The more surprising one was lack of knowledge of the sales guy at the Chevy dealer across the street. Told me that there was a 6-speed manual option on the Colorado, then later "corrected" himself to say it was a 5-speed manual (there's no manual option on the Colorado, which he discovered when he tried to find one for me). Stated (though quite hesitantly) that the rear locker was standard, but backtracked on that when I asked how to engage it (turns out it's an automatic locker). Repeatedly told me that the 4-cyl and 6-cyl versions both use the same automatic transmission. I challenged him on that within 2 minutes of driving the v-6 version and he doubled down on it, explaining that the improvement in drive quality was due to the higher power output of the engine. Nope, the 4-cyl has a 6-speed, and the 6-cyl has an 8-speed. It's one thing to not know things about the vehicle, but its another thing all together for them to tell me things that are actually wrong.

 

[NOVA_Ranger]

Floyd, that is exactly what we did. After driving the lifted XLT, we drove an unmodified XL FX4 4x4. Pretty significant difference between the two Rangers. It felt like Ford has the Ranger dialed in very well for the stock diameter tires. Once the tire diameter significantly increased, the Ranger was not as dialed in. Now if the dealer had done a gear change, we may be having a different conversation.

What size tires were on the lifted Ranger? They slap 35s on it or something?

 

[JimG_AZ]

What size tires were on the lifted Ranger? They slap 35s on it or something?

I didn't note the exact size, but they looked to be close to 33's.With the lift and the black wheels, it was a nice looking Ranger.

 

[Wikiwiki]

As an owner of a 2011 Tacoma, I have been wanting to test drive a Ranger for quite a while. So my son and I visited one of the local Ford dealers yesterday. We were specifically looking for an XLT FX4 4x4. The only one they had on the lot was a 2019 with a dealer installed lift, over-sized tires and upgraded wheels. It was a sharp looking Ranger! I figured the over-sized tires would affect the performance, but the only way to find out was to take if for a test drive. Both my son and I drove it and came away with the same impression – you had to rev it to get any power out of it. It was similar to driving a G3 Tacoma, although the Ranger was probably better. Actually, I liked the power from the 4.0L v6 in my G2 Tacoma more. I figured the issue was due to the oversized tires so I asked the salesman to find another FX4 with the stock tries. Next we took a XL FX4 4x4 for a spin. That performed way better. It was fun to drive. Much better acceleration and drove like a sports car compared to the lifted Ranger. Compared to my 2011 Tacoma, it definitely handles better. The Ranger felt quicker, but IMO the edge in acceleration is marginal. The 4.0 v6 moves the Tacoma quite well. With the 4.0L v6, you do not have to put the peddle to the floor like you do with the 3.5L v6 to get power. It sure is baffling why Toyota does not dump the 3.5L v6 in the Tacoma and go back to the 4.0.

After driving the Ranger, I would definitely buy a Ranger over a G3 Tacoma. Now would I trade a good running G2 Tacoma and $18k-$20k for comparable Ranger? Probably not. Sure, the Ranger is nicer, but I didn’t see enough improvement over my G2 Taco to justify the car loan for close to $20k. With that being said…

Right next door to the Ford dealer was a Dodge dealer. The other truck my son and I wanted to drive was a new Ram. Ok…before someone states the obvious, yes it is a full sized truck and more expensive than the Ranger. We took a 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn (comparable to the XLT), Crew-cab, 4x4, Hemi for a spin. The asking price of the Ram was @ $7k more expensive than the Ranger. All I can say is that my son and I were impressed. When you want to talk about refinement, this truck hits it out of the park. Wake up Toyota and Ford. My Tacoma or the Ranger don’t come close. LOL, I don’t even want another full-sized truck and I am dreaming about buying a Ram. The interior is amazing, it rides like a luxury car, the back seat has the legroom of a limo, and it moves with the Hemi v8. The performance was quite surprising. What a nice truck! Just last week I read an article that Ford and GM were very concerned about the Ram and its increasing market share. After driving one, I would say their concern is justified.

As a previous owner of a 2017 Tacoma SR5 Double Cab, I can say based on purely personal preferences the Tacoma is dated in every measurement that matters to me compared to my Ranger. I have not test driven any of the other brands you mentioned. But I wouldn't be looking for a full size truck anyway.

Whatever vehicle you choose, I'm sure there is a corresponding forum to which you can post your praise.

 

[MannyS]

Usually resale value has a lot to do with the dependability of a truck. That explains why the Tacoma's hold their value so much. Dodge have one of the lowest resale value for vehicles. If you're buying a new truck every 5 years or sooner, buy whatever truck you like. If you're buying a truck for the long term, Toyota and Ford will be my only choices. I feel the Rangers will be as dependable as the 150s are, which is why I bought it.

 

[VAMike]

Usually resale value has a lot to do with the dependability of a truck. That explains why the Tacoma's hold their value so much. Dodge have one of the lowest resale value for vehicles. If you're buying a new truck every 5 years or sooner, buy whatever truck you like. If you're buying a truck for the long term, Toyota and Ford will be my only choices. I feel the Rangers will be as dependable as the 150s are, which is why I bought it.

No, it has to do with the perception of dependability. That's why the resale value of Toyotas which have been less reliable is as good as that of Toyotas which have been more reliable. It takes literally years if not decades for perceptions to change.

 

[NickTheEnforcer]

As an owner of a 2011 Tacoma, I have been wanting to test drive a Ranger for quite a while. So my son and I visited one of the local Ford dealers yesterday. We were specifically looking for an XLT FX4 4x4. The only one they had on the lot was a 2019 with a dealer installed lift, over-sized tires and upgraded wheels. It was a sharp looking Ranger! I figured the over-sized tires would affect the performance, but the only way to find out was to take if for a test drive. Both my son and I drove it and came away with the same impression – you had to rev it to get any power out of it. It was similar to driving a G3 Tacoma, although the Ranger was probably better. Actually, I liked the power from the 4.0L v6 in my G2 Tacoma more. I figured the issue was due to the oversized tires so I asked the salesman to find another FX4 with the stock tries. Next we took a XL FX4 4x4 for a spin. That performed way better. It was fun to drive. Much better acceleration and drove like a sports car compared to the lifted Ranger. Compared to my 2011 Tacoma, it definitely handles better. The Ranger felt quicker, but IMO the edge in acceleration is marginal. The 4.0 v6 moves the Tacoma quite well. With the 4.0L v6, you do not have to put the peddle to the floor like you do with the 3.5L v6 to get power. It sure is baffling why Toyota does not dump the 3.5L v6 in the Tacoma and go back to the 4.0.

After driving the Ranger, I would definitely buy a Ranger over a G3 Tacoma. Now would I trade a good running G2 Tacoma and $18k-$20k for comparable Ranger? Probably not. Sure, the Ranger is nicer, but I didn’t see enough improvement over my G2 Taco to justify the car loan for close to $20k. With that being said…

Right next door to the Ford dealer was a Dodge dealer. The other truck my son and I wanted to drive was a new Ram. Ok…before someone states the obvious, yes it is a full sized truck and more expensive than the Ranger. We took a 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn (comparable to the XLT), Crew-cab, 4x4, Hemi for a spin. The asking price of the Ram was @ $7k more expensive than the Ranger. All I can say is that my son and I were impressed. When you want to talk about refinement, this truck hits it out of the park. Wake up Toyota and Ford. My Tacoma or the Ranger don’t come close. LOL, I don’t even want another full-sized truck and I am dreaming about buying a Ram. The interior is amazing, it rides like a luxury car, the back seat has the legroom of a limo, and it moves with the Hemi v8. The performance was quite surprising. What a nice truck! Just last week I read an article that Ford and GM were very concerned about the Ram and its increasing market share. After driving one, I would say their concern is justified.

My 2009 1500 4x4 5.7L crew cab still going strong at 147k! Just with my 16 year old son as the main driver. You wont be disappointed, its the longest I've ever kept a vehicle and its still under warranty. Had I not wanted to downsize I definitely would have done another RAM. BTW mine still rides great. Took it to Door County, WI for five days over Thanksgiving [5 hours away] zero issues & got to co-pilot the whole time.

 

[Zaph]

No, it has to do with the perception of dependability. That's why the resale value of Toyotas which have been less reliable is as good as that of Toyotas which have been more reliable. It takes literally years if not decades for perceptions to change.

That's a pretty good point. I pretty much had that perception and it was weighing on my decision heavily. I really liked the way the ranger drove, and the interior better... but I'm thinking to myself I want Toyota dependability. Pre-purchase I'm wading through Tacoma World and this forum, and while I'm seeing issues on both, I'm seeing things over there that I wouldn't expect at all from "Toyota dependability".

 

[Floyd]

That's a pretty good point. I pretty much had that perception and it was weighing on my decision heavily. I really liked the way the ranger drove, and the interior better... but I'm thinking to myself I want Toyota dependability. Pre-purchase I'm wading through Tacoma World and this forum, and while I'm seeing issues on both, I'm seeing things over there that I wouldn't expect at all from "Toyota dependability".

If it helps your decision...
I have spent a lifetime building cars from SCCA to street rods, and maintained a corporate fleet.
I have owned around 90 cars and trucks and fixed everything that rolls on wheels.
I have never even seen a Toyota which could match the service records of the worst Ford I have ever owned.
If you want real dependability, quit reading rags like consumer reports and buy real dependability... Buy the Ford

 

[AzScorpion]

That's a pretty good point. I pretty much had that perception and it was weighing on my decision heavily. I really liked the way the ranger drove, and the interior better... but I'm thinking to myself I want Toyota dependability. Pre-purchase I'm wading through Tacoma World and this forum, and while I'm seeing issues on both, I'm seeing things over there that I wouldn't expect at all from "Toyota dependability".

When I bought my '16 Tacoma one main reason was the "Toyota dependability" which after taking delivery I was not impressed at all. Lets just say I was really surprised with the lack of corporate help and the way they treated me to the point I would never purchase another Toyota vehicle ever again! Every manufacturer has their problems but it's how you resolve them and Toyota did a poor job at that. Never agin!

 

[J Haggerty (RADAR1)]

I like the Ram. If it wasn't bigger than what I wanted then I would have one instead of the Ranger I got. But it is almost a foot and a half longer and wouldn't fit nice in my garage.

 

[J Haggerty (RADAR1)]

Vega was car of the year.
Citation was car of the year.
Alliance was car of the year.
Corvair was car of the year.

I had the opportunity to ride in both of the vehicles in this photo. One of them rolls intentionally.

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