Thinking about purchasing a Ranger

[Trigganometry]

Welcome to the forum. When I was out shopping for mine my approach was different then most. Pretty much knew what I wanted but also what I was willing to pay for it. After a few spread sheets of dollars and cents it came down to this. I wanted a lariat but they didn’t offer scabs or the wait was longer than I wanted. So... Went with an XLT with 301A w/tow and black package. All the other bells and whistles of lariat were not worth the extra. Now, with that said it left me 1000’s to play with. As time goes on will add the stuff I wanted and be driving exactly what I desired originally! So I get my cake and can eat it too! ?

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[TunaFresh]

Hi TF,

Ford tested the new Ranger to the equivalent of 150,000 miles of a 90 percentile customer (really no one here on these forums are remotely close to 90 percentile) and should perform well for a long time for you. Ford Tough does really mean something.

Good Luck on your decision,

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

Thank you for the response.

Thanks for all the opinions.

 

[Ronbo]

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/top-5-2020-midsize-pickups-by-customer-satisfaction

 

[RANGER_MARC]

Hi, new to the group. I've been in the market for a mid-size truck. I've done some basic research on all the options - ZR2, Tacoma, Nissan....Ranger. I feel the Ranger is underrated compared to the others, at least per the mainstream press (Edmunds/Car and Driver etc.).

I was wondering what the reliability is of the Ranger and if the powertrain is solid? Based on what I've read, the 2.3L Ecoboost and 10 speed automatic are a gem in this class. Reliable and plenty of power.

I will be using this truck for just basic house needs and weekend off-roading trips. The FX-4 should be fine, but I'm tempted by the Tremor package.

I drove a Tacoma and it was one of the worst driving vehicles I've ever driven. That was the truck I was going for, until I drove it. The ZR2 is really nice, but GM has a poor 8 speed automatic with issues. Some say the new fluid helps, but I'm not convinced.

That leaves me with the Ranger. Is the Ranger due for a complete redesign soon? If so I could hold off until year end.

Thank you in advance!

Hey, TunaFresh, welcome to the Forum. I bought the FX4 back in 2019 and have put a leveling kit and a tune on it since then, plus some new tires. My only beef back then was the suspension, which is very easy to modify if it bothers you, but I love everything else about the truck, including what some reviewers called the "outdated" interior. If I were to do it all over again back then, I would have put the leveling kit on sooner, but that is all. If I were to do it all over again now, I would probably get the Tremor, but just to move up, not because I am dissatisfied with anything about my 2019 Lariat. As for the next generation, can you wait three or four years before they are really available in a practical sense? If so, then there will probably be some updating and other improvements and options. It all depends on what you want and when....

 

[AdamHarris]

The sweet spot with a Ranger does seem to be XLT FX4 w 302 tech pkg. and black/sport appearance pkg. Very very hard to beat!

 

[E Monty]

Hi TF,

Ford tested the new Ranger to the equivalent of 150,000 miles of a 90 percentile customer (really no one here on these forums are remotely close to 90 percentile) and should perform well for a long time for you. Ford Tough does really mean something.

Good Luck on your decision,

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

Phil’s musings are all over this forum and every time I read one I feel better and better about my decision! Not that I ever felt like it was a bad one.

 

[wanted33]

I went about the process thinking the Ranger would be the best, but I did check out the others you mentioned just to help solidify my opinion. I really enjoy my Ranger. Plenty of power, and torque when needed. And, very good mpg's when you're just cruising around. The seats are very comfortable for us, and the ride is as expected. It is a mid size truck, and it ain't gonna ride like a Lincoln. I expect, and hope, the Ranger will be as reliable as my previous F-150's.

And yes, the 2.3L with the 10 speed is an amazing set up. IMHO

Welcome to the forum, and good luck on your search for the right truck.

 

[sootie007]

Im a GM , Toyota guy ... I have never owned a Ford before in my life ..... Toyotas for me were rock solid .....I looked for a yr and finally decided ....for me why the Ford ?

Power 2.3 and 10 spd feels like a v8 when you nail it and the turbo spools . I believe the 10 spd design was a combined design effort (Ford , GM) and was shared between GM and Ford platforms including the Camaro. So it should hold up.

Mpg not bad for a damn near full sized truck - 21.36 mpg I get in mixed driving so far.

Interior IMO is NOT outdated , I got the Fabric which feels like it should last a VERY long time. Tight durable weave etc . Im 6 ft 2 and very comfortable. Back seat gets a thumbs up too, fold down armrest- 2 cupholders.

My only gripes are the baseline XL trim radio is like a 1989 model radio with its pitiful dot matrix display...ridiculous .

The backup camera is unuseable at like 2" and being embedded in the rear view mirror in the XL trim I have.

Being my first Ford and turbocharged I bought an extended warranty for the first time in my life.

FWIW.

Regarding durability - found this ...


Ford Torture Test


Every vehicle goes through a plethora of tests before hitting the market. Let’s take a fun look at the testing done on the 2019 Ford Ranger before it landed in showrooms.


The torture testing of this vehicle spanned the globe with tests being conducted in the Australian outback. Additional tests were done on Silver Creek track at the Michigan proving grounds.


The tests in the outback subjected the pickup to blazing heat and unforgiving terrain. Every area of the vehicle was tested. This included the cloth and leather-trimmed seats, the high-strength steel frame, and the EcoBoost engine.


The terrain management system of the Ranger provides push-button off-road control. Pushing a button provides an automatic change of calibration in the engine and transmission.


Testing for impact resistance conditions is done at the Michigan proving grounds. This testing is so dangerous that human drivers are not allowed. The vehicle is driven remotely during this testing phase.


If the harsh Australian terrain and the Michigan proving grounds tests weren’t grueling enough, the 2019 Ranger was then taken to the lab. At the lab, the Ranger was placed on a four-post shaker table and beaten without mercy. This is what it means to say a pickup is FORD TOUGH.


Living a Long Life: Car Longevity Examples


We can tell you Ford engines are crafted with high-tech, engineered materials. We can state that vehicles such as the F-150 have proprietary diamond-like carbon finish on their engines to prevent engine wear. We can tell you this results in high performance and longevity on things like the engine block and the powertrain.


Statistics are good, but real examples are better. They prove that FORD TOUGH means exactly that.


According to a 2018 study, the F-150’s platform is among the most bulletproof in the industry. The F-150 ranks among the top 15 with almost two percent having exceeded 200,000 miles when their owners sold them in 2018. The F-250 Super Duty was also found to have more trucks above 200,000 miles than any other vehicle.


The study also stated that in 2017 and 2018, 5.4 percent of Ford Expeditions sold by owners had more than 200,000 miles on the odometer, and a large number were over 300,000 miles.

 

[sootie007]

Hi TF,

Ford tested the new Ranger to the equivalent of 150,000 miles of a 90 percentile customer (really no one here on these forums are remotely close to 90 percentile) and should perform well for a long time for you. Ford Tough does really mean something.

Good Luck on your decision,

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

Phil tx for your insight ...... what exactly does the 150k and 90 percentile testing mean / entail ? Does Ford go over and above other mfgs in its vehicle test programs ? Tx John

 

[LoneRNGR]

Thanks for the replies I appreciate it. I'm considering the FX-4 or Tremor.

I have an FX4. If the Tremor was available when I was buying, I definitely would have chosen the Tremor. Now I’m upgrading my Ranger using the Tremor as a benchmark.

 

[Joeiconic]

Many point to Toyota as the standard for reliability, but check out this video of a new Tacoma Off-Road. Many of these issues are surprising given the age of the design. The fact that that the terrain management goodies and locker is only available in four-low seems crazy to me. Especially since going to four low seems to be a problem In and of itself.

 

[TomC]

Hey Tunafresh - i don't know PA at all but find a good dealership that stocks a few Rangers. Chances are you can find a decent salesperson who can explain the finer points of the new Fords, and you'll be much happier with the experience and exposure. I think the weak link with Ford right now is the inconsistent dealership experiences like I had while looking. At the very least you'll understand the sync system and what every button does or doesn't do, plus your phone app will be set up, how fordpass points work, etc. The colors look different in person, and in direct sunlight/shade and at night. Oh, on the test drive when you merge on the freeway you'll get to 90 a lot quicker than you think you might, goodluck.

 

[GregsFX2Ranger]

I only paid $27000 for my 2020 FX2 Ranger XLT. Not 4x4, but lord, what models do you guys have paying 34-37000??????

 

[Jrel209]

I only paid $27000 for my 2020 FX2 Ranger XLT. Not 4x4, but lord, what models do you guys have paying 34-37000??????

supply:demand for 4x4

 

[Samsquanch]

I only paid $27000 for my 2020 FX2 Ranger XLT. Not 4x4, but lord, what models do you guys have paying 34-37000??????

That’s about how much more a 4x4 is across the board. This is the same with any make or model really. There is a lot more going on mechanically with a 4x4.

Right now 33,500 can get you an FX4, black appearance package, tow package, and upgraded tech package which I think comes with the black package. Everything you want and need in a truck plus some. I really enjoy mine.

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