Crazy to trade in a 330i for a Ranger?

[RangerRoy]

I have a 2019 BMW 330i with very low miles that looks and drives like new. There’s really no reason to get rid of it, but I’ve had a hankering for a mid-size truck for a while. Maybe living in Texas too long. Don’t need it for work and don’t want to help acquaintances move or haul their stuff. Just want it for fun, convenience, and safety. Had a Tacoma rental recently for a weekend… only reinforced the interest.

PRO: moderately safer for inevitable Houston flooding, roads here are terrible and a truck mitigates that, and the convenience factor for the infrequent trips to the hardware store for mulch and plants, etc. is a draw.

CON: Compared to the Tacoma and Colorado, the overall package of features in the Lariat is tops in the segment but still nowhere near the 2.5 year old BMW, obviously comfort is drastically decreased, probably wouldn’t utilize bed as frequently as truck ownership warrants. Buying now also leaves out the potential for the 2022 Frontier to be the winner… exterior + screen size are great, but overall package still doesn’t seem to match the Ranger.

For the right price / trade-in value, is this an unreasonable move?

Sponsored

 

[CB750F]

Well, a beemer is nice but best to toss it around 50k miles. I heard they star to cost too much after that. $ is $ so you figure that one out on your own, were all too
different for that. I would love an Mseries but way too much for me & the upkeep!!!!
Ok, now, you have lots of time. Maybe wait a few yrs, see what comes out, like maybe a PHEV. I think by 2025 the choices could be a lot more interesting.
Then again, maybe the choices will be much less due to COVID & parts being
unavailable. We just don't know but driving a beemer is not bad.

 

[VegasRanger]

If you want comfort and tech get an F150.

 

[Danager]

You sound like a great (potential) future Maverick owner.

 

[onobeka]

Our other car is a 2019 X3. While it definitely is more premium in terms of handling and drivability especially due to that amazing zf gearbox, many times I choose to drive the Ranger even when I do not really need its purpose. I do not feel tired or wish I’ve chosen otherwise. The difference in consumption is not that big either. 1.5l/100km.

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

I have a 2019 BMW 330i with very low miles that looks and drives like new. There’s really no reason to get rid of it, but I’ve had a hankering for a mid-size truck for a while. Maybe living in Texas too long. Don’t need it for work and don’t want to help acquaintances move or haul their stuff. Just want it for fun, convenience, and safety. Had a Tacoma rental recently for a weekend… only reinforced the interest.

PRO: moderately safer for inevitable Houston flooding, roads here are terrible and a truck mitigates that, and the convenience factor for the infrequent trips to the hardware store for mulch and plants, etc. is a draw.

CON: Compared to the Tacoma and Colorado, the overall package of features in the Lariat is tops in the segment but still nowhere near the 2.5 year old BMW, obviously comfort is drastically decreased, probably wouldn’t utilize bed as frequently as truck ownership warrants. Buying now also leaves out the potential for the 2022 Frontier to be the winner… exterior + screen size are great, but overall package still doesn’t seem to match the Ranger.

For the right price / trade-in value, is this an unreasonable move?

Okay, so you drove a Tacoma and had fun. Have you tried to drive the Ranger? The transmission does not struggle like the Tacoma does.

Here is my biggest gripes going from a sedan to a truck. Sometimes it is more fun to drive in a lowered car that is closer to the road, faster turns and more visceral feeling when spirited driving. Also, the decrease in mpg. If these are none of your concerns then I would go for it. The extra ground clearance and safety is worth it.

Check out the Ranger Lariat with tech package. It might give you all the features and comfort you want. I have driven 3-4 hour road trips with no problem. Now in terms of beating/matching your bmw's speed.... let's see... Mishmoto CAI($450), Mishimoto intercooler charge pipes ($450), Livernois Tune or FP tune($600), and exhaust of your liking($600-1200). You now went from 270 hp to 360+ hp and 400+ torque for the low, low price of $2000+! 7.5 second 0-60 stock changes to 5 second 0-60. Voila, you now have a fun, fast, off-road capable vehicle. Hope ya come over to the dark side

Edit: Oh yeah, and the 2022 frontier transmission is absolutely horrid from what I have read. Might be something to look into

 

[qwerth]

test drive one.. /end thread

 

[Joeiconic]

If you don’t need the utility of a truck, keep the 330i.

 

[TomC]

Might be obvious, just have one of each?

 

[slowmachine]

I traded a 328i xDrive for my Ranger Lariat. BMWs are fantastic in-warranty, but tend to become infuriating money pits after warranty expiration. For this reason, they are excellent lease vehicles. For the same money, I would buy a new Tesla over anything from BMW.

 

[Tom_C]

I traded a 328i xDrive for my Ranger Lariat. BMWs are fantastic in-warranty, but tend to become infuriating money pits after warranty expiration. For this reason, they are excellent lease vehicles. For the same money, I would buy a new Tesla over anything from BMW.

I had a 2003 330c and it would have about $1500 a year in warranty repairs. I sold it when the warranty expired.

 

[halligan1201]

Without the need for a truck it seems like a huge leap to go from a sporty car to a truck. You're going to feel like you took a step backwards in every direction in terms of fit/finish, comfort, ride, technology, etc. Even my 2013 VW Tiguan feels like a luxury sports sedan compared to the Ranger but I want the utility of a truck and that's the sacrifice (and why I'm keeping both). You really need to go on an extended test drive so you are sure about the move. Not only is the comparison not apples to apples, it's more like apples to beef jerky.

 

[Ames]

FYI, I traded in an older 3 series for my Ranger. Totally different driving experience but I haven't regretted it for a second. I do however live on an acreage (no livestock) and occasionally need to haul stuff so it's definitely better for that.

 

[vanapagan]

Well, a beemer is nice but best to toss it around 50k miles. I heard they star to cost too much after that. $ is $ so you figure that one out on your own, were all too
different for that. I would love an Mseries but way too much for me & the upkeep!!!!
Ok, now, you have lots of time. Maybe wait a few yrs, see what comes out, like maybe a PHEV. I think by 2025 the choices could be a lot more interesting.
Then again, maybe the choices will be much less due to COVID & parts being
unavailable. We just don't know but driving a beemer is not bad.

This!

BMW: High car payment, low maintenance; no/low car payment, high maintenance.

 

[D Fresh]

If you're asking the question you know what you want to do.

I've found that in life I'm happiest if I don't question myself and just do what I want.

If the financials work, go for it. Sure, there will be other options in a couple of years, including a new Ranger. But your trade will never be worth what is now again.

Sponsored