Backup plan - thoughts on a Ranger?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,584
Likes: 62
Backup plan - thoughts on a Ranger?
I lost my F250 in a roll-over last week. I am in the process of going through insurence. Depending on what I get back from insurence I may not be able to get a replacement F250 just yet and still be affordable.
I was thinking if I have to I will get a cheaper truck, buy it out right, and not have much of an expense overall with it = faster savings.
What do you all think on a Ranger? Of course, this is a Ranger forum so there might be a bit of bias
I don't know much about them other than a good friend has one and has had it for years.
My requrements would be 4x4 and extended cab. The higher the gearing the better as I will be pulling smaller trailers occasionally - 5000lbs or less I would imagine. I would like a newer one with low miles - around 30,000 miles would be good.
I would only keep the truck a few months, maybe through the spring, if all goes well.
Any thoughts? What else should I look for? Any issues to be aware of in the Rangers? Any gaps in years/equipment back to 2005-2007? Or are they all about the same?
I was thinking if I have to I will get a cheaper truck, buy it out right, and not have much of an expense overall with it = faster savings.
What do you all think on a Ranger? Of course, this is a Ranger forum so there might be a bit of bias
I don't know much about them other than a good friend has one and has had it for years.
My requrements would be 4x4 and extended cab. The higher the gearing the better as I will be pulling smaller trailers occasionally - 5000lbs or less I would imagine. I would like a newer one with low miles - around 30,000 miles would be good.
I would only keep the truck a few months, maybe through the spring, if all goes well.
Any thoughts? What else should I look for? Any issues to be aware of in the Rangers? Any gaps in years/equipment back to 2005-2007? Or are they all about the same?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: FL
No idea on that. I just had mine replaced by Ford the last time I took it in for an oil change, and it had just over 33,000 miles. My dad told me that the pads should not have to be replaced that often though, so I have no idea.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 9
From: So. Cal.
In normal driving, you can expect about 60k for the front brakes, so if you get a Ranger with only 30k and only keep it a few months, you don't have to worry. Of course, you might decide you like it enough to make it a keeper...
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
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Likes: 62
My buddy brought that up. Turn the Ranger in to a trail rig and pull it with my next Super Duty. Sounds like a good plan. Although, I do have a soft spot for Jeeps. I have never been in a position to get a Jeep, or work on one of my own. Whatever vehicle I have is my do-everything vehicle. Thats why I drive trucks. I'd rather drive a Super Duty every day than a smaller vehicle. It will do everything I will ever put a vehicle though, can't say the same for smaller vehicles. My old truck was a 1/2 ton chevy. I put over 100,000 miles on it and I loved it. At one point in time I drove long haul for a car dealership in a diesel F350 DRW with a 2 car gooseneck trailer. That made a big impression on me and is the majority of the reason I bought one myself. I traded the chevy for a new 2010 F250 PSD in August. Its a shame its gone, but life happens. I'm still here, my family is still here, and I work for a good company that has been very supportive. Sometimes we hit speed bumps along the way but they can't ever hold us from doing what we want, they may just slow things down and delay them. I will be back in a Super Duty.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,716
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From: Boston, MA
in my State I would have to pay at least $800 int taxes and title.......that is almost $300 a month if you keep it a few months.............why not find decide what you are looking for long term and buy that.........
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
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Likes: 62
If I buy a lesser expensive truck outright it gives me a vehicle with no payments, no interest, and a Ranger has less operating costs than a big super duty = higher savings rate. Then when its all said and done I would have pure equity in the Ranger = everything I get back is all there, nothing is lost in paying off a loan. If I can sell it for what I pay for it, minus tax/registering, I don't loose anything - only a few months without a Super Duty. The only way I will be able to afford a new diesel SD is to put a lot down first. That does not come easy.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 966
Likes: 1
Is a truck of your own required for your job? Is the hauling you mentioned in your posts job related or otherwise? If you only need a vehicle for a short time what about buying a beater car.That would give you transportation and you could bank the insurance settlement and add to it over time till you build up the funds necessary for monthly payments you can afford on a new F250. If you bought a used Ranger I would be concerned about getting what you paid for it when you go to get rid of it. That wouldn't be as big an issue with the beater car if you got it for a good price.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
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Likes: 62
That would be counterproductive. Theres a reason I drive trucks. I can live with a small 4x4 truck for a couple months but a car just wont do it. Even going with a ranger over an F150 is a stretch on size but I want the lower cost in a non-beater vehicle while still having a truck to be able to do what I do. For a couple months I can make a ranger work, long term I need to get back in a super duty.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
KC8QVO. Next SD you buy make sure you hunt for a great deal. If you can't find a great deal on a new one look for a 1 year old used. In my over 30 years of Car ownersip. I have never lost money. Even on new vehicles. I just bought a brand new toyota Corolla w/ auto,AC, PW,PL for $13,700. If it was stolen today I would get more than that from insurance. Best of luck whatever way you go
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