Okay later this year i might be in the position to get a loan to purchase a newer truck for better mileage it will be a 4x4 ford. but here is the problem i would like a Ranger S/C for the trips outside of just going to Tuttle but i have a few friends up here that when we go somewhere we always have to take their trucks it would be nice to then have a f150 S/C or Crewcab but then that would be to big for the trails out in CO or Utah if i ever get the chance to go now they similar mileage give or take. And yes i have thought about a Explorer Sport trac but that still might be to big for the trails and since it really doesn't sit up that high for ground clearance. So thoughts,opinions or just ramblings.

 

why does it have to be a pickup? why not just go with an explorer or expedition? both would fit through any trails we took when we were out to Colorado, and if you are careful and use your head, you could use it out at tuttle as well, It can't be much wider than POJ. On the other hand...if you are making payments on an expedition, or something similar, you don't likely want to take it out to rub it up against trees.
If you can find the one with the right transfer case, a lincoln aviator is the same size as an explorer, but has the 4.6L and is a nice ride, but will need to be lifted, because it has lots of clearance issues.

 

My opinion is get exactly what you "need", not what you "want".

Sounds like you need a PU and a trailer-- one for being a fairly reliable work vehicle-- and one to do the trails. Getting a cheaper f-150 would fit the bill and be paid off quickly-- Were a sport track (while very nice) wouldn't be able to tow big red (even with the 4.6)-- It would take allot longer to pay off too (mo money mo money).

An escape would get you back and forth to work, and haul people-- but you couldn't use it to wheel or tow.

Finding a truck under $4,000 would fit the bill and be paid off quickly leaving you in the position to improve your credit rating and get a better truck in 2-3 years. Buying both trucks from the same dealer will get you a pretty good deal if you keep going back to them.

Just my .02

 

I vote an F-150. I bought mine and it tows the Jeep pretty well, rides better than our escape too. I have the 4.6L and it averages 16 mpgs and 10 towing with over 200k on the clock.

It has higher miles but runs really well and the fiberglass topper is awesome for lockable\weatherproof storage. Paid well under 3k for it too! Keep your eye out and wait for the right deal

 

Sooooooo! did you gett that new Crew Cab, 3/4 ton, King Ranch, Turbo f450 deisel or what? :-)

 

Due to needing something right now i've been looking for something i can buy outright unfortunately i haven't found any decent Rangers but i have found a few 97-99 Explorer sports that are in my price range.

 

Okay went to St. Joe this afternoon looked at a 92 Explorer sport it has a 5 spd with a 8" suspension lift with 35" tires it has manual lockouts but you have to push button to engage the 4x4. body is a lil rough but i have seen worse. Interior is alright will need to work on the door panels. No air, or cruise which is fine heat work fine tho. guy said he gets 17 to 20 mileage but we shall see. If i do get it i'm gonna get with Chad to see what might need to be changed. I will need to get different bumpers since it has just a pre runner up front and a 2x6 board for the rear bumper. Now i don't know if the gears were changed due to the bigger tires he bought like it is himself and he just ran it in mud. It drives fine it does seem to push the tires when you turn to sharply.

 

We had a 94good solider with an auto and stock tire. Seems it would do 21-22 on a long drive.

 

Stupid phone changes the spelling and adds words. 94 sploder.

 

sure Del, blame it on the phone.. : ) LOL!!!

 

Thomas if you are looking for something reliable and economical to get to and from work, I'd look for a cheap sedan or even a 4 or v6 mustang. I drive a 95 corolla with 248K on it and it still averages in the upper 20's for mpg. Tires are reasonable and repairs are minimal.

 

finding a Explorer or a Ranger 4x4 works better than a car especially when i want to go with the group to Colorado or down to Kansas Rocks or even Tuttle or this summer when the trip to SD happens i don't want to have to rely on someone for a ride. Whatever i get will get better mileage than Big Red.

 

What do you need it to do? If you just carry yourself to and from work most of the time, I'd look for something easy and cheap to run like Del said. There's time to buy toys later, especially if money is tight right now.

 

I'd personally hate driving my XJ every day, and it only has 4.5" of lift and 33's! And you know that every piece of the suspension is probably pushed to it's max with that much lift and tires so you may want to figure in repairs and downtime in advance driving a rig like that. It's what you want to do though, just throwing out things to think about

 

No Air UUUGH I wouldn't buy anotherone without air. 100 drgs and wheelin SUX! It will be 120 with all that glass in no time.