Basically, I don't think I can trust my 95 Bronco too much longer to provide me with reliable transportation. So, although I would love to buy a SuperDuty (and really thought that would be my next vehicle) I don't have the means to buy one new and don't want to buy anything more than one or two years old. My requirements are 4wd, supercab, auto transmission, less than $20K. That's about it. In SuperDuty trim, I would most likely have to take a high mileage used truck. I'm hoping that I could get in a Ranger for that price with a lot less miles (maybe new) and maybe more options. My guess is I could probably get $3K in trade for the Bronco, and could cough up $3K down. What could I expect to end up with, i.e. 4.0, XLT, maybe power windows/locks? Also, do you guys even recommend a Ranger? I figure it's been out in similar form for more than ten years, so it should be okay. I'm probably only looking to own it for 3-5 years, when I'll most likely be able to afford a truck like a SuperDuty. Thanks for your help.

PS - anyone know what years the Ranger came in yellow? I noticed it's no longer listed, just curious.

 

Well, right now, Ford has some rebates towards new Rangers. Got rid of my '95 F-150 (spent too much in gas) and picked up a new 2004 Ranger Supercab Edge with automatic (see gallery) for $16800 out the door with bedliner. It is loaded...power windows, locks, mirrors, 4 door configuration, Pioneer 6 disc CD changer/MP3 player....all except the 4.0 liter engine.

I think the rebate ends soon though. So far, I'm content with the truck. I do miss my F-150 though

 

2004 Ranger FX4 Level II went for w/tax $23,000.00, and came loaded.

 

Ranger's are good trucks and it'll serve you well. Not sure what region you are in, but rebates on the Rangers here are around $3000 (rebates vary by region). Add that with $3000 down and possibly another 3000 for your Bronco. You're at around $9,000. A new fully loaded Ranger XLT 4x4 Supercab 4.0 auto is around $26-27k MSRP, I believe.
If you really only plan to keep it for 3-5 years, you might want to look at a lease option also, depending on how much you drive. You don't want to finance a truck for 72 months if you want to sell it in three years.
By the way, I think the Ranger came in Yellow up to 03...

 

Ford makes a 2004 Ranger 4x4 with a 2 door supercab and 4.0 that starts at about $22,000 sticker for the auto tranny. Its called the value package and with a $4,000 rebate in some areas you are looking at $18,000 before you even start haggling. You should be able to get one for the advertised invoice minus rebate which would drop it down to about $16,500 and if you are a good negotiator even less.

 

swenson-
Do you qualify for A, X, or Z-Plan pricing? If you do, there's an additional $1,000 rebate on Rangers if you finance it with Ford Credit, but it ends July 6th. You can buy a new Ranger through FTE for $200 below invoice, and you keep the rebates. E-mail or private message me, and I can give you the details. Or go to your local dealers and tell them that you've already got a deal for $200 below invoice, and ask them what they can do for you.

BTW, I just traded a '94 Ranger 4x4 Supercab for a '04 150 S/C. I do like the new truck, but it's just too big. For everyday driving, I wish I had the Ranger back. The '94 had 120,000 miles and had NO RUST on it, which is amazing for a 10-year-old truck in Upstate New York, especially one I never washed! It had some age-related issues (broken leaf spring, front hubs were shot), but the engine and tranny were strong. Great little truck, IMHO.

 

Thanks guys. I guess I'm probably not going to go shopping for maybe a couple months or so. Right now the Bronco needs to have the driveshafts rebuilt (terrible clunk, had it since I bought it in 2000, nobody's figured out what's doing it yet), the front suspension bushings all need to be replaced, and the shocks are all worn out. There's also a growing rust spot on the right rear wheel well that I would like to take care of, but don't think it would be worth it in the long run. I've kept the truck pretty immaculate except for the rust spot, and should get good money in trade. I think I'll probably rebuild the driveshafts, and if that improves the clunk I'll drive it for maybe six more months. I figure when the 2005 Rangers hit the lots there'll be even better deals on 2004 Rangers anyway. Thanks again.

 

I payed 12.5K for my 98 with 48K miles,(2 years ago) i would sugest if you buy used get a factory 100K warranty (xlt offroad, fully loaded,bed liner)

 

Another option, if you don't care about the name, is the Mazda B4000. Their rebate is usually $500 more and you get an extra year on the warranty.

 

I bought my 98 2 years ago with 53k miles for $10.7k.
Also a supercab 4x4 offroad xlt 4.0, fully loaded w/bedliner. Then of course I paid full price for a warranty (I'm an idiot!)

 

in feb i bought my 4.0 4 door supercab offroad package with 40K. it is also fully loaded with a bedliner. i paid $10,500.