I'm thinking about buying an '05 Ranger in the spring. It will be #4 for me. I've had one of each gen. now that I think about it. I was thinkin' about a an XL, 2wd, extended cab, 4cyl. and 5spd. The only real option I want is AC. I'm going to use it as a commuter, probably lower it and throw some wheels on it. What do you guys think?

 

I don't think you can get a SC with a 4 banger, otherwise sounds good.

 

As far as I can tell from their web site there are no changes from the 04. If you plan to keep it for a long time, I would just take the discounts on an 04.

 

. There are HUGE discounts on the '04 models. I wished that I had waited 4 mos before buying my Ranger.

Good luck.

 

go with an 04 for the discounts. I bought on 03 last year
and then 2 months later huge discounts started. drat.

 

One of the few changes is they got rid of the flare side. Couple other minor ones.

 

Thanx guys. I wish I could buy an '04, but I'm buying a house so I don't need anymore payments right now. It's not going to happen before April as it stands. On a positive note, I can buy cars on the "A" plan which is really nice. I picked up a sales flier and it says you can get a 2.3 in a sc, but it looks like it may be pretty uncommon. I'm not to keen on the 3.0. I know they are pretty bomb proof, but... Anyone have a 4.0 2wd? It seems as if it's an option through all trim levels. I'd imagine they hafta get up and run pretty good. What kinda mileage though?

 

the 4.0L's aren't good for mileage at all from what i've read....i think 17-21 compared too a '04 or '05 2.3 which is rated for 24-29 with 5-speed. I myself wanted a 2.3 a while back...ended up with a surprise gift soon after..a supercab 3.0L auto sc. 2000 model. Anyways in the short period of time i had it i noticed an average of 20-23mpg...mostly highway though not to mention it did have good power in my opinion. But i know nothing compares to that 4.0L. Driven an Explorer Sport Track with that engine and it GOT UP AND WENT. Keeping in mind that Explorer was about 500-1000 pounds heavier then a Ranger

 

I agree with others, get an 04. There are tons of them still on dealer lots with a $3K rebate and you should be able to get a deal with the 05's pouring in daily. Make them an offer below invoice minus rebate, if you bluff well they may take it.

 

I have a '99 4.0L 2wd x-cab XLT and Fordtastic is right on with the mileage. I get 16-18 in town and 18-20 on the highway. Plenty of power and acceleration though. Mine is the older OHV model engine.

 

Thanx guys. Definately no on the '04, unless they still have have 'em on the lot on April. My last Ranger had the pushrod motor in it too. It was all right, but if I'm going to loose out on the mileage, I might as well get the OHC 4.0. I don't think 2.3 trucks will be very easy to find, at least not out here in Colorado. It seems most of the dealer only stock V-6 4x4's. How common are the 2.3's out where you guys are at?

 

My 02 sohc 2 wd ext cab auto has gotten 21.8 mpg over the last 25,000 miles.
Dave

 

If you purchase on the A-plan it doesn't do any good to try and hagle with the dealer anyway because the A-plan price is a set price that the dealer can't budge on anyway since it is less than what the dealership pays for the vehicle to begin with. I have a 2004 4.0L SOHC and I average about 17mpg driving 98% interstate with speeds of about 80mph. The prices will vary with regional discounts but in the midwest there is $3,000 in rebates plus another $1,000 customer cash on a super-cab if you finance through FMCC and an additional $500 on regular cabs. There is already a $1,000 rebate on the 2005 models and I bet if you hold off till May or June they will be in the 3-4 thousand dollar range.

 

I went to 2 different dealers last night. One of them gave me a good brushing-off when I told them what I wanted to do. Jerks! I know where not to shop now. I went to the dealer by my house and they seemed like they wanted to play. Anyway, they said if I ordered it in Feb., I could have one by April. I got the A-plan price too. For a 2wd, extended cab, 4.0/auto, Edge pkg, I'm looking right around $18k before any rebates. They were really cool about it too. Looks like I'll be going back in a few months. Thanx again for your inputs!