I have a 2004 Ford Ranger FX4 with only 24k miles on it and a 4 year, 100,000 mile warrenty that I love. However, the dealer close to me has a 2005 F150, brand new thats been sitting on his lot for almost a year now (along with a few others) that I really want. Its the FX4, flareside in blue. Ive wanted a F150 as long as I can remember, but I have "settled" for Rangers because of the economic factors(gas, overall price, etc.)

The Ford dealer is asking $26,000 for it, and thats with the A plan, and he told me over the phone he could pull some strings to get me that deal at a loss for the dealership because of all the left over '05 F150's on the lot.

The problem is, if I trade in my Ranger(which the dealers always screw you on) and buy, my payments will go through the roof. Im wondering if it would be better to do a trade in and lease the F150 for 3 years and take the option to buy. I never liked leasing because you pay and pay with nothing to show for your $$$'s and the end of the lease. I want to eventually own it.

I dont really want to have a truck payment for 7 years, but If I try the lease option, my current montly payments may go down. But when I opt to buy will I get screwed on monthly payments?

Pro's:
The truck Ive always wanted.
More power and room.
Bragging rights.
Possible 1 time chance to get this truck so cheap.
Con's:
Bad gas millage(compared to my Ranger)
Payments forever(7 years? Ive only got 4 1/2 left on my Ranger)
I like my Ranger. Its been good to me.

Please share your opinions, I wil post this under the Ranger board too.

 

What I would do is keep the Ranger. Yes the Fx4 looks to be at a good price and that is what you have always wanted. However, I think that every statement that you get each month for your new truck, I think over 7.5 years of paying it, you will regret getting the truck. In my eyes, I would be satisfied with the Ranger since that is the truck you choce initially due to many of your personal reason. Money being the major factor, I would keep the Ranger and wait until your financial situation becomes better. As for "braggin rights", I never once looked "down upon" on a Ranger since I think that the Rangers have their own unique personality. One of my friends just recently Purchased a Ranger, just like yours, and he loves it. He could've opted for an XL F-150 but he still chose the Ranger. just my 2 cents

 

I would say keep the Ranger. Yes, the F-150 would be the truck you always wanted, it would give you more room, and more power. You would have bragging rights, but as you are making those payments you might end up hating that truck. I would say go with the Ranger and just have fun with it. Wait until you are more financially stable and then go for an F-150. I just bought a 2008 Ranger because I did not want the payments of an F-150. I will start modifying it to get it to where I want it to be. I think you could have fun with the Ranger and you could paint it, buy new rims, or just leave it as it is if you like it as it is.

 

Not to bust your chops, but we've all done it, 16 year old thread.

 

oh yeah, I just noticed the date of the post. Duh? I'm new here and just looking around. I have to remember to "check the date of the post."

 

Should haver jumped on the Flareside ... and kept it.



I know, was long ago, but it is my opinion.