help with purchase
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 600
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From: Cisco, TX pop: 2500
I'm gonna go ahead and tell you this. Don't get an automatic tranny. Quite a few people (including myself) have overdrive problems just after warranty expiration. I have yet to hear of anyone having manual transmission problems (other than those transmissions that were driven hard or have extremely high mileage).
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 514
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From: Ohio
Haven't checked but I do wonder if you want one that is pretty decked out how much of a chance they'll be that it will have a manual tranny. Seems the more bells and whistles the more likely you'll see it have an automatic, especially these days. But I'd vote for the manual as well, both for reliability and drivability. My two cents. Happy hunting.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,019
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From: Slatington PA
If your getting anything, get a 4wd 4 cylinder with the 5 speed. i dont know if these options can all be put together, but if they are, i'm working on a turbo and computer option that will alow that little "4 popper" to run like a 4 liter. that way, you can get the same mileage as the passat, and the gruling power of the 4.0. it's a win win. unless you hate the 4 cyl sound... like me.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 514
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From: Ohio
From the website it appears you can only get 5 speed 4wd if you go with the FX-4 and it is only sold with the 4.0 engine. All the 2wd's are either the 2.3 or the 3.0. I do question how many of the FX-4's are out there with the stick. But the dealer can check the trusty computer and locate one. Then all he has to do is negotiate a swap with the other dealer, if that's what you want. Some don't like doing that extra work when they have inventory on the floor to move at their place. There is a simple answer to that-walk out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,147
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I bought my 04 brand new off the lot with a manual tranny, it's an xlt, it has the 4.0, 4x4, 4:10 gears, pw, pl, tilt, cruise, cd, all that stuff. The only thing I don't have is a power seat. I thought I would have to order it, went to the dealer expecting to, but there it set right on the lot and there were other manual ranger 4x4's as well with different option packages. Most dealers don't like alot of manuals setting on thier lot, but Mike Bass ford seems to like them, or should I say, can sell them. They also have manual mustangs, fusions, focus's and escapes as well, you don't find that to often.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,147
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One other thing my ranger didn't have was carpet, it has the rubber floor, but I didn't want carpet anyway. I 4-wheel alot, plus work construction, a hose out floor is just what I needed.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 600
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From: Cisco, TX pop: 2500
Originally Posted by j_nigrelli
this is all very helpful and encouraging. i am a nya-nya so i need the automatic & cruise control.
Wendell, i appreciate your realization that i would surely be perplexed with the list of engine/ performence modifications... but what's "sc"....?
thanx all!
Wendell, i appreciate your realization that i would surely be perplexed with the list of engine/ performence modifications... but what's "sc"....?
thanx all!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 0
From: Slatington PA
Well,
You could always import that duratech 4cyl diesle form outta the country. i hear from my friends in germany that there is a small truck with... a good gas pedel. it would only cost about 32K in the end, but well worth it if you want economy and preformance.
Because deisels are amlmost ALWAYS better.
You could always import that duratech 4cyl diesle form outta the country. i hear from my friends in germany that there is a small truck with... a good gas pedel. it would only cost about 32K in the end, but well worth it if you want economy and preformance.
Because deisels are amlmost ALWAYS better.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
lordy; so close and yet so far!
if i could spend 32 K i would buy a volvo or audi or for 28k anothe Passat which i am going to miss terribly.
how come the automatic transmission is a nogoodnick? is it any better with 2 wheel drive or am i missing something? this ain't gonna be recreational 4 wheelin' - just getting out of 6" -8"- 10" of snowy driveways. which my Passat wagon does anyway.
please - continue!
if i could spend 32 K i would buy a volvo or audi or for 28k anothe Passat which i am going to miss terribly.
how come the automatic transmission is a nogoodnick? is it any better with 2 wheel drive or am i missing something? this ain't gonna be recreational 4 wheelin' - just getting out of 6" -8"- 10" of snowy driveways. which my Passat wagon does anyway.
please - continue!
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 601
Likes: 0
From: Denver
If you want automatic, I'd get it and not worry about maybe having a problem - some guys don't like the manuals either, especially the clutch if you don't take good care of it.
I got a stick mostly because the only Rangers I could find with factory buckets all had the stick. IMO, the buckets are a big improvement over the regular seat since the driver's side has adjustable lumbar support.
If you get the extended cab, look for a 4 door - with the rear doors you can actually get into the back of the cab... The FX4 is a nice improvement over the regular in terms of shocks and sway bars. And they have a package (I think it the power equipment group) that includes power windows/locks/cruise, etc. that should take care of your creature comfort needs.
I got a stick mostly because the only Rangers I could find with factory buckets all had the stick. IMO, the buckets are a big improvement over the regular seat since the driver's side has adjustable lumbar support.
If you get the extended cab, look for a 4 door - with the rear doors you can actually get into the back of the cab... The FX4 is a nice improvement over the regular in terms of shocks and sway bars. And they have a package (I think it the power equipment group) that includes power windows/locks/cruise, etc. that should take care of your creature comfort needs.