We are at this time looking at buying a Ranger as our secondary vehicle.
The Mrs. would use it to comute back and forth to work, errand running, some weekend road trips that could include some light towing, or hauling a single snowmobile in the box.
Both of these trucks are extra cab versions including the V6 motor and 4 wheel drive, but differ in that one is an automatic and the other a manual shift transmision.
Both apear well maintenanced and are not high mileage.
Are these models usualy a good truck or have they many problem areas?
Is either realy a better truck by year, or by transmision type?

 

Both trannys are good. The stick gives better fuel economy but isn't well suited for launching boats, for obvious reasons. With proper maintainence both will give good service for many years. The auto in 4wd is easier to use on broken ground. It's simply a matter of which one you feel more comfortable with.