2.5/auto for urban runabout?
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2.5/auto for urban runabout?
Hi all,
I'm looking for an urban daily driver to supplement my '05 GTO (love the car, but she does have a drinking problem). Anyway I was wondering if a 2.5 Ranger with an auto is a good idea. I live in a really hilly area so I'm kinda partial to automatics (plus I'm lazy). What kind of mileage could I expect? Are there any fundamental problems with this engine? Any feed back would be appreciated.
I'm looking for an urban daily driver to supplement my '05 GTO (love the car, but she does have a drinking problem). Anyway I was wondering if a 2.5 Ranger with an auto is a good idea. I live in a really hilly area so I'm kinda partial to automatics (plus I'm lazy). What kind of mileage could I expect? Are there any fundamental problems with this engine? Any feed back would be appreciated.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,344
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From: Sioux Falls SD
I agree with big F350, for MPG you need a stick. The 2.5L is a fine engine with no problems. It is stroked version of the Pinto 2.3L from back into the 1970's. I have a 99 supercab 2wd with the 2.5L and 5speed and power is ok MPG good, but I think you would be disappointed with an auto especially if it is hilly. Search the back threads, lots about MPG.
Dan
Dan
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From: Blytheville, AR
I consistently get 22mpg in the city with my 2.5L/5spd combo. I have an extremely heavy foot. It's wide open throttle everywhere. I average 26mpg at 75 and 27-28 at 60-65mph on long trips. Good truck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Alvin, Texas.
I think the auto will be okay. It's not like you have an A4LD behind that 2.5L...
Chip the auto tranny, get the revs up to keep the engine in the power band (boggy/sloppy shifts = bad), and enjoy.
Chip the auto tranny, get the revs up to keep the engine in the power band (boggy/sloppy shifts = bad), and enjoy.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
The Ranger will work good for a daily driver, the 2.5L is a build off of the 2.3L, which is known for reliability. The auto tranny ain't gonna make it fast, but it'll get you from A to B, and let you have plenty of fun with the GTO, which is gonna feel like lightning after you get outta the Ranger lol.
RP
Zach
RP
Zach
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You mean to tell me that I can't expect 13.8 in the 1/4, Rangerpilot? 
I have another question, would gentle driving plus a bed cover lead to city milage of around 25 MPG with the automatic?
I have another question, would gentle driving plus a bed cover lead to city milage of around 25 MPG with the automatic?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Hmm...23.8...possibly lol. 13.8? Impressive, I do like indeed, a fan of GTOs myself.
Gentle driving, yes. Bed cover will reduce mileage actually. 25MPG, easily obtainable if the vehicle is well maintained and driven lightly.
RP
Zach
Gentle driving, yes. Bed cover will reduce mileage actually. 25MPG, easily obtainable if the vehicle is well maintained and driven lightly.
RP
Zach
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Blytheville, AR
If you're getting a new Ranger... As in 2001+, you'll be getting the 2.3L Duratec. The Duratec 2.3L with DOHC can easily get 25mpg in town with the auto and I've heard accounts of over 30mpg on the highway.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Sioux Falls SD
Originally Posted by natebaker
I consistently get 22mpg in the city with my 2.5L/5spd combo. I have an extremely heavy foot. It's wide open throttle everywhere. I average 26mpg at 75 and 27-28 at 60-65mph on long trips. Good truck.
Dan
Post Fiend
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
With all do respect, people on the Ranger boards have run them before, along with full blown rear toppers, tailgate down, hard and soft tonneau covers, all produce MPG losses on the Ranger.
RP
Zach
RP
Zach
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The study was for the F150, so the Ranger could be different. Keeping the tailgate down did not help (and in fact, sometimes made it worse). I copied a section of the study that talked about that:
According to many of those same experts, the best way to improve a pickup's fuel economy is to leave the tailgate up and cover the bed with a quality after market tonneau cover."Tonneau covers on pickup boxes reduce aerodynamic drag" said Ford's Jack Williams. "we've seen reductions of about 8 to 10 percent on the F150, which means the average fuel economy improvements for the EPA city/highway cycle(test) is about 2 percent."The average steady-state (cruise control) fuel economy improvement at highway speeds is close to 5 percent.."
According to many of those same experts, the best way to improve a pickup's fuel economy is to leave the tailgate up and cover the bed with a quality after market tonneau cover."Tonneau covers on pickup boxes reduce aerodynamic drag" said Ford's Jack Williams. "we've seen reductions of about 8 to 10 percent on the F150, which means the average fuel economy improvements for the EPA city/highway cycle(test) is about 2 percent."The average steady-state (cruise control) fuel economy improvement at highway speeds is close to 5 percent.."
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From: Blytheville, AR
<dan>Dan
I have a highly debated K&N air filter, aftermarket exaust (SpinTech to be exact
I love it!), and an E-Fan. These aren't much for power gains, but they help the fuel mileage. Also, I have the 5spd manual. That may also be a difference maker if you have the auto versus the manual. Make sure that you clean the IAC.</dan>
I have a highly debated K&N air filter, aftermarket exaust (SpinTech to be exact
I love it!), and an E-Fan. These aren't much for power gains, but they help the fuel mileage. Also, I have the 5spd manual. That may also be a difference maker if you have the auto versus the manual. Make sure that you clean the IAC.</dan>
Last edited by natebaker; May 23, 2006 at 03:59 PM. Reason: OOps!