Dont do it! Even if you got the ranger, you have to consider you are losing 25% of the trucks value as soon as you drive it off the lot. Another thing to consider is you wont be seeing any huge difference in gas mileage, and what you make there you will lose in resale value. Just my 2 cents

 

Why would you want a manual transmission if you live in Los Angeles? Aren't the freeways stop and go all the time? Upshift upshift...Down shift down shift...up shift up shift...down shift down shift.... over and over and over. Stay with your automatic. I agree with the other folks that suggest buying a beater to commute anyway.

 

Brewmaster - It sounds like you have already decided to keep the best truck ever made, but just in case those thoughts come back: I traded a 2002 extended cab Ranger, which I had almost exactly one year, on my 2004 F150. The Ranger is way too small for more than 2 people. No room for even a carseat in the back, so forget about taking the wife and kid (when you have one) anywhere at the same time. Also, the mileage sucked big time. The tank was either 16 or 19 gallons and at 15 mpg, I was forced to fill it up every 200 miles. The 4.0 engine is no great shakes, either. Way underpowered for my taste. I really thought the Ranger would fit my needs when I bought it, but I made a big mistake. Don't give it another thought.

 

OK...Let's do the math. (Something you'll probably have to re-do, cause I never trust my figures.)

You go 65 miles a day to work.
Say you get 15 MPG now...that meens you use about 4 1/3 gal.
Say the Ranger gets 20 MPG...It would use ABOUT 3 1/3 gal.
At $1.50 per gallon, you are saving a whopping buck-fifty/day!
Say you go to work 300 days per year.
This meens that with the Ranger (without the difference in insurance, tires, etc., etc.) you will save about $450.00/year....Let's make it $500.00/year.
Say you paid $25K for the F150.
The dealer might give you only $20K in trade...thats a $5K loss.
At $500/year in gas savings, it would take you 10 years to break even!

Still want that Ranger?

MR

 

Ya, the F150 is big, but I can get it in the garage, it does fit in most parking garages and parking spaces in Saint Louis, and the Ranger just pretty much sucks on the interior (in my opinion). You can buy alot of gas for what you will be losing in depreciation.

Keep It!!!

 

listen to 01xlt

 

I sell fork lifts for a living and travel 150 miles a day, and I would never trade my 04 F-150 FX4 in. When people ask me what my gas mileage is, I just tell them I have no idea, because it doesn't matter when your driving such a bad a$$ truck!

 

Not that I disagree with you MROLDV8 about the financial losses, but for the sake of accuracy, there ain't no way my loaded (and I mean LOADED, every option possible) Lariat will get $20K. More like $30K cause the sticker was almost $40K in Oct. And gas in CA is more like $1.75/gal or more.

Have no fear my friends, I am not giving up the greatest vehicles ever. As for getting a beater, I may just take my sister's old 94 Civic. Only problem is that it is that purpleish/pinkish/light red crap that Honda thought would look good in the early 90's. Even then, I would hate life. What I love about my 04 is that it makes my commute a breeze. So comfortable, so big, so Audiophile.



So I'll be keeping the 04, fret not, but I still want manual trans. I commute opposite traffic so I am rarely in stop and go traffic. Maybe once every 2 weeks when I come upon an accident. Thanks for the help fellas.

And just to explain where my crazy idea came from, I went looking at houses yesterday. I am looking to buy a house before we get hitched. Damn, Pasadena is too damn expensive. It almost scared me outta my truck!

 

Brew, the Ranger's are great trucks. I have had two and my dad has one now. However, they are not the 04 F150 and you seemed to really love yours. Have you had any problems with your 150? If you do go the ranger route, I really like the FX4 Level 2. I would however hate to see you leave our boards because you are frequently the voice of reason around here. Let us know what you decide.

 

Sounds like there are some former Ranger owners here who liked them. As a counter-point, I had an 87 Ranger that was hands down the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Constant problems, poor quality etc. etc. From what I hear, 87 was the worst Ranger ever so I'm sure things have improved. Still, I would never buy another one. Especially if I was trading in the best F150 ever!

Keep your truck.

 

Brewmaster, my Ranger rules.

And yes, Pasadena is pretty expensive depeding on where you live, unlike South Pasadena which is expensive no matter where you live.

Keep the Lariat.

 

no worries, my senses have returned to me. i will not be trading it in. but I have decided to go up to the mountains next week with some friends so my truck can kick some *** in the snow and mud. I need to get out of the city. Too much pavement, not enough dirt and muck for my truck to play in. And thanks for the compliment bigsherm. I appreciate being appreciated.

 

I had to sell a motorcycle before I got married 7.5 years ago Definitely keep what you can going into the marriage because with a house payment and all the rest, it's gonna be awhile before you can splurge again. My situation has turned around though. House is paid off in 1 more payment due next month and at that point we'll be totally debt free (no credit card debt, no house payment...nothin'). Just insurance and utilities is all. BUT,now it's MY time to get something for all the hard work...my new truck! I have to tell you, at 34 (wife is 29), it's an awesome feeling of freedom to totally own your house (built new 7 years ago) and have no other debt. Work hard and make as many extra payments on the principal as you can and y'all can do it too I hated not being able to spend money for the longest time, but now I appreciate it...having suffered a little for a LONG term benefit. But, still no new motorcycle for me. The wife says they're "too dangerous" ...lol Oh well, I'll be happy with the new truck

 

congrats on your financial discipline man. paying off a house in 7 years is not easy. well done. enjoy the new truck!

 

I agree with Wolfman, I've never liked the Ford Rangers looks. I would never buy a compact pick-up, but if for some reason I was forced too, I would have to go with the new Colorado or Canyon. They have pretty good room, and look nice. I think the Dakota is the only one with a full bench in the rear of their extended cabs though. The Ranger is in need of a makeover badly. The Taurus needs to be replaced, which it is by the Five Hundred, but that's not much different. Then Ford would be pretty straight with a good looking vehicle line-up.