Pros and Cons - Ranger or Toyota

[Fl0und3rz]

I would give the 3.0 a look, in any event.  You might pick up a better deal, just because there is so much negativity about them.

In manual trim, I got 15 mpg, uphill, downhill, highway, stop-no-go, loaded, unloaded, parked, etc.  It just didn't seem to matter. It was pretty quiet idling around the mountain roads, too. 

For a point of reference on reliability, I only had to have the timing belt replaced in the 10+ years that I owned it (did the water pump and thermostat while they were at it). 

Other than that, it just got brakes, standard maintenance items like oil, air filter, plugs, wires, tires, grease, and blower motor resistor pack, carrier bearing, exhaust, torsion bar for incidental items.   It was far and away the most economical vehicle I had ever owned, even with 15 mpg and the 3.slow.

[Bean Counter]

Now and then Consumer Reports does a used vehicle edition where they fill up several pages with a track record over the last 10-15 years. I think the Toyota 4Runners with a 4.0L also had problems.

[fish vacuum]

Toyota 4.0 is the most recent v6 that replaced the 3.4, which replaced the 3.0. Not gonna see a 4.0 in a Toyota for $2000.

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[Fl0und3rz]

To be clear, that "89 Toyota pickup manual transmission with a 3.0 v6 4x4" has the 3.0 liter V6 (3VZE) that people say steer clear.  I say give it a look.  Prices may be depressed over a comparable 22RE 4 cylinder, because they get such a bad rap (partially justified).  I'd buy another one, FWIW, after a good once over, of course.


Here is a good link for you on the 3VZE. 

http://www.yotatech.com/f116/what-everyone-should-know-about-their-truck-3vze-187741/

[Evoac05]

Thanks everyone for all the information. I am leaning more towards the Toyota, but wanted to hear what others said about the 3.0. I can find the 2.4 in my price range, but the truck isn't in the best shape(rust). I have found toyotas in my price range in good shape, but they are sporting a 3.0 unfortunately. With a Ranger, which engine is the better of the three and which one should I try to avoid (2.9 / 3.0 / 4.0)? Keep the info coming.

[chester]

Just avoid the ford all together and you'll be in good shape


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[Rainier10]

Ranger?  I thought he was dead.  Still too soon?  Carry on.

[gasman]

I vote Ranger 

My son has a 97 that has 267k miles and I have an 89 that I use for a daily driver/ hunting rig. The OD reads 37k but I don't know of if it's turned once or twice in its life time 

The 4.0L is a great motor in those things. Decent power and mileage, just wish mine had one  I got the 2.9L in mine.

[fish vacuum]

There's a bazillion Ford 4.0's on the road in rangers and explorers. Like everyone, I've known several people with them and don't recall hearing anything bad. The automatic trannies behind most of the 4.0's are probably more likely to fail than the motor.
I drove a ranger with a 3.0 once and it was way underpowered.

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[BigGoonTuna]

the ford 4.0 is a good engine, not the easiest to work on but i'd take one over a toyota 3.slow boat anchor any day.

the old toyotas are great trucks, but just gutless as hell.  the tacomas are a big step up over the older trucks, stouter drivetrains and more comfortable.  however good luck finding one in the $2000 range(hell, i just looked for old toyotas and there aren't many in that range, even old rust buckets).

[Mudman]

Manual trans first.  4 cylinder second.  Either truck in this category.  Next move to 4.0 ford.  No 3.0 toys.  Both are good trucks in the right configuration but yotas the best.  Seen some 4 cyl manual trans rangers run and abused as hard or harder than toys.  the 4.o ford is only v-6 I would look at but gas mpg isn't good.

[Nmesub]

Toyota all day. Own the 89 with 22re...indestructible. not going to win races but dont need to go fast on trails.

[KFhunter]

Have owned both, and vastly prefer the toyota.  However, used Toyota's hold their value like crazy so if you are going to stay at 2,000 you are probably going to have to go ranger.  The old Nissan's are awesome too. 

yup


$2000 will buy you more Ranger than Toyota

[bentley30-06]

Toyota.  My last yoga had 339xxx on it when I got rid of it