I’m looking to get a pickup truck.
I have about 7-8 grand to spend on it, I want to pay cash and not take out any loan.
I don’t really haul anything, but I do get lumber/appliances once in a while, and do some camping.
I’m looking at a 2002+ Ford Ranger/Mazda B Series with 2wd and the 4 cylinder duratech motor. I would get one with an automatic trans, I’m tired of driving a stick. Also I would try to get one that is a little more loaded up than the standard work trucks that are totally stripped.
Does anybody have one of these things or know about the reliability of them?
A buddy of mine was telling me that they are good for 30mpg if you drive it real easy…
Avoid 98-01 they suck. You might get 30 with the duratec. My 96 with the pinto engine would get 29 @ 63 on the highway when it had 35000 miles on it.
I’d shy away from the auto. Shift points aren’t well placed for a 4 cyl, it will be rather doggish. Auto in a 2wd truck is a hassle in snow too. Snow tires on rear and ballast will be a requisite if you are going to drive it in snow.
i hav a 94 mazda b3000 that is a stick 2wd and i drive it in the snow with o prob. i put about 4 or 5 sand bags in the bed n ur good to go!!
I had an 02 lifted quad cab on 33’s with the 6 so I can’t comment on the 4’s. I BEAT THE SHIT out of the truck, towed the boat I had at the time(16 ft flats boat) and I never had any issues with it. I remember looking at 4’s and when I mentioned towing everyone I talked to said don’t bother.