Compact pickup choices

Wesdor · Apr 1, 2006

I've owned Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger. From my experience, the Ford Ranger was a very comfortable truck. However, if you wanted to use it to haul anything over about 500 pounds, it was very lacking.

I own the third Dodge Dakota and I bought it used 6 years ago. It is a 1993 with over 100,000 miles. Still runs great and has a lot more hauling capacity than the Ford ranger.

One thing I am thnking about is something our local mechanic had to say. (I live in a tiny town and this mechanic has been in business for about 25 years). I asked him what truck I could buy that wouldn't have me coming back to him. He smiled and told me that I wouldn't like his answer. He said the Toyota was the best purchase IF you want the best maintenance. He knows that I prefer to buy American and has been working on me to make my next purchase a Toyota.

Now realize, that he isn't talking about towing capacity. But at least his opinion has me thinking pretty serious about a Toyota in my future.

HGM · Apr 1, 2006

( I've owned Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger. From my experience, the Ford Ranger was a very comfortable truck. However, if you wanted to use it to haul anything over about 500 pounds, it was very lacking.

I own the third Dodge Dakota and I bought it used 6 years ago. It is a 1993 with over 100,000 miles. Still runs great and has a lot more hauling capacity than the Ford ranger.

One thing I am thnking about is something our local mechanic had to say. (I live in a tiny town and this mechanic has been in business for about 25 years). I asked him what truck I could buy that wouldn't have me coming back to him. He smiled and told me that I wouldn't like his answer. He said the Toyota was the best purchase IF you want the best maintenance. He knows that I prefer to buy American and has been working on me to make my next purchase a Toyota.

Now realize, that he isn't talking about towing capacity. But at least his opinion has me thinking pretty serious about a Toyota in my future.
)

You may want to ask your local dealer tech about the Ranger.. For whatever reason (maybe this guy is partial), my buddies independant shop and the local Ford dealers dont see Rangers either(few and far between)... My point isnt that the Ranger is head and shoulders above the Toyota, just that Japaneese isnt simply better like some would like you to think.. I have talked to many guys who(again for whatever reason) started driving Toyotas in the 80's and will not drive anything else because of past perceptions.. I also think that this thread has WAY too many variables.. You may have the guy that has a 4 cyl Ranger or even a 3.0L auto that tells you the Ranger cant pull a greasy string....... But the guy that has the 4.0L will only complain about the mileage.. I curently have a 3'0L 5spd that I have towed my YM2000 with tiller, box blade, and bush hog...Also towed my pop-up camper with, its not a relaxing drive, but capable.. I cant recomend that someone else do it because when the comfot factor goes down saftey becomes a big issue... Drivetrain, wheelbase, tow package, tires, etc. all play a part in it.. I still recommend driving all of the ones your attracted to and take notes of what they are set up to do and how they feel.. Thats the only way you'll make a good choice.. If you want a small truck, I dont think you can go wrong with any of them.. But for towing, you need to be educated on their capabilities.

Bird · Apr 1, 2006

Yep, Greg, I have the 4.0L, automatic, XLT loaded, and no complaints at all except for the mileage and a bit of a stiff suspension. But he said it was lacking in hauling anything over 500 pounds and I'll admit when I hauled some 1,380 pounds of concrete paving stones, I was overloaded, but only had about 10 miles to go and not over 40 mph speed limits. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

pennwalk · Apr 2, 2006

I'll admit when I hauled some 1,380 pounds of concrete paving stones, I was overloaded 

Yeah but I'll bet it took the stiffness out of the ride. Probably drove like a caddy. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Chris

pennwalk · Apr 2, 2006

I have been thinking it is pretty hard to really compare things unless you have owned both of then. And a sample of one isn't very scientific. That said my wife had a ford several years ago and she was putting in $1500/year of repairs on it from year one. It was a great vehicle to drive but you wouldn't believe how little she got for it when she sold it. I have 2 toyotas. At 50k and 105k I have had almost no repairs (oxygen sensor at 90k) although the routine maintanence has been expensive. I guess they have to make a living somehow. It seems like a low milage toyota brings almost as much as a new one. I'm not sure which is a better deal. The cheaper car with lots of repairs or the more expensive car with few repairs but I would just as soon not spend a lot of time sitting around the garage waiting for my car.

Chris

heehaw · Apr 2, 2006

i've had 3 toyota tacomas, extended cab on all 3, an 89, a 94 and a 2002: 4cyl, 5speeds: they all got 28mpg, i actually hauled hay with the 89, pulled a light weight 16ft trailer with 4, 4x5 round bales of hay on it: the next two had the same engine, but just didn't have the same power as the 89 did? don't know why, but i still pulled some pretty heavy stuff with them too.
heehaw

HGM · Apr 2, 2006

( I have been thinking it is pretty hard to really compare things unless you have owned both of then. And a sample of one isn't very scientific. That said my wife had a ford several years ago and she was putting in $1500/year of repairs on it from year one. It was a great vehicle to drive but you wouldn't believe how little she got for it when she sold it. I have 2 toyotas. At 50k and 105k I have had almost no repairs (oxygen sensor at 90k) although the routine maintanence has been expensive. I guess they have to make a living somehow. It seems like a low milage toyota brings almost as much as a new one. I'm not sure which is a better deal. The cheaper car with lots of repairs or the more expensive car with few repairs but I would just as soon not spend a lot of time sitting around the garage waiting for my car.

Chris )

I dont deny that a pre-'95 vintage vehicle of any brand could be predisposed to "breakage" of some sort.. Since the OBDII regulations came into effect, the playing feild had leveled quite a bit electronicly.. From what I have seen, about the same time, barring a few exceptions, overall quality became better.. So, I'll have to agree that although I liked my '85 Ranger I wouldnt own another simplly because better versions are available...