used car shopping...

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VermilionX · Mon May 01, 2006 4:19 pm

Wizzard wrote:Hey Verm , ya got 3k get another bike !

i can't... i need a 4-wheeler.

it's hard to survive w/ only bike(s).

Ninja Geoff · Mon May 01, 2006 4:28 pm

Be wary of the ranger. It's a 97 for only $2,900. After 100k miles, ford trucks have issues. The computers sometimes get thrown out of whack and you hear the timing change on the fly, killing gas milage. Not with ALL ford trucks, or ALL models though. Ask the guy what kinda milage he gets. If it's the 3.0 with the V6, seeing that it's a 5 speed, it should get AT LEAST 18 mpg. If it's the 4.0, 17+ MPG is decent, i THINK. If it's 4WD, the milage may be a few lower though, just from the extra weight of the filled transfer case and front axles (some 2WD rangers have the t-case, but it's empty). Some info for them is here http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/index.php. I don't post there ever, but some decent info from time to time.

BUT. If there's no rust, the owner reports decent milage, and you like the way it drives, get it! It's an excelent truck! It handles very well for a truck too. I've scared a friend with a truck before cause he thought i was going to go off the road, but the thing stuck like glue. BUT don't reef on it from the start, get to know her, and she'll treat you right. Oh, if it has a squeeky belt, don't worry about it, easy and cheap fix. Though it'll mainly do that in the rain/cold.

VermilionX · Mon May 01, 2006 4:33 pm

i think i don't wanna get a truck anymore. the mileage thing is scary w/ the high gas prices.

and i don't wanna get a V4 truck since it will beat the purpose i intended.

oh well, i'll find somebody i can go to the tracks who has a truck.

NorthernPete · Mon May 01, 2006 4:40 pm

VermilionX wrote: and i don't wanna get a V4 truck since it will beat the purpose i intended.

What would that be?

but ya, a 4 banger in a truck is kinda useless. That BMW sounds pretty sweet.

One thing you might want to look into as well are toyota, the Tacoma pick ups are almost indestructable, and the cars I have heard nothing but good things up here about them, and you dont have nearly the bad winter weather, so have a peek for carolas and what not (not a "cool" car, but reliable and very very good on gas)

Ninja Geoff · Mon May 01, 2006 4:44 pm

VermilionX wrote:i think i don't wanna get a truck anymore. the mileage thing is scary w/ the high gas prices.

and i don't wanna get a V4 truck since it will beat the purpose i intended.

oh well, i'll find somebody i can go to the tracks who has a truck.

It has a 2.3L I4, 3.0L V6, or 4.0L V6. The I4 in 5 speed is rather peppy and will be more than enough to tow/haul the bike, despite it's only being 112-hp @ 4,800RPM/135 lb.-ft. @ 2,400RPM. Stock it has a 3.73 rear diff gear, so it's a good mix of towing power/acceleration/gas milage. And with that torque kicking in so low, towing won't be too bad at all. I mean, a GSX-R600 + trailer weigh what, 800 pounds max? Another plus side, is that it get's EXCELENT gas milage for a truck, 23-27 mpg.

FYI if it has the 3.55 or 3.08 gear in the rear diff, the gas milage will be better, though the acceleration/towing power will be down a little.

NOTE: All that info is for the I4.

PS - It has twin-pot calipers up front

with drums in back. $800 get's a disc conversion kit from summit i think.

VermilionX · Mon May 01, 2006 4:47 pm

GeoffXR200R wrote:It has a 2.3L I4, 3.0L V6, or 4.0L V6. The I4 in 5 speed is rather peppy and will be more than enough to tow/haul the bike, despite it's only being 112-hp @ 4,800RPM/135 lb.-ft. @ 2,400RPM. Stock it has a 3.73 rear diff gear, so it's a good mix of towing power/acceleration/gas milage. And with that torque kicking in so low, towing won't be too bad at all. I mean, a GSX-R600 + trailer weigh what, 800 pounds max? Another plus side, is that it get's EXCELENT gas milage for a truck, 23-27 mpg.

FYI if it has the 3.55 or 3.08 gear in the rear diff, the gas milage will be better, though the acceleration/towing power will be down a little.

NOTE: All that info is for the I4.

what truck are we talking about again?

Ninja Geoff · Mon May 01, 2006 4:49 pm

The 97 ranger. Oh yeah, it's only ~3,200 pounds, so not too heavy.

liablemtl · Mon May 01, 2006 4:49 pm

Out of your original choices...

Don't get a probe. Probes make dudes look like... well, brokeback dudes. Probe+girl=fine. Probe+dude=buttplug.

I'm just sayin'...

VermilionX · Mon May 01, 2006 4:53 pm

liablemtl wrote:Out of your original choices...

Don't get a probe. Probes make dudes look like... well, brokeback dudes. Probe+girl=fine. Probe+dude=buttplug.

I'm just sayin'...

thanks for the warning.

VermilionX · Mon May 01, 2006 4:54 pm

GeoffXR200R wrote:The 97 ranger. Oh yeah, it's only ~3,200 pounds, so not too heavy.

ok, i will also try to look into 97 rangers then.