I am currently saving up to buy a Ranger and I am wondering which to buy. I do live in the city, so the 4x2 might be more economical. I drive about 15 miles everyday to get to school, so saving gas is pretty much critical. I am leaning towards the 4x2, but is there any reason to buy a 4x4? Are they somewhat more reliable? I can use the 4x4 when I go to Rockford, IL, or when the family goes jet skiing in Indiana. But I am still not sure.

EDIT:
Currently looking at:

02 Ford Ranger XLT/02 Ford Ranger Edge.
APG classic billet grille.
WESTIN light bar w/ 2 in lights.
Door and tailgate chrome covers.
Dark window deflectors with tints.

I am new to this, so being rude will be uncalled for.

 

Sounds like you don't really need a 4x4. How much snow do you normally get?

There are less moving parts on a 2wd and depending on which model you pick bearings and other parts are much cheaper. Rangers are very reliable whether they are 2wd or 4x4.

If you're concerned about the cost of the truck and price of fuel I'd stick with 4x2.

 

If you haven't heard about that blizzard across the whole midwest last week, check it out. The snow is as high as my garage.

And alright. Still open to any suggestions.

 

4x4 helps acceleration and steering drastically in snow, but you really cannot stop any faster. Being from the same area I can say that I love having 4x4 for winter, and I also offroad quite a bit so it is a benefit. You are basically just going to have to think hard about what you need with a vehicle and what is most cost beneficial for your needs.

 

Which motor are you looking at? Both of the V6's are thirsty. I also would never buy a 2wd pickup. If nothing else 4x4 helps resale

 

just a couple states over, i would recommend a 4x4, just a more functional truck. better stance, nice to have on a snowy day etc.

 

That's why I was said how much do you normally get. lol It really was quite a storm, we got a good blast from that same system.

Assuming this is your first vehicle, you may be better with a 2wd. It's a great learning experience in snow.

 

My mom has a Subaru B-9 Tribeca that I drive quite often. She has a 3.0 V6 4WD, and that barely gets 20 combined. Dad has the Ford Freestar Limited with the 4.2 V6 which averages 10.8, and its 2WD.

It's a hard choice because I know either the 2WD 3.0 or the 4WD 4.0 will be quite similar to my parents' cars.


EDIT:
I'm looking at mpgomatic right now and they say the 4WD gets 15 city, and the 2WD gets 17.

Not that big of difference.

 

I would go with the 4x4 especially considering where you live. If you lived down south or something I'd say you could get by with out the 4x4, but to me there is no reason not to have it. I guess with out it you can join the lifted 2wd group.

 

The 2wd will get a little better mpg than the 4wd. I personally won't buy a 2wd again unless its a car.

 

I am looking at some pictures of the interior of a 4WD, and I see a switch that can switch the drive train to 2WD. So I have the option of 2WD when I do buy a 4WD?

 

Ya, I mean you won't be in 4wd all the time. But with a 4wd vehicle comes more moving parts which usually leads to a little less mpg than a 2wd.

 

If you want gas mileage get a prius. As far as the truck goes, get the 4x4. I have a 2wd and WISH i had 4wd even if I don't need it.

 

Yes. The truck will spend most of time 2wd. When extra traction is needed you flip the switch to 4wd

 

Roger that. 4WD it is then.

 

Now, automatic or manual transmission? Extended cab or regular?

 

Definitely auto. As for the extended cab or regular, it depends on what I can find around the area. It really doesn't matter to me.

 

If you can get an extended cab

 

x2... you may think you'd do fine with a regular cab but it's much nicer to have the space behind the cab for everything else. If you don't have a locking tonneau cover or toolbox you need a place to keep your crap!

 

4x4

 

x2, as little extra space as it gives you, you will use it more than you think.

 

I agree grab the extended cab, and make sure its a 4 door. I thought I didn't need the 2 extra doors when I found a great deal on my old extended cab as since there wasn't going to be anyone sitting back there they would be useless. Let me just say I was dead wrong on that. The extra space back there is all but useless without a 4 door. Its one of the main reasons I decided to sell my truck, that and I wanted the F150.

 

Get the 4.0 over the 3.slow 3.0 has the mpg of a 4.0 but the power of the 2.3. 4x4 always i wish i had 4x4 on my truck and extended cab you have no idea how useful that extra space is!

 

Wirelessly posted (Timberwolf)

(2WD/4WD)? Hmmm, 4WD bro! Nothing f**ks with a 4WD! Nothing!

 

I found 4 decent ones around here with the extended cab.

Thanks guys. You really helped a lot. :)