I currently own a 1999 Ford Ranger but it has 184,000 miles on it and has been used as a work truck through several people. (Oh you know them bare bones white Rangers you see driving around?) Anyway, i was thinking about the next Ranger i'd like to own. I've narrowed it down to 4 choises. Tell me what you all think...

1) 2004 Ranger FX4 Level II (Sonic Blue)
2) 2002 Ranger Edge (Red)
3) Mazda B3000 SX V6 Dual Sport
4) 2000 Mazda B3000 Troy Lee Edition

I know that i atleast want a V6 (preferred 4.0)
5 Speed Manual w/OD
but cant decide upon a reg cab or a plus.

 

2) 2002 Ranger Edge (Red)
+Reg Cab
+4.0

 

1) 2004 Ranger FX4 Level II (Sonic Blue)

that will look great

 

get the edge, with a 4.0

 

I don't know anything about the Mazdas. From what I've seen in parking lots, the Dual Sport is basically a Ranger ORP (Off Road Package) ... Sorry, 'FX4' is now the correct term, isn't it! I have never seen or heard of the 'Troy Lee' edition. So I can't comment much on these models.

Unless you're hell bent on off roading, I'd save your money on the LII and just go w/ the FX4 package. At least in '03, when I bought, the FX4 package had all the options that really counted for normal use in my opinion. I was shopping for one. The only reasons I really got the LII was I liked the color and it was in dealer stock, so I got a deal.

I love the ex-cab, but that's a personal thing. I started in a '99 XL Sport Reg-cab 2.5L, probably almost exactly like yours. One of the biggest reasons I traded was the ex-cab. It's awesome. It's so nice having that extra little space to move the seat back further or toss crap and be able to lock it up. The 4-door thing is a big selling point for Ford. It makes things oh so much more accessable.

Unfortunately (or fortunately for you) an ex-cab pretty much means a 4.0L V6. I wanted a smaller engine, but was SOL as the cab was a must. If you want 4x4 (as I did) that puts the fork in it, you're gonna have the 4.0L.

And if I may suggest, give the auto a try. I hate auto and was born driving a manual, but I sometimes wish I'd gone auto. If you're serious about the LII package, then there's no difference in the '04s between stick and auto. '02 and '03s had a manual t-case for stick, electronic for auto. But then I (and several others) have had lots of problems w/ our manual t-cases, so that may not be such a deal. The auto is much better if you want to tow. It practically doubles the towing capacity of the truck. And the new 5 speed auto is pretty nice. I test drove one and it didn't have too much lag.. ..there's just somethin' about workin' that lever though!

 

i would go with the 2004 FX4

 

I think i'm really leaning twords the 2002 Ranger Edge because after looking at Wowak's, i am owned. But of course i would never get the same exact truck

 

1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!

 

1999 Mazda B3000 Troy Lee Edition:



More pics:
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/427496

 

no get the fx4 lvl 2, much nicer truck!

 

The guy's cardomain says:
If that's the whole list of extras, then it doesn't sound like much of a package to me. Power nuts will note that it lacks the 4.0L, now standard on both FX4 packages. I'd be okay w/ the 3.0, as I'm hooked on conservation, but I am definitely the minority. The rest is frill, esp the carbon fiber interior. What a waste in my opinion.. Plus, it's a '99! Do you have a lead on a used on in good condition?

 

02 edge with a 4.0 supercab

 

get the reg cab

 

i like the look of the mazda better than the new '04 ranger front end. everything else is basically the same

 

I'd go with the FX4 or a 4x4 XLT if you want to save a bit of cash (that's what I have).

Personally not a big fan of the Sonic Blue, in person it looks more like purple to me... but that's just me (and a few other people I know).

Good luck!

 

Added Poll

 

Good idea, thank you. It never dawned upon me to make one because i've never had a reason to before, lol.