Return of the 4 Bangers
 

I have had 3 rangers, and one explorer. All had a 4.0 6 cyl.

My current ranger is leased, and its over in about 3 months, and I dont think I will be getting another one since I never go offroad anymore, and I'm getting older (25) so its about that time I get a "practical" car.

I live in NYC and currently have a few choices I am considering.

1. Escape 4cyl
2. Jeep Patriot 4cyl
4. Jeep Liberty 6cyl

What do you guys think/recommend?

Im looking for a low payment since I dont drive much and the way gas prices look, nows the time to start thinking of more fuel efficient vehicles.

Escape, I don't know about the 4 cyl but the 6 cyl I drove rode and handled excellent!

Escape, my friend has one and its a very comfortable ride

Charger...

4 cyls most of the time, 8 when you need them :)

strange.. i didn't see "charger" as one of his choices.

Opening his choices up some, if he wants.

How about a 'Smart car'. Seems like a perfect vehicle for an 'older' guy living in NYC. I always loved them in Europe and now they're coming here.
www.smartcarusa.com I think is the link.

Go for the escape. It's had very few problems. Not to mention the basic design of the 2.3 has been around a few decades.

My old girl has a 4 cyl escape and loves it.

No its the new Mazda designed Duratec 2.3 that came has come in our trucks on 2001. Great engine, better fuel economy and more power than the old Lima 2.3.

I'd certainly take the Escape over the Jeeps (unless a Liberty with a diesel), but if you decide to look beyond those models, I'd probably get a Rav4 or a Subaru Forester if I had the cash, or a Suzuki Vitara (has a solid frame).

Escape, my BIL has a 4cyl Liberty that is a dog, and a complete POS. If you're going to consider a 6cyl, why not that option on an Escape?

I read reviews about the new trail rated libertys and it said they were pretty awesome, they only come in 6cyl though. The new body on the Librty just looks awesome too, it reminds me of the Cherokee (the one from the 90's, not that new bubbly Grand Cherokee POS)

I was spoiled when I leased my ranger, return customer, 0 down, and 245/month for an XLT 4x4 with everything.. Apparantly the "ranger programs" no longer exist, so theyre alot more pricey now.

I say go for the Escape, it's a known platform with tested and respected parts and setup. I do however help build the Patriot and must throw a plug in for it. It is a nice vehicle, although I do think the interior is a little cheap. And with a 16g base price and decent options it is a good vehicle. The whole 30 mpg thing helps a lot also.