I'm looking into buying a ranger, because I want a truck and respectable gas mileage. I am currently looking at a 1997 Ranger XLT 2.3L stick and a 1998 Extended Cab ranger with the 3.0L V6 automatic. Any suggestions? Or other model??

 

If you want a truck with respectable mileage the only option you really have is the 4 cylinder, more specifically the 2.3 Duratech in the later model Rangers. The older 2.3 and 2.5 Lima's get only marginally ok mileage for a 4 banger.

 

So none of the older ones are any good for gas mileage? Anyone know how long these engines run? I'm kind of on a tight budget as I'm in college and just trying to trade my car for a 4x4. I've been looking at everything under 3000. So I don't know if i could find a newer one cheap enough.

 

Well the older 4 bangers are still better than the V6's mileage wise but its really marginal unless you limit yourself to a standard cab, 2wd manual. Plus getting a 4x4 with a 4 banger is very hard to do, they stopped doing a 4 banger/ 4x4 combo around 1993 if Im not mistaken. Any of the engines you can get in a ranger from about the early 90's on will be very reliable though, they can all run for a very long time if kept up on.

 

No ranger is good for gas mileage...they get fullsize mpg..and if you're in college keep the car until you get out

 

This isnt entirely true. A newer duratech 2wd standard cab can pull down high 20's for mileage.

 

Let me rephrase that...v6 rangers get fullsize mpg

 

my 4.0 would get 18-19 when it was stock.

either way my old 1992 4cyl 2.3 would get high 20s easy. Depends on your commute and driving habits usually.

 

There is a truck i nthe classifieds that is for sale, 1993 for 1800. 4cyl

 

https://www.ranger-forums.com/ranger...ndiana-139361/

 

So it's a lie then when people say they are getting 27 mpg? It seemed like a lot of people said that.

 

Depends on what they are driving. If its got a V6 in it they are feeding you a line of BS

 

The best I have ever tested is a little over 26 MPG and that is about half highway half city.

I average 24-25.

The worst I have ever got was 19.

This is with the truck in the ad above.

I was consistently getting 21 MPG until I took out the air cleaner silencer tube and found out the exhaust was plugged.