Okay i knew this day was on its way. With the rising price of gas and lack of need for a 4x4 i have come to the realization that it is time that i think about trading out my current 2000 XLT 4.0 4x4.

Now I have been taking a hard look at the 1999-2000 2.5l 4-bangers. Now i know that there will be a dramatic difference in all aspects, hopefully milage being one the biggest. So i want to hear it blankly. What am i to expect? What do i need to look for...stayaway from? How about the 2.5 vs the 2.3 of later models? I hate to have to downsize like this but seeing as how i'm really needing to get rid of this gas hog...no matter how in love with it i am....it has to be done.

thanks guys

 

i'd personally get the 2.3L DOHC, i've driven them and it's a peppy little motor for a 4banger truck and can get 30+ hwy

 

I got the 2.5, and I can easily get 22mpg with the lead foot I have. I got 26mpg one time driving locally, just taking it really easy. (that wasn't freeway driving). Mines going on 145k miles soon, and I've had it since last september, and havent spent a penny in repairs, and as far as I know, it doesn't use any oil. I'd get a 5spd, more control, and more peppy feeling. It doesn't have a ton of power, but it will do 0-60mph in about 9 seconds.

 

yeah 5 speed is a def for me. Not only because of the milage advantage but they are more "fun" to drive. So what are your guys' thoughts between the 2.3 and the 2.5? Reliability, power and where it is (higher/lower). I have a prospect that i have my eye on. Here it is what do you guys think? a deal? Ranger

 

I also recommend getting a 2.3. The motor is still in production, it has a little more hosepwoer then the 2.5. I get about 24 MPG as an average and that all city, no highway. I could prohibably push 30-33 MPG's on the highway if I don't drive like an idiot. horsepower wise its not bad. its rated at 143 hp, which is only 5 less then the 3.0.

 

+1 on the 2.3L DOHC, its got about 20 horses on my 2.5L (119hp).

As you can see in my sig I have a 2.5L engine and extended cab. Seriously its pretty nice. Generally around town i get 17mpg, and on the highway 21-22mpg... Honestly if I were you id look into the newer 2.3L, with today's gas prices going up, that will provide better results and more bang for your buck then the 2.5.

Either way you will definately save money and the engines are built pretty well.

Hope that helps.