I have a 2000 ranger with 130k, 2.5L with a manual trans, 2wd, and stock size tires (double checked). If I milk it for every mile (coasting as much as possible) I can get 24mpg on the highway. I bough this truck hoping for 30+. What are some cheap mods I can do to get more out of it?

 

when was the last tune up? when was the timing belt changed? how about plugs and wires and air filter and fuel filter? how about tranny and rear end fluids and oil and filter?

 

You can get a for sale sign pretty cheap. Lots of auto classified ads are cheap or free. Then buy a Honda Civic.

Buying a truck hoping to get 30+mpg is like buying a brick and hoping it will float. Trucks are designed for utility, not economy.

 

I've got the same year, engine, trans, and 140k miles and I get about 22mpg and I have a lead foot. We have alot of hills around here too. My last truck got about 11mpg, and was slow, so im happy with my 22mpg. lol

 

that sales sign may be the only way to reach that 30 mark but if you take TireIron's advise and do a complete tune up it deffinatly made a difference, at least it did for me, i've got a 4.0 and its a 4x4 so there isn't much in the way of milage expected but it did help some, went from around 9-11 on average to about 15-16 which is a dramatic change for me. It also feels like the engine has been refreshed, a little more pep in the step!

 

I had a 2000 Ford Escort ZX2 2.0 DOHC 5 spd and it barely got thirty! I think 24 Is respectable from any pickup. I get 26 From my Tuned 350 V8 Buick though!

~HJ

 

if your getting 24mpg tops from that things, that's very respectable. just keep it in tune, take care of the maintence items and 24mpg will be no problem. I get 22 tops from my 2.5 Auto. -Mike-

 

24 mpg here...all stock ext. cab 5 spd. might see 26 on interstate...and fresh tune up