Ford Ranger / Mazda B-Series - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

shane_c · 03-20-2005, 09:48 AM

Hi everyone,
I'm thinking about getting rid of my Jetta and getting a little truck. I like the looks of the Ford Ranger/Mazda B-Series. Does anyone have one of these trucks? Impressions? Are there any good messageboards out there for them?

Frank the Tank · 03-20-2005, 09:51 AM

I just recently sold my '91 Ford Ranger. Awesome truck. 250,000 kms on it and still chugging away. My buddy at work has a 2002 Ranger and it seems just as good as my old '91. Very well-built trucks. I miss it already and its only been a couple months.

KootenayFlamesFan · 03-20-2005, 11:00 AM

I have a 1996 Mazda B4000. It's been a pretty solid truck for me. I have 220,000 kms on it now. I work in forestry and drive on logging roads a lot, so it's a bit more beat up than I'd like. Some rust on the front bumper, but none on the rest of the body. I will probably get a full size truck next time, just because I need more room for passengers, to store stuff, etc.........plus, the smaller trucks like mine cost pretty much the same as some full size trucks. Overall, it's been a great truck, nothing spectacular on gas mileage, but good in snow and very dependable.

BlackArcher101 · 03-20-2005, 11:28 AM

Are you going to buy new or used?

4X4 · 03-20-2005, 11:10 PM

I've had an 88 ranger & a 91 explorer. Two of the best 4x4s I've owned.

Not sure how new you're thinking of going, but I've had nothing but luck with ford trucks. On the other hand, a good friend of mine has had nothing but problems with his ford truck.

If you're going with an older model ranger, 88-92 are great trucks. Great for 4x4ing, good fuel efficiency and good torque.

I think it was mid-90s before the b-series & the ranger became the same, so it looks like you're thinking way newer tahn what I'm talking about... :unsure:

Anyway, theres a ranger forum at this site...

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?

Mr. Ski · 03-21-2005, 08:15 AM

We've had a couple of them in the family and have only good to say about them. They've run well, and stayed together. No complaints at all.

Reaper · 03-21-2005, 10:05 AM

If you're getting a mini-truck make sure you lower it so close to the ground so that you can't haul a box of macaroni without bottoming out.

automaton 3 · 03-21-2005, 10:58 AM

I had a '97 Ranger - great truck, no problems whatsoever. Mine was a reg. cab 2WD shortbox, good power with the 3L v6/5 speed manual and decent gas mileage.

The downsides with mine was it was completely useless in the winter, even with a pile of sandbags in the box. Also the regular cab is fine for yourself + one passenger, but sucks for weekends away/ grocery shopping type tasks where everything has to go into the box.

Of course, if you bought a 4x4 extended cab, these problems would disappear.

Good luck!

Table 5 · 03-21-2005, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Reaper@Mar 21 2005, 12:05 PM
If you're getting a mini-truck make sure you lower it so close to the ground so that you can't haul a box of macaroni without bottoming out.

you should have reminded me of this when the pet peeve thread was around...

shane_c · 03-22-2005, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BlackArcher101@Mar 20 2005, 06:28 PM
Are you going to buy new or used?

I'd be looking to buy used. Question whether I should even be considering this. My loan payment for my Jetta is really low because I put a lot down on it. I'm not really wanting to lease so I would finance again. I'd be looking to get a 2002-2004 probably. with the 3.0L and a 5 spd and an extended cab.

This was my first Alberta winter and it was a joke compared to what we got out east. Would I really need a 4x4 here or should I be fine with a 4x2 since there are no hills?

Mr. Ski · 03-22-2005, 12:27 PM

Having had one of each I'd probably go with the 4x4 again given the choice as long as the price difference wasn't too big.

While there are probably only 10-15 snow-days per year in the city where it makes a huge difference, the mountain road driving we do each winter on various ski trips and such make all the difference. Obviously better if your going off-road as well.

Bring_Back_Shantz · 03-22-2005, 01:08 PM

You know, they're pretty much the same truck eh?
Well, kinda in the same way that a Mazda 3 is the same as a ford focus. There shouldn't be a hugde difference in durrability/dependability, it's pretty much a case of bells and whistles.

Bill Bumface · 03-22-2005, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bring_Back_Shantz@Mar 22 2005, 02:08 PM
You know, they're pretty much the same truck eh?
Well, kinda in the same way that a Mazda 3 is the same as a ford focus. There shouldn't be a hugde difference in durrability/dependability, it's pretty much a case of bells and whistles.

Mazda 3's and our Focuses are way more different than these trucks. These trucks were just a rebadge.

BlackArcher101 · 03-22-2005, 03:44 PM

I'm a bowtie person myself... but since you want almost new, you don't really have a choice.

If all you do is drive on roads, then a 4x4 is not required, and is a waste of cash imo. A 4x2 will get around fine in the snow. The 4x4 pays off when you are stuck and need that little extra bit of traction to get going. Failing that, it's a heavier vehicle which makes braking/handling worse. I drive an older S10 that has no anti-lock brakes, and is light as a feather. This winter I drove it in calgary and thunder bay, with no problems getting around in nearly 1 foot of fresh snowfall. All it takes is a few sandbags and winter tires (preferably 4).

Looking at prices, the 2002-2004's are fairly high. Would you consider going to a 2000? Otherwise, your payments will increase maybe. I see a TON of rangers on autotraders.ca

Essentially they are nearly the same truck. The question is, do you need to give up the jetta and its low payments? Take a look at your needs for a vehicle and some prices on autotrader.