concur
Originally Posted By: fxrider
Subaru Forester.
Originally Posted By: fxrider
Subaru Forester.
Focus died, need a vehicle.
- Thread starter Autografe
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Remember, the Ranger is quite small. The reg cab has no room to recline, or to put things. I find that incredibly annoying. The extended cab cannot accommodate adults in the back, unless they are tiny acrobats.
But, that aside, some of the rangers, while reliable, have a tendency to shake at certain speeds on the highway (and not at other speeds) . It's related to frame harmonics and unsprung weight. Make sure to test drive it at speed on the highway. If it feels like a tire out of balance, steer clear. It's very likely to have the "issue". It's not something that can be readily fixed.
Otherwise, I like the rangers very much.
But, given the choice, I'd much rather drive a low mile Crown Vic or Mercury grand marquis.
But, that aside, some of the rangers, while reliable, have a tendency to shake at certain speeds on the highway (and not at other speeds) . It's related to frame harmonics and unsprung weight. Make sure to test drive it at speed on the highway. If it feels like a tire out of balance, steer clear. It's very likely to have the "issue". It's not something that can be readily fixed.
Otherwise, I like the rangers very much.
But, given the choice, I'd much rather drive a low mile Crown Vic or Mercury grand marquis.
Originally Posted By: Eric Smith
Going from the Focus to a Ranger or other small truck you won't be pleased. I've had both. In my case the Focus rides like a luxury car and the Ranger rode like a box car.
That was probably in part to your truck being the short wheelbase regular cab/short bed. Super Cab models ride a little smoother, also payload package #2 should be avoided if ride is more important than capacity. In my old neighborhood, there was a little old lady down the road who bought a newer regular cab Ranger. She is in her 70s or 80s and drives it all the time, so it can't be too bad!
I would look for 3.0 V6 and 2.3L Rangers. The M5OD manual transmission is reliable, as are the automatics (if maintained). 4.0s are plenty reliable as well, but on a 2001-03/04 you may run into the timing chain issue. The OHV 4.0 is rock solid, but may be older than what you want (2000 and older).
Going from the Focus to a Ranger or other small truck you won't be pleased. I've had both. In my case the Focus rides like a luxury car and the Ranger rode like a box car.
That was probably in part to your truck being the short wheelbase regular cab/short bed. Super Cab models ride a little smoother, also payload package #2 should be avoided if ride is more important than capacity. In my old neighborhood, there was a little old lady down the road who bought a newer regular cab Ranger. She is in her 70s or 80s and drives it all the time, so it can't be too bad!
I would look for 3.0 V6 and 2.3L Rangers. The M5OD manual transmission is reliable, as are the automatics (if maintained). 4.0s are plenty reliable as well, but on a 2001-03/04 you may run into the timing chain issue. The OHV 4.0 is rock solid, but may be older than what you want (2000 and older).
JHZR2
Staff member
Maybe I missed it passing through quickly, but why exactly are you not just putting aused engine in there for $1000 and driving further? Is the rest of the car in disrepair?
$1-2k in repairs is far less than $14k, and if you are buying on a loan for the amount in interest, let alone the payments on principle in the next few years, you could likely pay for the repairs to the focus you have now.
While trailering may not be great, could you pull one of those tiny utiluity trailers behind the focus? Id guess yes.
$1-2k in repairs is far less than $14k, and if you are buying on a loan for the amount in interest, let alone the payments on principle in the next few years, you could likely pay for the repairs to the focus you have now.
While trailering may not be great, could you pull one of those tiny utiluity trailers behind the focus? Id guess yes.
Like others said, put an used engine.
or use a focus wagon.
you will still be familiar with the car and they have a reported 57-76 cubic feet of space.
I think we have a member that used his 2000 focus wagon to deliver a lot of things.
also contact supton about how many things fit into a wagon style (he has a jetta wagon, but you get the idea)
or use a focus wagon.
you will still be familiar with the car and they have a reported 57-76 cubic feet of space.
I think we have a member that used his 2000 focus wagon to deliver a lot of things.
also contact supton about how many things fit into a wagon style (he has a jetta wagon, but you get the idea)
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i am a little shocked at the "put in a new motor" comments for a 2000 focus, that car is quite disposable and that vintage is also considered garbage. i'm not saying it isnt the unpractical thing to do, but unless you have alot of love for that car it wouldnt be worth it IMO.
We got the wifes Mercury Grand Marquis in june for 7k, it had 66k on it.
I did an install on a 250,000 mile 3.0 Vulcan Ranger yesterday.
Client was a self employed "Jack of all trades". Lawn and tree equipment filled the bed. Electrician and plumber tools filled the cab.
He solved the small cab storage problem by removing the passenger seat.
It was worked hard but ran really well.
If you can work around the limitations of the small cab, a 2.3 or 3.0 Ranger/B-series will serve you well. But you will not get nearly the mpg you were getting out of the Split port 2.0.
HHR LSes are cheap, plentiful, practical, and ecotec 2.2 powered. Doesn't get the mpg of the Cobalt, but you can put people and stuff in it. A lot of people complain about the pinched driver footwells but it didn't bother me.
Then there's the Pontiac Vibe. Everything you get in a Matrix without the extra Toyota markup.
I can't explain why, but I really liked the original 1.5 Scion xB. It doesn't have a lot of power but the combination of gearing and seating position it felt pretty sporty. It was a fun little microvan.
Client was a self employed "Jack of all trades". Lawn and tree equipment filled the bed. Electrician and plumber tools filled the cab.
He solved the small cab storage problem by removing the passenger seat.
It was worked hard but ran really well.
If you can work around the limitations of the small cab, a 2.3 or 3.0 Ranger/B-series will serve you well. But you will not get nearly the mpg you were getting out of the Split port 2.0.
HHR LSes are cheap, plentiful, practical, and ecotec 2.2 powered. Doesn't get the mpg of the Cobalt, but you can put people and stuff in it. A lot of people complain about the pinched driver footwells but it didn't bother me.
Then there's the Pontiac Vibe. Everything you get in a Matrix without the extra Toyota markup.
I can't explain why, but I really liked the original 1.5 Scion xB. It doesn't have a lot of power but the combination of gearing and seating position it felt pretty sporty. It was a fun little microvan.
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: Autografe
My 2000 Focus with the SOHC engine just dropped a vale and is kaput. Got 185,000 out of her so I am not too disappointed. I am looking for reliable transport in the $10 to $14 range. Ideally it would be a small truck, Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger. I also am open to something like a Crown Vic as I have seen some lower mileage examples in my price range. MPG is not a huge concern as I don't drive much since I retired. Reliability is the primary criterion.
Why not swap in a junkyard motor and keep driving?
+1
Originally Posted By: Autografe
My 2000 Focus with the SOHC engine just dropped a vale and is kaput. Got 185,000 out of her so I am not too disappointed. I am looking for reliable transport in the $10 to $14 range. Ideally it would be a small truck, Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger. I also am open to something like a Crown Vic as I have seen some lower mileage examples in my price range. MPG is not a huge concern as I don't drive much since I retired. Reliability is the primary criterion.
Why not swap in a junkyard motor and keep driving?
+1
Originally Posted By: cptbarkey
i am a little shocked at the "put in a new motor" comments for a 2000 focus, that car is quite disposable and that vintage is also considered garbage. i'm not saying it isnt the unpractical thing to do, but unless you have alot of love for that car it wouldnt be worth it IMO.
Really? They drove excellent and were reliable once the bugs got worked out (which at 12 or 13 I'd say the OP's has been).
Probably as good as a Civic or Corolla from that vintage. Both of which are overrated, IMHO.
i am a little shocked at the "put in a new motor" comments for a 2000 focus, that car is quite disposable and that vintage is also considered garbage. i'm not saying it isnt the unpractical thing to do, but unless you have alot of love for that car it wouldnt be worth it IMO.
Really? They drove excellent and were reliable once the bugs got worked out (which at 12 or 13 I'd say the OP's has been).
Probably as good as a Civic or Corolla from that vintage. Both of which are overrated, IMHO.
Dropping a used engine or repairing the damage from the dropped valve should be much easier and cheaper than buying another unknown condition car. If the rest of the car is reliable I'd go that route.
Originally Posted By: PandaBear
Dropping a used engine or repairing the damage from the dropped valve should be much easier and cheaper than buying another unknown condition car. If the rest of the car is reliable I'd go that route.
I agree. It seems people love to throw stuff away, and then spend money on other people unknown stuff.
Dropping a used engine or repairing the damage from the dropped valve should be much easier and cheaper than buying another unknown condition car. If the rest of the car is reliable I'd go that route.
I agree. It seems people love to throw stuff away, and then spend money on other people unknown stuff.
I also like the Forester idea. Reliable with room for stuff if you need it. In that price range, you may be disappointed by what kind of Toyota or Honda you can buy. Especially a Tacoma.
I spent a lot of time in a Ranger at my old job as a field vehicle. It was not a pleasure to take on anything longer than a jaunt across town. My tailbone would be aching at the end of the day with on road driving if I had to go anywhere far. My DD back then was the same Civic I have now, so it wasn't like I was used to cruising in a Buick everyday.
Regarding the motor swap, I think a lot of people forget that not all of us have a trusted mechanic we could go to and know that the transplanted motor is being done right. If that were the case, I'd strongly consider the swap too. But if it were me, I wouldn't know who to call and have any faith it was worth the money over just buying something else.
I spent a lot of time in a Ranger at my old job as a field vehicle. It was not a pleasure to take on anything longer than a jaunt across town. My tailbone would be aching at the end of the day with on road driving if I had to go anywhere far. My DD back then was the same Civic I have now, so it wasn't like I was used to cruising in a Buick everyday.
Regarding the motor swap, I think a lot of people forget that not all of us have a trusted mechanic we could go to and know that the transplanted motor is being done right. If that were the case, I'd strongly consider the swap too. But if it were me, I wouldn't know who to call and have any faith it was worth the money over just buying something else.
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Originally Posted By: PandaBear
Dropping a used engine or repairing the damage from the dropped valve should be much easier and cheaper than buying another unknown condition car. If the rest of the car is reliable I'd go that route.
I agree have the current engine repaired or install a used unit in good condition.
If you like your Focus (and it has been reliable) stick with it.
Dropping a used engine or repairing the damage from the dropped valve should be much easier and cheaper than buying another unknown condition car. If the rest of the car is reliable I'd go that route.
I agree have the current engine repaired or install a used unit in good condition.
If you like your Focus (and it has been reliable) stick with it.
Originally Posted By: VicVinegar
I spent a lot of time in a Ranger at my old job as a field vehicle. It was not a pleasure to take on anything longer than a jaunt across town. My tailbone would be aching at the end of the day with on road driving if I had to go anywhere far. My DD back then was the same Civic I have now, so it wasn't like I was used to cruising in a Buick everyday.
Sounds like your work truck was a school bus seat XL model?
With the Ranger, trim level makes a big difference. The XLT has much more sound deadening, comes with the much more comfortable split bench w/ console, and is basically as well equipped as any 1990s Explorer. I have taken mine on 14 hour drives before (one day) without any issues, in fact it has been in every state on the east coast.
The 1998-2003 split bench w/ console is arguably the most comfortable seat offered in the Ranger. Only back rest and seat track adjustments, but good lumbar support and a good position/height, for me at least. In 2004 they made the seats almost too firm IMO. 1997 and older seats tend to be pretty flat, but from 93-97 the buckets were the same ones used in Explorers and are pretty comfortable.
I spent a lot of time in a Ranger at my old job as a field vehicle. It was not a pleasure to take on anything longer than a jaunt across town. My tailbone would be aching at the end of the day with on road driving if I had to go anywhere far. My DD back then was the same Civic I have now, so it wasn't like I was used to cruising in a Buick everyday.
Sounds like your work truck was a school bus seat XL model?
With the Ranger, trim level makes a big difference. The XLT has much more sound deadening, comes with the much more comfortable split bench w/ console, and is basically as well equipped as any 1990s Explorer. I have taken mine on 14 hour drives before (one day) without any issues, in fact it has been in every state on the east coast.
The 1998-2003 split bench w/ console is arguably the most comfortable seat offered in the Ranger. Only back rest and seat track adjustments, but good lumbar support and a good position/height, for me at least. In 2004 they made the seats almost too firm IMO. 1997 and older seats tend to be pretty flat, but from 93-97 the buckets were the same ones used in Explorers and are pretty comfortable.
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