- Moderator
- #1
My '09 Ranger is showing the ravages of New England winters...doesn't look too bad on top, but the frame and core support are pretty crispy. I don't think it'll take an inspection sticker next winter and I don't think it's worth trying to patch it together- not saying I couldn't, just don't think it's worth the effort.
So, I'm starting to shop- not planning on buying for a few more months yet, but probably sometime over the summer.
Still definitely want a manual transmission, as my top, #1 requirement. Also need 4x4 and some ground clearance. A pickup is nice, but I don't need one all that often and I have a good little trailer (5x9 ramp gate) so an SUV that can pull it would be on the table too.
Which leaves me to the following list of options:
Also in the garage is a 2016 Mazda3 hatchback that I'm sort of neutral on keeping...it could get traded or sold, or kept.
Couple other factors:
TBH, the Gladiator is high on the list right now...too much tech crap built into it, costs too much, and the Jeep reliability is a concern...but the logistics of buying an old truck halfway across the country are a factor, and I just haven't liked the Tacomas I've been in. (Why is the seat right on the floor?)
So, I'm starting to shop- not planning on buying for a few more months yet, but probably sometime over the summer.
Still definitely want a manual transmission, as my top, #1 requirement. Also need 4x4 and some ground clearance. A pickup is nice, but I don't need one all that often and I have a good little trailer (5x9 ramp gate) so an SUV that can pull it would be on the table too.
Which leaves me to the following list of options:
- I could buy a new truck/SUV. On that shopping list would be:
- Tacoma
- Frontier
- Jeep Gladiator
- Wrangler 4-door
- forthcoming Bronco??
- I could look for something off the above list gently-used. (Which is really just a numbers game and all about what's out there and whether the price makes sense, case-by-case.)
- I could look for a clean (really clean) older Ranger down south or out west, and put some money into making it nice. (Or non-Ranger...but I don't need a fullsize truck and so I'm not sure what else I'd want. I like my current Ranger, the only reason for replacing it is that it's rotting out.)
Also in the garage is a 2016 Mazda3 hatchback that I'm sort of neutral on keeping...it could get traded or sold, or kept.
Couple other factors:
- I can afford to not be entirely rational. I work hard and make enough money to drive what I like, and I'm going to, even if it doesn't entirely make sense.
- I would kind of like a ragtop. If I buy any of the non-Jeep options, there's a chance the Mazda could get sold and replaced with something used and cheap to scratch that itch.
- The manual trans really and truly is non-negotiable.
TBH, the Gladiator is high on the list right now...too much tech crap built into it, costs too much, and the Jeep reliability is a concern...but the logistics of buying an old truck halfway across the country are a factor, and I just haven't liked the Tacomas I've been in. (Why is the seat right on the floor?)