• 94 Ford Ranger XLT, 2000 Ford Ranger XLT, or 91 Honda Civic Hatchback?
    93 replies, posted
So I am about to go off to college, and my 97 Grand Am simply has too many problems. I am going to fix the leak in the radiator and then trade it in to a dealer for when I get a new car. Right now, I have 3 options. [b] 94' Ford Ranger XLT [/b] 72,400 miles [i]$2,800[/i] asking. Now I am not going to lie, I am very skeptical at this because of the miles one it. Most cars in the price range have double the miles. Dealer didn't post anything about previous damage, and interior pictures so no signs of flood damage. 72k Miles, clean, and only $2,800? Should I be weary or is this just a genuinely good deal? The biggest thing for me about this vehicle is the miles. Being only 72k miles means that I can expect to keep this car for years, maybe until my late 20s or even early 30s. I'm 18 right now. [img] http://filesmelt.com/dl/ranger.jpg[/img] [b]2000 Ford Ranger XLT [/b] 140,000 miles [i]$2,500[/i] firm. Pretty much identical to the 94', just a slightly newer model. Not so skeptical of this. [img]http://images.craigslist.org/3k13m43lb5Y45W15S6b3j8f0319cd58b519c5.jpg[/img] [b]91' Honda Civic Hatchback[/b] 111,000 miles [b]rebuilt after 109k?[/b] [i]$2,100[/i] asking. Skeptical of this, as the engine has 11k miles on it, replaced at 109k. Owner claims it gets around 36 miles to the gallon though. [img]http://images.craigslist.org/3k63p83l15V45Q35S5b48bab282c6d8ce1d38.jpg[/img] Now keep in mind, I am moving to a rural town for college. I wont be doing all that much driving as most things are on campus. I just need something to drive back to home two and a half hours away, every now and then, and something I can use to get me back and forth from a job. The town is not very big. Having a truck would be beneficial in the fact that I have space to haul stuff when I need to, but I take a big hit on gas mileage, especially compared to a Honda Civic. Though the Ford Ranger gets better mileage than most trucks as it is a small truck. The Honda Civic is great on gas mileage, but is ugly and has more miles and has been rebuilt, so this could be signs of problems. Also, I have less reasons to say no to giving rides, as I can carry more people in it. Gas is going up, but I am not to worried about this as I believe I will be able to adapt and will most likely have a job in college. This isn't a pick for me thread, I am looking for advice on choosing one that is appropriate for my situation, as this is a big purchase. I honestly am leaning towards the 94' ranger, it's just the miles have me skeptical.
[QUOTE=Funcoot;29184519][b]91' Honda Civic Hatchback[/b] 111,000 miles [i]$2,100[/i] asking. Skeptical of this, as the engine has 11k miles on it, replaced at 109k. Owner claims it gets around 36 miles to the gallon though. [img_thumb]http://images.craigslist.org/3k63p83l15V45Q35S5b48bab282c6d8ce1d38.jpg[/img_thumb][/QUOTE] B-brother? [img]http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197507_199050010129913_100000747462026_555294_3010424_n.jpg[/img] [editline]15th April 2011[/editline] Honestly, you know what my choice is already. Stock, I got 39.5 MPG when i drove it "normally" (not frugally, normally) Price is a bit high. Talk him down, a LOT.
[QUOTE=bradley;29184729]B-brother? [img_thumb]http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197507_199050010129913_100000747462026_555294_3010424_n.jpg[/img_thumb] [editline]15th April 2011[/editline] Honestly, you know what my choice is already. Stock, I got 39.5 MPG when i drove it "normally" (not frugally, normally) Price is a bit high. Talk him down, a LOT.[/QUOTE] Yeah, I could talk the price down.. and possibly put a sound system in it with the saved money. :v: The brown isn't that ugly afterall either. I would probably get it repainted though.
Get the '94. Lowest mileage.
Those rangers get horrible mileage. And yeah, if you can talk him down a lot, use the rest of the money to clean it up a bit and do what you want to it. Lots of people respect these old EFs, and if anything you'll get some comments if you make it stick out a little (Nice rims, a less bland paintjob). Better mileage, catches attention, cheap to fix if anything breaks... The Civic is a great little car. And if you ever need any help doing mechanic work on it yourself it isn't that hard either. Most anything on the engine can be replaced with a 10, 12, 14 and 18mm socket set and a screwdriver. [editline]15th April 2011[/editline] Also I'm in the process of doing mine in black primer til I fix dents. I bought mine for $100 with no motor in it, sitting in the woods.
Here is the ad for the Civic. [quote]List of new stuff: Engine has 111k, replaced original at 109k, A/C works good, new tires, brakes, struts, plugs, plug wires, fuel and air filter, muffler and most importantly, new windshield wipers. Has all synthetic fluids and Slick 50 put in at 219k. 37.5mpg consistently. I should probably keep it, but I have too many vehicles. PERFECT commuter vehicle....I drive it 40 miles everyday. Call if interested. Will negotiate.850-252-5090 [/quote] So does that mean this cars been over the 200,000 mile mark?
Here's the thing. Rangers are dirt cheap, and uber reliable. With the 4 cylinder, they're very good on gas as well (if you get a manual transmission) - maybe not as good as the Civic, but you can definitely get 30mpg out of one if you push it. I recommend getting the Ranger, as you said you need it to carry things and they're as reliable as the Civic is. Even if it isn't, parts are so cheap and it's so easy to work on you could do it yourself. The 2000 model seems to be better, it has a refreshed engine with increased output, and besides, 112k is nothing for a truck like this.
Yes, both rangers are manual, which I don't know how to drive competently, but I can get you to the hospital if I have to. I should be able to catch on in a few days, so that's the last thing I'm worried about.
[QUOTE=Funcoot;29184933]Here is the ad for the Civic. So does that mean this cars been over the 200,000 mile mark?[/QUOTE] 200k is nothing on a Civic. [editline]14th April 2011[/editline] Especially an older one.
Anyone here have experience with buying from dealers? My friend said I could talk down the 94' Ranger to $2,000 if I had straight cash. Not sure if he was exaggerating or not.
Mine is running with 221k on the clock, original block is still in the car but the head is swapped, head has over ~100k on it. Japfeiffer's Civic is ALL ORIGINAL DIRVETRAIN with 274k on the clock, runs like a top! And Borellus12, a guy who doesn't post in automotive but we know him IRL, has a CRX with 250k on it. Expect to never need to work on it until well past the 300k mark if you keep up service. Change oil on time, timing belt every 60k, all that jazz. Great cars even when the miles stack up. [editline]15th April 2011[/editline] Don't get the Ranger. Do you REALLY need a pickup? If not, then.... Why?
Is the whole front bumper on the Civic that plastic/rubber stuff? Or does it just look like that in the pictures? And the only reason I would pick the 94' Ranger over the Civic is because 72,000 is pretty much slightly used for that price.
Personally, I'd love a pickup, but If I'm really honest with myself I don't really have the need for one. My dad has a truck, and all he does is drive it to work and back home. It does come in handy every now and then when we need to go take some crap to the dump or move some furniture, but those times are few and far between. So, if you think you would have the need for one, do it, but I guarantee you will probably get double the mileage in the Civic. Not saying a 4 banger 2wd Ranger wont get good mileage though.
Of course the bumper cover is plastic. Underneath is a beefy metal bumper support, so it's not just completely plastic up there. And that steel bumper underneath is some tough shit, I had to slice through it once to mount a FMIC. It took a long time with an electric saw, I think I finally ended up using a cutting torch and grinder to smooth it off.
suprisingly id say go for the civic IMO rangers are p lame as far as a truck goes. and id assume they dont hold up well my dad's friend had one, nothin but trouble, happiest day of it was when he rolled it in a field and got rid of it
Where do you live? Do you have any use for the truck whatsoever? Is it 4wd or 2wd? I've had a go in a rear wheel drive ranger and it was fucking nuts in the snow. You didn't have to do 3 point turns, just floor the throttle when stationary and you'll spin round in seconds. My boss nearly wrote it off at 30mph round a bend. They're lethal if there's no weight in the back. I imagine the 4wd version would be much better though. If you're just a city guy then get the civic. Cheap, reliable and quite nippy for a shitbox.
[QUOTE=bradley;29185026]Mine is running with 221k on the clock, original block is still in the car but the head is swapped, head has over ~100k on it. Japfeiffer's Civic is ALL ORIGINAL DIRVETRAIN with 274k on the clock, runs like a top! And Borellus12, a guy who doesn't post in automotive but we know him IRL, has a CRX with 250k on it. Expect to never need to work on it until well past the 300k mark if you keep up service. Change oil on time, timing belt every 60k, all that jazz. Great cars even when the miles stack up. [editline]15th April 2011[/editline] Don't get the Ranger. Do you REALLY need a pickup? If not, then.... Why?[/QUOTE] Rangers suck, and my car has 240k miles not 274k Lol. Still it has a lot and I plan on getting it up to 300k within the year.
Right, the old DX coupe I had was 274k, and it's still running. Jap's is 240k.
civic
Go for the 2000 Ranger. The Civic was rebuilt, normally that will lead to trouble in the future, and possibly even your death. My sisters friend had a rebuilt Grand Prix, she was going down a mountain, the drive shaft cracked or something but it sheared her brake line and off the cliff she went.
If you're considering a hatchback, you obviously don't need a truck
If you don't buy the Civic I'll buy it! :)
And that Civic isn't worth that much. Our 2003 Lancer is worth around 3,000.
I found a 93' Civic Si going for $3,500. I was told to check Edmunds.com for the value of the car, and Edmunds says $1,558? Should I negotiate for around that price? I am very confused to this whole used car negotiating. [url]http://www.edmunds.com/honda/civic/1993/tmv-appraise.html?sub=hatchback&style=3890[/url]
[QUOTE=Funcoot;29197577]Would $1,500 be more reasonable?[/QUOTE] Honestly, I'm not sure. I just know it's not worth that much, especially for a rebuilt car. According to KBB, it's around 1,400 for the DX. But it being rebuilt, that changes the value significantly for the worse.
get a ferd f-teenthousand [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4bJsIogkGk[/media]
[QUOTE=joe588;29187773]Where do you live? Do you have any use for the truck whatsoever? Is it 4wd or 2wd? I've had a go in a rear wheel drive ranger and it was fucking nuts in the snow. You didn't have to do 3 point turns, just floor the throttle when stationary and you'll spin round in seconds. My boss nearly wrote it off at 30mph round a bend. They're lethal if there's no weight in the back. I imagine the 4wd version would be much better though. If you're just a city guy then get the civic. Cheap, reliable and quite nippy for a shitbox.[/QUOTE] That is why you see most trucks have bags of salt or sand in the back. I for a while carried salt bags in the back of my durango, really helped with traction.
get the civic I trust American cars as about as far as I can throw them
Rangers definitely don't suck, but if you are gonna get one it needs to be 4WD and have the 4.0 Liter V6, otherwise it is garbage. They get really good gas mileage for trucks too, I think around 27 MPG on Highway. Don't even bother wasting money on the Civic, you don't know [i]who[/i] rebuilt it or [i]why[/i] it was rebuilt anyways. I used to have a 4 Cylinder one and I had around 120,000 miles on it before the transmission finally just shitted itself out. I didn't really take good care of it either.
[QUOTE=JDK721;29201720]get the civic I trust American cars as about as far as I can throw them[/QUOTE] I'd trust a lower end pickup more than a rebuilt economy car. Sure those older Civics are awesome and fast, but it's been rebuilt and they weren't exactly sturdy brandy new.
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