schnurks

I'm currently in a bit of a pickle. I own a 2013 Focus SE 6 speed auto with the dreaded DCT. I've had the clutch pack replaced once already and now the issues are starting up again with the DCT.

I was interested in selling the car due to potential problems arising once again after my warranty expires. Aside from the DCT I love my focus. But I was also looking at Rangers and to a lesser extent the F-150.

I drive about 500km (310 miles) a week (mostly highway) to get to work but I often do renovations/woodworking on my weekends. The trips from home depot or the lumber yard are getting to be a pain packing up everything in the trunk and letting the hatch open to accommodate 8ft pieces.

The dealership offered me two solutions. A used Ranger or a new XL F-150. Both for the same price absolving me of the negative equity on the Focus. Is it worth the 100$ difference per month in payments to switch to an F-150? Obviously the gas consumption will be going up (currently getting 8.5 L/100km or 27mpg). The STX comes out cheaper if I want to add the supercab as well - which I find odd.

I'd like to know your first hand opinions on the truck and if it's worth it for someone who doesn't exactly use it for "work" as it's main use.

Thanks

Logan24

Well you are obviously a budget minded guy. Since the majority of traveling you do is on the highway I wouldn't expect too much of a difference in mileage between the 4.0 Ranger and an F150. Obviously both will suit your needs when it comes to runs to the hardware store etc.
I personally don't like the size of the Ranger. My dad has one and it's way too cramped for me to be a daily driver. Also when it comes time to sell or trade the truck the F150 should have a higher resale value.
In the end it's up to you whether you decide to trade the car so early. Either way you'll be paying the negative equity of the car on either truck you decide to go with. It may just work out better for you to try and stick it out in the car until it's paid off then buy a truck.

FosterChild

I have owned several 4.0 rangers in the past and I can tell you my new 5.0 gets better mileage than the 4.0 did. Plus like the guy above me said resale value will be better with the f150. That would be my pick

Panther150

You're it going to get too many votes for the ranger here! In all honesty,you'll be better served getting the F150. More capability and the same, if not better mpg than the ranger.

Summers22

iTrader: (2)

I just sold my 04 Focus to get my F150. My focus was the 2.3 and only got 24 mpg, my truck gets on average 18mpg, I roughly spend $50 more a month on gas and will never look back. Get the F150 and not the Ranger, they are way to small in the cabin, even a ext cab.

STX196

Its ironic that you are sitting in this situation because my wife actually owns a 2013 Ford Focus SE and while it is most of the times it is ok to drive, the clutch issue is terribly annoying, especially when it is cold outside. Has it gotten any better for you??

In terms of the truck I would agree totally with everyone above, because I have a 2013 STX 5.0 and I have been working a job that requires me to drive regularly on the highway about 300-400 a week, which is within the range you described. I would say I was averaging 18-20 mpg on the highway very consistently depending on length and conditions. The lifetime mpg meter on my truck is currently at 18.0. I would say go with the F150 all day long in terms of size, power, resale, etc.

Willard5.0

This. I actually had a 3.0 Ranger, the 5.0 4x4 F150 gets better mileage than the 4x4 Ranger did.

zx12-iowa

You could also get the 3.7 engine in the f150 and get even better mpg. That should get you 22-24 hwy mpg depending on 4x4 and how you drive. If you are really gingerly maybe even better mpg. The 5.0 will be maybe 20 mpg hwy (rated at only 19). But like others said, Ive driven a Ranger a few times on the hwy for long trips and was shocked at how bad the mpg was. Not much better than the 5.0 and certainly less then the 3.7

KILOFINAL

The 3.7L is plenty of engine for me. I had an Ecoboost in my 2012, but I'm not missing alot with the 2014. On the highway, I consistently average 9L/100KM. That's going 100-110km per hour on a level highway with and without a headwind. The gearing is 3.73 so you might get the same or better mileage with a 5.0 and a 3.55 rear.

I had a 2012 F150 Ecoboost and a 2013 Ford Escape Titanium with a 2.0 Ecoboost. The fuel economy of my 2014 truck is excellent.

airbornevet

I have had two Rangers, but in 2005 bought a new F150 SC. Go with the F150, you will never regret it.