Scotty, im looking at a new 2021 ford ranger 4×4 lariat. This truck seems to best fit my needs but i had a few questions to make sure its worth my money.
1. Is the engine just an upgraded version of the 2.3 from the focus rs?
2. Is it an interference engine?
3. Is the water pump chain driven inside the engine or belt driven outside the engine?
4. Google says timing chains last 300k plus miles but the service book says it should be changed between 80 to 120k miles. What's going on here
I love everything about thia truck but want to make sure its worth my hard earned money.
Is there anything about this truck that should scare me away from buying it? I know its a new ranger but the engine has history and goes way back with the focus.
I drive about 70 miles a day with 75% of that highway miles of speeds between 45 to 70 miles an hour.
Thanks, peter
I would avoid any Ecoboost Ford for longevity. And the 10 speed transmissions are riddled with problems. There’s been a class action filed for the 10 speed. The only new Ford models I would consider is the Super Duty line. And that’s only if I absolutely had to buy a Ford. If I was going the GM route. I’d just jump into the small Duramax and skip that terrible V6 they put in those Canyons. Either way if I wanted a small truck that’s going to punch into 300k Tacoma.
This does not answer your questions, but something to be mindful of: Ford quality is not there, so if you plan to keep for the long haul I’d reconsider.
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/2020-ford-ranger/#post-19951
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/2020-ford-ranger-gas-in-oil/#post-62609
1. Yes
2. No. Timing chain
3. I have no idea. I assume it's belt driven
4. Follow the service manual.
They are certainly nice initially. I test drove one for fun at the local dealer when I was last there. They won't last as long as a Toyota, but not everyone wants to pay out of their nose for a Toyota badge. Nissan? Let's be real here. You probably want one from an American brand.
Even as a Ford guy I say go to your local GMC dealer and test out a Canyon with the V6. I feel like it will hold on longer than the 2.3.
It's your money, and I just say make sure you try out all the options before you pull the trigger. It will probably be a fine truck for driving around anyways, as long as it isn't going to be used for heavy duty towing all the time. Then I say get a V6.
Make sure you keep in mind however that you can get a base 2019 F-150 new for 19K currently at some dealers.
