Ford Sport Trac? (explorer)

[mikeb]

el camino explorer? there's a reason there being discontinued. that 4.0 has been around for ever and is underpowered compared to the competition from japan.

[Manny]

I know at least 3 folks on this forum other than me had/have them, speak up lurkers.

Nobody wants to admit it!!

[butcher bergs]

Pulling some quick numbers off of Car and Driver's website, looks like the Sport Trac is about 4337 lbs, while a Ranger (similar to yours) would be about 4020. That's about a 300+ lb weight difference, that probably lends a bit to the discrepancy. But you're right about the engine, its the same 4.0L, which really hasn't changed at all over the years.

That's rather interesting, only a few hundred lbs difference yet there's a gap of nearly 7 mpg compared to what I've seen in my Ranger....even when towing. Gonna look into the gear ratios between the two models. Not sure what else would create such a span seeing how we're talking about the same motor and only a few hundred lbs difference.

[Manny]

That's rather interesting, only a few hundred lbs difference yet there's a gap of nearly 7 mpg compared to what I've seen in my Ranger....even when towing. Gonna look into the gear ratios between the two models. Not sure what else would create such a span seeing how we're talking about the same motor and only a few hundred lbs difference.

The difference is you Bergs, its aaaaaaaaaaaall you.

[butcher bergs]

Yer goddamned right, hunnybunz.

[dankatz]

I thought the sport trac were based on the previous generation Explorer and thus were actually not that big, well behind (not beyond) their times, relatively small with not much utility for their physical size, and ate a bunch of gas. So, neither here nor there. I would say if you really need a truck, get a full size truck, but don't use it for commuting. How often will you need to put your bike on it? A trailer is probably better if you'll drag a bike behind you 10x/year. Lots of cars can tow, subarus can easily do 2000lbs and get decent gas mileage.

[TTD]

I'd give a thumbs up to the Ridgeline too...

I have an 06 with about 85k miles on it. Only did oil and filter type stuff.

[OreoGaborio]

Yeah, Tony... I really did like your Ridgeline that time I drove it to Brookside, but they're just outta my budget.

I can't decide if I'm gonna pony up the dough for a:
15k or more for a nice quad cab truck that gets 17-20mpg, but I can throw a bike in the back or pull an enclosed trailer if I end up going that route, or
15k or less for a nice sporty sedan w/ a tow hitch that gets 20-30mpg and stick w/ my little open rig

I just found a really nice '08 Legacy GT Limited for 15k.... high miles for an 08, but looks beautiful.

[R7]

Weren't the Sport Tracs voted one of the most unsafe vehicles for a few years. May have had something to do with the rollover issues Ford was having though?

Yes, and the reason is the shit front end design ford uses. IFS is not fords strong point

[a13x]

Dude I paid 8,000 for a MINT 2000 Tundra with the xtra cab. It's 'smaller' than USA Fullsize pickup (bout the same size as new-style Tacoma's) and gets about 20mpg. I got a killer deal on mine but saw a ton in the 9500-11000 range.

*shrug*

Honda Element (paul E_D's post) is one choice as well.

Personally I don't like SportTrac's. They were the Red Bull Marketing Manager car of choice back in the day and I dunno. They seemed goofy. Not really a pickup (a real bitch loading them with anything) and not really a SUV.

[ssg]

Here is another vote for the older Tundra if you need a truck that is capable and comfortable and reliable. I had a 2002 Limited that I liked, but I definitely couldn't get the same MPG out of it that Alex had. I also had TRD exhaust/headers and some other stuff on it and loved hearing them so uh...thats probably why though

Im thinking an older Tacoma quad cab is also another good bet.

Ditch that $^#$^#$d^ sport trac idea already, I've resisted in this thread thus far - but I would drive a 2wd pickup before driving a sport trac. I've just never heard of anyone doing anything HD with them at all.

[OreoGaborio]

Ya... Sport Trac idea has been ditched. Too bad, cuz I think it's a sharp lookin "truck".

The thing is... I "need" truck only a few weekends per year... but I commute every work day of the week so I also "need" comfort and good gas mileage.
If I had the money and space in the driveway, I'd definitely have a bike haulin truck, an enclosed trailer and a nice car... but I don't so i gotta find the compromise.

Starting to lean back towards a nice sedan with a tow hitch.

[Qfactor]

Pete,

you should check the tow ratings on some Euro sedans (or wagons), I believe that a fair share of them are rated around ~3500Lbs...

problems you'll run into with sedans, is the wear and tear on the drivetrains, hard to predict and expensive to repair.

I was in your exact same situation/dilemma until BOMO bought the huge trailer.

Q

[butcher bergs]

EDIT: nothing

[b0xmonkey]

BIG +1 on the sedan with a trailer idea. I sold my 3 series in march and picked up a Tundra for the bikes and stuff. Great truck but man do I miss having a car!

[GixerJockey]

I'm confused...


Is your dad in between available hand-me-downs?

[OreoGaborio]

Get it straight, novice. I get family discounts not handouts. Go lick a ball sack.