Some of you may have read last week how my daily driver (95 Maxima SE) was totalled by a hit and run driver. The cops know who she is, but won't prosecute because of witnesses having gotten only half of her tag #.
Anyway, I'm out one $8,000 car and am looking for a replacement. Beacause we live on acreage up in the Rockies, I'm thinking a small 4x4 pickup might be the ticket. Even though my wife works for GM and I can get a smokin' deal on a Chevy or GMC - I want no part of GM's small trucks. They aren't very good and they are terribly outdated.
I'm looking at Rangers and Dakotas and it really is a tough decision to make. The rangers have greater towing capacity, more power (comparing V6s), better mileage and I had great luck with a 95 ranger I used to own.
On the other hand, the Dakota has a considerably larger cab (a real but small rear seat), a 7/70 warranty and can be purchased for about 2k less right now for a comparable truck.
Do you guys have any thoughts? Both seem to be good trucks with different strengths.
Anyway, I'm out one $8,000 car and am looking for a replacement. Beacause we live on acreage up in the Rockies, I'm thinking a small 4x4 pickup might be the ticket. Even though my wife works for GM and I can get a smokin' deal on a Chevy or GMC - I want no part of GM's small trucks. They aren't very good and they are terribly outdated.
I'm looking at Rangers and Dakotas and it really is a tough decision to make. The rangers have greater towing capacity, more power (comparing V6s), better mileage and I had great luck with a 95 ranger I used to own.
On the other hand, the Dakota has a considerably larger cab (a real but small rear seat), a 7/70 warranty and can be purchased for about 2k less right now for a comparable truck.
Do you guys have any thoughts? Both seem to be good trucks with different strengths.