I've been researching options for replacing the Grand Cherokee if the camshaft sensor doesn't solve the problem with it cutting out.
I came across a 2019 Ranger 4wd with the 2.3 eco post and 10spd transmission and under 30k miles.
Anything to watch for or specific checks based on that combo?
I suppose I should also ask for suggestions on other options for my use case:
It will serve a couple different purposes making one size fits all a challenge when moving outside a truck or SUV:
- Canoe/kayak transport
- Bike transport (I have a 2"receiver mount Thule swing away rack that hold 4 bikes and some Yakima raptor carriers in the shed)
- snowmobile towing (1500 lbs with 2 sleds, no trailer brakes, a third sled in truck bed old be bonus but not required). Due to weather this isn't something done regularly, but if I go it would be a couple hours or more away. Trailer also get used for utility work, and I have a second one I could modify for canoe work, but would limit parking options when fishing).
- snowboard transport ( currently use roof mount on GC roof rack to hold up to 4 boards, boots etc are inside). Sometimes during the storm, so snowtires will be a must in the winter.
- hockey practice transport (player gear so it fit in the trunk of the Elantra I used to have.
- general commuting.
- road trips if more roomy than the wife's Sportage
- future use towing a popup camper
We also have my wife's Sportage which could possibly tow the snowmobile trailer, but haven't tried.
Im also considering the wrangler 4xe as a lease if I can get close to the $319 a month deal, or certified preowned in the $28k range. Those have their own challenges, but would hold value if I decide to get rid of it in a few years.
Other thoughts are a Forte GT, roof rack could address a lot and start with a 10yr/100k warranty. Other Korean models could also be an option, but depreciation would be a consideration if it was to be a stop gap.
What did I miss?
Have you thought about an Outback?
In reply to dxman92 :
Right now I have a 2007 Grand Cherokee with the 5.7 Hemi. It will do everything I need if I can solve the problem with the engine randomly cutting out after 45 -60 minutes.
I've replaced the ECU, TIPM, FCM, ignition switch, crankshaft position sensor, plugs, plug boots, tried both keys, and will be replacing the camshaft position sensor to see if that solves it.
I've also recently rebuilt the front end with new upper and lower control arms, sway bar mounts and links, Konis and new springs and rubbers on all four corners. Replaced exhaust manifold gaskets, valve cover gaskets, and oil pan gasket.
I hate to get rid of it after doing all this work, but hate the fact that I can't solve the problem and is unreliable for long trips or to leave with my wife if I'm several hours away.
Also, there's a nagging issue in the back of my mind. I replaced the water pump and thermostat fall 2022, had no issues with overheating or heat until it got cold this past fall. I had poor heat, but engine temp was good and both heater hoses were hot, I did have a bag radiator cap in the fall that I replaced. I also flushed heater core and burped system and heat was good, but heater performance seems to be fading as winter goes on, especially at low rpm's. Almost as if I have a seeping head gasket and the air is getting trapped in the heater core until rpm's get the flow rate high enough to push it out of the heater core. I need to check for combustion gases and do a compression check even if the camshaft position sensor solves the engine cutting out.
In reply to dxman92 :
I apologize I misread your response the first time. For some reason I'd read it as "I thought you had an outback", and not what you actually wrote.
I thought about Suburus, but would want to go with a stick or traditional auto to avoid the cvt, but that does leave some options.
I did like the forester we used to have, and something like a crosstrek, outback or Impreza could be an option.
This feels like a car use case. I'd get something like the forte GT you mentioned. A lot more fun, lower consumables/gas. You don't necessarily even need roof racks. Foam block kits for canoe/kayaks work too.
My workplace has a fleet of these rangers and I drive one occasionally when I need to travel within a 3 hour radius.
They're really powerful and feel solid. No repair issues so far. The finishes are durable and the overall feel is utilitarian. Every time I drive one I want to have one of my own.
WRT the Ranger, over the last few years I worked, I was not aware of any issues with that powertrain- it's similar to the one used in the Mustang, and similar to other 2.3ls that are all over the place.
We do a lot of what you want to do in a 2.0 turbo Escape, and the Ranger is more suited for your wants. Including if you want to pull a travel trailer instead of having a truck camper.
No Time said:In reply to dxman92 :
Right now I have a 2007 Grand Cherokee with the 5.7 Hemi. It will do everything I need if I can solve the problem with the engine randomly cutting out after 45 -60 minutes.
I've replaced the ECU, TIPM, FCM, ignition switch, crankshaft position sensor, plugs, plug boots, tried both keys, and will be replacing the camshaft position sensor to see if that solves it.
I've also recently rebuilt the front end with new upper and lower control arms, sway bar mounts and links, Konis and new springs and rubbers on all four corners. Replaced exhaust manifold gaskets, valve cover gaskets, and oil pan gasket.
I hate to get rid of it after doing all this work, but hate the fact that I can't solve the problem and is unreliable for long trips or to leave with my wife if I'm several hours away.
Also, there's a nagging issue in the back of my mind. I replaced the water pump and thermostat fall 2022, had no issues with overheating or heat until it got cold this past fall. I had poor heat, but engine temp was good and both heater hoses were hot, I did have a bag radiator cap in the fall that I replaced. I also flushed heater core and burped system and heat was good, but heater performance seems to be fading as winter goes on, especially at low rpm's. Almost as if I have a seeping head gasket and the air is getting trapped in the heater core until rpm's get the flow rate high enough to push it out of the heater core. I need to check for combustion gases and do a compression check even if the camshaft position sensor solves the engine cutting out.
Its wiring related 100%, especially if you installed factory parts. I really expect a grounding issue.
I too am wondering about rangers and sound like I'm shopping a similar price point. They have really good payload and towing capacity and had modern Adaptive Cruise and stuff in what are now reasonably affordable used vehicles. But I've not heard or seen much about reliability with them. Which is probably a good sign.
The one on the top of my list right now is the Honda Ridgeline. Of the midsize trucks it is the most liveable when not doing truck stuff, and has good payload and adequate (5k lbs) towing.
I have not owned a new version Ranger, so I can't speak directly to owner experience. I also don't put a ton of faith in magazine reviews, but you might want to read some articles from the bigger truck and automotive magazines.
A bunch of magazines tested all the compact trucks when the new Ranger came out. None of them picked the ranger, and almost all of them put them dead last. They all picked either the Tacoma or Canyon/Colorado... mind you, an 8-year-old design at the time of testing. The Tacoma edged out the Canyon slightly in some reviews, mostly on resale value.
If I were buying a compact truck right now, I'd be looking at all of the above, but I would put extra weight on looking for a Colorado/Canyon. I think they're ugly as heck, but they do truck things very well. I have a friend with one and it's pretty great, even though it's the stripped-down 4cyl/manual.
I agree that you can do all of what you want with a CUV, SUV, minivan, or a wagon, but if you want a truck, go for it. I understand the desire.
I have a 2019 Ranger that I bought new. It now has about 52K on the clock, has had oil changes every 5K with Mobil 1. Zero issues other than having to be careful that the seatbelts retract all the way. I have towed a few things and the truck doesn't feel like anything is back there. On the highway I can get 28+ at 75 mph just setting the cruise. All around is normally around 20 mpg. During the summer I keep my bike in the back just taking the front wheel off. It's comfortable (for a truck) enough to go on long trips (especially with the quad cab).
In reply to triumph7 :
They are a sexy lookin truck.
In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :
Thank you! I get a lot of compliments on the color (Chili Pepper Red). The truck got the nickname Voodoo Chili because when I got in to drive it home from the dealer Hendix's Voodoo Chile came on the radio... Chile, Chili... close enough!
In reply to Ranger50 :
I believe you may be right, and I've been chasing it for over a year.
Seems like a few items have made positive improvements like fixing the power window operation (TIPM), others are the cost of having incomplete data or confounding data (ECU power dropping to zero and resetting run time at the time of the stall, even when TIPM was bypassed, with the original ECU which led to ECU replacement).
New development is that using the key cycling to display codes on the instrument panel has revealed a new code, P0884, that my NT630 didn't show. I thought that capability had gone away, last time I used that method was on a k-car based Shadow and had to count how many times the light blinked.
The P0884 has opened up some new avenues to explore, so hopefully I can find a fix.
Had a rental ranger a couple years back. Didn't use it for truck stuff, just a commuter while the car was in the body shop
Felt like I was driving from inside a cotton ball. Every driver input was muted. Wasn't a fan just for that.
Thank you to everyone for their feedback. I still like the idea of a Ranger, but the XLT that I saw for $23k with <30k miles has been sold, so the urgency has passed.
I found a new code P0884, and with the help of some googling, I have new trouble shooting to do I'm going to hold off on making any moves a bit longer.
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