If low price is a main factor, and you want durability and reliability, get the Ranger. If you want more power than the 4 cyl. or the 6 cyl. V6 3.0 liter, then get the 4.0 liter V6. I have an 03 Ranger with the 3.0 liter Vulcan V6. Yes, its an old engine design. So what. Its also a proven design and anyone who knows a lot about the engine knows that its bulletproof and runs forever. I know numerous people who've gotten 200,000-300,000 or more miles out of the Vulcan 3.0 engine in their Ranger. The only knock on the engine is its low hp and torque compared to the more modern 3.0's. Personally, I also like the looks, interior, and packages available on the Ranger. I love mine. I've nothing against the Tacoma, but it costs a lot more, and the Ranger is the only true small pickup left. Toyota, Nissan, and Chevy have all upsized their small trucks to mid-size.
