Hank is my new daily. 2001 XLT 3.0 Automagic.
He’s got a little rust on the rear quarters and cab corners but the frame is mint!
Any advice on how to contain the rust?
I’ve heard good things about the 3.0 in terms of reliability, but is there anything I should keep aware of?
Let me know what y’all think!
I am looking for a daily driver to replace my 2013 Focus ST for around $25k. Something with 3 pedals, reliability for long roadtrips in the US, and most importantly needs to put a smile on my face.
I am partial to sedans and hatchbacks, but I have a 2001 Ford Ranger that could become the daily if I decide on something “impractical”.
The ideal experience I want is something naturally aspirated, rear wheel drive, and has 4 doors. An older BMW 3 series perfectly fits that description, but I am unfamiliar with the cost of maintenance and reliability of “the Ultimate Driving Machine.” If anyone with BMW experience has any words of wisdom please elaborate. There are plenty of front wheel drive turbo cars that would suffice on the sedan/hatch front anyway.
The most practical ideas that come to my mind are Jetta GLI, mk7 GTI, Civic Si, WRX, and the most practical of them all the Mazda 3 manual.
If I want to put the Ranger on daily duty I would consider an NC Miata or GR86/BRZ. I am partial to the NC over the ND due to how the chassis are tuned, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of the question.
If I were to narrow it down to the practical choice and the fun choice it would be between the Jetta GLI and NC Miata with a 3 series as a possible holy mix between the two.
What thoughts or suggestions do you guys have?