Is a 2024+ Ranger for me?
I drive a 2018 Highlander with about 70K miles. Bought it in the pandemic because it was what was available. It's a good, comfortable vehicle, but what I really wanted was a truck. My kids are grown, so I don't need the 2nd (or 3rd) row anymore. What I DO want to do is:
- Haul a pair of kayaks
- Buy mulch and other gardening supplies (pavers, other stuff like that)
- Occasionally fit sheet goods for home projects, or maybe flooring, a door, or a window, etc.
- move around furniture from time to time
- Daily driver around town
I'm thinking about an XLT or Lariat 4WD. The Highlander gets 20.5MPG around town, so I don't think I'd be losing much there. I don't do a lot of highway driving.
I don't want a very big vehicle. I live in a dense suburb and don't need anything massive, and prefer to keep it smaller for parking, etc. I also don't want to spend a ton on an upgrade. Maybe sell the HL for $20-24K and get a $35-45K Ranger. I can also look at the Tacomas, but pre-2024 they were very truck feeling, 2024 has a train wreck transmission, and the new ones are both bigger and carry the Tacoma tax.
I would like to keep this truck for 10 years +. I average about 8K miles/year (or less). Another thing about my HL is, while it has no issues, that model year has a transmission known for failure, so debating dumping it now.
In short, I'm looking to break even on mileage, get more utility from the bed, not go too large, and not lose too much comfort.
Is the Ranger a good choice? Anything in the 24/25 model years to be wary of?