"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 30 Mar 2006 19:51:54 -0500, "RCE" wrote:

Never had a Toyota anything, so I can't comment, but I have had a couple
of
Rangers and I think they are one of the greatest values around. Actually
a
re-badged Mazda, just about everyone I know that's had one, including me,
loved the little truck. I also had a Chevy S-10 for a while. The Ranger
was much better, IMO. It acts like a little truck.

I have a Toyota Tundra which acts like a big truck.

All kidding aside I think it's a great vehicle. Whether it is a great
"value" or not is an interesting debate. There is no question that
there are cheaper trucks out there with comparable capabilities, but
my past experiences with Ford and Chevy quality/reliability leaves a
lot to be desired. Honestly, your recent experiences with a Ford
truck have done nothing to change my mind.


Since I moaned and groaned before about my Ford Powerstroke, I guess I
should also report some of the more recent up side.

About 2 months ago, which was about 1 month after my second stranding by the
truck, I got a notice from Ford requesting that I bring the truck in to the
dealership for a software update on the engine. At the time the truck was
running, I was busy and I forgot about the letter.

Before I started this trip to Denver, I brought the truck to the dealership
for regular service and remembered the letter. The short of it is, they
reprogrammed the engine control computer or whatever it is called with
revised software. The effect was immediate. The engine is quieter,
particularly when cold, is smoother running and has gobs more power. This
trip to Denver really underscored the difference. Going out with an empty
trailer, I noticed more power and smoother throttle response, but expected
to notice some difference coming back hauling the old truck on the trailer.
Nothing. This thing hauls up and down hills at 70-75 miles an hour, never
downshifts out of overdrive (it used to all the time, even pulling a 20'
boat) and gets about 2-3 miles per gallon better fuel mileage to boot.

I weighed everything (loaded truck and trailer with '55 truck) at a CAT
scale on the way back. 14,400 lbs.

I think the original engine software had a glitch in it.

If it keeps running like this, I'll never get rid of it.

RCE