Harry Krause wrote:
Don White wrote:

JimH wrote:

"Don White" wrote in message
...

What to do...
choices...

2006 Toyota RAV4: Took it for a test drive this afternoon.
Lots of pep...but seemed to lag a bit between when pedal was floored
until OD kicked in. Also OD jumped out very quickly. Model with
moonroof way too confining...base model not bad.. a bit small and
rear seat room cramped.

2006 Toyota Sienna: For $800.00 less and a better interest rate on
financing/leasing, was quite reasonable. Much smoother in both
power and ride..... very roomy in front and back seats. But vehicle
just looks too big from the outside...and after all it's a mini-van.
After driving one for 11 years, do I want to jump into another?

2006 Ford Ranger: They are giving these things away on a 3 year lease.
$209.00 per month CDN for 6 cyl manual transmission model..no
security or downpayment, $1K in free accessories and a chance to
play some stupid 'Open Suitcase' game to win money.
To add automatic and air conditioning you add another $50.00 per month.
The 6 cyl 3.0 liter engine isn't very powerful, but could fill in as
a 2nd vehicle and boat hauler.





Sounds like a Ford Ranger with air and automatic is in your future
Don. ;-)

http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/ranger/index.asp

Nice looking truck. What is the towing capacity with the 3 liter?



3500 lbs. Plenty of reserve for my 1800 lb load.
The 3.0 liter engine has the same hp as my Plymouth mini-van... 142.
One potential savings... I don't have to install a trailer hitch. The
big rear bumper an accomodate a tongue weight of 200 lbs.
The truck rode a bit rough & noisy in the test run & the engine seemed
to lag a bit when applying gas...but the salesman said it wasn't tumed
up yet and the tires were still overinflated from shipping.
Says that are left on the lot this way until prepd for sale to avoid
flat spots and save the dealers a few dollars on gas.
The truck is no prize when compared to a Tundra.... but how can you
beat the lease payments? I could upgrade to a slightly bigger V6 and
4WD for 35.00 more per month. Don't really need either for my tow
load.
If it wasn't for the wife, I'd just get the manual truck.



I'd go for the Sienna if it will tow your boat.

The Sienna has the same 3500 capacity as the Ranger. Always thought I'd
get the Sienna next...but it just seems so big for two semi-retired
people and occasionally my mom. Speaking about mom, it would be a bit
crowded in the cab of the pickup. It has the little sideways jump seats
but I don't know anybody who would fit in them. We'll have to draw
straws to see who sits in the bed.