Good news finally found a job. Bad news no longer have a company truck to go to work now. Will put 500 miles a week on it to work not counting prospecting miles. What kind of gas milage is everyone getting out of there rig. The 2003 Dodge 4x2 I have now gets 16.5 highway milage. Does not have to be a pickup. Will still keep the Dodge to pull the camper on longer excursions. Thanks Guys and Gals
Gas Milage
Started by materialove, May 10 2010 11:44 AM
35 replies to this topic
#1
materialove
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Posted 10 May 2010 - 11:44 AM
#2
Grubstake
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Posted 10 May 2010 - 12:53 PM
Get you a 4 cylinder Ford ranger, you'll get around 28-30 miles a gallon if its a 5 speed standard and two wheel drive. My uncle had one for a shop truck and put over 200,000 on it with no problems. Grubstake
#3
materialove
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Posted 10 May 2010 - 12:58 PM
Was just looking at them on the internet. Gas milage sounds ok. price about same as others.
200,000 miles is all I need then I can retire in 10 years.
200,000 miles is all I need then I can retire in 10 years.
#4
Grubstake
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Posted 10 May 2010 - 01:22 PM
Well after he drove it and put 200,000 on it, he gave it to me, I put around 60,000 on it before it started to need thgings done, and traded it off. Grubstake
Your not going to have a power house, but it will get you there and back cheap and do hwy. Speeds just fine.
Your not going to have a power house, but it will get you there and back cheap and do hwy. Speeds just fine.
#5
materialove
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Posted 10 May 2010 - 02:05 PM
Sounds like what I am looking for. I am sure this job doesn't pay like the last one. Got better benifits thou.
#6
maui
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Posted 10 May 2010 - 07:12 PM
materialove, a big congrads on landing that job but 500 miles a week? to me, it sounds like an awfull lot but then again i live here without freeways and no need for me to travel that much.
again, good for you, congrads. take care. ron
again, good for you, congrads. take care. ron
#7
Rod
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Posted 10 May 2010 - 08:10 PM
I've got 2 Fords, one Ranger with EFI/6 cylinder 4.0 - nice and peppy and gets about 17 highway - the F350 w/460 well about 10 gallons per mile 
But for prospecting my quad is the best...can't tell you the exact but can go 100+ miles on about 5 gallons 
But for prospecting my quad is the best...can't tell you the exact but can go 100+ miles on about 5 gallons
#8
Prescott Gold Hunter
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Posted 10 May 2010 - 09:11 PM
Gotta Say, My dad worked for Ford for over 30 years and raised me with ford money, i guess you could say that Barack Obummer never had to bail them out. I drive a 91 taurus, With 178,000 miles on her and she runs like a champ. Fords are built Tough. 
PGH
PGH
#9
maui
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Posted 10 May 2010 - 09:57 PM
my # 2 son is a part-time mechanic at a ford dealer [ he has his own buss. that's why he is part time ]and needless to say, we all drive ford products. take care. ron
#10
Bob T.
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Posted 10 May 2010 - 11:12 PM
I have a Ford 250 4x4 7.5 and get a solid 20 mi. per gal. on the highway. Also depends how hard I drive it.
I get around 35 on my 07 car.
Bob T.
I get around 35 on my 07 car.
Bob T.
#11
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Posted 11 May 2010 - 09:28 AM
No offense to you Ford lovers, but they are not known for great fuel economy with their automatic trans vehicles, especially trucks. A similar GM will usually average 2-4 mpg better than Ford. My old '72 gets 10-12 mpg depending on the load I am hauling and how I drive. My brothers '88 gets 24-27 highway with a 350 V8, 5spd standard trans and 4x4. That's a full sized truck getting 20+, and it ain't no diesel.
As a tow truck operator I can tell you what we see being towed most for same type issues. When it comes to diesels, the Fords break down the most. They have the most drive train issues, mostly motor but some trans issues as well. Gm has electrical problems and dodge has rearend and trans issues. The Gm diesels are most reliable and have the only truly heavy trans thats tough enough to handle the diesel power.
When talking gas, they all have fuel pump issues. Most common failure today with all makes and models. Rod mentioned the Ford Ranger. They are pretty good little trucks. Most any maker has good mid sized trucks with minimal issues. However if you compare same year Ford to GM, you will find more horesepower and fuel economy in the GM. No matter if V6 or 4 cylinder automatic trans or standard.
I hate to say it, but Toyota and Nissan trucks rarely see a tow truck. They just don't break down much. The least towed vehicle out there is a Subaru. Usually don't tow a Subaru unless it is involved in an accident.
The key in any make vehicle is maintenance. Some parts of the country can go farther between service. Out here in the desert southwest you better do it more often. Most people don't service enough. Oil change 90 days or 3,000 miles......religiously. If you live in Az., I recommend you service trans and coolant every spring. The manufacturers say you can go 30,000 miles or 2 years, but this is not often enough in our heat. Coolant is supposed to be able to last as much as 5 years, but 2 years is too long in Az. for coolant. Tire pressures are neglected and should be checked every other tank of fuel. Don't forget to dig out that spare as it never gets checked.
I could go on and on with this subject. After all my father was a master technician and I have grown up in and worked in the industry for a total 47 years now. Whatever you get, drive careful running all those miles. Dennis
As a tow truck operator I can tell you what we see being towed most for same type issues. When it comes to diesels, the Fords break down the most. They have the most drive train issues, mostly motor but some trans issues as well. Gm has electrical problems and dodge has rearend and trans issues. The Gm diesels are most reliable and have the only truly heavy trans thats tough enough to handle the diesel power.
When talking gas, they all have fuel pump issues. Most common failure today with all makes and models. Rod mentioned the Ford Ranger. They are pretty good little trucks. Most any maker has good mid sized trucks with minimal issues. However if you compare same year Ford to GM, you will find more horesepower and fuel economy in the GM. No matter if V6 or 4 cylinder automatic trans or standard.
I hate to say it, but Toyota and Nissan trucks rarely see a tow truck. They just don't break down much. The least towed vehicle out there is a Subaru. Usually don't tow a Subaru unless it is involved in an accident.
The key in any make vehicle is maintenance. Some parts of the country can go farther between service. Out here in the desert southwest you better do it more often. Most people don't service enough. Oil change 90 days or 3,000 miles......religiously. If you live in Az., I recommend you service trans and coolant every spring. The manufacturers say you can go 30,000 miles or 2 years, but this is not often enough in our heat. Coolant is supposed to be able to last as much as 5 years, but 2 years is too long in Az. for coolant. Tire pressures are neglected and should be checked every other tank of fuel. Don't forget to dig out that spare as it never gets checked.
I could go on and on with this subject. After all my father was a master technician and I have grown up in and worked in the industry for a total 47 years now. Whatever you get, drive careful running all those miles. Dennis
#12
russfordAZ
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Posted 11 May 2010 - 03:10 PM
There is some good info here but, this conversation is moot.
Between the increased prices of fuel that are set to come at us and the cost of parts and repairs that are already absurd and the lower wages we will all have to settle for soon....we had better be looking at a bicycle or a truly economical means of transportation.
....rf
Between the increased prices of fuel that are set to come at us and the cost of parts and repairs that are already absurd and the lower wages we will all have to settle for soon....we had better be looking at a bicycle or a truly economical means of transportation.
....rf
#13
materialove
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Posted 12 May 2010 - 06:56 AM
I can see this discison ain't gonna be easy is it. Wonder how far they would let me go on trying one out. The distance ain't bad. 35 miles interstate & 15 miles 2lane one way. takes about 1 hour. Easy drive compared to what I was doing. No traffic to speak off either way. Thanks for everyones input on the matter.
#14
Patrick in Havasu
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Posted 12 May 2010 - 03:32 PM
Gas Milage ?..........you were kidding, right?
That's GREAT news about the new job.....
That's GREAT news about the new job.....
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#15
maui
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Posted 12 May 2010 - 05:14 PM
patrick, very nice car. take care. ron
#16
Patrick in Havasu
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Posted 12 May 2010 - 05:21 PM
Thanks Ron. We enjoy it a lot.
#17
Adam
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Posted 12 May 2010 - 08:57 PM
Lets face it ...If it looks cool , Its probably a gas hog 
... My Toyota only gets like 18 highway...And it looked alot cooler 7 years ago..
... My Toyota only gets like 18 highway...And it looked alot cooler 7 years ago..
#18
michael88
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Posted 13 May 2010 - 04:56 AM
We are a toyota family, I've had an '87 4x4 with no problems(180,000 miles average 19 mpg), a '95 4runner 4x4 with no problems(160,000 miles average 14 mpg), and now have a '06 Tundra 4x2 with no problems(21,000 miles average 15 mpg).
I am saving up for a 1995-1997 Toyota Land Cruiser with the option of front and rear locking differentials. They have solid front axles and a straight 6 that will live forever. The bad is they get only 13 mpg. The good; they will climb anything.
Mike
I am saving up for a 1995-1997 Toyota Land Cruiser with the option of front and rear locking differentials. They have solid front axles and a straight 6 that will live forever. The bad is they get only 13 mpg. The good; they will climb anything.
Mike
#19
FrogMick
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Posted 13 May 2010 - 04:54 PM
1990 Nissan pickup short wheel base and cab, 2x2, EFI 2400 cc 4cyl, 5 spd manual. 28mpg new and with just under 162,400 average 23.75mpg.
#20
Adam
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Posted 13 May 2010 - 07:54 PM
1990 Nissan pickup short wheel base and cab, 2x2, EFI 2400 cc 4cyl, 5 spd manual. 28mpg new and with just under 162,400 average 23.75mpg.
I had just about the same truck ,and I took it alot of crazy places. If I ever got in trouble I would back up and PUNCH IT!
Sure , lost a few tires back then doing that stuff but nearly always made my destination 
Good times.... 
I burried it in sand one time 11 miles from Ocotillo, CA Walked the entire 11 miles the next day to get a tow truck....good times..
#21
maui
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Posted 13 May 2010 - 08:20 PM
wow you guys sure have gotten some pretty good mileage and a ton of miles.
i have a f 250 4x4 with 6.0 diesel, i bought it new in 03 and only have 62,000 miles on it. it gas really been a work horse from day 1. i don't have to drive nearly as much as you guy though. i am limited as to how far i can go. take care. ron
i have a f 250 4x4 with 6.0 diesel, i bought it new in 03 and only have 62,000 miles on it. it gas really been a work horse from day 1. i don't have to drive nearly as much as you guy though. i am limited as to how far i can go. take care. ron
#22
flyingbrass
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Posted 13 May 2010 - 09:03 PM
For good MPG I'd go with a small car. I want one myself for around town and highway use.
I'm a Toyota fan. My carbed 22R 1986 Toyota 4x4 pickup bought used in 1993 did about 21 MPG, give or take a tiny bit, under all conditions for years. That was tracked over thousands of miles. Not bad for a carbureted older engine design and the weight of a 4x4. Stock gears, and tires only a hair larger than stock. I think many run into trouble turning big tires without regearing to match.
I considered fuel economy when I was shopping back then. With current relatively high and unstable gas prices, I think it's even more important today. Sort of like firearm chambering choices. A .308 or .30-06 might be nice, but when shooting the thing costs $.40 or more every time you pull of the trigger, more economical alternatives become attractive. Of course, cost is relative depending on how much you drive or shoot. If you only drive 20 miles a week or fire 20 rounds a year, cost doesn't matter as much. And if you're rich none of this matters.
The OP gets 16.5 MPG and drives 500 miles a week. If gas is $3 a gallon, that's about $91/week, or $4732/year. Driving a vehicle that gets 30 MPG, fuel cost would be $50/week, $2600/year. He'd save $2132 in fuel cost the first year switching to a 30 MPG car.
I'm a Toyota fan. My carbed 22R 1986 Toyota 4x4 pickup bought used in 1993 did about 21 MPG, give or take a tiny bit, under all conditions for years. That was tracked over thousands of miles. Not bad for a carbureted older engine design and the weight of a 4x4. Stock gears, and tires only a hair larger than stock. I think many run into trouble turning big tires without regearing to match.
I considered fuel economy when I was shopping back then. With current relatively high and unstable gas prices, I think it's even more important today. Sort of like firearm chambering choices. A .308 or .30-06 might be nice, but when shooting the thing costs $.40 or more every time you pull of the trigger, more economical alternatives become attractive. Of course, cost is relative depending on how much you drive or shoot. If you only drive 20 miles a week or fire 20 rounds a year, cost doesn't matter as much. And if you're rich none of this matters.
The OP gets 16.5 MPG and drives 500 miles a week. If gas is $3 a gallon, that's about $91/week, or $4732/year. Driving a vehicle that gets 30 MPG, fuel cost would be $50/week, $2600/year. He'd save $2132 in fuel cost the first year switching to a 30 MPG car.
#23
FrogMick
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Posted 13 May 2010 - 10:59 PM
I had just about the same truck ,and I took it alot of crazy places. If I ever got in trouble I would back up and PUNCH IT!
I burried it in sand one time 11 miles from Ocotillo, CA Walked the entire 11 miles the next day to get a tow truck....good times..
It is a good tuff little truck as long as you don't load it heavy or try to pull nothing to heavy. I don't like the smell of burning clutch. Like you I've had it in some places you would never expect it to go.
#24
maui
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Posted 13 May 2010 - 11:11 PM
i have been thinking about down sizeing for awhile but still want 4x4 but a smaller truck, but not a new one.
years ago i had a toyota truck with a 22r motor [great motor] and when i sold it i had over 120,000 mile on it without any major repairs. preventive maintince i believe is the key. i still see that truck running around.
yep, smaller truck, better mileage.
take care. ron
years ago i had a toyota truck with a 22r motor [great motor] and when i sold it i had over 120,000 mile on it without any major repairs. preventive maintince i believe is the key. i still see that truck running around.
yep, smaller truck, better mileage.
take care. ron
#25
materialove
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Posted 14 May 2010 - 08:46 AM
Giving the subaru outback a look at. Looks ok on the internet. Any thoughts on the matter.
#26
materialove
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Posted 19 May 2010 - 09:31 PM
Just bought a 2010 Chevy Cobalt to run to work Supposed to get 30 miles to gallon. Also bought 2010 3/4 ton 4x4 chevy truck. Will give the 2003 dodge to my grandson. Will post some pictures soon as they get here.
#27
maui
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Posted 20 May 2010 - 12:01 AM
materialove, wow, good for you and don't forget to post pictures when you can.
take care. ron
take care. ron
#28
johnb
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Posted 20 May 2010 - 08:33 AM
I had a 87 ford bronco 2, 6 cylinder 4 wheel drive. Low to mid twenties and engine lasted 420,000 miles with mobil one synthetic oil. My best car was a 2002 Buick Regal LS with the 3800 V6 motor. Got 25-28 miles around town and 30 on interstate. On trips drivin around 45-55 miles an hour I got as much as 33-34. Lots of power, safe car and the mileage was great. I am looking for a 2002-2004 regal ls for trips where i don't need my ford escape with 4wd. That regal with the 3800 gm engine was incredible. No problems till 140,000 miles, smooth ride, great road trip or commute vehicle!!
#29
El Dorado
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Posted 20 May 2010 - 05:28 PM
Mrs El Dorado has an amazing car that no one really hears about. Its a VW TDI (2006) now that she has 60K on it the mileage is just amazing. She is getting 44mpg! Better than one of those hybrids that lack power and she has tons of room and comfort.........
My 2002 Taco only gets about 15mpg but for a 300 hp 4X4 mini truck I am good with that.........(It's got a TRD supercharger + a few other goodies).......
Congrats ton the job, hope it works out very well for you
My 2002 Taco only gets about 15mpg but for a 300 hp 4X4 mini truck I am good with that.........(It's got a TRD supercharger + a few other goodies).......
Congrats ton the job, hope it works out very well for you
#30
materialove
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Posted 23 May 2010 - 03:40 PM
Pictures of car and truck. Got tools loaded to go to new job.
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#31
LarryAzAu
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Posted 17 October 2010 - 11:28 PM
I have a 2003 Ranger Edge, it has a 3 liter, 6 cylinder engine and was wonder was gas mileage it has and how much gas I will need to get from Peoria to Gold Basin, does anyone know?Get you a 4 cylinder Ford ranger, you'll get around 28-30 miles a gallon if its a 5 speed standard and two wheel drive. My uncle had one for a shop truck and put over 200,000 on it with no problems. Grubstake
Larry
#32
Grubstake
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Posted 17 October 2010 - 11:39 PM
Prob. a tank there and one back. My last ranger was a 4x4 with a 6 and a 5 speed tranny. Had one 16 gallon tank, I could go from Mariposa to Needles on one tank. or about 425 miles. Grubstake
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