7th Feb 2008, 21:14

I saw something today that I need to comment on. We are continually subjected to the "imports are better" chant by those who have been misled by advertising hype. Today I saw (again) a very clear example of how truly OVERBUILT domestic trucks (even small ones) are.

There was a huge traffic tie-up, and closer inspection revealed that a loaded semi had rear-ended a 2006 Ranger Sport Supercab, driving it into the rear of another loaded semi. The back semi had literally driven into the bed of the Ranger. The semi's right front tire was resting against the rear of the Ranger's cab. In spite of supporting probably 25-30% of the full weight of the semi tractor, the Ranger's suspension was not bottomed out and the frame was not buckled. Up front the Ranger's front end from the front bumper to the windshield had been shortened by at least half its original length, but the truck's windshield was not even cracked. The passenger compartment was totally untouched and the driver didn't get so much as a scratch. I've seen this time and again with Rangers. They are just plain tough.

And it isn't just Rangers. Two years ago a young kid in a Tacoma turned left in front of my Dodge Dakota. My truck was damaged, but did not even have a busted radiator and would start and run. When the police asked the Tacoma driver if he could move HIS truck, he stammered that the frame was buckled, the engine wouldn't turn over and it appeared that the gear selector was no longer hooked to the transmission. His truck was loaded on a flatbed and hauled away. That's pretty typical of import trucks. They are made of much lighter, less durable materials and do not have the solid bracing and large frame members that all domestics (large and small) have. In a crash they crumple like tinfoil.

The import boosters never seem to have the slightest bit of data to support their chants of "It's better because we say so". Not once have we seen a comparison of the size and strength of the structural members of an import truck compared to that of a domestic truck, or an article being quoted about a Tacoma that made half a million miles. Just 3 months ago Consumer Reports carried an article and pictures of a Ranger with 488,000 miles on it with no breakdowns. Today I just read an article about a 1976 Ford F-100 that was purchased new and is still driven daily with over 600,000 miles on the original drivetrain. That is the kind of data I look for, not "It's better because I say so". Those kind of comments just make people go buy more Fords (and Chevys and GM's).

5th Nov 2008, 22:24

If someone ran a yield sign and damaged your truck, you don't have to settle for the liable party's insurance company's offer. You can demand what you feel the vehicle is worth.

Several years ago a kid in a Tacoma ran a stop sign and I T-boned him. His insurance company wrote off my 5-year-old Dodge truck as a total (even though it was still drivable, but both air bags were out). I demanded, and got, the full purchase price of the truck new less $800 because of its immaculate condition.

Never give in to pressure from insurance companies to settle for less than they should pay you.

7th Jul 2009, 20:21

I have enjoyed reading the comments about the Ford Ranger line of pickups.

I once liked GM products until I purchased my 1995 Ford Ranger XLT 4X2 Extended cab 4.0l w/manual 5 speed. The best riding truck with independent front suspension. I loved that truck so much that I then ordered me a 2000 Ford XLT Sport 4X4 Supercab, again with manual and 4.0 litre. Absolutely my favorite of the three.

So now I own a 2006 Ford Ranger XLT 4X$ Supercab. This time automatic and 4.0 l. All three have been the best vehicles.

I think Ranger's rule. Someone on here mentioned how ugly Chevys are and they are so right. Just wanted to share.

8th Jul 2009, 12:38

Well, regardless of your belief, it's 100% true. The check for this truck was $834 less than the purchase price paid for the truck brand new in October of 2000. All my vehicles are kept in absolutely show-room condition. In addition, Dodge trucks have (contrary to import misinformation) incredibly GOOD resale values. In addition, I bought this truck at an incredible sale price and got over $5000 off the list price on it. It was the lowest price Dodge ever sold this model for. That helped as well. I always buy from dealer stock (it's thousands cheaper) and look for awesome sales prices.

Most people who buy trucks abuse them, never wax them, and get scratches all over them. My vehicles are waxed (with 2 coats of expensive carnauba wax) twice a year and maintained very meticulously. We've sold three of our cars for exactly what we paid for them. They were all bought used and driven for a minimum of three years. Caring for vehicles pays off.

8th Jul 2009, 12:48

"If someone ran a yield sign and damaged your truck, you don't have to settle for the liable party's insurance company's offer. You can demand what you feel the vehicle is worth."

This statement is true and needs to be heeded. Insurance companies HAVE to pay what the vehicle is worth TO YOU unless they can show just cause why it isn't worth that. My brother's Chevy Z-34 was totally by a careless driver and he was given over $1000 MORE than the original purchase price to replace the car. They didn't even haggle. A good friend had their unrestored 1967 Plymouth Barracuda totaled by another driver and the other party's insurance company had the nerve to offer them just $2000 for the car!! After securing a letter from an antique car appraiser they were awarded over $20,000. Stand your ground. Don't be bullied by insurance companies.

8th Jul 2009, 13:09

Probably cheaper to pay out more by the insurance company than negligence suit. I got a nice settlement vs just looking for car value alone.

11th Jul 2009, 13:19

The Barracuda in question was NEAR MINT condition. Though unrestored it had been pampered and flawlessly maintained. The body was in perfect condition as was the interior. Many of these cars go for over $50,000, so $20,000 was a BARGAIN for the insurance company. In my case my truck was BETTER than new condition, and paying me $800 less than purchase price for it was far easier than paying what I would have sued them for if they hadn't.

When you are a victim of a careless driver, you DON'T have to settle for a less-than-fair amount for your vehicle. YOU have the upper hand. When my brother's nearly new Z-34 was totally by a careless driver his (the at-fault driver's) insurance company didn't even haggle. They immediately cut him a check for $1000 MORE than he paid for the car brand new, including tax, title and license fees.

One of our friends even sued THEIR OWN insurance company over a less than fair award. They won.