What year Ranger?

covill · 2010-07-20 21:14:57

Hi guys,
If you could pick any year ranger, Which would it be?(oldest through 2010, 0r 2011)
Why?
Which year or years would you avoid ?
Why?

I'm looking to buy one, but the reliability issue has got me a little spooked. Buying one seems kinda like a crap shoot. Your advice could help improve the odds of getting a good one.

Thanks for your help.

RANGERDALEXP · 2010-07-21 11:50:52

Hi guys,
If you could pick any year ranger, Which would it be?(oldest through 2010, 0r 2011)
Why?
Which year or years would you avoid ?
Why?
I'm looking to buy one, but the reliability issue has got me a little spooked. Buying one seems kinda like a crap shoot. Your advice could help improve the odds of getting a good one.
Thanks for your help.

The answer to question #1 is the 2012 Ranger. Why I say this is they just started to run the new drive line and engine package and it has not proven itself yet.

The answer to question #2 is there is no years to avoid. each year had its own set of problems but all have been good machines. The 2005 to 2006 models had better pulling power due to a lower gearing and are easier to modify. the 2007 to 2008 had the 50 mph top speed and a little quieter drive line with a speed gage but was not as easy to modify. the 2009 was the first year for the new body style and front suspension but had excessive heat issues coming from under the dash. this can be mostly fixed with 2010 upgrade parts. The 2010 models have a completely new unproven running gear and the under dash heating issue mostly addressed.

As for the reliability issue I have a 2005 that has been worked hard and has never had an issue. It is all in how it is taken care of :idea: I do all my own work on it but for someone that is not mechanically inclined and relies on the dealership for work and maintenance it is the roll of the dice. There are a lot of bad dealers out there. You must find a good dealership with a well trained mechanic :idea: :!: .

covill · 2010-07-21 19:58:13

2012 might be too long to wait. I am kinda waiting to see what the 2011 models bring.

Have guys been having problems with the 2010 800's drivetrain? Is the 800 engine and drive line similar to what they have been using in the rzr's or something completely new?

I'd also considered the 2010 400 ranger. $8300 otd for it. The 2010 ranger 800 is $10,700 otd.
2005 or 2006 sound like they may be the way to go if a clean one can be found.

I think my local dealer is great, but they always have a lot of ranger's in the pick-up area of their yard.
I'm coming from the dirt bike world where reliability is so good it's a non-issue. I was really shocked to read some of these posts and talk to owners of utv's.

Thanks,

RANGERDALEXP · 2010-07-21 22:06:37

The engine is basically the same as the RZR or the Sportsman. It is the one piece engine transmission that is new in the 2010 ranger and it still has not had enough time to be proven. It is only been out for around 9 months. If you need to get one the earliest would be mid 2011 maybe. I will not touch one my self till 2012. Anything that is first year has growing pains or problems and you normally don't start hearing things till the second year as they get miles and time on them.

For instance, look at the first year of the Honda TRX400 with clutch issues. The 2003 and 2004 ford 6.0 powerstroke had a mountain of computer re-flashes. The same goes for the 6.4 also. My buddy has the first year Duramax and has had to have re flashes for the first few years, now he says the transmission is doing funny stuff and has had a few trouble codes on injectors.

Polaris always seems to change models every third year and I would expect the next major change to be on the 2013 models. There will be some slight changes and or updates till then. The 2009 and the 2010 model would be the exception to that rule.....

Regardless of make or model, if you do some digging you will find dirt on it :idea: ....

covill · 2010-07-22 16:28:09

Your right about finding some dirt if you look hard enough.

Thanks for your help. You've got me thinking a clean used ranger may be the best way to go.........as I wait for the 2012's to come out.

i.hunt · 2010-09-06 13:45:32

I am putting a 5 year warrnty on my 2010 that should take care of problems that may come up.....

#1 2010-07-20 21:14:57

Re: What year Ranger?

#2 2010-07-21 11:50:52

Re: What year Ranger?

#3 2010-07-21 19:58:13

Re: What year Ranger?

#4 2010-07-21 22:06:37

Re: What year Ranger?

#5 2010-07-22 16:28:09

Re: What year Ranger?

#6 2010-09-06 13:45:32

Re: What year Ranger?

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