Wednesday, October 23, 2013

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 1999 Ford Explorer 4x4

1999 Ford Ranger XLT, Red, Truck, 112686 mi, $4,995 http://bit.ly/GYxjhP 4wd, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 14/18

The Ford Ranger is one of the smaller and lighter pick-up trucks. Yet, it has almost as much cargo space as a larger truck.

This particular Ford Ranger has low mileage for its year and has 4 wheel drive with a 4.0 liter V-6 engine. So it’s reliable and powerful.

SPECS / FEATURES
AOL Autos

MSN Autos

Yahoo! Autos
USER REVIEWS
MSN Autos
EXPERT REVIEW
NewCarTestDrive:
INTRODUCTION: Ford's Ranger is one of the best compact pickups on the market. It's certainly the most popular. Responsive handling on the highway, impressive suspension performance off road and a comfortable ride everywhere make it a great choice as a light-duty truck.

The chassis was re-engineered two years ago and it really paid off. It handles rough dirt roads well, but what's really impressive is its handling and steering response on paved mountain roads.
This newest-generation Ranger boasts a rigid chassis, a new front suspension, a redesigned interior, improved engines, fresh styling and, on 4x4 models, a clever new four-wheel-drive system-elements that add up to a great truck.

WALK AROUND: “While pickup watchers are aware of the Ranger's new look, the most beneficial improvement comes from its new chassis. The front third of the frame features fully boxed side frame rails for a significant increase in torsional rigidity. (A rigid frame reduces unwanted vibration and allows the engineers to design a suspension that more precisely controls wheel movement for improved ride and handling.)”
DRIVING IMPRESSION: “The new Ranger does not drive like a traditional truck. Steering response and handling in transient maneuvers could almost be described in sports car terms. Winding over narrow mountain roads north of Los Angeles, we found the Ranger to be a vehicle that inspires confidence in the driver. Before long we were rounding curves with bravado usually reserved for sports sedans.”

SUMMARY: “The new Ranger may be the best compact pickup truck on the market. Its driving qualities leave the other trucks in the dust, yet it offers plenty of power and hauling capacity to get the work done.”
VIDEO

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: Toyota Matrix

The Toyota Matrix is a compact car, but it is built with more cargo space. It’s ideal for those who don’t want an SUV, but need space for a pet or hauling around equipment.

We have three of them on the lot currently.
2009 Toyota Matrix S, Black, Hatchback, 79540 mi, $13,995 http://bit.ly/1cH5ohR AWD, Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26
2005 Toyota Matrix XR, Blue, Hatchback, 76909 mi, $8,995 http://bit.ly/1bMnaT9 Compact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 26/33
2009 Toyota Matrix, Black, Hatchback, 120626 mi, $10,995 http://bit.ly/1bMnfpZ Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 25/31

2007 Toyota Matrix, White, Hatchback, 85068 mi, $8,995 http://bit.ly/1bMngKs Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 25/31