The cheapest deal on wheels...

So a few days ago, I noticed this autoblog article that Ford was bumping incentives on the F-150 up to $4000+ to move the '08 models for the '09 redesign.

That got me wondering how much Ford was offering on the Ranger. I checked their website - they currently are offering $3500 on the Ranger. Looking at dealer inventory, there were several near me with stripped models on the lots. You could get a 2wd base Ranger for $12,505 with a stick shift or $13,005 with an auto. And that's list after rebates - even the world's worst haggler could probably knock at least a few hundred off that.

That seems like a hell of a bargain to me - a brand new truck, with a 3 year bumper to bumper and 5 year powertrain warranty - for $13000. Yes, it's a stripper - manual locks and windows, plastic grill, 2wd so it sucks in the rain. Still, it seems like a hell of a deal if you are in the market for a new vehicle.

Granted, when I bought mine a year and a half ago, I ponied up quite a bit more than that and got 4wd, an extended cab, a good bit of power stuff, a 4.0 v6, and a good stereo. But if you are looking for basic transportation, $13k for a brand-new vehicle seems like a steal.