Where is the "sweet spot" for buying a 4-banger 2WD/MT Ranger
#1
Where is the "sweet spot" for buying a 4-banger 2WD/MT Ranger
Hey guys,
My son is in the market for a new car/truck. He currently has an Outback that is likely on its last legs. He'll consider a compact 2WD pickup and that includes a Ranger. My experience is with an 87 and 91 4WD and that's been a while back. He can spend up to $4K but would like to spend less.
Where do you guys consider the be the "sweet spot" in terms of getting the best Ranger for the buck? Hoping you guys can tell me what range year based on better engines & trannys, reliability, get up & go (if you can call it that with a 4-banger), better front suspension, etc. and maybe what to avoid. I'd like for him to get at least a 96 to get OBDII in case he needs to do any troubleshooting. Would also be great if he could get 4 wheel ABS if that came on a certain year (as opposed to the crappy rear wheel ABS). He's about 6' and, as I recall, in about 98 or so they made the regular cab bigger? Doesn't have to be a stretch cab.
He won't be driving it a lot at any given time (like to ride his bike if he can) but he will, on occasion, need to got across state lines while he's moving between seasonal jobs. He would like to tow my 14' boat on occasion (very light boat, I can tow it easily with my Focus).
Thanks for any advice guys!
BB
My son is in the market for a new car/truck. He currently has an Outback that is likely on its last legs. He'll consider a compact 2WD pickup and that includes a Ranger. My experience is with an 87 and 91 4WD and that's been a while back. He can spend up to $4K but would like to spend less.
Where do you guys consider the be the "sweet spot" in terms of getting the best Ranger for the buck? Hoping you guys can tell me what range year based on better engines & trannys, reliability, get up & go (if you can call it that with a 4-banger), better front suspension, etc. and maybe what to avoid. I'd like for him to get at least a 96 to get OBDII in case he needs to do any troubleshooting. Would also be great if he could get 4 wheel ABS if that came on a certain year (as opposed to the crappy rear wheel ABS). He's about 6' and, as I recall, in about 98 or so they made the regular cab bigger? Doesn't have to be a stretch cab.
He won't be driving it a lot at any given time (like to ride his bike if he can) but he will, on occasion, need to got across state lines while he's moving between seasonal jobs. He would like to tow my 14' boat on occasion (very light boat, I can tow it easily with my Focus).
Thanks for any advice guys!
BB
#3
I definitely recommend you read the Ranger Technical information here on the FTE site - link below.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...formation.html
I have a 1994 Ranger XLT 4.0 OHV 2wd with 193,000 miles. It has been the most trouble-free and reliable vehicle I have ever owned. It gets between 16 and 22 mpg depending on conditions.
Watch out for the SOHC 4.0 engines, make sure that if the truck has one, the well-known timing chain guide issue has been addressed already.
Good luck in your search, be patient. Call around, test drive a few vehicles before you make a decision, if possible. Best of luck!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...formation.html
I have a 1994 Ranger XLT 4.0 OHV 2wd with 193,000 miles. It has been the most trouble-free and reliable vehicle I have ever owned. It gets between 16 and 22 mpg depending on conditions.
Watch out for the SOHC 4.0 engines, make sure that if the truck has one, the well-known timing chain guide issue has been addressed already.
Good luck in your search, be patient. Call around, test drive a few vehicles before you make a decision, if possible. Best of luck!
#5
Another option, if you happen to visit the country frequently, is to pick up something from a small town away from large population centers. Prices tend to be lower, but you may not always find what you're looking for.
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madpogue
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
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08-16-2008 12:02 PM