Hi Friends,

I am considering purchasing a Ford Ranger xlt, 2002, with a 4 cyl and extended cab. The Truck has 250k...lol. TRUCK runs decent and blows cold air, shifts fine, a little rough on the body but for $1500 ---not sure i can complain.

The owner claims he

• redid the AC (looks like he did)
• Engine work (truck runs good)
• Tranny over-haul (shifts fine)

As a Smart Buyer;

• What should i be looking for ?
• What are the most obvious "Issues" with these trucks?
• Any tips you can give before i check the car 1 more time?
• ONE THING i did notice, when moving the shifter, i had trouble finding reverse and drive (like the gear shifter was worn and couldn't find Reverse, drive, etc). However, once in gear it ran smooth.

What do you Think ? ? ?

Thanks for your Constructive input...


~B

 

KBB shows the value at about 2k so it might be a decent deal

 

It may need a transmission rebuild soon or maybe the clutch is acting up and not fully disengaging for shifting. So factor that in.

 

One of the main selling points of the ranger is how cheap they are. You can find most any part for the truck for under $100, that includes an entire bed. Keep in mind that these trucks went for 10-15 brand new optioned like you are talking, and because of that, they are typically treated like cheap trucks. Check for rust, that's a big problem with these trucks, for whatever reason , the frames love to rust pretty bad. Take it out and push it a bit and through all the gears. I don't buy vehicles if I can't put the pedal to the floor without fear. $1500 isn't bad, but I've found a 2003 with 4wd and a 4.0L loaded up for the same price with the same mileage.


If it's an auto and you are talking about the shift indicator not lining up, that's also common, and easy to fix, but it shouldn't affect drivability. Mine does that too, and you can just pull the lever to the bottom, release it, and push it towards the dash while moving it back up toward park. It should click all the way up to neutral, and then if you pull it down (you don't even have to lift the lever) it'll be in drive, push it up one from neutral, and that's reverse. A new trans will cost the value of the truck installed, and motor job will be about the same, so consider that. Makes sure the fluids look good, the oil has been maintained, and make sure you get to hear it crank when cold.

That's just me, but I buy vehicles for a life long usage, so I expect them to be in top shape and ready for that. Good luck, we'd love for you to join the awesome family of rangers owners and I'm sure you love it too when you find the right one.

 

My 98 Ranger (3.0, 2wd, 5 speed) has 263,900 miles and still going strong. I replaced the clutch at 247K and head gaskets about 10K later, other than that, it was just normal routine maintenance. I wouldn't dream of selling my little truck for $1,500.00. It still gets 23 mpg and only uses about 1/2 quart of oil in 3,000 miles. The oil consumption didn't start until I had the valves re-seated while the heads were off. My advice is to buy it.