Considering a Ranger
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From: Near Bloom, PA
Considering a Ranger
Hello to the Ranger Forum!
I've browsed through a few topics here and plan on reading more, but maybe you all can help anyway.
I want to replace my wife's winter beater truck with something a little less...beat. She would like a small 4x4 truck for winter driving, and she likes the older Rangers. So I found one at one of those side-of-the-road dealers, cheap (I think). Here's the skinny:
1988 Ranger Xcab 4x4 Auto, auto hubs
153K miles
No major rust underneath, very minor surface rust in the usual places.
No visible leaks.
Tailgate latch and cables broken.
Cheap bedliner, bed underneath has been used, still only minor paint damage.
Interior has burn holes, body has a few dings, but all in all 90% better than what she has now.
Asking $1995 as-is (90-day warranty available at extra $)
Don't know the rep of the dealer, he's been there for years.
I don't know much about Rangers. The dealer was closed when we looked at it, so I don't know the engine size (what did they come with in 88?) or how well it runs. If we go to test drive it, what should I be looking for? Are there any major problems I should be aware of? I remember someone telling me that the transmission was expensive to fix and very hard to find used.
Basically I just want some input so I can go to the dealer armed.
Any help? Thanks...
I've browsed through a few topics here and plan on reading more, but maybe you all can help anyway.
I want to replace my wife's winter beater truck with something a little less...beat. She would like a small 4x4 truck for winter driving, and she likes the older Rangers. So I found one at one of those side-of-the-road dealers, cheap (I think). Here's the skinny:
1988 Ranger Xcab 4x4 Auto, auto hubs
153K miles
No major rust underneath, very minor surface rust in the usual places.
No visible leaks.
Tailgate latch and cables broken.
Cheap bedliner, bed underneath has been used, still only minor paint damage.
Interior has burn holes, body has a few dings, but all in all 90% better than what she has now.
Asking $1995 as-is (90-day warranty available at extra $)
Don't know the rep of the dealer, he's been there for years.
I don't know much about Rangers. The dealer was closed when we looked at it, so I don't know the engine size (what did they come with in 88?) or how well it runs. If we go to test drive it, what should I be looking for? Are there any major problems I should be aware of? I remember someone telling me that the transmission was expensive to fix and very hard to find used.
Basically I just want some input so I can go to the dealer armed.
Any help? Thanks...
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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An uncle of mine had an 87 and guy at my church had an 88. They are currently at 185,000 and 175000. Neither has required and MAJOR work. Both were manual so couldnt answer for the tranny. One had a slight problem with the alignment of a window. Neither suggested any specific problems to look for, only the normal rust spots you would find on the underside of any vehicle. Particularly bad rust on the front coils and roughly 2/3 way back inside the frame rails, though neither should have too much affect on driveability. Good luck!
Posting Guru
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From: N. Florida - The "No 4x4
Hey Bigger Bowers,
nice to see you slummin in the Ranger forum!
I have learned from being here that the 4 cylinder Ragers are terrible about warped/cracked/ or otherwise damaged, cylinder heads.
So obviously, if this Ranger has a 4-banger you are going to want to be particularly aware of any symptoms relating to this problem.
FWIW, HTH, and all that stuff.
nice to see you slummin in the Ranger forum!
I have learned from being here that the 4 cylinder Ragers are terrible about warped/cracked/ or otherwise damaged, cylinder heads.
So obviously, if this Ranger has a 4-banger you are going to want to be particularly aware of any symptoms relating to this problem.
FWIW, HTH, and all that stuff.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 859
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From: philly pa
that price is pretty high for that mileage. it would have to we a 4.0 before i would consider it. i've seen these trucks last to 300k, but thats with a manual tranny. i'd offer them 1500. at that price, even if something went wrong you could afford to fix it. the guy i bought my ranger from was asking 1900 and i got it for 1500.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 413
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From: Connecticut
Howdy 2Bowers,
Love your Avitar! It speaks the truth!
You are probably going to get a lot of respondants to your queston. Ultimately...the choice will be yours alone!
I've added so many items, (1.5 grand; not including all my own labor) to mine, it is almost new, but my wife + I both agree that it's well worth it!
Love your Avitar! It speaks the truth!
You are probably going to get a lot of respondants to your queston. Ultimately...the choice will be yours alone!
I've added so many items, (1.5 grand; not including all my own labor) to mine, it is almost new, but my wife + I both agree that it's well worth it!
Last edited by wolfen; Nov 18, 2003 at 07:03 AM.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Buffalo Ny
I have to agree that price is high. I bought an 87 regular cab 4x4 with a 2.9 last week. It has 102,000 miles, one owner, normal reust on the quarter panels and doors, no bed rust, interior is like new, 31's with less than 3,000 miles on them. But had a busted brake line when I bought it. So after about $200 and hours of my time has a complete new brake system (lines, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, calipers, and shoes). But I only payed $750 for the truck 
Runs great... lots of power for a little truck. I know here in NY if you look in the paper the older rangers are rarely over $1500 most between 500 and 1000. Just be carefull how much you put into it because chances are you will be spending more to fix something later. I also have an 88 2wd. Both are good little truks but you have to keep age and milage in mind. And both require patience to work on. My 79 Bronco is the easiest thing I have ever owned to work on. I bought it 5 years ago and would never dream of selling it. And for the price you are talking there you may be able to find something bigger and easier to maintain for the same price.\Good Luck,
Kevin
Runs great... lots of power for a little truck. I know here in NY if you look in the paper the older rangers are rarely over $1500 most between 500 and 1000. Just be carefull how much you put into it because chances are you will be spending more to fix something later. I also have an 88 2wd. Both are good little truks but you have to keep age and milage in mind. And both require patience to work on. My 79 Bronco is the easiest thing I have ever owned to work on. I bought it 5 years ago and would never dream of selling it. And for the price you are talking there you may be able to find something bigger and easier to maintain for the same price.\Good Luck,Kevin
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 413
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From: Connecticut
Hi again gang,
Bet I know why this price is so high! It's from a dealer + it's "BLUE BOOK" valued!
What does it have for a motor anyway or did I miss it?
Bet I know why this price is so high! It's from a dealer + it's "BLUE BOOK" valued!
What does it have for a motor anyway or did I miss it?
Last edited by wolfen; Nov 18, 2003 at 12:02 PM.
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Post Fiend
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From: South Jersey
It should be a 2.9L V-6, the only issue they have is cracking head(s) when overheated but I'm sure you would find out you have a cracked head in 90 days. Otherwisw the 2.9 is a good engine.
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Posting Guru
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From: Near Bloom, PA
Originally posted by wolfen
Hi again gang,
Bet I know why this price is so high! It's from a dealer + it's "BLUE BOOK" valued!
What does it have for a motor anyway or did I miss it?
Hi again gang,
Bet I know why this price is so high! It's from a dealer + it's "BLUE BOOK" valued!
What does it have for a motor anyway or did I miss it?
I don't know what engine it has yet, I wanted to check here for anything I needed to know before I went back during business hours.
As far as getting something bigger for the same price, we have 3 fullsize trucks and a Buick, and want to get rid of one of the gas hogs for a more fuel-efficient truck. (She will not part with the Buick unless I replace it with a Grand National, so guess what, it stays.
)Thanks for your replies so far, keep 'em coming! Planning on going back to the dealer Saturday.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: South Dakota
I also agree that's a tad high for that type of vehicle.
I really feel that you'd be better off in a mid 90's ranger...but dont expect monster gas milage out of any 4x4 with the 3.0L or the 4.0L motor.
My 00 4.0L ranger 5spd 4x4, that I traded in about 2 mo ago, got about 16-18 at best.
My F-150 S-Crew gets 15 mpg in town, with a heavy right foot (I sure love the sound of my exhaust!
)
If your looking at good milage, the 2wd 3.0L's and the 4 bangers run in the low to mid 20's
I really feel that you'd be better off in a mid 90's ranger...but dont expect monster gas milage out of any 4x4 with the 3.0L or the 4.0L motor.
My 00 4.0L ranger 5spd 4x4, that I traded in about 2 mo ago, got about 16-18 at best.
My F-150 S-Crew gets 15 mpg in town, with a heavy right foot (I sure love the sound of my exhaust!
)If your looking at good milage, the 2wd 3.0L's and the 4 bangers run in the low to mid 20's
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Posting Guru
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From: Near Bloom, PA
MPG for her truck is around 12, mainly due to age and carb problems(which I may or may not have fixed last week). So even 15-18 is better IMO. And hers may not pass inspection.
She definitely wants a 4x4, got some nasty roads in the winter. We have had problems getting out of our parking lot in town after the plows block us in too. (yes I have a shovel, but 4WD is more fun!)
If the Ranger runs decent, I had planned to offer $1500 if they included the 90-day warranty. (How much does that kind of add-on warranty usually cost, anyway? For 6 months on our Bronco it was $300)
Full size trucks here are pricey in the winter, I just saw a rusted-out '94 Ford F150 4x4 for $7500. Not a chance.
Basically we want a snow truck for winter only, nothing fancy, just something safer/better shape than her FrankenTruck. She loves her truck, but this is the first time she has agreed to pasture-ize it, so it must be getting bad.
I forgot to mention: the Ranger was the XLT (XT? something) option package, does this mean anything as far as engine size?
She definitely wants a 4x4, got some nasty roads in the winter. We have had problems getting out of our parking lot in town after the plows block us in too. (yes I have a shovel, but 4WD is more fun!)
If the Ranger runs decent, I had planned to offer $1500 if they included the 90-day warranty. (How much does that kind of add-on warranty usually cost, anyway? For 6 months on our Bronco it was $300)
Full size trucks here are pricey in the winter, I just saw a rusted-out '94 Ford F150 4x4 for $7500. Not a chance.
Basically we want a snow truck for winter only, nothing fancy, just something safer/better shape than her FrankenTruck. She loves her truck, but this is the first time she has agreed to pasture-ize it, so it must be getting bad.
I forgot to mention: the Ranger was the XLT (XT? something) option package, does this mean anything as far as engine size?
Last edited by 2Bowers; Nov 18, 2003 at 06:58 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: BC Canada
I got my '88 Ranger w/2.9L V6 Mtx with only 117000km (72700miles) for $2000.CAD. Granted I had to put about $900.cad into it for brakes, shocks oil lube etc... but that price was pretty good up here. I think the dealer is asking too much IMO..
Ya gotta go with the 6 -2.9litre engine imo. Runs great. Good power, EFI. If you have a regular mechanic, Id suggest him have a look at it. Just to get an objective point of view. Chances are the dealer probably doenst know too much about the cars he/she is selling anyway.... just my $.02 worth
Ya gotta go with the 6 -2.9litre engine imo. Runs great. Good power, EFI. If you have a regular mechanic, Id suggest him have a look at it. Just to get an objective point of view. Chances are the dealer probably doenst know too much about the cars he/she is selling anyway.... just my $.02 worth
Posting Guru
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From: California Desert
If you are looking for fuel efficiency, a Ranger is not the best way to go. I love my new Ranger and I wouldn't trade it for the world, but nothing beats the gas mileage of an early-mid 90's Toyota pickup. Hate to say that but it's true. On the other hand...if you want a vehicle that can get out of it's own way, the Ranger is a much better choice, no matter the engine size. (I'm still looking for a super or a turbocharger for mine.) Sorry if I offended any die-hard Ford lovers with this one, but if you ever gave a Toyota truck the chance, I think you'd like it almost as much!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: South Dakota
Originally posted by 2Bowers
Full size trucks here are pricey in the winter, I just saw a rusted-out '94 Ford F150 4x4 for $7500. Not a chance.
Basically we want a snow truck for winter only, nothing fancy, just something safer/better shape than her FrankenTruck. She loves her truck, but this is the first time she has agreed to pasture-ize it, so it must be getting bad.
I forgot to mention: the Ranger was the XLT (XT? something) option package, does this mean anything as far as engine size?
Full size trucks here are pricey in the winter, I just saw a rusted-out '94 Ford F150 4x4 for $7500. Not a chance.
Basically we want a snow truck for winter only, nothing fancy, just something safer/better shape than her FrankenTruck. She loves her truck, but this is the first time she has agreed to pasture-ize it, so it must be getting bad.
I forgot to mention: the Ranger was the XLT (XT? something) option package, does this mean anything as far as engine size?
I could be cheaper than another vehicle sitting your driveway by the time you figure in taxes and such.
I hear you on the pricing....begining of spring is the best time to buy a truck.
XLT is nothing more than a trim level, doesn't have anything to do with motors...
If you decide to get the truck, I would seriously think about not getting the warranty, IMO, they are a waste of money (unless its a new newer vehicle). Not to mention the parts are cheap and easy to work on for a midsize truck.
Does your state have a "lemon law"?
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Posting Guru
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From: Near Bloom, PA
I'll check on the lemon law - anyone here from PA know, by any chance?
As far as fixing her winter truck: It's an 81 Chevy that has already been "saved" twice from farmer's fields. It runs OK, only ever had to put a starter on it and rebuild the carb, but it doesn't have a lot of power, it's a 3spd O/D stick with hardly any clutch left, the heater doesn't work too well, and the body rust is getting so bad the bondo patch panels are falling out. (OK, she says I knocked them loose when I hit the mountain last year, sliding on the ice. Either way...) Plus the windshield leaks, which means frozen puddle on the floorboard, and it's 2WD.
Just being a Chevy is a good case for replacement, to me. But the thing won't die, she can't hurt it any worse, and she has 3 good sets of tires for it (which will fit the Ranger!), so that's her argument. Stubborn woman. This is why I'm trying to follow up on this, I never thought she'd part with it without surgical intervention but she really likes the idea of a Ranger 4x4.
As far as fixing her winter truck: It's an 81 Chevy that has already been "saved" twice from farmer's fields. It runs OK, only ever had to put a starter on it and rebuild the carb, but it doesn't have a lot of power, it's a 3spd O/D stick with hardly any clutch left, the heater doesn't work too well, and the body rust is getting so bad the bondo patch panels are falling out. (OK, she says I knocked them loose when I hit the mountain last year, sliding on the ice. Either way...) Plus the windshield leaks, which means frozen puddle on the floorboard, and it's 2WD.
Just being a Chevy is a good case for replacement, to me. But the thing won't die, she can't hurt it any worse, and she has 3 good sets of tires for it (which will fit the Ranger!), so that's her argument. Stubborn woman. This is why I'm trying to follow up on this, I never thought she'd part with it without surgical intervention but she really likes the idea of a Ranger 4x4.