Question before buying '97 Ranger
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Question before buying '97 Ranger
I have been looking for a used truck when I found out my neighbor is selling her 1997 Ford Ranger XLT. I’m not too car savvy so I started searching the Internet for Ford Rangers and stumbled across this site. The truck is a 2wd automatic with 120,000 miles and I believe she has been the only owner. I was wondering if there are any precautions I should take with this particular year Ranger with over 100,000 miles. I plan on having a mechanic friend of mine check it out first but just wanted to see if there is anything I should be on the look out for. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Bryan
Bryan
Last edited by bryan0514; Oct 24, 2005 at 10:09 PM. Reason: Forgot to add info.
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Bryan,
I bought my 97 Ranger 6 years ago and there are just a few minor things I have had to have done to it outside of normal maintenance. The first thing I had to have fixed, under warranty thank goodness, was a computer module that made the wipers and washer come on at any time. I have had the O2 sensor replaced and a couple of minor leaks like the speedometer cable into the transmission and the heater valve. The only thing that is still outstanding that I have not had fixed is the heater door into the cab. The housing is cracked and it will not shut which is a real pain when you want to run just the vent, it lets in hot engine air. I will have that fixed before next summer but it is an $800 job because of the labor involved, they have to pull the dashboard. I have a friend that has a 97 too and he had to have his fixed. Outside of what I have listed, in the 6 years I have had it, it has been a perfect truck. Runs great, hauls anything and is dependable as can be. I am expecting to get another 80,000 miles out of it easy.
I bought my 97 Ranger 6 years ago and there are just a few minor things I have had to have done to it outside of normal maintenance. The first thing I had to have fixed, under warranty thank goodness, was a computer module that made the wipers and washer come on at any time. I have had the O2 sensor replaced and a couple of minor leaks like the speedometer cable into the transmission and the heater valve. The only thing that is still outstanding that I have not had fixed is the heater door into the cab. The housing is cracked and it will not shut which is a real pain when you want to run just the vent, it lets in hot engine air. I will have that fixed before next summer but it is an $800 job because of the labor involved, they have to pull the dashboard. I have a friend that has a 97 too and he had to have his fixed. Outside of what I have listed, in the 6 years I have had it, it has been a perfect truck. Runs great, hauls anything and is dependable as can be. I am expecting to get another 80,000 miles out of it easy.
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From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by bryan0514
I have been looking for a used truck when I found out my neighbor is selling her 1997 Ford Ranger XLT. I’m not too car savvy so I started searching the Internet for Ford Rangers and stumbled across this site. The truck is a 2wd automatic with 120,000 miles and I believe she has been the only owner. I was wondering if there are any precautions I should take with this particular year Ranger with over 100,000 miles. I plan on having a mechanic friend of mine check it out first but just wanted to see if there is anything I should be on the look out for. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Bryan
Bryan
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Maine
What engine does it have? A 4 cyl. with an automatic will not be a fast truck.
I have a 2wd '97 with a 4-cyl. and a 5 speed. It has 218K on it, and has been extremely reliable. Nothing but wear items have been replaced, except a few things related to it sitting so much because I'm in college.
Only other thing is if it snows where you live, a 2wd truck will get a bit interesting at times.
I have a 2wd '97 with a 4-cyl. and a 5 speed. It has 218K on it, and has been extremely reliable. Nothing but wear items have been replaced, except a few things related to it sitting so much because I'm in college.
Only other thing is if it snows where you live, a 2wd truck will get a bit interesting at times.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: crete, illinois
i believe that was the last year for that body-style. i've heard many good things about all rangers. there are always some little problem here an there. at over 100,000 miles it seems that if you look deeper into this site you'll find that the truck is barely broke-in! i've had very minimal things go wrong with mine.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
If she took good care of it it will take good care of you for a LONG time. There's an article on here about a Ranger with 345K on it, and that was a good time ago, no telling now. The 4bangers are very notable for being extremely reliable. The V6s will treat you well and tote a little more power for your liking. It's light on the rear though, so easy if you live in a snowy region.
,,, over all its a good truck ...
