I am currently looking for a Ranger 00-05. Regular cab with a 4 cyl. Is there any year I should avoid? Is there anything inparticular that I should look for? I'm just looking for something to run around in as my F-350 is getting pretty spendy to just drive everywhere. Any suggestions are greatly apprecieated.

 

Is the amount of money you'll save in gas going to cover the cost of the new vehicle each month?
-Eric

 

I'm planning on spending around 6500. I pay around 550 a month in fuel. I should be able to jsut about cut this in half if I drive the Ranger mostly. So yes.

 

Yes, I get 26mpg with my 2.3. The little engine that could!

 

I love my little 2.3 auto but if i would change one thing i would get an extended cab cause im 6'6" and long drives gets kinda cramped. Im also getting about 26mpg and i was surprised at what that truck can handle in the bed.

 

You want the 01 and a half rangers with the 2.3 duratec. The engine came out mid model year in 01. The duratec has more power and torque than the 2.5 lima it replaced and gets better mpg. My son's 04 ranger with the duratec and auto tranny gets 25 mpg local and 30 mpg highway, I'm sure manaul tranny's do a little better. IT's a DOHC engine thats very spirited and fun to drive with a manual and doesn't do bad with an auto. The old lima is a work horse and has been around since the pinto, but with gas at allmost 4 bucks a gallon, might as well get the most mpg you can with the modern tech of the duratec.

 

Ford has made some good engines for years. The 2.3 or the 3.0/4.0 are all very good engines.

 

I'd go with the Duratec 2.3 and the manual for best combo of power and fuel economy. My automatic isn't that great gas mileage wise. Look for rust on inside bottom of doors . Try to avoid the painted bumpers as rust problem there too. The illumination for the headlight switch tends to burn out .

 

Also check out ball joints. Had to have one replaced on mine fortunately while still under warranty.