Hi all,

Just wanted to introduce myself. I found this site very helpful in my search for a used ford ranger. I was big toyota and nissan truck fan until last weekend, when i drove an '03 4.0L 5spd black ranger. This thing was better than the new '07 tacoma and frontier i drove last year when i was looking for a new truck. Granted the tacoma and frontier i was interested in was an automatic. I fell in love with the power/torque of the ranger beneath the hood during my test drive. The ride on the highway was nice and I really like the interior on this particular model. I think it was an fx2 or fx4.

Anyhow on my search. I found a 99 ranger 3.0L, 5spd, 124k that I was ready to buy last night and test drove last weekend. I had the check (5k) in hand and everything. However, i wanted to take a last test drive before handing my check over. I was really dissapointed in the 3.0L after driving the 4.0L a couple of days prior. The 3.0L accellerated fine and everything, but somehow was worlds difference compared to the 4.0. I can't really put my finger on it. Like i said before, I'm a foreign truck/car fan and has never own an american car/truck in my whole life. My search now is for a used 4.0L ranger with the 5spd. I'm interested in knowing what year they started putting in the 4.0L in the rangers? This will help me in my search. I also really like the instrument panel on the '03 that i drove last weekend. Can someone tell what year the instrument panel crossed over from the '99 to the new look in the '03? Sorry so long. I'm just excited about a Ford truck now. I have crossed over to the other side.

 

I also wanted to add, what I should look for in buying a ford trucks? Are there common problems associated with the ranger that i should look out for?

 

Not really, however you need to always check engine sounds and tranny shifting on older vehicles..

 

1990 for the 4.0L or a little earlier.

 

However, 01 was the first year for the 4.0 SOHC in the ranger, it has about 47 more hp than the older push rod 4.0 and it was no sloutch. The 3.0 is an old school engine with cam in block, very reliable, but not very exciting to drive. The new 2.3 duratec 4 cylinder that they use in the ranger has about the same hp as the 3.0, but a lot better mpg. Also the 3.0 only gets about the same mpg as the 4.0, so there's no advantage there either. The 4.0 sohc is the bomb, look for a ranger that is a 2001 and up and you won't be disapointed. All the bugs have been worked out of the ranger eons ago. I wish more people would come to thier sense's and buy american, I allways have and allways will. The only good thing ever to come out of japan is an emty ship hee hee. I would like to welcome you and let you know were sure glad to have you here. I hope you find that ranger thats just right for you and we will be more than happy to assist you where ever we can, good luck and welcome aboard.

 

Never having driven anything newer than my old '94 I can't offer much other than this is one great machine. My truck is my second 'Ranger', and both have done what I asked of them. A durable little wonder that with some TLC seems to want to run forever. IMHO this is the best truck FoMoCo ever built.
Needless to say, when this one finally dies it will be replaced by another Ranger.

 

+1, I Totally Agree.