Hi guys and gals. I'm going today to look at a 2002 (I believe) Ford Ranger. Ex-cab, I think 3.0L. Young couple owned, claims to have driven it mainly for highway use to get back and forth to work. They say they are selling the truck because baby #2 is on the way and they need something bigger. Sounds genuine.
Has 114,000 miles. I know the 3.0L is tough. Is 114,000 miles too many for me to consider it? I'm looking for a Ford Ranger to use as a daily driver. I would prefer the 4.0L but I like the 3.0L too. The price is almost just right. If this Ranger has been taken care of and is in good shape I will make an offer. What I want to know is this;

Is the mileage too high? How long will a 3.0L Ford Ranger last? I'm confident it doesn't have the 4.0L, but if it does, is that a lot of miles for a 4.0L?
I've always wanted a Ford Ranger but could never find one that fit my wants for the right price. This truck is at the right price, I have yet to find if it's in good shape or not though. The picture looks good.
What all should I look for? My main concern is motor oil; how often they changed it, what type, etc.

I'm really hoping this works out. I know 114,000 miles is a lot, but the price is (near) right.

Just let me know what you think. I don't have any experience with Ford Rangers. I know I like them, I like the 3.0L, I like how they ride. That's it.

Thanks in advance, folks!

 

My experience has been good with a 3.0, a bit underpowered if you want to tow anything but a very reliable motor.

 

My 3.0 recently hit 150,000mi and I can put out near 200 hp. I like my truck and it tows the boat like a champ. I use mine as a Daily Driver and rag the crap out of it but it just keeps on truckin. I stomped a Civic Si awhile back in it too.

 

Thanks for your reply!
That is all I've heard. Underpowered, but *tough*. I don't know why the 3.0L in my mom's escape runs so good but all the Rangers with the 3.0L I test drove ran quite a bit slower. Maybe the gear ratio. I know one I test drove had 4.10. I know that Escape has to weigh more.

Although the price is right, it would still empty my pockets. I think I may be forced to pass this beauty, but it's killing me to do so. The miles are quite a bit more than what I wanted my "new" pickup to have, also. Hard to find a new-ish Ranger with 50,000 miles in my price range. They all cost as much or more than 1/2 tons with fewer miles.

Guess I'll keep saving and looking.

 

I bought mine when it had 112,000 I've only blown a head gasket, but that was because of stupidity. I recomend them alot they are really restricted from the factory. With a little bit of extra money they will put out 200 hp I can attest to it.

 

How is your Ranger setup? Stick? Which gear ratio? How big is your boat?

I ask because I'm curious of the 3.0 Ranger's capabilities. I've heard moder Rangers are really the new 1/2 tons.

 

I am running an automatic 4spd, 4.10 and its a 20ft full size Skeeter Bass Boat. I have a Cold Air, Flowmaster Single Dumped and a Jet Performance Chip. About 300 bucks for everything. It doesn't pull it like my Dads 150 does but I can cruise at 65 on the Interstate with it.

 

With gas prices, the economy and Ford's situation with the Ranger, I don't know that anyone can find a great deal, but you can find one, as you say, for the right price. You can certainly ask them about oil changes but in my experience you can tell from the overall condition of the truck whether that's been done on a sufficient basis. Don't be afraid to ask, but also take a look at their other vehicle(s) if they have them and make your judgment from talking to the guy. I can tell when someone has cleaned a car up for sale vs. keeping it clean. You also have the option of spending $50-100 for an inspection. I wouldn't be afraid of it just from the mileage alone.

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback and comments!

 

I know this is an answer in a different context, but when I talked with a Ford mechanic after I traded in my 2000 Taurus, he was real interested in buying the car until I told him it had the 3.0 Duratec (24 valve engine). He wanted the 3.0 Vulcan engine (that's what you are looking at) because it runs and runs and runs. At 144 k miles its just nicely broken in for you. Go for it.

 

143k on my 3.0 and all thats been done to the engine is spark plugs and wires, ive towed a car hauled 2k plus many times, off roaded a lot, its a hell of a motor id get the truck its just broken in

 

These new engines don't need a tune up untill 100,000 miles, the one you want is just getting broke in ha ha. It's not too many miles, it's common to see vehicles these days with 200,000 miles on them and still running like a top. All the ranger engines are as tough as nails, a 100,000 miles is nothing anymore. Were here to help with your ranger buying and driving experience. With the guy's and gal's here at the ranger forum, there's nothing we can't help you with, except maybe financing hee hee. Don't worry, the truck should be just fine, buy and enjoy!!!!!!!!!

 

HAHA yeah, I've never had a car with less than 115k on it. The last one was a '95 Cougar XR7. I jumped railroad tracks with it on a consistant basis. The onlt problem I EVER had with it was a water pump. Ford engines last forever if thier taken care of. I love my 3.0 I abuse the crap out of that truck and it keeps on starting up and going. Several trees in the fields behind my house fear for their lives from the ol Ranger.