I owned a 2000 Ranger reg cab with 2.5 and 5 speed manual. I loved the truck and never had an issue with it that a $20 bill wouldn't fix. I sold it about a year ago with 116,000 miles on it.

My business needs a small pickup and I really want another ranger. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one with the 2.5 motor as mine was bulletproof. My dad had a 92 that went over 400k on a 4 cylinder. My question is: are the new 2.3s as reliable as the legendary old 2.3s and 2.5s? I'm looking at an 02 with a 2.3 and 5 speed tomorrow (145k miles). I know if it was a 2.5 I wouldn't hesitate to buy it, but I don't know anything about the new 2.3s. Thanks in advance guys

 

A Ford dealer mechanic told me that the Duratech 4 cyl is an engine they rarely see coming in for repairs. That's good news. Whether they will go 400 k miles or not is another question. Perhaps someone who has owned a Ranger with the OHC engine that has lots of miles on it can help you on this.

 

You will not go wrong with the 2.3.

 

i personally wouldnt own anything newer than a '97. i like the old-school twin I beam /ttb 4wd suspention and steering gear as opposed to the a-frame setup with rack&pinion steering. dont know much about the newer 4 cyls, the "classic" 2.3 pinto engine is hard to beat, and if you have a timing belt go you wont be punching holes in the pistons with the valves. the older trucks are gettng hard to find with low miles.

 

Thanks for the advice guys, keep it coming. Don't really need 4x4 so that's not an issue. I plan on buying a 2000 or newer so it's either the 2.5 or newer 2.3. Not concerned with the quality of the truck as I know Rangers are well built.

 

I own a newer 2.3(2007), but I can't really say about endurance as it only has a little over 15k on it. During the 1k that I've owned it (bought it used), though, I can say that for an I4 it certainly surprised me with how peppy it is.

 

I don't have enough mile on my 03 to comment on durability but can say it is the smoothest idling engine I have ever owned. The 2.3 duratech also has a timing chain so you don't have to deal with timing belt maintenance.