My first Ranger purchase..any suggestions
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
My first Ranger purchase..any suggestions
I am lookgin at gettgin a ranger, because I need a truck to a lil bit of hauling, a light jon boat, and I fish 24/7. I had a ford escort...pos...This f250 I have sucks gas down the drain so....i looked at chevy's s-10...and they are too small on the interior, and I really liek the ford ranger bec they seem to have more room, run a lil smoother, and overall I like the manly look the possesse as a small truck.
Here what I have concocted:
1998 Ford Ranger
6cyl 3.0L
Manual/ Auto - I don't care, can drive either or
under 100k miles preferably
Black is fist choice of color
MUST BE EXTENDED CAB - i liek the extra room for storage, i don't haul any plywood or anythgin large
Reasonably priced under $7K
What does everyont think...and suggestions from previous owners...is this a good Idea...I have test driven a couple, they run good
I do have to mention that I travel 4 hours highway mileage every weekend, so I need to get good gas mileage...everyone tells me that 2.5L and 3.0L there is no significant difference, but the 3.0L has the potential to last much longer, besing that it doesn't work as hard at top speeds. Thanks for the help!
Here what I have concocted:
1998 Ford Ranger
6cyl 3.0L
Manual/ Auto - I don't care, can drive either or
under 100k miles preferably
Black is fist choice of color
MUST BE EXTENDED CAB - i liek the extra room for storage, i don't haul any plywood or anythgin large
Reasonably priced under $7K
What does everyont think...and suggestions from previous owners...is this a good Idea...I have test driven a couple, they run good
I do have to mention that I travel 4 hours highway mileage every weekend, so I need to get good gas mileage...everyone tells me that 2.5L and 3.0L there is no significant difference, but the 3.0L has the potential to last much longer, besing that it doesn't work as hard at top speeds. Thanks for the help!
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: Cisco, TX pop: 2500
You seem to know what you want, but there are a few problems. The average driver puts about 15K miles on their vehicle every year, so a 1998 with less than 100K miles will either be more than 7 grand or have some major problem that caused it to sit for several years. Ypu may want to look for a 2000 or 2001. But other than that, it seems ok. Also, what will you be towing? If it's just a small boat, the 3.0 will be enough. Not to mention that 3.0s usually get 25+/- miles to the gallon.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
I know they will be hard to find...I might get one around 100k miles. I HATE the seats that do not fold up into the sides. I really like how the 96' models fold up into the side, it saves alot of space. I have looked at both the 2000 and the 2001 and there seats are laid out, and they take up room. I want the ext. cab for storing stuff, not for people. Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: Cisco, TX pop: 2500
Well, you know what you want. And now that I think about it, the seats in my 2004 are a little laid back. But that's ok, there's a factory speaker box back there and no seats. It does limit my storage capacity, though...
Anyway, I don't know if you are going to find a 98 or older with less that 100K miles. Maybe if you get a low enough price, you can drop a new motor in.
Anyway, I don't know if you are going to find a 98 or older with less that 100K miles. Maybe if you get a low enough price, you can drop a new motor in.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
I'd suggest you promptly jettison the 3.0 idea and find a 4.0 engine. Mileage difference between 3.0 and 4.0 runs around 1 mpg and a 3.0 is not much stronger in the HP department than a 4 banger. Resale value on a 3.0 Ranger, at least where I'm at, is not so pleasant either when compared against a 4.0 Ranger with equal equipment, mileage, and condition. You don't indicate if you're looking for 4x4. Depending on where you live that makes a difference. I live where this very beautiful white stuff falls from the sky and the roads can/will get slick; we find it rather amusing to learn about southerner types moving here and bringing their *mighty* 2WD pickup/SUV and discovering (complaining about) our winter weather. We find it even more amusing when they try to trade in (ie, dump) their 2WD and buy a 4WD. Can you say "no resale value", ROFLMAO!!!!!! Seriously, these 2WD vehicles and hard to dump after a hard/prolonged snowfall as drivers try to get rid of them in favor of more appropriate equipment and people don't here forget; trade in value and private party prices are bottom of the barrel on 2WD and 4X4 prices can sometimes rise. Just something to ponder.
Last edited by CowboyBilly9Mile; Jul 1, 2006 at 09:52 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
My boat weighs 500 or less pounds trailer and all. Live in southern IL, all flat ground, it hasn't snowed here to hamper driving for more then ten years...4x4 sucks gas bad, I have a jeep wrangler if things get too bad, and a 1980 CJ-7 that has 33" tires with a 4" lift if a blizzard comes that will out run any vehicle in the snow...so...
4.0L or 4.3L? I have never seen a 4.0L ranger? I have a 1998 58k miles ford ranger 3.0L truck in my eye a lil way north, for about 5,500. I really haven't seen many 4.3L rangers either...they can't get that good of mileage can they>?
4.0L or 4.3L? I have never seen a 4.0L ranger? I have a 1998 58k miles ford ranger 3.0L truck in my eye a lil way north, for about 5,500. I really haven't seen many 4.3L rangers either...they can't get that good of mileage can they>?
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
There are no 4.3 Rangers, it's a 4.0. They are very abundant. If mileage is the primary reason for buying, I'd look at a 4 banger with a stick. Reason was noted in my last post.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
The 4.3L is the S-10 engine, good engine, IMHO.
a 3.0L with a 3.08 rear end would give you good mileage since the boat is light, you could run lower RPMs in cruise, especially with an auto. I have a 3.08 rear on a 5 speed 4.0L and am gettin' over 20 consistently in all city driving.
RP
Zach
a 3.0L with a 3.08 rear end would give you good mileage since the boat is light, you could run lower RPMs in cruise, especially with an auto. I have a 3.08 rear on a 5 speed 4.0L and am gettin' over 20 consistently in all city driving.
RP
Zach
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
found one guys....
$7,000
2001 Ford Ranger
4 dr.
49,000 miles
power everything
silver
perfect condition
woman wants sold immediately...take 7k cash...bought it...I have pictures if anyone wants to see it
v6 3.0L
It's valued on nada at about 12-13k...
I might sell it for that and go to the bahamas? and buy an escort for 2k? lol
$7,000
2001 Ford Ranger
4 dr.
49,000 miles
power everything
silver
perfect condition
woman wants sold immediately...take 7k cash...bought it...I have pictures if anyone wants to see it
v6 3.0L
It's valued on nada at about 12-13k...
I might sell it for that and go to the bahamas? and buy an escort for 2k? lol
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
FWIW and something to realize, nada is generally high. Dealers like this as it makes it more *convenient* to convince lenders that a vehicle worthy of financing. Some customers don't realize this soon enough and pay a little longer and or pay more than they should have.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
I am suprised no one has said anythgin more, I got an absolute steal here...this thing runs better then any vehicle I have ever been in. I'm from the midwest so there is not a whole lot of competition out there...