Well, it's time to get another truck and I was looking at a 2003 4x4 Ranger xtracab 143,137 mi with the off road package asking $7,500. I have been out of the truck game for awhile . I last had a 00 4x4 Dakota ,ok truck but not buying another one . I do not know much else about it as they have not replied to my questions. If anyone can give me some opinions on this year Ranger I would appreciate it. I need the truck for some home repairs and when snow is too much as new house is on a hill. My big concerns are frame rust ,timing belt(chain?) issues and general reliability. Looked at other makes but leaning toward the Ford as most reviews are positive. Tacoma= rusted frame, Frontier = timing chain tensioner issues. GMC/Chevy= hit or miss on reliability. I had to fill out the profile with truck info but do not own one yet.
Thanks, Jim

 

What size is the engine ?
The 3 litre IMO would be a little under-powered for a 4X4.

 

Welcome to the forum


All year Rangers are good, true.

In 2001 Rangers got the 4.0l SOHC engine with 200 horse power, but..............
These did need to have the timing chains replaced until about 2005, it required pulling out the engine to change them.
The newer design chains and cassettes have been fine so once changed it is no longer an issue, so check if it has been done.
There is no way to tell by looking at anything, you could check VIN at Ford Dealer to see if it was done under warranty, also any other work done by a Ford Dealer.

I would agree, the 4cyl and 3.0l engines did lack the power for 4WD, even 2WD :)
4cyl wasn't even an option after 1997 or so on 4WD Rangers, there were some custom orders of course just not common.

Pick up trucks in general get rusty in the back end, you just need to check

 

Thanks, He did not give me any info as I had asked on engine size or how it was maintained. I may go look at it next weekend but will ask him more questions first. Amazing how people put ads to sell but do not include trim level,engine or options. So from that I'll stick to 2005 on up if chain was not done .

 

2003 and up FX4 means just "off-road" package trim.
FX4 Level II has all the extras, better limited slip and often manual transfer case, larger tires and better suspension and shocks

 

The Vulcan V6 3 litre will say that right on the valve covers and also give the displacement on there as well.
The one with the oil filler cap, the other side is hidden under the upper intake manifold.

 

Hopefully I can get there next weekend if I can get a day off. Is any particular engine preferred? Do you think his price is reasonable with room to negotiate?
Thanks,Jim

 

As Ron said in post 3...
With that, I don't think one is better then the other.
I wouldn't pay 7500.00 for it, but I wouldn't but a 4X4 either _ too much weight to haul around in the drive train.
Unless you're actually planning on using the 4X4 for what it's intended, I think they're a waste of money.
Where I live the snow is vey wet and slippery, I see more 4X4's in the ditch then 2X4's.
If you worked for the forestry and really needed to go where there are no roads, then it's needed.
If I had to buy one, if the truck is in nice shape and clean (well looked after with repair history) then 7500 isn't bad, but I wouldn't pay more then 5 or 6000.00$.
Something is only worth as much as someone pays for it.

 

I'm in CT and in a hilly area so 4 x 4 helps. New house has a an incline so 2wd won't do it. I am still looking around at a few others. Seems everyone on CL is asking more than KBB .

 

Winter is coming so 4x4s tend to increase in value around this time, like buying a boat in the spring, lol

To get a better idea look at CL in cities/states farther south, where they don't salt the roads, and 4WD isn't that much of a requirement.
It may be worthwhile to do a road trip to get a rust-free better priced vehicle.
But also check "import" requirements for CT, inspection and/or State transfer costs

 

I know my timing is bad but no choice . Just bought a new house and need the truck. Just no time for a road trip at this point either due to work. I was hoping to wait until march but stuck at this point.