03 What should I look for??
 

Hi guys! New to the fourm and I am looking at a 03 SCab FX4 with 110k on the clock. What should I look for and what should I expect to see in the coming future if I buy? Thanks for the help
Steve

What kind of motor does it have in it?

I knew I forgot something LOL 4.0 with auto trans

Do you have pics of the truck or a link?

There's a lot of basic things to look at, same as all vehicles, not sure of anything specfiic

Cars for Sale: 2003 Ford Ranger 4x4 SuperCab in Bartlesville, OK 74006: Truck Details - 277707348 - AutoTrader.com I hope this works

Truck looks great, its a good platform to start on. How's the tire wear? Interior have any tears or stains?

Don't know on tire wear the truck is 125 mi away and of course it's the best truck out there and not a thing wrong. All I have to go on is the pics you see. I did notice a few small dent's in the bottom grill guard cross piece and some wear on the steering wheel. As long as the tires are all worn the same I can replace tires cheap. I have a good hook up.

Well the only thing left is a test drive

The decals remind me of the old Splash Rangers from the 90's lol.

timming chain rattle

i was gonna say timing chains are getting near that replacement time too.
are you sure that that is a fx4? something doesn't seem right about it, those fx4 stickers seem too low and the center console is vinyl or leather (that one pic makes it seem shiney).

The 4.0 SOHC timing chain problem was pretty much resolved by 2002. There is no scheduled time to replace the timing chain and it is the timing chain tensioners that were the problem. I have close to the same mileage as that one and I don't anticipate any major problems for years to come.

That is probably a true FX4 but it doesn't make much difference anyway. The standard 03 FX4 is pretty much just a decal package with minor upgrades that could be added as a option.

There are not many specific things to look for as far as problems. The automatic is not known as a strong transmission but holds up well if maintained and not abused. The 03 has larger front brakes and should have stronger brakes that earlier models. Buy it, maintain it and it should last a long time.

Thanks guys Im going down on Wed for a test drive and if things go well I'll be bringing it back. I'll let you know and again thanks for the info.

Well I went ahead a drove it home, it has a few problems but I talked them down some more and feel I got a good deal. If I can figure out how to post pic's I'll do so. LOL

Congrats on your new purchase! Get some pics up as the autotrader link is a dead one now. I don't know what you paid but I hope it was reasonable. If I'd seen this a few days earlier I'd of posted the 03 FX4 Level II in Lawrence for $6700. Oh well thats the way things work out. Glad to see another somewhat local guy on the forums.

Problems are?

yeah, problems are and lets see some pics!

Problems are minor, both fog's are broken, tailgate cables broken/missing, power mirror switch not working but the big one is after driving it 228 miles the CEL came on. Will check that in the morning. I do have questions on rather or not the bed lights on the cab come on when the doors open or not I know they do on my 150 and 250.