Any way to tell engine by external information?
 

I was looking at a '98 Ranger XLT 2wd Auto trans and was wondering whether it had a l4 or a v6, is there any way to tell without popping the hood?

Look at VIN thru windshield, its on the dash where it meets the window on diver's side

8th digit in VIN is engine size
In 1998 there were 3, and possibly, 4 options
2.5l I4 VIN C
3.0l V6 gas only VIN U
3.0l V6 Flex fuel VIN V <<<< Flex fuel officially started in Rangers in 1999 model year but late 1998 could have that option
4.0l OHV V6 VIN X

Thx, also, is there a relitivly cheap but reasonable price on each engine type, it has an emaculate frame, good body but it has 287k miles, originally a Florida truck but is for sale here in Vermont but it still has Florida plate on it so I assume it hasn't been up here long

????

No sure what you mean?

Small pickup trucks are specific use vehicles so maintain a minimum price in most areas regardless of engine size
Look in local Craigslist and Auto/Truck trader for 1998 Rangers to see "asking" prices

"Asking" price is not what anything is worth, only the Buyer can set the Value of anything

A delivery service, or commuter, might pay more for a 4cyl small truck because of better MPG, and not buy a V6 model
Someone wanting to pull a trailer may pay more for a V6 and not want a 4cyl

So whoever is looking for small pickups, at this time, in your area, will set the value of a 1998 Ranger

Thx anyway, I went to look at the vin today and i think its a U but the plate is pretty worn so it's hard to tell.

So 3.0l Vulcan V6, good reliable engine, under powered were most owners comments, but it was a reliable engine, used from 1986 to 2008(22 years) in quite a few Ford cars and smaller trucks
MPG was marginal, not awful but it is 1980's technology so just at or under 18mpg

do u think i should highly consider it at 287k at $3,500?

You would have to look at other similar year and mile Rangers in your area to see asking prices

You can "offer" any amount you like, YOU decide what anything is worth to YOU, seller decides what its worth to him to keep it

Miami Florida used car prices are lowest in the US, which may be why seller brought it up North, you will have to look up Vermont prices

280k miles is 13k a year which is average, I think 12k is the average
And is Vermont a Rust state?
would a 21 year old vehicle be a "rust bucket" in your area
The Florida truck shouldn't be, unless it "lived" by the ocean
That may be worth more to YOU

It all about YOU, you can never overpay for something you want, the fact you are asking if its too much means you think its too much, so make a lower offer and see what happens

98% of vehicles that old would have at least some decent sized rust holes in the frame if it wasnt folded in half up here. how long do the 3.0 vulcans usually last in terms of mileage?

I don't think there is any info like that for most engines, usually because it comes down to how they were serviced up to that point, but I would expect at least 400k on most engines built after 1985 or so, 500k wouldn't surprise me at all

Automatic trans life is usually 250-300k normally so it will be due if it hasn't been fully rebuilt yet, automatic transmissions are like brakes or clutches, because they have both of these inside, so these parts do wear out just like brake pads and clutch disc do

Engines don't have that, water pumps and starters wear out but with the newer materials for rings and bearings engines tend to last alot longer now, but again it is service related

Thx, ur feedback is much appreciated