Hey guys, I'm looking into getting a ranger and i know i want a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder extended cab. I was wondering what year would be best for me. I was probably going to get a manual trans, but I'm fine with automatic too.

 

and I was ganna get 2wd

 

Welcome to the forum

1998 and up 4cyl Rangers were all 2WD

Rangers, 1983 to 2011, used 2 different 2.3l engines, 1983 to 2000, 2001 to 2011, they change mid-year in 2001, so either can be found in that year

4cyl extended cabs were made but not at all common, a buyers 4cyl engine choice was usually for MPG, so often found in the lighter Regular cabs for best MPG

2004-2011 were the better 2.3l DOHC Duratec 4 cylinders, 2001 to 2003 had heated thermostat and IMRC which caused problems, the 2.3l Durtec had best power for a 4cyl Ranger engine
A turbo charged version of the 2.3l Duratec is used in the 2019/20 Rangers, called 2.3l Ecoboost

2000 and earlier were the Lima SOHC 4cyl engines, very reliable, but heavy, so not great power to weight ratio, but ran and ran, first used in the 1974 Ford Pinto, so Ford used this Lima engine for ALOT of years, because it was reliable, 1998-2000 was 2.5l 4cyl but same engine just longer stroke

The Mazda B2300 is the same, by year, as the Ranger 2.3l, its what the 2300 means(2.3liters is 2300cc), you can often find the Mazda B-series selling for less and its the same as a Ranger, not as many were sold but they are out there

 

ok, should i shoot for a 2004 and up?

 

Yes

 

Alright thank you so much! This has been very helpful.