Ive always been a jeep guy. So naturally im dipping into uncharted waters.

I need a mid sized truck thats 4 wheel drive and i need one fast.

I need to know if the attached truck is a good deal.
I also need to know if there is anything i should be looking for.

I do know that it is rust free and that it has nothing wrong motor wise, no leaks burning, or noises.

Take a look and let me know what you think. Thanks!

Cars for Sale: 2003 Ford Ranger SuperCab XLT FX4 in Whitehall, MI 49461: Truck Details - 336862595 - AutoTrader.com

 

Good find. This truck has decently low miles and the 4.0 engine is past the big timing chain issue so that's good.

It's got the silver gauges which are pretty hard to find.

The 4x4 system will serve you well. The control modules rarely fail.

Suspension lifting a 98+ Ranger is expensive but that may not be your thing.

I think you will like this truck. There is a ton of potential

 

Ten year old truck with 100k miles for over 8k? Location has alot too do with pricing nowadays, i would be afraid too drop 8k and have it rust out two years later. You may get lucky, may not. Make sure too check it out over under sideways and down before paying. Looks like a good find though like previous poster said. But looks can be decieving. Being in a rush has always screwed me in the past when getting vehicles, good luck!

 

I would definitely negotiate price and make sure you inspect the undercarriage as was said.

 

Thanks for the quick reply guys!

I actually wanted a tacoma, but I've been hunting for the right one since december and have come up short. I guess nobody wants to get rid of them. Not that you guys care about a toyota.

Im just looking for a good reliable truck and other then front wheel bearings i havent heard many bad things about these.

I am not really in a huge hurry, i just sold my wrangler and my friend has let me borrow his ranger until i find a new one. But its kind of a pile of crap and to be honest i dont like being seen in it haha. I have made impulse decisions before and it has burned me too. I will NOT hesitate to walk away i see anything suspicious.

What exactly does FX4 mean? I know its not a level2 but what is it exactly?

 

also, a little frame rust (surface) doesn't really bother me, I live in michigan, the land of 2011's with rusty fenders. I will definitely comb this thing over.

Anything technical i should be looking for? I should mention that i am no dummy when it comes to motors, so simple things are obvious to me.

Thanks for any input!

 

How do i know that?

 

The timing chain issue is prevelant in the '01-'02.5 SOHC 4.0 motors. There were some cases of them happening after that, but it's rare.

Tacomas are great but everyone wants too much for them

 

get a tacoma! spend a little more, you won't regret it (my DD is a toyota with 231k and it runs like new). I like my truck and all but i wish i got a tacoma instead of another ranger (im on my 3rd).

Definitely comb it over and check the undercarriage. the rear parts of the frame tend to go the quickest by the shackle area. also check the shackle hangers because they rot. Luckily my frame is undercoated from the factory.

 

I did some research on fords 4.o engines, they scare me. Across the past decade or more the 4.o seems too have been redesigned quite a few times some for the better some not so much. Its all subjective really, but as long as my little 2wd 2.3L keeps going i wont have too think about dealing with one. OP, sounds like you know what too look for and as others have pointed out some key issues as well. Just dont let seller know your in a hurry and it looks like youll do fine. As for toyotas, in my region, way overhyped and overpriced. Good luck!

 

I was in the same boat a few years ago, had a 98 cherokee but needed a small pickup to haul stuff with. Looked for 2 months for a Tacoma but they were way over priced. Then started looking at the rangers and that's when I found my Mazda for $2700 I couldn't pass up that deal, been real happy with her as well and its been very reliable for me as a daily driver.

That one you posted is actually a pretty good price, it's what they sell for here and it does have low miles. These 4.0s are very reliable and last forever. Mine has 240k on her and runs very strong still.

 

Do as stated by P.C., The only big problem is the frame rust.
It is an '03 FX4 so it is worth a little more than a standard Ranger.
It should have a manual transfer case, a heavy duty rear axle and an upgraded interior, ( colored panels in the seat, yours might be blue, some are red).
If all checks out, frame and body rust, engine has no noises, trans and transfer case shifts ok, then to me the 8k$ isn't too bad but talking the guy down some isn't going to hurt, especially since he is leaving the country.

Sounds like it could be a good find.

 

Grev, it's an electronic transfer case

 

Definitely check the shackles and hangers as mentioned earlier. They rust out so often that most parts stores keep a good amount of them in stock.

Another place where our trucks like to rust are the lower radiator support.

I think the price is a bit high for a 10 year old truck with those miles. I'd definitely try to get that lower. Other than that, it's a nice truck. I doubt you'd be unhappy with it.

I've got a 2000 with 280K miles on the odometer, and the factory drivetrain is still going strong. I had a 95 with the 4.0 that I sold still running strong at 200K miles. I'm not afraid at all of a high mileage Ranger, as long as it isn't rusted out.

 

Thanks guys!

This is a FX4, but i don't think its the Level2... So i don't know if it has the bigger axle. But it doesn't have a manual transfer case. I can see the switch on the dash.

As far as the price, If this is as good of shape as the guy claims it to be, This is very fairly priced for my area. Most 2001-2005 4.0 4wd ranger with under 150k on them are around 5k-9k... And some dealers going as high as 12k...

I might add that this truck blue books for $9500.

I will be looking at the truck after work today. I might have some questions later.

 

Another one! I will look at this one too.
2003 Ford Ranger FX4 Off Road

 

Looks like a similar situation for that truck. Either would be a good choice

 

I took it as a LvL II, sorry.
I thought it was the only FX4 for 03, guess no !

 

I ended up buying the Black one for $7800.... Its beautiful other than a little rust starting on the door sills.

Runs and drives like new. I'm very happy with it.

Ill post pictures in the Introductions section.

Thanks for the help!