Dear All,

I am considering buying a 2004 Ranger, 3.0 V6 XLT Super Cab. 82000 miles on it. The price is reasonable due to the research I have done. However, the bolts in the bed are rusty and their appears to be some rust under neath. Is this normal for the age of this vehicle? The car has been in the South its entire life.

Otherwise it is in fine shape and has the low miles.

I also heard the 3.0 can be a gas guzzler over and above the advertised MPG.

 

My 05 is starting to rust in the bed, i plan to take care of it before it gets to bad. Also i looked a 04 before i bought mine that was a RUST BUCKET. Thing was pretty much shot lol. I wouldnt worry about the bolts, what do you mean underneath? Surface rust on the frame?

 

So, do 04 s have a problem with the rust? Bed not rusty just the bolts. Seems to be surface rust. Buying from a dealer and I have the paperwork where it checks out.....

 

I have no clue if its a common problem, but the ones ive looked at on lots here in OHIO, have not been the prettiest lol. I wouldnt worry about what your describing, sand it off and coat the frame

 

Word....the truck has been in the South its entire life. Will crawl under one more time.

 

Price is 6900--seem reasonable for the miles. Appears that way on KBB etc

 

if its just surface rust dont worry about it, if its flaky look it over really well before you buy it. Some flakes can be ok but you want to make sure the frame still has good thickness to it. (1/8 inch). check underneath the tailgate but above the rear bumper, you can see the ends of the frame rails here. There shouldn't be any big flakes of metal, this is usually a pretty good indicator of the overall rust condition of the truck. Also check the rear spring hangers and shackles, they commonly rust and don't mean the whole truck is shot but it is something i would try to negotiate into the purchase if they are rotting.

 

Thanks Jeff. I went back to look at it and it wasn't flaking at all. Seemed to be ok. Now if I can get em down on the stupid dealer fee...lol

 

Thats a great price!

 

If the rust isnt even in the bed i wouldn't worry about it.. it's better than being in the cab.. nd it's an easy fix..

i have a rebuilt '07 nd when i got her she had 21,600 miles on it nd i paid 6k for her.. so i'd say she's a decent price

 

Yeah like others have said. If it's just surface rust I wouldn't worry about it, just get a good undercoating paint such as POR15 or Chassis saver. And $6900 is a great price especially if it's a 4x4. The 2wd here are selling for $7000 and the 4x4s are selling between $10,000 and $14,000 here.

 

Paid 12 for my 05 4x4 with 60k on it last year.

 

$6900 seems high for a truck with a 3.slo. I have a 04-06 (can't remember) ext cab 4wd here with like 70k kms and he wants $6500ish. I'd talk him down to $6000 or even less. My 08 has rusty bolts in the bed too, meh. It's the small spot on the hood that has me pissed and I'm watching a couple of other areas.

 

Thanks....not a 4x4. Only upgrade on it is a aftermarket stereo system. I just had the deal er replace the belts change the oil etc--all the stuff they do when they get a used car in. It will be 8000$ out the door with tax, fees etc.

 

damn thats pretty steep man. I paid 10500 for my 2004 4x4 back in April with 56k miles. extended cab 4 door with the 4.0L too.

 

Man...great deal...kbb has that truck for 13900 retail in this zip code....

 

Ok, got the truck. Needs new shocks. I have been hearing about Bilstein HDs and Monroe Sensa-Tracs. I don't go off-road in any radical sense. Just mostly highway and city. Any thoughts on shocks?

 

dont have any experience with monroes, my truck had bilsteins and they are very nice but there are a lot of cheaper options. also consider if you're planning to lift the truck at all, even something minor like a torsion twist. I cranked my T bars and my stock bilsteins were no longer long enough, I replaced them with extended length ranchos. They ride a bit rougher and have a slower rebound but at only $50 a shock and for the driving i do i think they are a good value