hello all! I’m new to the forum and looking at purchasing a ranger as a second vehicle (winter) for when my car is in the garage. I found a ranger, 2003 4.0 4x4 with 97K on it locally (live in the NE). Dealer is asking $8750 which I think is a tad high. The exterior and interior are in great condition for a vehicle this age.

my question is in regards to underbody rust. I’m from the south so I’m not sure how much rust is too much? Please have a look at the pics i took this afternoon and let me know your thoughts. Thank you!!!

 

Ouch, you didn't mention trim or if it is an extended cab or transmission. That is too much rust for me at any price. The recent undercoating doesn't help.

Just as a FYI: A regular cab '04 XLT 4x4 w/ 4.0 manual trans and 101k miles goes for about $5200. A supercab '03 with auto trans XLT 4x4 with 143K asking price is $6440. These are trucks for sale in north GA.

 

Thanks for the quick reply!

Heres the link to the truck. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourc eContext=carGurusHomePage_false_0&entitySelectingH elper.selectedEntity=d354&entitySelectingHelper.se lectedEntity2=&zip=08801#listing=184121887

I like the side step and believe it’s an FX4 and I need 4x4 for living in the NE. So no go on this one?

 

Anybody else have an opinion on this rust issue?

 

Some of that rust is heavier than i'd like, a lot of the pics are the bed, so not structural, though i'd be surprised if the shocks weren't completely shot and in need of replacement.

You'll have to scrape some of the spray undercoating off - they're asking a *lot* for that, and it looks like there was a **** ton more rust that was deliberately sprayed over with undercoating (very bad thing)

 

Did you say you were from New England or the state of NE, both I would think are problem states for rust.
The truck is a 2003, which I own too, and to me that isn't too much rust for an '03 on the roads of New England.

Rust along the bottom edge of metal is the normal place for it to settle and begin rusting out the body of the vehicle. The Ground strap rust is always a rusting point because of the the electrical current..., always happens.

Is there any body blistering, that could indicate too much.

Although the price is high... my opinion !

 

Price is too high, but typical for a dealer _ same here too, but here that truck would be 10 to 12k (Vancouver Island _ Victoria/Duncan _ Canada).

The rust hasn't gone through yet, but it won't be long in places.
The gas tank support has a lot of deep bubbled rust.

Almost needs to be removed, sand blasted, treated with naval jelly and painted.

If that were my truck I would remove the bed and get to work.

What really pisses me of is when dealers Goober all that Armor All **** all over the interior.
The morrons probably even put it on the steering wheel I bet.
Makes for a slipper slimy dangerous drive _ gets all over your clothes too !

Makes a worn out faded interior look nice until the stuff finally wares off.