Thinking about picking up a 97 Ranger 4cyl (high miles) *updated with pics*
 

I've been eyeing a 97 Ranger 4cyl for sale locally. It looks to be in great shape, no rust and runs like a clock. My only concern is it has 120K miles on it. I don't think the clutch or anything major has been replaced. It does have a 2 year old started and alternator. Just wondering if I should be concerned at all about purchacing this little truck with that kind of mileage? I'll be paying somewhere in the ballpark of $1500 for it.

120k on a 97 is great. That's relatively low miles. Clutches should be done around 100-110k but I used mine till 125k no problems and i have heard of others running all the way to 200k on the original clutch. $1500 sounds fine. I would get under it and see how the rear end looks. The pinion seal is probably leaking like they do on all Rangers and the rear spring hangers are probably rusted to crap. The leaf spring way also be sagging down badly and due for replacement.

I got a 153,000 on my original clutch. Its all about how people have treated it and luck of the draw. Truck doesnt sound bad.

Ive got a 97. Bought it brand new and have been driving it for 13 years. I've had pretty good luck with it no major hassles.

i agree about the low miles. look at it this way, 120,000 divided by 13 years is only 92xx a year. for that price who cares if you need to do the clutch. it sounds worth it to me.

here's a few pictures for anyone that's interested. I'm new to these trucks so any input would whatsoever be great.:biggrin:

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/3666/dsc00251gd.jpg
http://img574.imageshack.us/img574/8128/dsc00245b.jpg
http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/9434/dsc0024801.jpg
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/1488/dsc00246w.jpg
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/8121/dsc00247.jpg

It has a few dents but I'm ok with those for now. I know shes not going to be winning any beauty contests.

looks to be about on par with a 13 year old vehicle. where in ontario are you located?

I would definitely go for it! It doesn't have an automatic so you won't have to deal with those problems and when it comes time to do a clutch replacement it won't be that expensive.

I'm in Niagara

I just bought a 97 Ranger with 120,000 miles on it. Thats weird.. Runs good. Has a small rear seal oil leak, but other than that its running great.
That truck looks exactly like mine, but mine is white and Automatic. I would buy it if you haven't already.

High mileage doesn't mean a thing if it was taken care of. That's why I only buy 1-owner used vehicles. My 95 Ranger is a 4 cyl and it had 183,000 miles when I got it and everything was original. It now has 255,000 miles and the only things I've replaced are the tires (1 set), heater control valve and EGR valve. It's an automatic as well so I don't know why some folks think automatics have more problems at high mileage. It still shifts as smooth as ever, A/C is ice cold and it still doesn't burn oil. Take care of a vehicle (routine oil changes, no hop-ups, lifts, gimmicks, etc.), and drive with some sense and the vehicle will take care of you.

My old '94 2.3 is still running like a champ through my buddy's daily abuse. At 252,000 miles and three people learning how to drive stick in it it just keeps going and doesnt miss a beat. Yes it's on it's third clutch and I put new U-joints in it 50,000 miles ago but other than that, keep good ball joints in it and keep up the maintenance on it and it will run forever.

just know that you'll likely be due for a bunch of regular maintenance which is why someone is getting rid of it. However its nothing to difficult that can't be done by yourself. My 99 ranger had just shy of 112k when i bought it. over the last 5k i've changed and replaced plugs, wires, air filter, ignition coil, TPS, cleaned the TB and the IAC valve. Changed my serpentine belt, timing belt and battery. Got my tranny and read diff fluid replaced. My clutch is original and has started to squeal when i'm on a big hill and ride it a tad because some tard is to close to my bumper but other than that feels like it has plenty of life left in it. All in all its cost less than 500$ for everything and my truck will be ready to go for another 10 years.

With good car a auto tranny can last for the life of the truck. but they tend to take more beating when towing and dont react too good when people beat them out. but on other mode auto tranny are a no-no. like my dodge, i would have never bought a ram if it was automatic...there transmision are knowed for problem...so yea it is true then in general stick does bring less problem then auto

Pressure wash that motor to start. lol

Mine has 141k on the original clutch. Runs good though! look like mine, but yours in cleaner, especailly the interior! Go for it! (parts are cheap anyways)

mine has 220k and the clutch has been abused terrible with massive loads, people smoking it many times, taught 8 people to drive stick with it. I thought it was going out but only had air in the line. I've had a new clutch kit in the garage for 3 years and my mechanic friends tell me not to mess with it until 3rd gear wont work.
Hint: my AC leak was the accumulator bottle that's only $20 to replace.