Hey!

So I am presently in the market for picking up a cheap car. I am part of the whole VW TDI Buyback thing, So I am taking it and running to something cheaper and easier to fix on my own.

So convince me to get a Ranger =P

I have this local that looks pretty darn good.

1-Owner Very clean 4x4 2000 Ford Ranger Pickup Truck

 

Hello !
Nice truck, the 3 litre (which that one is) is a little under powered for a 4X4, but you don't have the extra extended cab, so you save some weight there.
It has 123,000 miles so expect at some point that the auto trans will need a full rebuild.
If it hasn't been abused or towed heavy loads, then you will get more out of the trans.
Check the oil and see of it looks/smells burnt.
It should be a light red in colour, not blackish.

With that said, someone looked after the truck, so I'm sure it wasn't abused, but you should check it just to be sure.

 

Thanks for the reply, I definitely want to take a look at it. Even if I just buy it, It is cheap enough I can buy it and keep my current car.

I will definitely keep those tips in check, if I get a hold of the guy. I called and left a message earlier.

Is the auto transmission a really big expenditure?

Also about the underpowered, what do you mean? Also no real hauling or pulling would be done, just would be like oh I need a spare motorcyle to pick up or I need carpet for the basement. Also thought about getting the bed roof thing for a camping bed.

 

An automatic is like any other, doesn't matter if it's Ford, GM or Chrysler etc.
They are more complex then a standard.
The bands and the internal clutches wear out and need replacing eventually.
Transmission Repair Cost Guide

Most on this forum complain that the 3 liter isn't a rocket, mine is a 3 liter and I find it's OK.
The engine was for Taurus/Sable, not for the Ranger, so it can be a little underpowered.
It's a nice simple engine no timing belt to worry about or timing chain guides that wear out prematurely.
Cheap to run _ inexpensive parts.
Reliable if you change the fluids.

 

I find the automatic very reliable. Had a 2002 that I got rid of at 200k and have a 2010 with close to 100k no issues. And is the stronger transmission for towing according to the brochures.
That truck looks pretty clean from the picture.

 

yeah that is the reason I am looking into it.

 

Welcome to R-F! There are lots of members here running the 3.0 engine. As for the tranny, I'd look for a manual

 

Thanks everyone again. That guy never got back to me. So on to the next listing.
'
A 2002 Ford Ranger Edge 4x4 with a 4L v6
https://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/5996720711.html

This one looks pretty tight.
So how is a car that is Rhino Lined on the Frame?

 

The question is, when was the frame sprayed with that stuff ???
Allot of sellers put that crap on to cover up nasty rust problems, especially on a 4X4.

Some 4 litres also had problems with their timing chain guides, so that is something to be aware of, there are a number of posts here that point out which ones they are.
The problem is the timing chain guides wear out prematurely and while this isn't such a big deal, the bugger is that the rear timing chain can't be accessed with out removing the engine.

EDIT:
Here is one post from Ron, that talks about it, if you dig a little deeper in the forum, you'll find out which years are affected and which engines.

https://www.ranger-forums.com/4-0l-o...1/#post2114582