Hello everyone. I just now joined the forum because I am looking for an XLT 4 door 4X4 4.0L SOHC V6 with auto tranny. I live in Deep East Texas which means having a reliable 4X4 to help one successfully traverse the landscape is not a bad idea. I do own a 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser AWD (generally considered the "prepper's favorite" by most), but with over 300K miles it is starting to show the notoriously dreaded cooling system issues that these otherwise amazing vehicles are infamous for. They also sport an insatiable addiction to gasoline. As my confidence in the "Cruiser's" ability to carry out its duties is being tested, I find myself seeking a reliable and capable complement to my transportation resources, one that is powerful enough to tow and haul "reasonable" loads, deliver "reasonably" efficient fuel consumption and comfort, and reliable and durable enough to "dish it out as well as take it", without falling apart. I have concluded the best candidate for such an assignment is, as I'm quite sure most of you would probably agree, the Ford Ranger, and particularly the 4.0L V6 4X4 pedigree.

So now I am investigating the basics, what to look for in a used one (somewhere around the 2003 vintage, I don't buy much newer than that), what to look out for, IOW a newbee's guide to buying one. I didn't see a "sticky" or category in the forum's subtopics, so any advice on where to search would be greatly appreciated in helping me get started on what I am sure will be an involved quest.

Looking forward to conversing with everyone in the future about these "little wonders", as I am pretty sure I am going to love what I believe is the best built "small" pickup available today.