First post so sorry if this is the wrong section.

So I've wanted a Ranger for awhile and I think I found a decent one so as the title states I'd like to know if there's anything special to watch out for in terms of engine wear and what not. Well here she is:

2001 Ford Ranger Edge 4dr SuperCab 4WD Styleside SB For Sale In Newark Avenel Bayonne Pioneer Auto Group

Decent amount of miles but I love that it's stick and 4x4. I'm gonna buy it with tax money so I wanna make sure it's at least semi worth it lol. Is buying a CarFax report on it worth it? Also says price is negotiable so I can bring 'em down a bit. Plus it says the radio works but I don't see one in the pictures haha. Thanks for any help in advance

 

It doesn't look too bad, but where's the radio that they claim it has, I just see an owners manual shoved into the dash.

 

2001 the main thing to look for is the timing chain rattling, it'll sound like marbles in a can. Being a nj truck, take a look at the rear part of the frame for rust/rot and inspect the shackles/hangers. Also take a look at the core support up front for rot

 

That's what I'm sayin' haha, I'm not too worried about it as I plan to go aftermarket anyway but I just hope wiring is intact.

Thanks I'll be sure to check all that out.

 

2001 was the first year for the 4.0l SOHC engine in a Ranger, Explorers got this engine a few years earlier.
These early engines('98-'04) had bad timing chain parts, the engine must be removed to change the parts, but they are fine after new parts are installed.
That's the rattle referred to above.

140k could be nearing end of clutch life.
It has an self adjusting pressure plate so you can't tell from pedal disengage/engage position.

It will have a Ford PATS(passive anti-theft system), this system deals only with the engine running, it isn't part of alarm or keyless entry.
In the plastic end of the key there is an RFID tag, it requires no battery, in the ignition key slot there is an RFID tag reader.
Each RFID key has a unique tag number.
When vehicle was originally sold it would come with 3 keys, maybe 4.
Those 3 unique tag numbers were programmed into the computer that runs the engine.
The computer will not allow engine to start, without "reading" one of those tag numbers.
So losing your keys is a BIG DEAL.
Make sure you get at least 2 working RFID keys, test both of them to make sure both will start the engine.
If you only get 2 then I would get a 3rd made by a locksmith, and then with 2 working keys you can add a 3rd key to the computers memory yourself.
You can't with 1 key, have to have 2.
With 3 keys you can lose 1 and still add another.
If it only comes with 1 working key then I would call a few locksmiths and find one that has the computer software that can add Ford PATS keys to the computer manually, and then ask them the cost for 2 new PATS keys, cut and added, then negotiate that cost off the price of the vehicle, or part of it at least, lol.

 

x2 on the timing chain. Pain in the ***, but once you fix it you shouldn't have to worry about it again. Hopefully it's already fixed.

Stick shift.. so hopefully the clutch is in good shape.

How in the **** does the radio work if there isn't one in there? lol

 

I planned on changing clutches after I bought it anyway just cause I'd like to KNOW it's good.

I am familiar with Ford's PATS system so I'd definitely make sure to get a few keys.

As for the radio... Yeah idk I'll ask 'em about it lol.

And then there's the timing chain which I'll definitely listen out for.

Thanks guys! Hopefully taxes will come in soon.

 

I would buy it. Clutches can be fixed fairly easily and the timing chain thing also although it will not be cheap. I am not sure about the radio but it looks like an aftermarket one with the faceplate removed.

 

Thanks guys, I'm going to look at it in a few days!

 

I had an 07 XLT Super cab 2.3 5 spd auto for about 6 years, besides not so great fuel economy and very small cabin for any over 6 foot...it was rust that I had more problems with then anything mechanical or electrical...No recalls on anything ever... Both door sills and the tail gate on the passenger side where the seems seal was sort of bubbled over...

 

Isn't that instrument cluster out of an automatic?

Kevin K.

 

It's the same cluster for both but the manuals don't have PRND21 labeled, for obvious reasons

 

So random question, does buying a car fax report tell you service records or just accident reports or whatever? Sorry never tried car fax but I wanna know everything I can about it before I go down there.

 

CARFAX™ - Vehicle History Reports and Used Car Listings

Come on man do at least a little searching before you ask a question. It literally says what a carfax report shows on their front page and gives you example reports.