I'm shopping for a late model Ranger, new or used (whatever I can get for $25k-ish). Can anyone tell me the most common issues on these trucks that I should keep an eye out for, and is there a specific year to avoid? I only need a base XL model king cab (2-door) 2wd, but I wouldn't mind 4-door or 4wd if I find a good deal. We will be towing a boat on regular occasion, around 5k#.

 

Ford stopped making Rangers in 2011, there were some 2012s made in 2011, I doubt any will be over 15k ish

Good read here on 1983 to 2011 used Ranger buying: https://www.therangerstation.com/for...-buyers-guide/

Only Ranger that can tow 5k LBS has the 4.0l V6 WITH an automatic transmission, 2WD or 4x4, 2dr or 4dr, so thats what you are after
Manual trans tops out at 3,300lbs

Ford started making the Ranger T6 models in 2019, but these are only 2 years old now, so there are not alot of "heads up" as far as general problems
These can all tow 6,000lbs or more

 

For $25k you should be able to buy a brand new base model supercab 2wd with trailer package.

 

Thanks guys. I'm definitely looking for the latest model, so 2019 or later. So far the cheapest I've found for a new base model (didn't even have back seats) is about $28k before tax and registration, so probably around $30k out the door. Maybe that will come down if the chip shortage is resolved soon, but until then it looks like high prices. So it sounds like there are no major problems reported for the latest model yet?

 

1- and 2-year-old models won't have enough miles on them for common problems to crop up.