Hello, I recently just checked out an auto ‘94 B4000 4x4 4.0 with 225,000 miles. The cars exterior and interior look pretty good cosmetically. I test drove it and floored it, it felt pretty good no erratic noises or anything. The truck needs a handful of things that need replacing, which isn’t a concern because I work on my own cars and bikes. It needs new tires, rear bumper, passenger window comes off track, A/C control **** is broken on the inside, brakes were spongey but didn’t see any leaks, the stereo head unit needs fixing. A couple of other things but those were the main things. Didn’t get the chance to test out the 4x4 but he said it works. We came to a price of $1200, which to me is very fair. Also has a paint matched camper shell. The car has a little rust compared to other Pennsylvania trucks out here. My main concern is the auto transmission. In the reading I’ve done people have said they have problems, I usually buy manual transmission because of this exact reason. My question is this a steal, or am I going to find myself with too many repairs? How does this specific year transmission hold up? Thanks again. I’ve included some pictures

 

I have a 1994 Ranger 4.0l 4x4 manual trans, no complaints, 400k

Its an A4LD automatic and close to rebuild time at 225k, 250-275K is expected
4.0l OHV engines are very reliable, they do crack heads if overheated so cooling system needs to be maintained

1994 was last year of the EEC-IV OBD1 computers in Rangers, it was actually the FIRST YEAR of Ford Built Mazda B4000, so there can be some odd part mismatches between 1994 Ranger and 1994 B4000 that year, not a big deal

It came with Automatic locking hubs, these can be cleaned and LIGHTLY lubed if they don't engage or disengage, not hard to do, many change to manual hubs, as parts for auto hubs are hard to come by now
My Auto hubs still work just fine

$1,200 for a running 4x4 pickup truck seems a fair deal

 

It really depends on how much cash you are willing to part with to get it road worthy. I just inherited a 2004 Ranger with only 55k on it from a family member so I don’t mind spending a little coin on it. The only reason I agreed to take ownership is it’s a one owner vehicle, it was a gift from a family member so I know the complete history and how it was cared for.

You may want to consider “diminishing returns” or in other words would you get any of your money back out of the truck if you decide it’s not a keeper or it’s a money pit?

Just a few thoughts,

Patriot 🇺🇸

 

Rust is your big issue. Being form the rust belt there's a lost of it from the picture. Rear shocks need replacing for sure. Pull the plastic bed liner and see what is underneath.

 

Thanks guys for your input, I also decided it was going to be too much on my plate and didn’t get it. Too many repairs right off the bat and it would’ve just been a headache. Thanks again.

 

I think you chose wisely for all the right reasons.