Ok so I just joined and I don't know if this kind of talk is accepted here. I pretty much have my heart set on a Ranger probably 95+ as far as options are concerned I am not sure.

I've been doing some research and I was wondering if there is some kind of configuration to stay away from such as bad transmissions or anything like that?

Any thoughts?

Update: Ok so I was at a car auction today and I snagged an 03 4 door ranger v6 3l auto(would have perferred stick) 72k miles all for 7300.

Car auctions are VERY scary
didnt have that much time to look cars over and I am afraid I screwed up. After I bought it found out oil level was WAYYY down (took 3.5 quarts to get back to maximum) I honestly didnt think a car would run with that little oil. I hope no long term damage was done.

I am gunna change oil and filters, wash, wax, and take pictures tomorrow.

Thoughts?

 

Most people regret getting the 4-cyl engine.. The 4.0 ltr has the most power, but a lot of people get along just fine with the 3.0 ltr engine. I'd go 4x4, as the 2wd versions don't do that well in snow or off road without a lot of modifications....

Shameless plug, but if you're looking for one already mildly built, try here:
https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=42895

 

Only thing to be worried about is the size, it is a small truck and is not family oriented, but if that is not a concern then the ranger is definantly the way to go, 4.0 V6 4x4 is the best route-you will have no regrets, just watch out for the modding bug, its easy to catch

 

first off, welcome another fl memeber... good luck on findning a ranger, i got an 03 auto tranny 2wd, its decent.. i got 70k+ on mine.. startin to have a little tranny trouble, but other then that.. havent had any major problems with it.. great truck..

 

Woah a Lakeland member cool, thats like right next door from me. I've had a Cougar and there are like a dozen people left in the Florida chapter in that enthusiest group.

I never use my back seats anyway (nobody wants to squeeze back there) and I am trying to get away from something small but not ready for something huge (gas) haha.

That is a sharp looking ranger Don, but its out of my price range. I am lookin for something around 7k or so

I know someone who is going to take me to a car dealership auction and looking at the past sales It looks like id be falling in the 00-03 range. Oh yeah and looking at used rangers, is there anything specific to look at that may indicate a problem. I know all models of cars have their quirks.

 

If you are not going to off road with it, then go with the 2WD. Not much snow in Valrico! I have run my 3.0l without a problem and it's a 98. I did have to replace the entire a/c $y$tem though. If you have time on your side, take your time. Don't rush into a purchase. Define exactly what you want and hold out until you find close to what you are looking for. You're about to spend $7,000 and you want to find something as close to what you want as possible.

Check out Ebay, Kelly's Blue Book, NADA, Auto trader, and get an education of what vehicles are selling for and what would be a good deal. The extended cab is a nice option if you have small kids, or occasionally have stuff that you don't want to get wet/hot like groceries, beer, etc.

 

The 4.0 engine changed in 2001, much more powerful. If I were you I would focus on the 01-03 category. I'll let someone who has more engine knowledge post the numbers and misc. info if they so desire.

Are there any specific mods you would like to do to the truck (EG: lifting or lowering)?

 

Well Welcome to the site. I have a 3.0l and love it. I wouldnt trade it for anything.

 

it seems like the newer rangers have tons of problems with the slave cylinders going out on them early on.

and the 01-02 4.0L's have timing chain rattle issues. Mines gettin to the point where im really starting to think about parking it for a few months and pull the motor.

 

here MY must have option list on the ranger:

rubber floor.
pwer windows and door locks
4.0
4x4
red
extended cab
shoulda got a 4 door.
me and dad found the bench seat (in new trucks anyways) to be more comfy than the bucket seats.

 

if you don't mind lower mpg get a 4.0 SOHC and 4x4 with a manual transmission... thats the combo i wish i had

 

i wish i had a manual tranny myself, but the auto does it i suppose...

 

bump for update

 

Not too bad.. A friend of mine bought a 98 contour from a car auction one time; the a/c died on the way home and it ended up throwing a CEL later on as well, and the tires were way off balance (very wobbly ride LOL).. from my understanding they usually dont let you drive the cars, so you really dont know what all you're getting. But sometimes if you really know what you're lookin for you can snag a good deal. Got any pics?

 

Well I got a phone cam pic i took earlier today h/o

 

man this is such poopy quality, after I detail it tomorrow I will use my rebel for some real nice pics.

 

holy crap it was my twin! lol..looks great.. good luck and congrats with the purchase.. looks like mine when i first bought mine 4wd or 2wd?