Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Are Pre 98 Ford Ranger's reliable trucks?

I'd like to get a Pre 98 Ford Ranger with 5spd manual.

I can afford a 92-96 Ford Ranger.



Would be used as a daily driver as well as hauling light loads of dirt, tools, furniture and other stuff. I'm 6'3%26quot;, should fit just fine in the regular cab.



I don't need a powerful, fast truck but one that gets good mpg. No less than 19 mpg.



I not sure which engine to go with. Which one is most reliable: 2.3L, 3.0L V6, 4.0L V6?



The 2.3L has rubber timing belt and 8 spark plugs. Would be a pita to change them.

All three engines are cast iron block and head, the 3.0L and 4.0L has timing chain.



We have had one Ford in our Family a long time ago. It was a 1989 Ford Aerostar with 3.0L Vulcan V6.

Never had a problem with it, regular maintenance, tires, brakes, fluid, maybe just a wheel bearing after 8 years. Wouldn't mind a Ranger with the same 3.0L Vulcan V6 engine.



Would the 3.0L get the same or better mpg than the 4.0L V6?



I can usually find one with 120,000-150,000 miles that's been well cared for in nice shape.



How many miles are they reliable for?



I only drive 12,000+ miles per year, would keep it for 4 years.



Never owned a Ford small truck before, how do you guys like your trucks?Are Pre 98 Ford Ranger's reliable trucks?All the 88 up Rangers have Mazda drivetrains so they are very dependable. If you want mileage, get the 2.5- 4 cylinder with the 5 speed, mine got almost 30 mpg, just sold it with 257K on it and bought a 3.0 5 speed 4WD, its not quite getting 20mpg so far. The 3.0s in the rangers are pretty rare, only 28% had 3.0s in them! The 2.5 isn't an interference engine, so ya don't have to worry about the belt breaking and taking out the engine! I am 6'1 I fit in both regular and my new extended cab, the extended cab is nice with the lil extra room the seat goes back farther!

BTW, the 2WDs are worthless in the snow!Are Pre 98 Ford Ranger's reliable trucks?My little ranger has the 3.0L engine, which i really like,it;s good on gas mileage(21mpg) has enough power to stay up with the big boys,It's just a good around small truck that will get you from point a to point b without any problems.Are Pre 98 Ford Ranger's reliable trucks?fords have always been reliable



but anytime your buying used you check it shape



type into search box



how to check a used car

how to check a used truck

how to check a used four wheel drive

how to check a used motorcycle



get a checklist to help you look for signs of problems thats what you look for to know what problems a car has before you buy it not how many miles it has is how to miles was put on its about care it was giving

you can find a low mileage car/truck thats been drove at drag strip and be junk with 2000 miles on it



i go with fords any much as i can since they rank number one more times than any other made

and i go by over 35 yrs of hard driving



learn to check for problem signs learn how to check shape

knowing how to maintain and keep it in good shape a must