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Ford Ranger: good or bad?

My boyfriend is a cabinetmaker and looking to get something he can drive everyday, but still carry around materials when he needs to (ruling out of the F-series trucks: too big for everyday). He's been looking variously at the Ford Escape and Volvo wagon, but has found some used Rangers at a good price. He wants to know if it's worth it - is this a decent car? Anyone own one and like it? Can you get a lot of stuff into one? Thanks!

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    I had an '88 Ford Ranger that I also fondly nicknamed, "The Exxon/Valdez." It got 17.5 mpg and lasted about 90,000 miles.

    I can't tell you how many people I helped move, but it had something to do with the bed...

  • 1 decade ago

    Ok, I have the answer.

    Short answer is ..... YES. You really need to change the oil and keep up with the maintenance I had a total of 4 used rangers all over 200K when I sold it. Take the truck to a mechanic and have him/her go through it. It will cost you around 150.00 My current truck is a used 2004 edge.

    Long answer.

    Every time I look for a truck I start with Toyota. All the reviews love it and hate the Ranger. The Toyota's are well made, and very easy on people who do not keep up with maintenance. The issue is price. What I found was people who have a late model used Tacoma are asking the same price as a new one on the lot. (with incentives.) I came to the realization that a used Ford which is 12K less than a new Toyota is the right option. The used Tacoma's are twice that of the used ranger. If the engine goes and I put 5k into it i am still doing ok. Keep in mind this has never happenend in 15 years of used Rangers for me. There are many rangers out there. Look to see if the bed is really dented up, leaf springs bent, burnt oil, any signs of abuse, etc. (all things you mechanic will do for you) I like 40K or so miles.

    The rangers have been around for many years, with the same features. Good and bad, the bugs have been worked out, but you do not have the very COOL features of the new Tacoma. My 4 cylinder rangers have been great on gas, drove well, NO MAJOR issues, cheap to own EASY maintain, (parts are 1/2 price.) There are 100's of sites out there that can help you like youtube. (I changed my timing belt myself in 2 hours, $15.00. I have talked to many Toyota owners who are surprised Rangers go that high in miles. Then do and can, it just takes a little more oil changes.

    It comes down to money and time.

  • 1 decade ago

    These little pickups are reliable, economical and very durable. My '97 3.0 V6 went nearly 220K on my (2nd owner) watch; I still see it on the road from time to time.

    There have been four generations of the Ranger. The latest, from 1998 forward, is the largest (cab size, wheel base) and best (frame, steering, front suspension, auto transmission). The changes in 2001, 2004 and 2006 were all cosmetic, other than new and better front seats from 2004 forward. The 2001 and forward 4.0L V6 models are SOHC; the older 4.0s are pushrod engines.

    I have owned both 4.0L Cologne and 3.0L Vulcan V6 models. Unless you are towing a considerable load, live in the mountains, or just want the extra HP and torque, the 3.0L Vulcan model is fine in a 2WD truck, and a very durable, easy-to-service and economical engine. If you go to 4WD, you're forced into the 4.0 in the later models regardless.

    If you are very tall, an extended-cab Ranger provides about 3" more leg room than a standard cab, and feels a lot more spacious. The rear jump seats are just OK for short rides only. Aftermarket performance parts are plentiful and relatively cheap - Ford built a boatload of these little trucks. They and their Mazda B twins are the only remaining compact trucks on the market, as their competitors have moved to midsize models.

    I was very happy with both of my Rangers and upgraded to a 4WD F150 only because I fell into a deal too good to pass up.

    Ford is keeping the Ranger in production until the 2012 model year, but doesn't seem to be planning to update the model further. Consumer Reports doesn't show much variation in repair history between recent model years, so I'd base my evaluation more on the individual truck than the model year if you're buying used.

    Good luck!

    Source(s): Owned 2 Rangers; maintained family and fleet vehicles for 30 years - Fords only.
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  • 1 decade ago

    The Ranger is a decent pickup. My dad has had one for several years and it's been really dependable for him. The only real problem is that it has a tiny 3.0 liter V6 engine but Ford gave it ridiculously low gearing to compensate for the lack of horsepower. The result? It still has no power and gets horrible gas mileage. So my advice is this: if your boyfriend does get a Ranger, make sure it's the 4.0 V6 and not the 3.0.

  • 1 decade ago

    the ford ranger is a good truck , I've had 3 of them , but before you buy one spend an hours labour to have it checked out from front to back . this could give you some bargining power with the price if there is anything wrong with it . good luck

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    I like rangers myself. The gas mileage is good and they are pretty dependable. As far as payload, I guess it depends on what you mean by "a lot of stuff". It is a small truck. Period. Best of luck, Mike.

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