16yr old's first car - 1997 Ranger XLT


ToxicSteve

15+ Year Member

Joined
Apr 12, 2009
Messages
10
Points
3,101
Vehicle Year
1997
Transmission
Automatic
Hey I'm Steve, I'm 16 and for my first car my Dad bought me a black 1997 Ranger XLT.

Here is a picture of my baby...
16yr old's first car - 1997 Ranger XLT

Thoughts on needed fixes or common problems? It has almost 137K miles.
 
Welcome.

Welcome to TRS. This forum is a very useful tool to new and old Ranger enthusiasts alike. Not a bad first car (or in you case truck) at all :icon_thumby:. As far as thoughts on needed repairs that all depends. If the truck drives fine, no smoke on start up, power everywhere, idles smoothly, accelerates and decelerates smoothly then you probably are in good shape. Depending on what engine you have there are some common gremlins associated with each motor, but for the most part your Ranger should provide you with years of motoring pleasure so long as you treat it with the respect that it deserves. 137K miles is nothing to worry about as lots of these trucks go far beyond that (mine has about 200K is still alive and kicking). If you come across any problems then post them up on the forum in the corresponding section and there will be plenty of members who will step up and give what advice they can from their own experience. Welcome to the forum.
 
I see that it's a 4.0 and 2wd. Is it auto or standard?

Welcome to the Ranger Station btw, I'm seeing alot more people around my age here lately. I'm 17 turning 18 in September. :icon_thumby:

Looks like a pretty nice truck. Any plans for it or just going for the basics for now? I had big plans for mine when I first got it, but they all took a back seat to gas money and college in a few months.
 
Its an Automatic. And the only things that I've found wrong really is that it accelerates pretty loud, but the muffler doesn't look bad. And when I accelerate the bed kinda shakes like it's shaking it's tail or something.

My plans are to change the tires (from no names). Change the head and taillights out. Change the windshield (has a crack). And change the front bumper at least, it's a but rusty.
 
Welcome to TRS!!!:icon_cheers:

Nice Ranger you have there! :icon_thumby: I don't know a lot about those year models, but I know they can last a long time & you will get plenty of use out of it.

Enjoy your new ride!!:headbang:
 
Yea I'm hoping to keep this puppy for at least another 100-150K more miles... hopefully but once its over 200K its gonna need some work I'm assuming.
 
don't worry steve. my 93 4x4 5sp has 340k and can still climb out the other side the river. if you take care of it...it will take care of you!
 

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