Out of state buy, value & what to look out for.

[MISWFL]

I'm considering buying a project Ranger 2 states away and drive it home. It's an 1983, which is critical for registration purposes. It's a 2wd ( I don't want or need a 4x4 ), gas, 4 cylinder ( not sure if 2.0 or 2.3 yet ), 5 speed, single cab, long bed. Pretty much just what I want in a mini truck. It's got 255k on it and is being sold by a flipper or someone who gave up on it.

My plan is to bring tune up parts and a new ICM, tools and go through it quickly before hitting the road. That includes changing all fluids and looking stuff over really well. Once I get home, I'll do whatever it needs to be 100% reliable.

The truck looks decent, but has a bit of rust. The driver's seat needs repair, but I'll probably put different seats in. 3rd gen Honda Prelude or 1st gen Toyota MR-2 are my favorites. The truck doesn't have AC, which I'll need to install down the road. The worst part to me is the seller has done some work to it and doesn't sound like he knows what he's doing. The asking price and my travel costs will around $2000. A few years ago I wouldn't consider it for more than $500, but as they say, the whole world's changed.

I have no experience with Rangers and would appreciate any advice.

 

[19Walt93]

Unless you're luckier than I am, consider renting a tow dolly. A lot of poor quality work could have been done in 39 years and 255k.

 

[Blmpkn]

Even better than a dolly would be a trailer imo. In my state at least, a vehicle on a dolly needs to be registered/insured because it's touching the road.

A uhaul car trailer is 50$ a day. Just make sure the vehicle on the trailer weighs less than 80% of the registered weight of the tow vehicle... in one way or another.

 

[MISWFL]

My only option is flying out and driving it back or finding something else. The cost of fuel to do a round trip and tow it back or pay a transporter to haul it is more than the truck is worth to me, unless I can find a deal with a transporter. The truck is 650 miles away.

ETA my van has iffy rear wheel bearings and sketchy rear brakes ATM, so I'd have to rent a tow vehicle.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Fly out and plan to rent a truck and trailer for a worst case. If you get it roadworthy that's a bonus.

 

[MISWFL]

Sight unseen, any ideas of the value of it in today's market?

Any thoughts on common failure parts like the ICM, which I plan to bring with me.

 

[2011Supercab]

The cost of fuel to do a round trip and tow it back or pay a transporter to haul it is more than the truck is worth to me, unless I can find a deal with a transporter. The truck is 650 miles away.

I'd pass on it then.

What are you going to do if it breaks down halfway back home ?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

That's how adventures happen...
And great stories.

 

[MISWFL]

I'd pass on it then.

What are you going to do if it breaks down halfway back home ?

Sign the pink slip, leave it on the seat and start walking...

I've got AAA and could rent a truck and dolly if need be. I'll be bringing tools and I'm pretty confident I could fix small stuff on the side of the road. My biggest worry is the timing belt breaking on the trip back. I might just get a return flight with insurance so if the truck looks too bad, I can just walk away.

Any ideas on current market value and what common breakage issues are, besides the ICM?

 

[Ranger850]

What part of Florida are you in, and where is the truck? Maybe some one closer could go look at it for you.

 

[MISWFL]

What part of Florida are you in, and where is the truck? Maybe some one closer could go look at it for you.

I'm in Sarasota and the truck is in Alabama.

 

[MISWFL]

I got the VIN from the seller and according to that it's a 2.3 engine.

I plan to bring: spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor, ICM, O2 sensor, PCV valve, oil filter, radiator cap, thermostat, diff cover gasket and a master cylinder along with tools.

Anything I missed?

 

[Josh B]

Roller skates Sail? Pup tent. skillet and fish line

If you're taking a master cylinder don't forget the fluid

I do admire your faith sir

 

[Josh B]

Are you watching that winter storm ?

 

[Angie]

just me speaking..... i am guessing the truck is in a town? and the town has a parts store.... so why would you need to spend money on parts that might be fine for a drive home? look the truck over where it sits... then figure out if you need to invest in a set of wires when the ones on it will get you home? flying with tools? i wouldn't fathom that adventure... when a cheap set of sockets will be picked up at any store for 20.00 ... if needed at all. i would go there check over the truck, make sure it is road worthy, buy a spare coolant jug of 50/50, a couple pints of 10/30 oil, maybe a fan belt, and call it an adventure.

i guess it depends on how long the truck has sat and how much love it needs where it sits currently. and this will only be known when you turn the key in it.

cheers and have fun with the shopping adventure


i can't resist not posting this.... your story reminded me of this 4 part story i watched a while back.... cheers