Looking at a Ranger tomorrow for the first time, any tips?

[LanceUppercut]

Hey gang,

Potentially buying my first ranger tomorrow out here in the Philadelphia area. Looking at a V6 with the 3.0. I've only ever owned VW's so I'm a little out of my comfort zone here. Any input on things I should look for or ask the seller about would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5818664563.htm

 

[jeremysdad]

Link gave me a 404. Did you buy it?

 

[Marty'70]

Link gave me a 404. Did you buy it?

The world may never know.

Sent from my QMV7B using Tapatalk

 

[1990RangerinSK]

There's a great article in the Tech Section here that might help the OP. However, I would suggest the following:

Physically look at the truck, and note what it looks like.

Start the engine. Is it easy to start? Does it idle properly?

Try all accessories. Radio, wipers, washer, heater, AC, and all lights. Do they all work?

Drive it. Note how it accelerates, steers, shifts, and brakes.

Pull the engine oil dipstick, and look at the oil. What colour is it? What does it smell like?

I didn't take mine to a mechanic when I was looking at it. I probably should have, but I didn't. As it turned out, I've only got a few minor problems.

Good luck to you. These are great little trucks (I've had three in my lifetime). They handle well, and work hard.

 

[1996xlt]

If its been in the Philly area its whole life and you can arrange to have it on a lift or crawl underneath it, look around for rusty brake lines (leaks/ruptures), rotten rear leaf spring hangers and worst case frame rot. If the neither the brake lines or spring hangers bother you (easy to replace) you can use them as bargaining measures.