Questions from a potential new Ford Ranger buyer (1986!)

[ajtoole]

I’m curious for some thoughts and advice on buying my first Ford Ranger. I’m really wanting to buy a classic Ranger, something from the mid-90s and older. I found one on Facebook Marketplace that feels promising: 1986; 2WD; 2.0L (need to confirm that); 121K miles; body, bed and frame claim to be in very good condition though the paint is a bit thin; wheels are at about 80%; timing belt done a few miles back; ready to sticker and drive (all of this according to the owner/poster). This one’s $5,500. And for reference, I live in New England and the truck has been driven in New England for its entire life. I added some pics from the original FB post as well.

From what I know, the 1986 Ranger is highly regarded and really reliable. Is that true? What should I know about a used 1986 Ranger? What should I look for? What questions do you suggest I ask? Whatever insight you all have would be appreciated!

 

[Ranger850]

Black w/Red interior looks sharp. Hard to believe interiors used to come in colors other than Black or Tan. Definatley go look at it, under it, and in it. But from the surface, it looks pretty good. Maybe you can knock $500-1,000 off, but I don't know If I would let that one get away, if I had the cash for it.

 

[Chapap]

I wish I could say that sounds $teep… but I paid 3800 for a much, much less pretty truck.

That leaf sure looks flat. I’m looking at $350 min for parts for new springs all around on my 94, plus misc bushings, shocks, maybe hangers, etc. bring a wrench or screw driver and bang/jab on all the suspension hangers. They’re a critical component and after 30 yrs can rust thru and the wheels fall off.

 

[RobbieD]

Welcome.

That is a sharp truck. I'm really fond of old basic trucks. Vinyl bench, rubber floor, 4 cylinder manual trans- that one checks all of my boxes.

In my opinion, a good test drive will give you a good idea of the mechanical condition- as in if it runs good and drives good. Spend time underneath it looking for major, fatal frame rot from rust, and any major fluid leaks. Since the body doesn't look eaten up in the pics, the underneath may be in acceptable condition too.

Thin paint is not bad, as opposed to a fresh and shiny paint job. Older paint makes it easier to assess body rust issues and prior bodywork. Starting with nicer, or good, sheet metal is a major plus for one that you plan on keeping.

Prices are what they are these days. Check the truck out, then you decide if it's worth it to you, for what YOU want. Keep in mind, it is getting harder to find these older Rangers these days in good, original and unmolested condition. If you do pull the trigger, get as much history from the seller that you can, before you lose that contact. Any kind of past paperwork, especially service and repair receipts, are a plus.

If the mileage is true (which may or may not be), that's very low miles for an '86.

If you have other questions, don't hesitate to post them. There's good, knowledgeable people here.

 

[19Walt93]

If that's been in New England its whole life and has as little rust as that it deserves some respect, I hope you won't drive it in the winter.

 

[scotts90ranger]

That's pretty clean, but I'd have a hard time paying that much for a 2.0L, those things have at most 70hp... if you aren't too worried about going much faster than 60 I guess that isn't a problem though... although I'm used to the olden days before the rona and things were more reasonable, and being on the west coast where there isn't any rust unless you are on the coast...

 

[Curious Hound]

Looks awesome! Check it good and make sure the rust isn't any worse than what we see in the pictures. I would love to have that for a daily driver.

 

[ajtoole]

Black w/Red interior looks sharp. Hard to believe interiors used to come in colors other than Black or Tan. Definatley go look at it, under it, and in it. But from the surface, it looks pretty good. Maybe you can knock $500-1,000 off, but I don't know If I would let that one get away, if I had the cash for it.

Thanks! Love the interior as well. I'm thinking about trying to knock off some of the price given that it's one of the smaller engines/not a ton of power. Appreciate the insight!

 

[ajtoole]

That's pretty clean, but I'd have a hard time paying that much for a 2.0L, those things have at most 70hp... if you aren't too worried about going much faster than 60 I guess that isn't a problem though... although I'm used to the olden days before the rona and things were more reasonable, and being on the west coast where there isn't any rust unless you are on the coast...

Yeah good point about the power, I don't have to drive at maniac speeds but I don't want to be handicapped to the cruising lane. Something to consider

 

[ajtoole]

I wish I could say that sounds $teep… but I paid 3800 for a much, much less pretty truck.

That leaf sure looks flat. I’m looking at $350 min for parts for new springs all around on my 94, plus misc bushings, shocks, maybe hangers, etc. bring a wrench or screw driver and bang/jab on all the suspension hangers. They’re a critical component and after 30 yrs can rust thru and the wheels fall off.

Appreciate this, really good to know! I'll make sure to check the leaf springs and suspension parts, sounds like those are especially susceptible to rust. Thanks!

 

[Chapap]

Appreciate this, really good to know! I'll make sure to check the leaf springs and suspension parts, sounds like those are especially susceptible to rust. Thanks!

Don’t quote me on how important or widespread of a problem that is. That’s what some guy told me at a car show or something. It’s easy enough to do tho so might as well.

 

[ajtoole]

Welcome.

That is a sharp truck. I'm really fond of old basic trucks. Vinyl bench, rubber floor, 4 cylinder manual trans- that one checks all of my boxes.

In my opinion, a good test drive will give you a good idea of the mechanical condition- as in if it runs good and drives good. Spend time underneath it looking for major, fatal frame rot from rust, and any major fluid leaks. Since the body doesn't look eaten up in the pics, the underneath may be in acceptable condition too.

Thin paint is not bad, as opposed to a fresh and shiny paint job. Older paint makes it easier to assess body rust issues and prior bodywork. Starting with nicer, or good, sheet metal is a major plus for one that you plan on keeping.

Prices are what they are these days. Check the truck out, then you decide if it's worth it to you, for what YOU want. Keep in mind, it is getting harder to find these older Rangers these days in good, original and unmolested condition. If you do pull the trigger, get as much history from the seller that you can, before you lose that contact. Any kind of past paperwork, especially service and repair receipts, are a plus.

If the mileage is true (which may or may not be), that's very low miles for an '86.

If you have other questions, don't hesitate to post them. There's good, knowledgeable people here.

Thanks for all this, appreciate it! I'll make sure to consider all your info when checking it out. Definitely comes down to what makes sense for me personally, but I love all the input I'm getting

 

[holyford86]

Don’t quote me on how important or widespread of a problem that is. That’s what some guy told me at a car show or something. It’s easy enough to do tho so might as well.

its more of an issue once you get out of the first gens, they went to powdercoat on the second gen and newer trucks and they seem to rot out much much faster.

 

[Fast Eddie]

see if you can find a service bay in the area and throw it up on a lift while out for a test drive. Slip the manager a few bucks for the privledge. May save you a lot of money in the long run. If there's any leaks to be found, they're likely to be found after a few miles of driving.

 

[svtcards]

I’m curious for some thoughts and advice on buying my first Ford Ranger. I’m really wanting to buy a classic Ranger, something from the mid-90s and older. I found one on Facebook Marketplace that feels promising: 1986; 2WD; 2.0L (need to confirm that); 121K miles; body, bed and frame claim to be in very good condition though the paint is a bit thin; wheels are at about 80%; timing belt done a few miles back; ready to sticker and drive (all of this according to the owner/poster). This one’s $5,500. And for reference, I live in New England and the truck has been driven in New England for its entire life. I added some pics from the original FB post as well.

From what I know, the 1986 Ranger is highly regarded and really reliable. Is that true? What should I know about a used 1986 Ranger? What should I look for? What questions do you suggest I ask? Whatever insight you all have would be appreciated!

Where in new England do u live approximately?