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

[lil_Blue_Ford]

In addition to what’s already been mentioned, I would sight down the body lines and feel the edges of panels for tape lines, check for turned bolts on the fenders and stuff. It can indicate if there’s been bodywork. A wavy panel or body line indicates body work. And check the radiator support for rust.

 

[Rimjam]

Price is way high for my area of the country but prices vary by locale. That's a really nice looking basic, original truck. Can't believe the door panels aren't warped & the dash pad isn't cracked! As others have suggested, look very carefully for evidence of past body damage & repairs. If you're not knowledgeable in that area take it to someone who is. Crawl around underneath with a flashlight & look for major rust.

 

[Jazzer]

Run a magnet over the lower cab corners and rocker covers to spot bondo repair unless you're sure it's the original paint.

-Jazzer

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Check the area below the windshield for rot. There is a big cabity under the grills. Leaves plug the drains so water sits there... until new drains form via rust.

 

[Blue 92]

Check the headliner in the upper corners of the windshield and around the rear window for signs of leaking. Mine had evidence of leaking that I was not smart enough to spot but I'm sure the guy I bought it from knew it leaked. Would have offered less than I did.

 

[Ranger850]

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!

@ajtoole have you gone to look at this truck yet? Keep us updated plz.

 

[ajtoole]

@ajtoole have you gone to look at this truck yet? Keep us updated plz.

Sorry about that! I wasn't getting email notifications for posts, so I missed a lot of these. MANY thanks to those who contributed, I really appreciate it.

Decided against buying it, financially it didn't make sense as a truck to replace my daily driver, and I couldn't afford it as a second toy. So, I moved on. Another Ranger down the line perhaps!

 

[svtcards]

Sorry about that! I wasn't getting email notifications for posts, so I missed a lot of these. MANY thanks to those who contributed, I really appreciate it.

Decided against buying it, financially it didn't make sense as a truck to replace my daily driver, and I couldn't afford it as a second toy. So, I moved on. Another Ranger down the line perhaps!

Where in new England is it located?

 

[ajtoole]

Where in new England do u live approximately?

Southern Maine

 

[svtcards]

And it's on Facebook marketplace?sounds like it's in my neighborhood.5500 is pretty steep though.to bad it's that pricey I'd go look at it.

 

[ajtoole]

And it's on Facebook marketplace?sounds like it's in my neighborhood.5500 is pretty steep though.to bad it's that pricey I'd go look at it.

Yeah I appreciate that, I passed it up because it was a little pricey to just get as a second vehicle

 

[Saxwing1988]

I would buy a newer one for that price but if you really really like the older ones I think it looks really clean