Well, I've owned my 98 3.0 V-6 Ranger since January 2000. I used to warm it up until the temperature needle just hit the bottom mark on the gauge, Then take it easy until it hit operating temperature. Lately, since I've felt it's on borrowed time now, I don't anymore. And the truck doesn't seem to care one iota. I warm it up about one minute, then take it easy utill it hits operating temperature. It is sitting at 184,760 miles right now. Not burning any oil, and the one leak it had seems to have fixed itself. Used to leave a silver dollar sized drop everywhere. Sold my 07 Mustang recently, so the Ranger has it's spot in the garage again. Not leaving any spots, and the oil is at the top of the hash marks. Things That Make You Go Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Earlier last year I was having a lot of difficulties with it. Finally figured out it was the EVAP hoses under the tail. Deleted it all, no more problems. EGR is stuck in the open position ( spring broke?), so I made a solid metal gasket for it, so it no longer works. Catalytic converter isn't converting any more (can tell by the smell). And yet, it is running better than it has in years. Starts up on the first turn of the key, getting over 20 mpg (driving it like I stole it). So, decided to sell the Stang, since it was bought in case the Ranger died. I guess it's going to soldier on for a few years more.