Advice on possible Ranger purchase?

[talusbomb]

Hi,
I'm going to see a '98 Ranger tomorrow, it's a 5-speed 2.5L extra cab with 157,000 miles.The price seems reasonable.
The seller says the check engine light is on because it needs a tune-up ( so I need to fix that before I can get it smogged for registration,in California)

I don't know much about Ford trucks, should I be worried about the miles?
Could the check engine light thing be an expensive fix do you think? I don't have the codes but he said it was something to do with the ignition?

I'd appreciate your comments and advice!
Thanks.

 

[Earl43P]

Find another one.

If the PO doesn't care enough to fix the CEL, what ELSE did he neglect?

Besides, doesn't the PO have to have it smogged BEFORE he sells it in Ca.?

If you are stubborn and insist on looking at that truck anyway, take a scanner with you so you can read the actual code that is stored. That, or take it somewhere and have the code read during your test drive.

You can pick up a scanner pretty cheap these days, $30 or so.
The CEL does not simply come on because it needs a tune-up. It could be literally any of hundreds of possible problems for that light to be on.


Welcome to The Ranger Station!

 

[RonD]

Yes, the CEL would give me pause.
If seller "knows" the cause then why wouldn't he fix it in order to get top dollar,
I would guess he took it to a shop and they quoted a high repair cost so he is selling "as is".

I would call a few local shops and ask them the price of a used car inspection, usually $80-$150, mention the CEL being on.
Most Ford Dealers do used car inspections.

Call the seller and say you are prepared to make an offer after an inspection at "Joe's Garage", if he refuses the inspection then you know he is being less than honest about why the CEL is on or he knows of other problems with the truck, so time to walk away and look for another truck

If he agrees to the inspection you can decide at that point whether or not to have the inspection, I would, but that is up to you.

 

[brother rat]

I wouldn't be so concerned about the mileage.
The CEL could be very simple or it could be very complicated. Go ahead and look at the vehicle. Any reasonable seller should be willing to go with you to a mechanic to have the codes read. I think they will even read engine codes for free at PepBoys/AutoZone/etc. Don't buy the vehicle unless you know exactly what codes are causing the CEL.

 

[RustedRanger]

Don't be afraid to pass...let it run until it's all the way warm too. My Ranger is vehicle #35...I didn't drive em all,some was for parts or to fix. Picking the wrong vehicle can be a real heart/wallet breaker.

 

[talusbomb]

Ok, that all makes sense.
I will go and see it but I want to know what the problems are before buying.
Thanks.

 

[RonD]

Used cars have no warranty, in most cases.
The Rangers I have owned have lasted well with few major issues that were not my fault.

I guess the best thing to do is to search this forum using "1998 ranger" and/or "2.5l"

See what posts come up, and any common problems, I don't know of any off hand.

 

[EMB1230]

The only common "problem" with the ohc 2.3/2.5 is having to replace the timing belt every so often.

 

[CarsonChris]

My GF has a 99Expedition. It has 4 O2 sensors. 1 of them is impossible to get at unless your remove the exhaust manifold on the passenger side to get at it. It's a costly replacement.

 

[trader007]

how many owners? how good of shape is it still in? 157k miles is nothing on a maintained ranger, but if it was neglected then you dont want it because there are plenty of good shape rangers out there.