Buying a used Ranger, NEED ADVICE PLEASE

[peter.meredith]

Hello all,

I am about to buy a used Ranger and just need a little advice from the experts.

I am looking at two different years / trims.

The first one is a 2003 Ranger XLT FX4 Off-Road with ~170,000 km on it. I am a big fan of this trim and from what I have read, it's received great reviews for the most part.

The other is a 2007 Ranger Sport 4x4 with ~ 60,000 km.

Both are 6 cyl. (4L) 5 speed manuals with 4x4.

I suppose common sense would say to take the '07, but I've had my heart set on the '03 FX4 trim. I am biased toward the '03 because of the trim and because of (don't judge me ha ha) the color (03 is a dark green, 07 is red).
Also from what I've seen the 03 is in excellent condition (no dents or rust).

Anyway any and all advice would be appreciated.

OH and I've also been looking at a 2003 Mazda B-4000 with ~130,000km. Thoughts on that model?

Prices for the 03s are within a hundred bucks. The 07 may be as much as 3 grand more.

I guess what I'm really asking is if the XLT F4 Off-Road trim is worth it enough to get a slightly older, more used, truck rather than a newer one.

Thanks in advance
Cheers

PM

 

[backroad101]

If cost is not too much of a factor and you can swing up to 3k more, go for the 07. If you'd rather not spend the extra 3k, inpect both 03s very closely (maybe even have them inspected by a mechanic) and go with which ever looks best. Or you could keep looking for a less used 03

What is the truck being used for?

.

 

[peter.meredith]

OK thanks.

It will be my primary vehicle for commuting. I am a geologist though so it will see its fair share of rough terrain (which is why I only considered 4x4).
I guess, as I mentioned, I'm hung up on the look/add-ons (its loaded minus leather seats) of the 03 FX4 Off-Road. But if the pros of getting a newer Ranger out-weigh the pros of the FX4 trim, then that's what I will probably get!

 

[PickupMan04 FX4 L2]

id go with the fx4... but im biased.. ive owned 3 xlt rangers a 92 a 95 and a 99 my 04 fx4 is my favorite..

 

[peter.meredith]

AAAHHH
haha this is exactly the type of feed-back I'm looking for though, so thanks.
I mean the Fx4 just seems so much cooler than the '07.
But since the '07 is newer I feel like I should really be leaning toward it instead.
What made your '04 FX4 your favorite?
Do you think that FX4 > Sport trim when considering both are 5 speed 4x4s?

 

[strvger]

ok, they are all used. i would go with whichever one has the least rust, best maintenance, and will make you happiest. being used, they will all require something to be fixed down the road. as they share the same engine and drive train, there shouldn't be too many problems there, but that does give the nod to the one with fewer miles on it. the B-4000 should compare equally with the ranger, imho.
trim is just that. if you choose one of the others, you could come close to matching it up to the trim package you like with after market and good used trim pieces.
for what you'll be using it for, i'd be looking closer at what gears are in the axles, limited slip or locker, skid plates, receiver hitch, etc. those are the things that will get you there and back safely. if the older trucks are fine mechanically, the money saved could be used to add the locker, upgrade the gears, tires, etc. if needed.
just my $.02.

 

[DangerRanger~91]

I have an 06 fx4.... I love everything about the fx4, but I would still go with the 07 sport.. I like the fact that they are all color matched and new with less miles is always better.

Aren't 4x4 sports pretty much the same thing as an fx4????

 

[peter.meredith]

And a great $.02 I think, thanks. I think getting the less expensive one and then adding stuff is a great plan, so long as it is mechanically sound. I feel like it (the 03) already has a lot of these add-ons whereas the '07 will pretty well be the base model. I am still waiting to hear back on the condition of the 07 as I only heard about it today from a friend who has been keeping an eye out for solid trucks, so that will help a lot.
And although I have not had a chance to get a mechanic to look over the '03, I have planned to do that this coming weekend.
Thanks again

 

[peter.meredith]

Yeah I for some reason thought that the FX4 had more standard features, although I could be wrong with this... Maybe the 07 is my best bet...
As I say though I need to hear back from my friend with mroe info about the 07.
Thanks for your advice as well

 

[DangerRanger~91]

If the 07 doesnt have vinyl floors... the get the 03, because I love my vinyl floor in the 06, you can spill stuff, get mud all over it and all you gotta do is just wipe it up.

 

[Hopman]

By the way Pete, welcome to TRS!!!

Heed my warning: Once you get a Ranger, it will be VERY HARD for you to live with anything else.

 

[backroad101]

If the 07 doesnt have vinyl floors... the get the 03, because I love my vinyl floor in the 06, you can spill stuff, get mud all over it and all you gotta do is just wipe it up.

Vinyl or carpeted floors prob should not be the deciding factor in buying a used truck.

.

 

[DangerRanger~91]

Vinyl or carpeted floors prob should not be the deciding factor in buying a used truck.

.

Ya think????

It was more of a joke than anything......

 

[peter.meredith]

Thanks for the welcoming! I'm really excited to get my Ranger (whichever I choose) and hit the back roads. I'm kind of embarrassed to say that my last rig was a hand-me-down dodge caravan (booo... hisss...). Thank god the rust ate it giving me a guilt free opportunity to finally get a truck!

haha yeah the floor material never even entered into the decision making process, although I can see the benefit of vinyl. If its carpeting though maybe I will just get a roll of vinyl and pull my trusty staple gun out of the tool box...

 

[feellnfroggy]

NO advice needed, your gonna get the 03 because jsut the way you talk about it you drool, your whole opinion of the 07 is kinda blah. 07 may have distinguished advantages in age and mileage and stuff, but its not what you want is it?