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How can I find out more about this car?


DLC

New Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2017
Messages
2
City
LA
Transmission
Automatic
Hello everyone,

I'm currently looking for Ranger (second gen, 2005-2011). This is one of the biggest purchases in my life, so I need to make sure everything is fine and different issues won't appear when I start using it. Do you know where I can search for the info?
 
Hello everyone,

I'm currently looking for Ranger (second gen, 2005-2011). This is one of the biggest purchases in my life, so I need to make sure everything is fine and different issues won't appear when I start using it. Do you know where I can search for the info?
Ranger? Never heard of it. ?

Your question is pretty vague. It might be easier for you to find out what's available to you and then ask questions about particular trucks. Are you looking for 2wd or 4x4? Do you want a particular engine size? Will you be towing anything? Do you want a project truck? Do you want to lift it or lower it? Etc.

Eric B
 
While I don't think there is a section on common Ranger problems, there is a lot of information in the Tech Articles.
 
Yes, Welcome to TRS :)

Ranger generations:
1983 to 1992 1st Generation, 1989-1992 had slight body change, so can be 1.5 Gen
1993 to 1997 is 2nd generation
1998 to 2012 is 3rd generation

Yes, 2001 to 2004 4.0l SOHC engines could have timing chain issues
2001 to 2003 2.3l engines had thermostat and Intake Runner issues

2005 and up are pretty safe bets
The 3.0l Vulcan engine didn't have a lot of power, so if MPG is your goal then the 4 cylinder 2.3l Duratec Ranger is what you want, wasn't available in 4WD models
If you want power then skip the 3.0l and get the 4.0l SOHC Ranger

As always with ANY used vehicle, get an inspection, Ford dealers have a good used vehicle inspection and not too expensive.
If seller says NO, to an inspection, then walk away, you dodged a bullet
And look for lots of options, they are free on a used car, lol.
 
Last edited:
Hello everyone,

I'm currently looking for Ranger (second gen, 2005-2011). This is one of the biggest purchases in my life, so I need to make sure everything is fine and different issues won't appear when I start using it. Do you know where I can search for the info?

I know a great car history checkers such as:
autocheck.com
trustvin.com
instavin.com
carfax.com
clearvin.com
You can find VIN decoding information and buy a report there.
Good luck with purchase :icon_thumby:
 
Keep in mind, nobody but the owner of the vehicle will have all of that sort of information. You can get a CarFax report, but that will only show accidents that the owner has reported. Take my 99 dodge Ram for example. I got a CarFax when I bought it. Since then, it's been rear-ended and had a minor scrape on the front corner. Neither of which I turned in to insurance. So as far as CarFax knows, my truck is still accident free.

Also, CarFax isn't going to know if the owner did regular oil changes or likes to take off like he's drag racing from every light.

The best thing to do is to get a mechanic you can trust to check them out for you. Or better yet, start learning what to look for yourself! Knowledge is power. Be willing to crawl all over a truck before buying it. Be smart and look for leaks AFTER test driving it. I don't buy used vehicles if they've been obviously cleaned before I got there. I want to see what it normally looks like, not all polished and deep cleaned. Makes me think they're hiding things.
 
You can learn a lot about a vehicle just by looking underneath it. You can spot leaks, rust, future issues or see if things have already been repaired. I've learned over the years that just by looking at the bottom side of a vehicle you can pretty much tell what type of owner they were, especially living in ohio where rust is common on anything with some years. for rangers the obvious things to check for would be leaf spring hangers, gas tank straps, check for rusty frames, like REALLY rusty frames, they are notorious for breaking in front of the front leaf spring bracket, check fluids and just ask the owner questions like how often they drive it, regular maintenance? and you can normally tell their driving habits by looking at them. 18-20 yr old male probably hot rods it and abuses it, 20-30, slight hot rodding but normally has to pay for what breaks so repairs get pushes off till the bitter end, and 30+ probably good drivers who don't drive like Mario Andretti and can afford to fix things when they break or before they break. Just my opinion as a 29 yr old male.
 

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