Is a 1984 Ranger 4 cylinder reliable?

[KrAzy KoOl MaN]

I found this truck. I have been trying to find a ranger, and this one is not the prettiest, but I think I can fix it up. It doesn't have much rust and the interior is not bad. He says it needs a new water pump, and that he has it. He also says it rattles, but it might be something small.

So basically what is your opinion. Doesn't it have like 78HP.Is there any way to get it up to like 100HP. Well, I mean how much can I put (weight) in the bed? I guess it does not matter, but I hope it gets me from point A to point B in the summer AND winter. By the way, is the gas mileage good? What about a carb? Are they difficult to maintain?

I heard these four bangers are good.

I don't know if I could get it down to $200. I might just get it, and see where it takes me.
I just don't want to make a bad decision.

 

[Earl43P]

I'd keep looking.

I see cheap Rangers on Craigslist all the time. Fixers for <$500.

Try to find a 93+, simply because Ford made SO MANY, parts are more readily available. You want fuel injection anyway.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

if you do get it, spend the money and get a holley 2-barrel carb for it. i had my 84 stock and it was really reliable untill i blew the motor. gas mileage at its best was 22 mpg. but by the time the engine went, i was down to 10 mpg. but i would look for an 87+ ranger.