Looking at a 97 Ranger for $3200 but the horn doesnt work. Should I run from it?

[askthemasses]

Looking at this truck this afternoon. 164k miles and the only mechanical issues that the owner knows of is that it needs an alignment and that the horn doesn't work. I'm happy taking it in for an alignment, but about the horn- is that likely a chill project or does that usually get way complicated? Is this a common issue on these Rangers? I've worked on cars before, am not great with electrical, and have never torn apart a steering wheel so I want to get a little idea of what I'm getting myself into.
Any feedback appreciated!

 

[planeflyer21]

I had a Chevy with a horn issue, after replacing the steering column.

It wouldn't work on demand but did work over speed bumps and potholes on its own. Probably would've gotten stuck on in a wreck.

 

[hank857]

horn is fairly easy. see with multimeter or continuity light if you have power to the horn plug in at the horn. If ya do hown is bad or has bad ground. if nothing shows up you may have a issue with the contact springs in the steering wheel. let us know.

 

[Plum Ranger XLT]

If it was me, I would go for it. I once had a 1987 Mustang that the horn didn't work and never attempted to get it fixed the whole time that I had it. The horn shouldn't be an issue unless you feel like that you feel the need to have it.

 

[pjtoledo]

"horn broke, watch for hand signals" problem solved.

 

[wr250rdr]

I wouldn't run from it because of the horn, but I would really haggle over the price. I picked up a 97 with 120k mikes on it that was well taken care of for $2000. in my area $3200 would buy a nicer mid 2000's with decent milage.

 

[Ranger850]

could just be a fuse.

 

[adsm08]

If trying to fix a non-functional horn makes you nervous then you really need to get some more wrench time, or stop altogether.


But there is no way that I would pay $3200 for a 20 year old vehicle. Unless you are out looking for something with some specific mod done to it and this has it already, I would walk if you can't get him below $2000.

 

[fastpakr]

For what it's worth, $3200 around here wouldn't be unreasonable at all if it was in decent shape.