looking into buying a ranger? please help wit tips!

[ranger-curious]

So im moving to fort campbell kentucky soon,
and i was looking into buying a car, i was going to get a jeep wrangler, due to space, utilities, capabilities, and what not. but my buddies all said if i ever plan on getting a dirt bike or even just lugging mountain bikes and bmx bikes, im better off getting a truck.

So then i started looking into yota's and rangers. My buddy has a ranger that he got for ~$2500 and threw like 500 bucks into, and he loves it.

as i was looking at the craigslist posts, i realized i can get a decent ranger for under $3000.
I will probably deploy within a year of getting there so im not expecting anything special. but what im curious of is, can I get a decent truck that will last me a while for $3000 or lower, with just a lil work on it?

also i need tips, this will be only the second car i've owned. So im not an expert at car shopping. What's the most i should accept for millage, wear and tear to look for?
i would really appreciate the tips.

 

[Mark_88]

lWelcome to TRS~!

Not that you're asking too much, because you will get answers coming out of your e-yang soon enough...but what experience do you have at buying a vehicle?

Wear and tear as in body damage and rust can be assessed with a good visual inspection...including crawling under the truck to look at it closely (you can tell just by looking what shape the exhaust system is in and if there is excessive rust on the frame rails or cross members)...

Engine and drive line wear and tear are not obvious and neither are the driving habits of the previous owner(s)...

After inspecting the vehicle for rust and body damage...

1> Check the vehicle history to see how many times it changed hands...the less the better generally...

2> Ask the current owner about maintenance...get a look at any records they offer (single owners are the best to buy from because they are more likely to know the complete repair/maintenance history)...and test drive if possible...

3> During the test drive look for engine response to throttle changes...listen closely for any noises like creaks, thuds, rattles, and, especially, bangs...feel the steering wheel for vibrations throughout the speed ranges...

4> Make sure the truck is big enough for you...extended cabs are worth the extra money and turning radius because you can stash stuff inside with less worry about theft or weather...

5> Avoid Pink trucks!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Welcome to trs.
If you're not that mechanically inclined, I'd suggest taking the truck to a mechanic, especially in the price range you're looking at. Most vehicles I buy are at the 200,000 km/120,000m range. I expect to get at least another 100,000km/60,000m out of them, and I will have to replace suspension parts, but it's a gamble on the engine/trans.
Good luck,

Richard

 

[ranger-curious]

I appreciate the info. Mechanically im alright, ive replaced suspension on cars and done some maintenance, just have not had the pleasure or buying many cars.
I will keep those tips mind.

 

[RangerSVT]

Welcome to TRS and my neck of the woods... I use to work on Campbell in the IMD division refurbing the HEMMTT's...anyways, if you like offroading and grab you a 4x4 (they have a few in the classifieds here on TRS), some might be a little ways off, but its a good place to start.
SVT

 

[pillen140]

If you like to offroad, id go with a 93-97 model year, they're a lot cheaper to lift. If you look at the frame, like other people said, look at the rear leaf spring hangers and shackles for rust, along with the back half of the frame for rust and also check the front of the frame right behind the spring (where the frame angles back down to make room for the cab)... those are known rusty spots. Id get a 4.0, you'd be happier with it in the long run, and yould get better axles for certain. And supercabs are worth it! Also check for a fuel leak in the fuel lines right near the steering shaft under the hood. Also, make sure when you turn the key on (but don't start it) that the check engine light comes ON for a second. And make sure it DOESNT stay on. And make sure 4x4 works.