Looking to buy a Ranger. Nedd some advice.

[Tugmaster]

Hello,

I'm looking to buy a Ford Ranger and need some advice. I want this truck as a daily driver/ commuter vehicle. I'm definetly leaning towards a 4cyl, 5spd manual. I drive 70 miles round trip to work. I had one when I was younger and really liked it but then the kids came along and I needed more room.
A few questions if I may.
What kind of longevity can I expect form a Ranger? I drive 90% back roads and am a pretty conservative driver. I don't beat on my vehicles or ignore the required maintenance.
Are any years better than others? In know some tears had timing belts and some had timing chains?
How are they in the snow? I'm sure some weight in the back and taking it slow wouldn't hurt.
Are the Mazdas the same as the Rangers?

Any other advice or insights would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Todd

 

[adsm08]

My advice, if you are driving 70 miles a day for work, and worried about fuel economy, is to buy a car.

Rangers are good in the snow, but they are just a tool, and if it's not being used right, it wo't do the job. It's still up to the driver to have the needed skills. Although since you live in Connecticut I'll give you the benefit of the doubt on that one.

However a 2wd is going to be squirrely on bad roads, and 4cyl 4x4s are very very rare. Sand bags will help, but weight isn't' always enough.

I personally prefer the 97 and older trucks because the front suspension is stronger, and while repairs are a little more labor intensive parts are much cheaper.

 

[stmitch]

For commuting, the answer is 01.5 and newer 4 cyl/5spd. They have the Duratec 2.3L which is more powerful, lighter, and more fuel efficient than the earlier 4 cylinders. The truck will also come with the SLA front suspension for improved handling, and a slightly larger cab (beginning in 98) for a bit more leg room. They're also newer, so they'll typically have fewer miles on them, and fewer years to rust away.

I drive my 01 2.3L/5 spd 50 miles per day and get high 20s-low 30' miles per gallon depending on the time of year. No issues at all in Indiana winters.

Trucks with the autobox instead of the manual are less fun to drive, had taller rear gears, and typically max out in the 22-25mpg range, so avoid the auto if you can.

Mazda B2300 would give you the same basic package in a slightly different wrapper.

 

[pjtoledo]

281,500 miles on my 05 2.3 duratec 5sp. bought it new so I can vouch for how dependable they are. to date an alternator is the only engine part replaced, aside from the usual belts & hoses.

with 400 lbs of tools in the back, and dedicated winter tires I could out handle almost anything in 6" or less snow.


Perry

 

[Tugmaster]

Thanks for the great info. So if I read your response correctly 01 and later have the Duratec? Is that correct? Also, did the Mazdas of the same years have the Duratec also?
Thanks, Todd

 

[stmitch]

The Duratec was added mid 2001 model year, so some 01s will have the older, iron block 2.5L SOHC Lima engine, but many will have the 2.3L Duratec.

Mazdas should be the same, although I'm not sure I've ever seen an 01 Mazda with the 2.5L Lima.

 

[1993rangerxl]

I am the 2nd owner of my 93, 4cyl 5spd. Bought in 97 with 41K now at 354K and counting. No major issues until 300K. since then replaced clutch, and cyl head twice ( both reman, first one cracked after 30K still on 2nd one). Soon to replace rear axle for 2nd time, but I regularly and excessively overload this truck with over 2000lbs. 4cyl is not fast by any means, but has pulled an extra 4000lbs without problems on highway (I wouldn't try pulling a boat up the boat ramp!). Northern trucks are known for frames rusting also rear hangers and shackles, so get under it and look closely. Good luck! By the way, mine gets 22-23 mpg unloaded and 12-15 pulling my 5X8 cargo trailer! FYI.