Looking to buy a Ranger.....

[Thameth]

Hey guys,

I'm thinking of buying a Ranger as side vehicle to do some light towing and other utility pickup duties. It would have to be able to tow around 2k lbs so that it can handle our 900lbs of Jet Ski and Trailer along with other light work. 4x4 would be a bonus because it would be nice to not have to worry about pulling trailers out of steep or slick boat ramps and possibly beaches.

Back in 99' I rented a Ford Ranger Edge Extra Cab 4x4 V6 (wow thats a mouthful) and I actually liked it alot back then. Extra Cab, would be a plus because I'm 6'2", shorter cabs are tough to fit in. Saw one in Pre-Runner setup recently that looked very sweet, that would be a nice side project hehe.

In my searches so far the best candidate I've found is this 1995 Ranger:

Its got 148k miles, 4.0 V6, Auto, 4x4, supposedly no accidents and they're asking $2500 obo....

What do you think? What should I look for if I eventually go look and drive?

Any suggestions for a Ranger noob?

Thanx!

 

[hades]

Hi there! Welcome to the forum.

I think what you've found is cool. For a side vehicle, that's ok already. Post some pics. once you've got your ranger already.


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automotive performance parts

 

[Thameth]

Thanx for the welcome Hades, I'm looking forward to getting the truck. Just trying to do as much research as possible before going to see it.

 

[fastpakr]

From the info you posted, it sounds like a good deal. Have it checked out and grab it if everything looks ok. 2000 lb's won't be a problem on any Ranger, from an automatic 2.3 to a 5 speed 4.0 - it's an easy load for any of them.

 

[Thameth]

Yeah from some quick research I think its rated at 6k lbs towing?? Thats good, anything else too look out for with 150k miles?

 

[GMWIGGS]

Thats a nice looking truck, I'd go for it. I've never cared for yellow, but with the blacked out rims, it looks pretty good to me! Rangers are tough, dependable little trucks. I've owned 3 of them, they are '88, '96, '00. All three served me well, I can't recommend them enough.

6000 lbs towing sounds a little too much, but it will tow what you are planning to tow with no problems. I tow a 3000 lb boat with my '00 and its all it wants. I towed a friends boat (about 4000 lbs) and it was grunting big time, way to much for my Ranger. Remember, getting it down the road is one thing, stopping it is another!

 

[beaujt]

6,000 lbs is a little much(i wouldn't do it haha) but i've pulled my brothers truck with mine and it pulled like a dream! has the 4.0L but if you don't buy it i have a mind to buy it, thats a pretty good deal.

 

[Thameth]

Yeah, I don't plan to ever pull near 6k lbs. Worst case scenario would be an emergency pull of my friends 20ft boat but I would only do that for a short distance at slow speed of course. As I mentioned this will mostly be for a 900lb jet ski and all my stuff that current gets pulled by a Nissan Murano.

If I decide not to get the truck I'll definitely post all the info here for someone else to pick up on it, enough searching and you could probably find it yourself hehe.

At 150k miles what should I check on the truck when I go for a test drive?