Newbie needing some help

[HarryDunne]

I'm a newbie looking for some help. Due to budget limitations I'm looking at buying an 02 or 03 Ranger. What are the things to watch out for? I'm wanting a Supercab 4x4.

 

[triumphrider-1]

What are you refering to "things to watch out for", mechanical things or vehicle options? Also, do you want a manual tranny or auto?

An '02 or '03 should come with the 4.0L motor with the 4x4 option (correct me if I'm worng onthis guys).

If you are looking at supercabs I would say get a four door version. My uncle bought a two door super cab a couple of months ago and is now regreting not getting the extra doors.

 

[dogboy]

If I had to get another Ranger, I would get a 4.0L 4wd (manual transfer case) Extended cab with the 4 doors and a manual transmission.

That is just my preferances.

The 4.0L is a little harsh on gas for it's size, but it is FUN I think. If you want fuel milage, get a 2.3L.

For a tranny, I say manual because I don't think Ford is capable of building auto trannies. The newer ones are not as bad as the older A4LD's, as I hear though. That and I just don't like autos.

I would get a manual transfer case 4wd becuase the electronic shift 4wd is one of Ford's "better" ideas...

And, the 4door extended cab version becuase it is a real pain to get into the back seats of mine... It isn't so bad if you are a kid younger than 12. But most of us are not 12... And, it is just easy to thourgh crap back there. Putting things like a heavy tool box in the back would be ALOT easier if you had a straight shot at the floor.



If I recall right, you can't even get a 4cyl. in a 4wd, which, I think is kinda stupid on Ford's part.

I think the 4wd is nice, wheather you will need it alot or not. When the time comes that it would be nice to have it, you will really wish you had gotten 4wd.


For things to watch out for, mechanicly, I would have to say transmission (if it is bad I would think it is obvious). If it is 4wd make sure the 4wd engages, both 4wd, and 4low (4low, put in nuetral and shift it from 4wd to 4low).
Other than that, I can't think of anything off the top of my head that would be a problem area. I would also check the dip stick too. If it is low on oil or the oil looks really bad, chances are, it has been that way or worse multiple times before.

 

[HarryDunne]

Triumphrider-1,
My thought was to get a manual, 4 door, 4x4 ranger. I was mainly looking for some help on what to look for mechanically. I just find it a bit concerning that there are 1000 Rangers for sale but only 1 or 2 Toyota Tacoma's or Nissan Frontiers. Normally people hang on to things of quality.

 

[Skeleranger]

i love my 02 4dr. supercab. i see about 20 mpg in the summer but i have a few mods done, only thing i need to work on and wish i woulda saw was surface rust forming on the bottom seams of all the doors and tailgate. also TRS has a section for things to look out for.

 

[hihoslvr]

Triumphrider-1,
I just find it a bit concerning that there are 1000 Rangers for sale but only 1 or 2 Toyota Tacoma's or Nissan Frontiers. Normally people hang on to things of quality.

Hmm, not sure what that's all about... what neck a the woods you hangin' out in? That might have somthin' ta do wit it... out here on the left coast we see all kinds, actually alot of Toyota's. They go for top dollar though, but I think Ranger's get better mileage... anyway, just wonderin' how those 4-doors hold up, they don't rattle after some hard wheelin'? (mines only a 2dr, but I like it)

 

[triumphrider-1]

Triumphrider-1,
My thought was to get a manual, 4 door, 4x4 ranger. I was mainly looking for some help on what to look for mechanically. I just find it a bit concerning that there are 1000 Rangers for sale but only 1 or 2 Toyota Tacoma's or Nissan Frontiers. Normally people hang on to things of quality.

Yeah, I can understand that, but in my area, alot of Rangers are bought and sold as fleet vehicles and people upgrading to newer vehicles. I wouldn't be too concerned about the quantity of Rangers being sold, more with the quality of the ones your looking at.

They go for top dollar though, but I think Ranger's get better mileage... anyway, just wonderin' how those 4-doors hold up, they don't rattle after some hard wheelin'? (mines only a 2dr, but I like it)

I haven't had a problem with mine as of yet. I keep the hinges lubricated, and try not to slam them shut.

If I recall right, you can't even get a 4cyl. in a 4wd, which, I think is kinda stupid on Ford's part.

I think the 4wd is nice, wheather you will need it alot or not. When the time comes that it would be nice to have it, you will really wish you had gotten 4wd.


For things to watch out for, mechanicly, I would have to say transmission (if it is bad I would think it is obvious). If it is 4wd make sure the 4wd engages, both 4wd, and 4low (4low, put in nuetral and shift it from 4wd to 4low).
Other than that, I can't think of anything off the top of my head that would be a problem area. I would also check the dip stick too. If it is low on oil or the oil looks really bad, chances are, it has been that way or worse multiple times before.

+1.