Ranger Value

[SamsDad]

Maybe you guys can help me out with my search. My son and I have been looking at Rangers in the years 1998-2001, 4WD, mileage anywhere from 120K to 180K, some with exteded cab,some not, mostly XLT models.

Prices on Craigslist range from about $2500 to $3500.

For a Ranger in reasonable shape (good frame, tires, brakes, etc..) is this a reasobable amount to pay? I know this is a pretty broad question so I'm really looking for some general guidelines as to whether or not these prices are reasonable.

Also, should I steer away from the higher mileage trucks (180K+).

We live in the Boston area, if that matters.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

probably has a little something to do with the value of the u.s dollar..

 

[RonD]

Yes, area matters alot, as far as resale pricing

'98, '99 ,'00 4x4 Rangers have the Pulse Vacuum Hubs(PVH) just FYI they always will need to be serviced, but it is a DIY service
Good read here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/troubleshoot-fix_pvh_hubs.shtml
Or here: http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Apr04/offroad.htm

2000 was the last year of the 4.0l OHV engine, very reliable engine
2001 was the first year of the 4.0l SOHC, these early models have timing chain issues, which required pulling out the engine to repair, but once repaired with the newer designed parts they seem to last OK.

Obviously the regular cab will get better MPG than extended cab because of the weight difference.
On the drivers door edge there will be a sticker, it will have the AXLE code, if you look here you can see what it has as far as gearing: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/axle_codes.shtml
This is important for what you will use the truck for.
L/S = limited slip, what GM calls Positraction, both rear wheels get power, front axles are OPEN.
OPEN is a standard differential, only the easiest to turn wheel gets the power.

4.10 gearing is great for pulling loads around or trailers, less MPG because of higher RPMs at highway speeds
3.73 gearing, middle of the road gearing, OK for hauling and OK for highway speeds, not great at either....middle of the road
3.55(and 3.08) gearing gets great MPG at highway speeds but hard to get a load going

Since you are buying a used vehicle without any warranty, buying "local" doesn't mean much, so I would widen your search area and see what those years are going for "out of town", that will tell you if the $2,500-$3,500 range is good for your area.

 

[tmcalavy]

Frankly, if the trucks you are seeing in your area for $2500 to $3500 are solid then that is what your market will allow. I would have thought the prices would be higher in the Boston area, but never been there. Here's some weird geographical perspective for you...back in 2011 I paid $3500 for a 93 XLT supercab with 3.0, automatic, 2WD with about 110+K miles on it. This was in the Lubbock, TX market....way far away from Boston or anywhere else that you could consider metro or urban. Bought it from a rich cotton farmer, who bought it for his son...who was too picky and didn't like it. Great little truck for the money...I've dumped about another $1500 into it making it mine...headliner, AC fix, seats, topper for the bed, tires, etc. and I've driven the hound out of it. Check prices out in the country to how the rural market compares to Boston...as well as the trucks, and remember...CL is for buyers, not for sellers...very imperfect market, but patience pays off in the long run...times are tough and money is tight for most folks.

 

[Bronco638]

I got lucky, after searching in "no salt" markets (I have friends in Atlanta, Charlotte, NorCal and Tucson), I came across a local 2001 Edge 4x4 w/3.0 and 126K miles (I'm outside of Chicago). Turns out the truck was from northern Florida and spent its life in southern Georgia. The owner bought the truck, had it shipped and then did a bunch of front end work on it. He lowered the price $500 without me even asking. I bought for $3K. Since then, I've put about $1K into it. It should last a good long time.

My point? Local deals can be found, you just have to be patient and diligent. If it's possible, and you have 'remote' friends, "no salt" markets are always an option. Doing a "fly-n-ride" with your son might be a fun trip.

 

[SamsDad]

I went onto Ebay and looked at closed auctions within 200 miles of my area code to see what '98 - '01 Rangers were actually selling for. This was very helpful.

Basket cases were around $800, handyman specials were around $1500, reasonable turnkey drivers were $3000, mint low mileage were $5000+

The hunt continues..

 

[bigmark303]

2500-3500 private party for our area is about right. No Ranger for those prices in our area though will be turn key in the sense of needing nothing and being mechanically sound. You can drive it home but youll be dumping another 1500 into it in no time.

Low mileage, high mileage, one owner, multiple owner, great paint, faded paint, this all has nothing to do with the fact we have major salt issues. You could find a beauty on the outside beautiful paint, low mileage, one owner, and then you look underneath and the frame and brackets attached are rotted to no end.

Ive found more trucks up here rough around the edges cosmetically with high mileage that have been cared for mechanically and rust/rot wise than one owner low mileage trucks. Be careful looking and make sure you inspect the frame, cab mounts, bed rails, shackles, gas tank straps, pretty much anything vital to the truck holding together thats connected to the frame.

Be prepared to spend 4-5k if you find one with a solid underbody even if it has high mileage and some flaws. In the end though a solid underbody is worth spending more for in New England if you plan to keep anything.