Should I buy a 04 Ranger?

[Firehawk89]

Looking at this 2004 Ranger XLT 4 door 4wd with 84,387 miles its a 4L V6, its going for $8,995.

 

[scotts90ranger]

That's a fair amount of money but if it's what you want that's a decent rig. I'd check for rust but those miles are pretty low but that can go either way... I think that's the SOHC 4.0L so has lots of power, auto trans should be ok but I'd check the fluid color anyway if it's auto, manual should be good to go most likely if that's what it has... I think that year the SOHC had worked most of the timing chain issues out if I've heard right.

 

[Firehawk89]

It is an automatic

 

[sgtsandman]

Give it good look over under the truck for rust. If you do buy it, plan on changing all the fluids and the chain tensioners. Assume the PO was a “I only had to change the oil” kind of person. Give the brakes a good look over too. Make sure there is plenty of meat on the pads and shoes, the rotors and drums are in decent shape, and the slider pins for the calipers move freely. Take a look at the rubber boots for the suspension and half shafts too. If any of them are torn or look ratty, those parts may be due for replacement soon.

 

[rubydist]

That would be a really good price in this part of the world, but where you are it may be very rusty. The frames were not that strong to begin with, so if the frame has rust it quickly gets to the "unsafe" category. The auto trans was a potential failure point, so make sure it shifts solid and not mushy through all of the gears.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Ref this thread for a similar post and some suggestions: Questions from a potential new Ford Ranger buyer (1986!) | The Ranger Station

 

[CrabGuy]

I took a gamble 7 months ago on my 04, same spec as yours but with 213K with several repairable issues. I paid $3500. I listened to wise advice here and replaced hydraulic tensions, swapped all fluids, new rear brakes, shocks, charged the AC, and replaced the TC shift motor and 4WD control module. It has been a incredibly solid truck since and I wouldn't hesitate to drive it just about anywhere. Yes, check very closely for rust on the frame, radiator support, rockers, and rear shackle hangers since you are in 'death by a 1000 cuts' corrosion country. For that price it should be in exceptional condition. Good luck on the purchase

 

[Jazzer]

Check the bottom pan of the passenger door for rust, my ‘07 has it bad but I’m not sure what years had that problem.

-Jazzer