Would a 1992 Ranger be a good first car/truck?

[KrAzy KoOl MaN]

I was thinking about buying a more expensive car (around $3000-$3500), but then I saw the 1992 ranger, and I honestly thought it did not look to bad.

Then I could get a decent one for $1500 and do a nice paint job, and make it look good and run good. The money I save I would use it for college.
Do you think it would last about 7 more years!?
Anyways would you recommend one, and what engine is the best for that year? (I want a manual transmission.)
What should I check if and when I buy it?
What should I change if I buy it?

Anymore thoughts and comments are welcome as well.

 

[scotts90ranger]

sure, mine has treated me well, I've had my '90 for 9.5 years now.

the two most bullet proof engines available then were the 2.3 and 3.0, either will treat you well for a long time if takan care of.

 

[kmack]

an old ranger or any old truck will have more problems down the road then say a new toyota or honda, but with a limited amount of tools, and a good amount of knowledge about cars you can fix a beater truck for peanuts.

for example, repairing a bumper on my dad's toyota is looking around 400$ where as repairing the bumper on my ranger costs maximum 35$ and maybey a 6pack.

however his car is going to go on 500k km with $2000 into it where i can only pray my ranger will give me another 50k km with $200.

 

[a-5 freak]

When the truck rolls over to 80k, change the timing belt. When you get the truck, it wouldn't be bad to change plugs/wires, hoses, and oil. Maybe the serpentine belt if you are feeling generous. You may also want to flush the radiator. I got my truck and there was rust in the radiator. Other than that, Have fun with your new ranger!!!

 

[Z3CHYD]

I was thinking about buying a more expensive car (around $3000-$3500), but then I saw the 1992 ranger, and I honestly thought it did not look to bad.

Then I could get a decent one for $1500 and do a nice paint job, and make it look good and run good. The money I save I would use it for college.
Do you think it would last about 7 more years!?
Anyways would you recommend one, and what engine is the best for that year? (I want a manual transmission.)
What should I check if and when I buy it?
What should I change if I buy it?

Anymore thoughts and comments are welcome as well.

I would say get the 2.3 5-speed version, So that way you can save money on gas and still have a dependable, decent running truck. these 2.3 4-bangers are well known (with regular maintenance of course) are known to have 200,000 miles on them are are still ticking. Of course check for the usual "Ranger rust" and drivetrain wear. Check the back drums for seepage, then youll know if u need to rebuild the rear brakes or not.....good luck with your buy

 

[Lee_533]

I don't know...I have had a 2.9 5 speed that treated me very well...and I 4 wheeled the crap out of it. I never had any engine problems and the only work I had done to it was the clutch, throwout bearing, master and slave cylinders changed right when I bought it. Now I have a 2.3 4 banger and it does pretty well. If you are planning on driving highway, my buddy have a 4.0L 5 speed manual and it does pretty well. A ranger will last forever if you take care of it and do the routine maintenance on it. I have an 83 and it's still running strong with the stock motor and tranny.

 

[Mark_88]

If it's in good shape and doesn't need any major work (like brake lines, or rusty bottoms) I'd say go for it...they are cheap to work on and easy to fix yourself...

Only caveat would be to thoroughly inspect it for rust...like the cab corners and firewall...they are the weak spots...oh, and the frame rails...

 

[codybb]

i have an 83 2.3 and it still runs like new

 

[Bryan22]

my first truck was a 92 with a 3.0 5sp. I owned it for about 5 years, drove it like it was stolen and the only things i ever changed were brakes starters and one clutch. that truck was the best thing since sliced bread. wish i never sold it.