My TOP pick: The BEST small truck on the road today!
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- Опубліковано 16 гру 2023
- Dependability is a HUGE factor when owning a vehicle. This 2002 is at the top of my list for small pickups on the road today! Let me tell you why. ➡️➡️➡️ Don't forget to check out @MrsWizardsWays she's making my favorite candies: • Candy Making Made Supe... ⬅️⬅️⬅️
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The 'small trucks' of the 90s to 00s, from the American Ranger to the Japanese Hilux, are some of the best vehicles ever made.
My little 95 ranger is a absolute amazing little truck! Simple to fix i mean i did a transmission in it myself granted i did have a car lift luckily but very straight forward simple little trucks!
@@slednecksificationtransmission after how many miles
@@Roberto-de8xv 170k but the previous owner beat the piss out of it i got it for dirt cheap had a parts truck and fixed it all up on my spare time great little truck now!
makes you wonder why they dont make them anymore. people want long lasting economical 4 cylinder pickups that cost $10,000 new and yet nobody makes them today. i dont need satellite radio or GPS or 20" folding flat screens for each passenger i just want a cheap work truck why wont they listen to customers?
@user-im6fy4qp6m Toyota still makes the 70 Series standard Landcruisers but they're like 80k. Emissions, safety, & fuel mileage standards makes it difficult to sell just a standard 4/6 cylinder without any options..it also would be a niche market. You & I would buy one but majority of consumers would not.
I had a little 98 Ranger for 20 years. Almost 400k miles with a 4 cylinder manual. 1 water pump and timing belt, 2 clutches, new brakes once are all it ever needed. I would still be driving it if some clown didn’t wreck it. Greatest truck I ever owned.
Hank Hill would approve
My 87 has 352k when it was t-boned. I am approaching 300k on my 97. Crossing my fingers that I can get 500k.
Are you calling yourself a clown:)
As opposed to a big 1998 Ranger?
Goddamn bro rebuild your suspension.
My friend had one. 2.3 4 cyl. He worked 3rd shift. 100 mile round trip. Then when he got home his wife drove it to her job. 125 mile round trip. 5 days a week for years.
the 2.3 and 5 speed is the ultimate bulletproof build on those old rangers. several hundred thousand is what you expect. 250k is average from the ones i see in the wrecker yards, and most of those are actually from crashes, and the drivetrain looks like it's still fine. rugged simple little trucks
Brought mine new in 1994, still driving it.
That’s over 50k miles per year assuming 2 weeks vacation and 5 days per week. Imagine doing an oil change every month just based on miles…
I mean that's cool but it begs the question why weren't they driving a Civic or Corolla? That 2.3l ranger gets 21 mpg highway if it has the 5-sp auto. The older 4-sp gets 19. A similar aged Corolla/Civic will probably get 34 mpg and also available manual transmission. if you factor in some city driving we're probably talking a 15mpg split. We're talking ~1300 gallons save per year. Assume $3.00 gas and we get close to 4 grand in after-tax savings per year. They could afford to buy another car, including owning a Ranger + eco Japanese car.
@@Wedge_lord 780,000 on a 2012 Hyundai Elantra here. 400 miles 6 days a week
It's the truck we wanted back and failed to get.
I think in 20 years people might be talking about the Maverick in a similar way. It really is a great truck
Only options are a turbo or a hybrid. Doubt either version will be around after 20 years. P.S. love the profile picture and username. The sleeper has awakened! 😁 @@mentat1341
The Maverik is pretty damn close I think. It's small, cheap, useful, and simple.
@@JSAFIXITif only you could get a 2 seater / or extended cab maverick. The 4 door design steals bed space.
@volvo09 Even most full size trucks sold today have a short bed.
So glad you mentioned King of the Hill in a Ranger review. Hank Hill was a devoted Ranger enthusiast!
Hah I barely caught that reference
@@Shiznit304I'm not actually sure it was on purpose 😂
That's honestly one of the reasons I chose a Ranger
He did upgrade to a Super Duty in later seasons though.
"I'll tell you what..."...
4.0L 4wd is a great truck
My grandfather had one arm since he was 11. He taught me how to drive a standard on an 88 ranger. He bought it a year old and had it until it was destroyed in the Joplin tornado. 288k miles
He steered and shifted having only one arm? The things a person can do when they are set on it and/or have no choice despite the obstacles always amazes me.
Good for him! Yeah, that tornado was a trip and a half. So powerful.
your gampa just may have been a badass! a buddy of mine lived by joplin when that rolled through, but he was one of the lucky ones. hopefully the pickup was the worst of their losses
That was before this gen redesign in 93
This generation of Ranger was actually built until 2011. If you're looking to pick one up, I always tell people to look at the leaf spring shackles. Those are the first pieces to break due to rust.
And even that's not hard to fix..
Thankfully I don't have that problem in my state.
2wd sucked in snow even with snow or ATs and 400 lbs of cement blocks in the bed.
Yes, the shackles rust away, at least in Minnesota...
My father ran his '96 2.3 low on coolant and overheated it, warping the head and the head gasket failed between cyl 3 and 4. He drove it 500 miles home on the remaining 2 cylinders. I got the head machined down for $120, put a head gasket on it, and it still runs great today. Rangers are the epitome of "good enough"
Lol.. The GED of trucks
How are they good enough if they're a great reliable truck? Good enough is some shit box that just about makes it.
@@jamesfranko5098 I thinks he means it has no bells or whistles, but it will always get you from A to B. You know minus the nonsense like heated mud flaps and digital bumper temperature gauges.
2003 v6 exten ded cab rust bucket like all Fords. At 80,000 miles.
Had a 2000 Ranger that lasted a bit over 423k miles. When I sold it the old girl had lost some of her pep but everything still worked. You are absolutely right about that generation of Rangers being one of the best small trucks out there.
When I was a teen my friend had a 98 (back in 02) he gave that thing a whoopin burning tires off and revving the snot out of it and chirping 2nd gear whenever he could.
He had that truck for years and it just kept going, even once we grew out of the abusive teen years.
You had 2.5 liter or the v6 ?
@@alexo1226 3.0l v6. Thing just kept going. I abused that truck way more than I really should have and it just never quit.
I have my fathers 2009 with v6 he hardly drove it before he passed.
Extremely clean in and out with only 35k miles.
My father recently passed and mom is giving me a 2008 v6 4x4 . Gotta drive it from Seattle to the SF Bay Area so I’m learning what I can, never owned a ford truck just Tundra’s
Wow, what low mileage!
I had a Ford Aerostar with that 3.0 liter "Vulcan" V6 engine. They give no problems whatsoever and just run and run and run. They have a tendency toward oil leaks, but that's about it.
In the winter and salt prone areas I've seen where the oil leaks actually help prevent rusting haha. The parts that were all dry tended to rust really bad due to the salt, and the areas where the oil coated everything was spotless underneath. I guess the oil leaks aren't so bad if you watch the oil level lol.
I put a brand new 3.0L in my ranger an it still wanted to leak something lol the rear main is leaking on it talk about bad luck lol
I beg to differ. These all start to gush coolant from the timing cover around 180k and the rear main seals go at about 150k.
The ranger 3.0 is prone to valve seat collapse
I had a Mercury Sable with the 3 litre. It was a pretty sweet ride.
These older Ranger's are great compact pickups from Ford.
You're right on about the Rangers durability. I have a 2010 with 4X4, 4.0 engine and manual transmission. It now has 215, 000 miles and has been a good vehicle. As a retired auto mechanic I maintained it myself and it pays off. I wish they had continued this old style and updated it with the times.
The New style I think is ugly. I had a 2011 Ford Ranger and I drove it across state 6 times and never had any problems. I assure you, I regret ever selling it. I liked how there's kinda a clear distinction between 90's retro and modern cars trying to be too futuristic.
Bought my 93 Ranger with the 2.3 in it in 2004 with 120k miles on it for $1000. It currently sits at 328k miles. Its been the best purchase I've ever made.
Almost the same story here: I bought my 94 Mazda (same truck) in 2002 with 120k miles. It’s got the 4.0 v6. Paid more ($5,500) but I’m still daily driving it with 335k on the clock. Like you, it was the best money I’ve ever spent. Was offered $3k for it last year.
@@user-bq4un2zx1sthat 4.0 Cologne motor is the holy grail for the Ranger/B series. You scored a major gem!!
My first vehicle was a 1985 ford ranger regular cab 4x4, no power steering, lock out hubs, 5 speed manual and the 2.3 efi 4cyl. I loved that truck...but rust got it. Would regularly get 25mpg.
They wouldn't run if it was raining
!986 Toyoda CHEAPEST out the door 50K watt $7k.15 years 1 clutch $600 by Dealer 250K .SOLD No Air bag. Pure Love started at-25F and -100F wind chill in Parking Lot.😁😁😁😁😁
I had a '97 Ranger XLT with the 4.0 V-6. What an anvil! Sold it with 208K miles and it had at least that much life left in it. I have a friend with a 2004 with close to 500K on it, and the engine has not been apart! She is very consistent with maintenance, and I think that is the secret to these, as I was too.
Cant stress that enough about maintenance...
That 4.6 Ford engine you praised was also from this era. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Wizard.
That 4.6 Coyote is one of the best engines ever made.
@@EyePatchGuy88 Ford calls the 4.6L engine the modular family. The mod engine was even turned into the V10 engine in the Ford trucks. The Coyote is an offshoot of that family.
I have 400k miles on my 2005 F150 4.6. Great engines. Just bought a ZF5 4x4 F250 2V 6.8 V10. Very happy with it
Had a 98 up to 333k miles. 4cyl 2wd 5spd 2.5 Lima engine.
Original clutch. Head never off.
Just got tired of small items giving out (A/C, cruise)
All the major stuff tough as nails though👍
I have a 97 with the 4 cylinder 2.3 Lima engine with 8 spark plugs. It's "only" at 220k miles. An old mechanic told me the 4 cyl with 4 plugs has more power and gets better mileage. BUT he also said the ones with 8 plugs will last waaaay longer. Apparently they are somewhat legendary.
I have that same 2.3 8 plug engine in a 94 Mazda B2300. I bought it 15 years ago for 1300 for dump runs. After I totaled my daily Mazda 3 last year, I drive the truck now as daily. Been eyeing something newer, but hard to justify 30-40K prices, especially as the old one still drives OK.@@sidviscous5959
Thats why I have three of them.......thank you for affirming my theory Mr Wizard!
Where are they? You've got a channel you could upload to.
I own a 1998 Ranger XLT 4x4 3.0, best damn little truck I've ever owned! I drove it to florida and back from Indiana @243,000 miles and it did not use a quart of oil! it's now going on 250,000 without any major problems.
I got 01 4.0 18 years just hit 260k runs like a champion
I totally agree with your assessment of the ranger. I own a 2008 with the 3.0 engine. Base hp for this year is 155, torque values aren't given but I suspect sub-200 pound feet. It's no powerhouse, but with the addition of cai and tuned exhaust the difference is noteworthy. It does all I ask of it, including towing way beyond what you'd think it could. At 155,000 miles I have every expectation of seeing 250k or more. Just keep on top of maintenance and fluids and they provide years of trouble free service
Yo id like to know more about this
The exhaust is from MBRP, a cat-back single that bolts right up and uses existing hanger brackets. All I had to do was cut the pipe to the proper length(different bed sizes and cab options mean different tube length). No welding or other cutting needed. Easiest exhaust work I've ever done. The intake is from AFE power and is just as easy to install. Power gains are claimed as 25 hp for exhaust and 15 for intake, IDK but the throttle response is excellent now, so there's something there. I went to larger tires to balance out the package.your neighbors might not appreciate the exhaust note, it is noticably louder, but very pleasing to the ear!
I just bought a 2008 Ford Ranger.
It has 112,000 miles on it and drives like a dream.
I own a 1998 Ranger 4.0 that I purchased new after owning a 1990 4.0. This rig has left me stranded only once, and that was in front of my house. A corroded crank position sensor was the culprit. Other than some oil consumption at 257K mi due to what I believe to be worn valve guides I have no complaint. I own some classics and yet this Ranger is the one that constantly gets notes on the windshield. "would you consider selling?....."...nope. I'm honestly considering a restoration if/when it dies. I'll have a dependable rig at the size I prefer and parts that won't break the bank
I have a 96 Explorer with the 4.0L OHV it is limited with every toy, digital climate, basically the same dash as a ranger. I put in a 7" Nav radio and I love it. 4.10 gears. Actually used the 4 low off road had a ton of fun with it. 200K miles. It is a second truck but always starts on the first crank. My neighbor bought a new Jeep a few years ago, it was a POS, he said he can't believe how reliable mine is. He thought it rode much better too. I picked him up from the dealer a few time :lol:. The Jeep is long gone. He has an older Ranger now.
do some research on oil and additives and maybe you can bring the oil consumption down or help the piston rings or valve guides. guys like you that take care of their vehicles are hard to find. great job! i have a 2011 silverado with 240k miles, and its all original except brakes and some suspension components.
Just a little info, the back seats in this sit sideways, too. They just fold up that way to clear the area for the rear doors. They lower down forward, but the backs then raise up towards the door when closed.
I love my little 2001 Ranger. It's dependable, reasonably fuel efficient and super practical as a work truck. You can get a whole lot done with just a Ranger and a toolbox.
My old 4 banger dutifully hauled home an overloaded face cord of firewood yesterday as well as it has the last 30 years. Looking forward to it continuing to do so as long as I can still load and unload it.
My 2006 2.3 has 390,000 miles! It's my daily driver/work truck.
On my vehicles with failed coil packs, I also found plugs worn way out of spec or bad wires. If you jump on it at the first sign of misfire, you might avoid killing the coil pack.
One tip on these trucks: Take a hard look at the rear frame. They like to rust out on Northern trucks.
I still have my 98 ranger that I bought new in June of 98 .. has the 2.5 5 speed.. 167k on it.. still great running
My dad had a couple rangers over the years. Good trucks. I find it hilarious that people just love to overload the things. They get the job done... somehow.
My 98' Ranger is approaching 190K miles. Super bullet-proof reliability! Today's vehicles have turned into 4-wheel PC boards with flaky reliability and repair bills even requiring hefty bank loans when not covered by the warranty.
Outrageous 😬. Thank you Car Wizard for an excellent car review.
I agree that this and their Mazda counterparts are great trucks. I still see them all the time even ones from the 90's.
I had a 94’ 4 banger power Range and I loved that thing. The OG owner kept a detail log of maintenance and fuel. I’ve hauled 2.5k lbs of bricks for a home project and that little 5 speed truck ran like a champ. The rust is what killed it since living in Iowa can really destroy vehicles within 5-10 yrs. I miss that little truck.
I had a 4.0L V6 5 speed regular cab Ranger. Never had any major issues. It had nearly 300k miles on it and was nearly 25 years old when a tree fell on it. I miss that truck. 😢
2011 Suzuki Equator 308,000 on the clock. Oil, filters, and batteries are the only thing you have to worry about. Swapped a steering rack in at 285,000 and swapped the rear suspension at 270,000.
I bought a 99 Ranger, single cab, 2wd, 5 speed manual with factory 2/65 air. That thing was bulletproof. I’ve been looking for one lately to run errands in and toss stuff in, but here in central NY, they are all rotted out now because of the salt.
The main problems with these trucks are the plastic interior and exterior trim just decomposes from the sun. Otherwise they are fine. So cheap that if it does do its final fall apart you just dump it and find another. Otherwise they just keep running as long as you don’t abuse it.
I have a 96 Explorer limited, same dash as ranger, if I detail it up it can look showroom new. I put in new cruise control switches for $20. Quality is excellent, maybe better than new stuff.
I've been driving my 2004 Ranger since I bought it brand new. I have the 4.0L SOHC, and it has been fine, along with the 5 speed auto. The 4WD system is a bit finicky at times, but works. The truck has never let me down.
Excellent! You got one of the 4L SOHC engines that didn't develop the death rattle. Repairing the chains/guides requires yanking the engine. Fortunately the engine comes out ralatively easy.
@mikep490 Yeah, I've been very fortunate. I'm sure it helps I am religious about oil changes, too.
@@lanceripplinger8352 As I recall, it was the guides that wore out. The SOHC had a timing chain to power the center shaft, which powered a front and rear sprocket via 2 additional chains. Ford used a single head design, thus the cause for "death rattle" in some. Then some of the models of the engine had a 4th chain to drive a counter shaft, but I don't know if that model was installed in Rangers.
@@mikep490 Yes 4x4 4.0 sohc rangers got a balance shaft bringing the total number of timing chains to 4.
I like em so much that I have two. One of them I've had for 13 years.
One thing I can say is that these are not perfect trucks. Early 2.3 Duratecs have air flapper issues. 3.0's have cam synchronizer issues, coolant leaks at the timing cover, and 04-06 have poor quality valve seats. 4.0's have leaky thermostat housings and early versions are plagued with timing chain cassette issues. The 4R and 5R transmissions generally won't go further than 175k before needing a rebuild. All of these can be rectified with a little work and upgraded parts, and you still end up with a very reliable truck.
One thing I can say is that if you can find them and they're within your price range, buy the Motorcraft parts. I'd rather spend $70 for a part that lasts me 8 years, than pay $40 for a part that lasts me 6 months. It's easy to write that off, but I've bought the cheap parts and I've bought the Motorcaft parts and you can take it from me, it is really frustrating to have to keep replacing the same parts. Your time spent replacing the parts is worth something too, and often makes that $40 part cost the same as the Motorcraft part.
I bought my XLT Ranger supercab brand new in 99. Now with over 200,000 Mi on it runs perfectly.
I still have sitting in my driveway the 1996 Ranger XLT Supercab I bought brand new. 2.3l 5 speed. It has about 250,000 miles on it and after putting a little money in it back in the spring, is running great. I don't drive it daily, but I could. The only 2 major things I've e done to it is replace the ball joints a couple years ago, and new clutch at about 160,000 miles, and it didn't need it then, turned out to be a bad throw out bearing, clutch itself was in great shape but went ahead and replaced it anyway (with an upgraded clutch pack). Pretty much everything else has been basic maintenance. I checked the mileage on it when I got it out of the shop back in the spring, and was getting 30+ mpg. I still have people to this day asking if I would sell it. It's been a great little truck and I hope it outlasts me, and it just might.
I have a 94 Ranger, x cab, 4.0, 5spd, 4wd, out of Wyoming, 80k miles, one family. Came with a broken brake line, dead battery. No rust. My third ranger. Glad I saved the FSM. If you are knowledgeable, and have the skills and tools, old cars are doable. Remember, Mr. Wizard has to charge you the same money per hour for your beater to keep the lights on in the shop that he charges for something newer and nicer. There may be logistical hiccups, and nobody wants their lot full of dead cars.
The Mazda B series are it's twin. I had a b 3000 3.o v6 LB that would get 27 highway. Sorry I sold that truck.
There is perhaps one model to avoid. Rarely found diesels. A decade ago they were hard to source parts for.
I am particularly in tune with Mr. Wizard because my DD is a 88 240 Volvo. Good video, thanks.
What’s better is the single cab short bed version. Looks nicer in my opinion
2004 ranger single cab short bed 2nd 3.0 3.73 axle
Right on!
I bought a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT extended cab 2 X WD automatic with a 4.0 ltr engine and 3.52 rear end. I bought it two years ago for $2000. I spent another $2000 on it mechanically doing everything to put it in 1st class shape. The body was perfect with no rust. It runs like a top, gets 18 to 22 mpg every day and even peals rubber. Today, it has 177K on it. The little thing runs so good, and it is so easy to park, drive and work with compared to my 2019 Ram 1500. I pick it every time I need to do a small job or just run around town. To reward it for being such a good little truck, I had it painted back its original Amazon Green with extra high gloss clear coat. Every where I go it gets comments. I have invested $5700 in it since I bought, and I could get that back in a minute, so I've been driving for two years for free.
On the other hand, my 2019 Ram 1500 has depreciated $20,000 in the last four years.
My 2004 Ram Hemi has 300,000+ on it.
He is absolutely right about these trucks. I bought a 2007 Ranger with the V6 for $4,000 7 years ago and inherited a 1996 ranger 4 cylinder. Both still running strong. If you have any mechanical ability, you can work on these things and it doesn't cost a fortune.
a hurst short throw shifter is a good upgrade on these
I have an 03 Ranger XLT I bought brand new. I don’t drive it very much so it only has 25,000 actual miles on it. Good truck!
I am on my third Ranger. My current one is a 2011 (the last year of this body style) and I love it. Yes, they do last forever. Best of all they have a longer bed than most newer midsize trucks, albeit at the expense of four doors, although it does have those little access doors that give me ability to get to my tools I keep behind the seats. Overall I have put well over 250,000 miles on my Rangers.
Yeah, the new generation body is too big--might as well get an F150
Nothing last forever except God's Word.
We’re on our 4th Ranger. It too is a 2011 4WD with the 4.0L , but ours has only 36K miles
I own a 2002 S10 2.2 automatic that i bought brand new ..it has 150,000 original trouble free miles..No leaks..No major problems other than maintenance parts..😍👍
When I used to work at an independent automotive shop we had these in all the time. Mostly for basic stuff. They’re pretty tough trucks. These things refuse to die. Everything else on the truck was falling apart around the truck itself.
My neighbor bought one of these with 200k miles we thought he was crazy… it’s going on 425k miles😂
I had a 92 with the 4.0. it was great. Had it for years. My youngest son has it today. It was the best vehicle that i ever had.never put much into it. Cluch,brakes, batteries. For years i drove it everyday. Got a nice big car and gave my truck away. I have regretted that ever sense but we do what we think is right at the time
Great video again! I love how you are an honest mechanic/ technician! Hope your healing up good man! Take care
As a 25 year tech I agree 100%
Ford switched the grills to the honeycomb style in 2003 as well as some updated interior pieces. Source: I owned one in 2003 with that sweet 4.0, 5 speed and 4wd
Just retired my exploder 4.0L 5spd auto. Motor still ran great as did everything else even air conditioning. Tranny needed servicing and steering pump blew. My wife wanted a new car. Made me take hers because it was 5 years old.
If someone put $1500 into my old Exploder, +$500 I got. Hell of a truck for $2k.
It would tow 4000 pounds no problem had the Eddie Bauer so the seats were great. Sad to see it go. But it’s cheaper than a divorce
Actually the honeycomb was introduced in 2001 on the 4x4 and Edge (torsion bar 2wd) Rangers pared with the "domed" (powerdome) hood. This style grill ran from 2001-2003 on the 2wd coil spring Rangers and was pared with the "flat" hood. Source: Ranger enthusiast (and TRS member) since getting my first around 2000, my dad owns a 2001 4.0L 4x4, and I intend to swap my 99 4.0L 4x4 to the later 01-03 nose along with a drivetrain swap from an Explorer.
@@gcanada3005 "cheaper than a divorce"
IMO that's questionable. Wife wanting a new car, that's fine. Taking wife's car because you want to, that's fine. Wife MAKING me take her car, not happening. Choosing to drive wife's old car and keep your old one as a a toy/project/backup, that's fine. Wife MAKING me get rid of my vehicle, not happening. Of course, this is coming from someone perpetually single with a car and 4 trucks. 4 vehicles registered, insured, and drivable. Three of the trucks could be considered projects, though the parked one is paitently waiting for its turn.
If a woman comes into my life and says something's got to go, it's going to be her. So, maybe there's a reason I'm perpetually single.
@@turk71385 Wow no wonder you are single. That truck was 20 years old and a winter beater. It needed work and got 14 MGP. My “new” car needs nothing and gets 52MPG since new, still under PHEV warranty and paid for. I drive a 2014 Mustang Roush stage 3 in summer. Last of the old style. So I’m good big shot. No need for multiple junker trucks, to “feel” cool. No need to call my right hand “honey”. I’m sure you’ll die happily alone.
I love these Rangers so much! They’re so small, dependable, and capable. Grandfather’s manual Ranger is well over 300k miles by now and is still chugging along 20 years later! Probably will for at least another 20 years at this point too, haha! 😂❤it eventually replaced the Aerostar and Escort they had. Good times with all of those cars.
Had a 94 best vehicle ever owned
I have a 2011 XLT that I’ll never get rid of. Same thing with my FJ Cruiser. Bulletproof vehicles.
I've had a 1999 Mazda B2500 5MT since 2004. In 19+ years I've only had the check engine light twice. Once for a bad egr pressure feedback sensor, and once for a bad injector. The original coil packs lasted 23 years. The truck is still a daily driver with a bit over 243000 miles. No major repairs. I've had multiple people asking if I'm interested in selling it, not anytime soon.
I have a 2001 gmc sonoma and get asked every so often if I want to sell. They just dont make small trucks like they used to.
Great truck! I have a ‘98 Ranger XLT 4x4, super cab w/3.0 v6 and automatic. It has 265K miles and it’s all original….engine, transmission, differentials, exhaust, etc….never have had a problem. It runs and drives like new….smooth and tight. AC blows ice cold. No leaksIt really is a dog with power but it gets me from a to b and use as an extra truck around the property. I love it. People will random routinely ask me if I want to sell it. It looks great.
I have a 2000 Nissan Frontier with the KA24DE and 5spd. It has 214k miles and many original parts; clutch, rear brake shoes, water pump, radiator, engine transmission. Runs good as new. All I've done under the hood is an alternator and radiator hoses and thermostat. Kept the fluids replaced including transmission and differential oils. It's really helped that this has lived its entire life in California!
I have 1998 and 2004 Frontiers with same KA24DE (timing chain) and 5spd, the best combination. These trucks (at 274K and 116K miles) have great AC (Arizona), get 26 mpg, and fit in a garage. With 143 hp (compared to 82hp in my 1988 Mazda B2200 Cab Plus truck), much better driveability too. And 2004 and earlier Frontiers fit in my garage.
What alot of ranger owners don't know is the 1993-1994 2WD standard cab splash model was fords sportstruck.
VERY stiff springs. Thicker front sway bar. And a rear sway bar. That let's it just zing around corners like a SVO mustang. Corner hard enough and It will pick the inside rear tire off the ground like a old VW golf GTI does. Suprizes the heck outta modern sports car owners. Match up the 4.0 v-6 and the stick shift and you have the fastest all-around ranger ever made.
The Ford Ranger (aka Mazda B Series) is a blank canvas truck where simplicity shows its strength. Almost a quarter million miles on my 03 4.0 manual 4x4 and it keeps going.
All the Rangers we have owned have been GREAT reliable trucks that run forever
I daily a 2008 with the 4.0 and 236k miles. Rust is the only enemy. We had a 2003 that was a lemon, possibly from sitting in the driveway for weeks at a time (elderly driver's second vehicle). The 4.0 Rangers have surprisingly good acceleration, but suffer from traction issues when unladen, as much as any truck I've ever driven.
That's why, when I ordered my 2008/4.0 /5 speed I added the limited-slip ($300). Didn't want the useless jump seats so deleted for a credit ($255). Love it. $18,5 out the door, only has 47,000 miles. Rust no problem in SOCAL.
I'm on my third Ford Ranger. Had a 99 that I sold, an 02 that I gave to my grandson and now have an 04. 2 door, extended cab, brush guard, mag wheels and a color matched camper shell. I wouldn't take a new truck in trade for my Ranger. 175,000 miles and still running strong.
My 2002 Explorer Sport 4.0L with only 180,000 kms is still going strong and running well. I did have the tranny rebuilt a couple of years ago and valve cover gaskets last year. Other than that, it’s been normal scheduled maintenance. It’s the perfect vehicle for me here in 🇨🇦 and gets me around in the snow effortlessly.
Not surprised haha I have a few neighbors who have had these for YEARS 😎
I’ve never had a truck before but this will always be my ideal truck if I go that route
I have a 2007 ford ranger 4X4 off road p/u with 119000 miles on it. Runs great but the ride is stiff. It gets 20 mpg. I also have a EXT 2007 escalade p/u and it gets 17 mpg. It is the most comfortable truck I've every owned.
I Have a 04 b2300 no options manual. rear seal leaks oil but still runs and shifts great. luckly, the orignal owner never drove it in the winter so just surface rust no rot. my dad had an 01 xlt brings me back to my childhood
Yep! my 2002 Ford Ranger XLT (for-door) 4x4 Off-Road has been a peach of a truck.
My neighbor had 2 ford rangers
One was a silver one the rear bumper fell off by rust, he made a wood one then it got totalled by a drunk driver crashing into it i remember that last one
Now he has a blue one no rust and he always keeps it on top shape
I had a 1998 and a 2005 Ranger both 4x4 (4.0 engine 1 manual and 1 automatic). Had good luck with them other than rust problems here in New England, but they sat a lot since I only used them on occasion.
Up until earlier this year, I had a 2011 Ranger XLT with the 4.0L SOHC motor. Had it from new for 11 years, took good care of it. Finally it failed emissions this year and the shop I took it to quoted me $9300 to make it right. Both cats were bad and it needed upper and lower control arms. And the rear timing chain was starting to intermittently rattle. I said no and traded it back in April. No regrets, it treated me well for those 11 years. Did lots of hauling, daily drive, road trips and plenty of good memories. 2011 was the final year for this platform/body style.
They truly are great small trucks.
Thats just true. I have a 1998 that I bought new. 4x4, super cab, and the 4.0 (OHV). 347,562 miles on it as I type. I can fix anything that breaks on it. Parts are EVERYWHERE. So as long as Cleetus McFarland doesnt buy them all up for his Danger Ranger series, there will be lots of them at wrecking yards for parts. Best purchase I have ever made.
Can't agree more, my first Ranger was a 99 with a 2.5 4-cylinder lasted 245k miles before the computer died, lasted almost 15 years, just traded off my 2nd a 2008 with V6 that currently has 265k miles
I have a 94 extended cab with the 4.0 V-6 and 5 speed . I have owned it since 99 and has only 325,000 miles on it ! Here in Arizona the paint is crap but other than the headliner the interior is still in good shape. The 4.0 has all the power you could want but around town with the AC on about 15 or so MPG. Has towing package so lower rear axle gear,65 MP on road 20-21 MPG. Used this old truck as a pilot car for OS loads for about 6 years so quite a few road miles.
My son scored a 2002 Mazda B4000 for $2000. 115K and ZERO leaks from the motor or trans. My mouth literally dropped open when we went to look it over. What 21 year old vehicle has no leaks at all. Crazy to me.
I bought a 1999 Mazda B2500 for $1500 just a few months ago. It has 274,000 miles on it and it runs and drive fine. It has the 2.5 litre 4 cylinder engine.
In 2019, I bought a 2003 Ranger XLT extended cab stepside. Has the 4.0 V6 , automatic, and 4x4. Payed $500 for the truck running and driving. However, with frame damage, it wouldn't pass NYS inspection. So I put $1500 into it over the course of 2 years as a project. After another 2 years, It's still my daily driver. They're awesome little trucks and will keep going as long as they're maintained.
How dare you submit a Ranger to New York
IF a potential buyer could find one of those in "daily driver/beater" condition in our area it would sell for stupid money since folks around here are not buying the current Ranger because that truck is way bigger than what they want or need. Size and overly complicated are the main reasons I purchased a high mileage '05 Chevy Colorado LS 4X4 pickup back in 2019 rather than a newer model Chevy OR Ford pickup. RAM dropped the ball, big time, when the Dakota (my favorite midsize pickup to date) with the V-8 Magnum engine was discontinued.
I agree! My 07 has the 2.3 manual, I’m at 161k…knock on wood, no issues, thermostat was the only repair I’ve made. 26mpg consistently. Love it!
I just got a clean 2013 Tacoma for 2G with 200+K but it was a gift from providence. My 91 Grandpa edition Ranger, Standard Cab long bed 4cyl 5seed PS/PB Am/Fm bought for $1500 had to do the clutch, and eventually the waterpump and radiator. It was done in by the NY DMV road repair when the left front suspension mount broke off after several passes over major road work In spite of this it did not leave me stranded and got me another 150 miles to my home. I miss you little Ranger 😢
Got a 97 ranger with the 2.3 and a 5 speed. Been a great truck can’t go wrong for 2k. Put about 50k miles on it so far with no issues. Good gas mileage too!
I have a 2010 Ranger XLT with the 4.0 and 4x4 that currently has 316k on it and is still on the original running gear. Was a former fleet vehicle that lived on the freeway.
Yes a big yes on the Ford Ranger,I had a 2006 with the 3 liter V6 with a manual transmission which is the best engine for this very reliable I sold mine it had 300,000 KL due to a leg injury still ruining great drove it to Alaska twice and to the Panama Canal never skip a beat
I love my 2011 FX4. Oh and the jump seats in the back do face sideways. My grand kids love riding in them (for very short distances LOL)
I've got an '03 Mazda B2300 with a manual, exact same model as the Ranger 4cyl with the 2.3l engine. I have had it parked as a standby vehicle for my household just in case something else were to break down on me. Could have sold it during the inflated pandemic used market but I knew it would have been a pain to find a replacement vehicle. If gas prices go crazy again, I'll park my E150 and drive the B2300 again. It easily kept the mpg in the 30-40 range.
God I wish they would bring out new trucks like this.
notice the odometer is out of alignment, this usually happens when the odometer has been tampered with "rolled back"
My first ranger, 88 regular cab 2wd shorty. I sold it at 20 years, and everything still operated normally. 287k miles. I purchased an 08, exactly the same 2wd shorty. I installed an eaton tru-trac, "posi differential." I live in snow country. I still own it, and it still looks new. I would buy another, someday, except the price doubled when the new model came out.
I daily an ‘09 2wd Ranger Sport w/125k miles she’s completely rust free. Love my Ford Ranger. Tows my ultra lite 22’ camper with the 4.0 and tow pckg. Thanks Wizard for affirming my choice.
Finding one of those for that price in decent shape is the real challenge. Most of them are seriously roached out these days.
Great video!
Nah. There’s hundreds on marketplace in my area. Under 150k miles and under 4k
@@jonathoncook8367 But in decent enough shape? Most of the ones I see are in horrible condition.
My neighbor bought one for under 7k low miles, no rust he had to go to a different state
@@Flies2FLL yeah. I got one for 1500 with a ford 8.8 rear end swapped in. Only thing it needed was ac recharged. Paint was sun faded on the hood and roof but I don’t care about that. It’s better than driving my diesel everyday lol
I’ve had two Rangers - both purchased new. My first was a ‘97 4x2 short box regular cab with the 2.3 four banger. At 235k (about 10 years ago) I gave it to my niece to use as her high school vehicle. She eventually sold it to one of her neighbors and it is still in use today - I even get to see it sometimes when I head up to Dallas for a visit!
My second and current Ranger is a ‘09 4x2 two-door extended cab Sport with the 4.0 SOHC. It is pristine inside and out with just a shade over 30k on the odometer and is part of my stable of collector vehicles. I am actually surprised by how much attention that vehicle gets whenever I take it out for a drive - I think it’s mainly because people just aren’t used to seeing a Ranger from this era that still looks like it just rolled out of the factory…….😂
Thanks for the tip on the coil pack. I'll give that a try. I bought mine 8 years ago, a 1994 because I prefer the older suspension and the 4L pre-SOHC engine. (The SOHC 4L had problems with "death rattle" from its multiple timing chains.) This truck's option packs were set for towing; Ford's 3 ton tow rating, more than double the 4 cylinder. That's come in handy.
A good interior detail would have that great truck looking like new again, I would love to have a truck like that with the 4x4
My truck is a ‘99 Ranger. I love that little thing. Just slightly more than my old Tacoma. I like the ride height. A lot of fun with the 4 speed manual w/OD.
Love my 1999 Ranger with the 4.0 v6. It's been a great truck with 168k on the odometer! ❤
If you have the 4.0 keep it. They do like destroying spark plugs though and not sure why.
I have an 05 4.0 sohc extended cab, 93k mikes. Just took it to Florida & back to Chicago without a hiccup. Super solid truck 💯 🔥
AGREE, had a 94 ranger that had 199,000 miles on it, ran great until a storm came through and blew a giant tree on it, totalled. It was a sad day
My 94 Ranger 4x4 with the 3.0 is still kicking ass. Picked it for $2K and it had a new set of 31s. Figured it's already sitting higher might as well put a 4 inch lift on it. Hasn't leaked a drop of oil. Only problem it had was the transmission doing that hard shifting. Shift kit mostly fixed it. Other than that it's just unbearably slow with the 3.0.