[MXrider13]

I am planning on buying a 90s Ford Ranger just for now to be a daily driver and hopefully in 2 years modify it. One of the ones I am looking it is a 95 Ford Ranger ext cab, V6 and auto trans. It looks like it is in good condition, the guy says it is and he wants $2000 for it. My dad is worried about it because it has 168,000 miles on it. My dad says due to the mileage with in a few months ill be putting another $2000 in it to get it fixed.

The other one is a 1996 same as the one above (except regular cab) and it has 157,000 miles on it. This guy also wants $2000 for it.

My concern before I buy this Ford, is how reliable are they with have over $100,000 miles and are there any specific problem areas I should look for?

[eloc431962]

Which V6 4.0 or 3.0 ?



Cole

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

Both the 3.0 and 4.0 have head cracking problems. The 3.0 moreso..

Usually around 160 thousand or so the head gaskets start to weep and the engine gets overheated= cracked head.

My regional warehouse uses these Ford Rangers exclusively. The transportation manager swears by them..They change the cylinder heads/gaskets to aftermkt at 150 thousand. As a matter of maintenance. Over twenty Rangers in their fleet and average dependable life is over 400 thousand miles each.

[MXrider13]

Originally Posted by BOBCRMAN@aol.com

Both the 3.0 and 4.0 have head cracking problems. The 3.0 moreso..

Usually around 160 thousand or so the head gaskets start to weep and the engine gets overheated= cracked head.

My regional warehouse uses these Ford Rangers exclusively. The transportation manager swears by them..They change the cylinder heads/gaskets to aftermkt at 150 thousand. As a matter of maintenance. Over twenty Rangers in their fleet and average dependable life is over 400 thousand miles each.

Ill go take a look at them and Ill ask about the head gaskets. If thats the only problems I think I will get one.

[MXrider13]

Originally Posted by eloc431962

Which V6 4.0 or 3.0 ?



Cole

Not sure, its only listed as V6.

[matt167]

3.0L or 4.0L makes a diffrence. there both good engines, but the 3.0L also has a cam sync problem that has claimed many engines due to no oil pressure. It's easier on gas tho..

IMO stay away from a '95. they have a lot of 1 year only parts due to that being the redesign of the interior but a year before OBD-II..

The Auto's are due for rebuild right around 150k. first you will notice it will lag going into gear. you can hold the brake till you feel it shift which will prolong the trans life a little. but eventually. it'll loose reverse.. I would find a 5spd model, but finding a 5spd 4x4 can sometimes be hard

[killerformula]

Sounds Ok, but for the reasons listed above, the fact that its almost 20 years old and has a great deal of miles, I think 2 grand is about double what I'd pay for it. I would feel comfortable in the 1200 dollar range.

K

[matt167]

That's probably about right for a southern truck... 2 years ago I gave $3,500 + tax for a loaded 1998 ex cab 4x4 with 150k on it from a dealer in his back lot.. But it was loaded with bucket seats, power windows and locks and COLD A/C. was 4.0L 4x4 Auto. And I know I paid too much for it but it was the truck I wanted ( optioned right- had tow pkg ) and I could afford it. Paid cash and had it the same day.. I miss it but that's the truck I hit a pole with it, and it was the fault of a power steering leak that had developed a few days prior