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  #1  
Old 07-19-2010, 06:19 PM
BigMike80 BigMike80 is offline
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Default Guide to buying a Ford Ranger?

Hey guys, I just jumped on here to get some help. I'm looking to buy a Ranger but don't know anything about them. I had a Jeep Cherokee but had to sell it and need a little truck to commute to my Fire Academy starting next month.

Can any of you give me a quick heads up on what I should be looking for when I'm checking out different trucks?

Whats the best years, motors, options, what typically goes wrong, etc. Or if there is already something like this out there and you can give me a link that would be sweet!

BTW I'm looking to spend under $3k for the truck.
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  #2  
Old 07-19-2010, 07:19 PM
dixie_boysles dixie_boysles is offline
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Default Re: Guide to buying a Ford Ranger?

Look for a 2001+ Extented Cab (Supercab in the Ranger world). Find one with the 4.0L V6. it has the best power. If you can look for an FX4 Ranger. They have limited slip and all the options.

Top of the line is FX4 Level II. just google it and you will find all about it. here is a good link on our site of the different models:

CLICK HERE

IMO, get an FX4 or FX4 level II. I just have an XLT 4x4. Sure its nice, but I dont have 4 doors, power anything or limited slip. I do haowever have the 4.10 gears. All FX4s and Level IIs come with 4.10s. hope I helped you
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Sold/Totaled: 2006 Ranger XLT 2D SuperCap 4x4 Torch Red
15x8 Pacer 164P Polished Wheels | 31x10.50 BFG ATs | Level II Tow Hooks | FX4 Red Insert Seats
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  #3  
Old 07-19-2010, 07:51 PM
dangerdrew dangerdrew is offline
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Default Re: Guide to buying a Ford Ranger?

It all depends on what you budget is. No real reason to go buy brand new. Most of the Rangers built in roughly the last 7-8 years, the average person would have a hard time telling apart.

Try and test drive a few trucks and look at different styles and see what you like. 4 doors sound like overkill, but personally I couldn'y live without them. Back seats are a plus, but its mostly the lockable dry cargo room behind the front seats that comes in handy for anything from groceries to camping gear.
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  #4  
Old 07-19-2010, 07:54 PM
DavidY DavidY is offline
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Default Re: Guide to buying a Ford Ranger?

I have a 2010 FX4 without limited slip. The previous years had limited slip...but not the 2010 model year.
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  #5  
Old 07-19-2010, 08:00 PM
jutautodesign jutautodesign is offline
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Default Re: Guide to buying a Ford Ranger?

If you need good gas mileage a 1993-1996 4 cylinder would be very appropriate. They have been known to last a while too.
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1996 Ranger XLT 4x4 V6 3.0
StreetGlow OPTX Neon Kit | JVC KD-S36 Head Unit | Pioneer TS-A6782R Speakers (Front and Rear) | UnderCover Tonneau | Goodyear Wrangler Tires | Self-Painted Front Grille and Emblem | Self-Painted Interior
Upcoming Mods: Reupholstered Leather Seats, LEDglow LED kits, & more (see avatar for details)
Might sound a bit "Ranger-racist" but I only REALLY like 93-97's.
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  #6  
Old 07-19-2010, 08:03 PM
dixie_boysles dixie_boysles is offline
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Default Re: Guide to buying a Ford Ranger?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dangerdrew View Post
It all depends on what you budget is. No real reason to go buy brand new. Most of the Rangers built in roughly the last 7-8 years, the average person would have a hard time telling apart.

Try and test drive a few trucks and look at different styles and see what you like. 4 doors sound like overkill, but personally I couldn'y live without them. Back seats are a plus, but its mostly the lockable dry cargo room behind the front seats that comes in handy for anything from groceries to camping gear.
Have you ever owned a Supercab without the 4 doors----it SUCKS. you cant hardly put crap back there because seat doesnt go up enough really.
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2014 F150 SuperCrew XLT 4x4
275/65/17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W | Shorty Antenna | Tinted Windows | ProClip Phone Mount |5.0 v8 |Tow Package | Oxford White


Sold/Totaled: 2006 Ranger XLT 2D SuperCap 4x4 Torch Red
15x8 Pacer 164P Polished Wheels | 31x10.50 BFG ATs | Level II Tow Hooks | FX4 Red Insert Seats
Tinted Windows | 6000K HIDs | Kobalt Low Profile Toolbox | Pioneer Speakers
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  #7  
Old 07-19-2010, 08:03 PM
More_Cowbell More_Cowbell is offline
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Default Re: Guide to buying a Ford Ranger?

yeah id say go for a 93-97 for your price range if you where going to go more expensive i would say 01+ with a 4.0l
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  #8  
Old 07-19-2010, 08:05 PM
dixie_boysles dixie_boysles is offline
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Default Re: Guide to buying a Ford Ranger?

Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidY View Post
I have a 2010 FX4 without limited slip. The previous years had limited slip...but not the 2010 model year.
Yeah dont get brand new, they dont ahve any of the features that they used to. If you want a really new one, DOnt go past 09,, id almost say 07...lol.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jutautodesign View Post
If you need good gas mileage a 1993-1996 4 cylinder would be very appropriate. They have been known to last a while too.
Problem with these is that it will be hard to find one with low mileage and in good conditon.

Like said above, its all on what your budget is, please fill us in on that, give a ZIP and we can help you find trucks in your area.

Do like i did and make a list of features you MUST have and features that you would like, but not a necessity.

I bought my truck because it met like 4 out of the 5 criteria. Mine didnt have 4 doors, but it had everything else I wanted
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2014 F150 SuperCrew XLT 4x4
275/65/17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W | Shorty Antenna | Tinted Windows | ProClip Phone Mount |5.0 v8 |Tow Package | Oxford White


Sold/Totaled: 2006 Ranger XLT 2D SuperCap 4x4 Torch Red
15x8 Pacer 164P Polished Wheels | 31x10.50 BFG ATs | Level II Tow Hooks | FX4 Red Insert Seats
Tinted Windows | 6000K HIDs | Kobalt Low Profile Toolbox | Pioneer Speakers
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  #9  
Old 07-19-2010, 08:09 PM
Dcrymes99ranger Dcrymes99ranger is offline
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Default Re: Guide to buying a Ford Ranger?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dixie_boysles View Post
Have you ever owned a Supercab without the 4 doors----it SUCKS. you cant hardly put crap back there because seat doesnt go up enough really.
I thought the Extended cabs only carried the 4.0's
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  #10  
Old 07-19-2010, 08:47 PM
BigMike80 BigMike80 is offline
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Default Re: Guide to buying a Ford Ranger?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dixie_boysles View Post
Like said above, its all on what your budget is, please fill us in on that, give a ZIP and we can help you find trucks in your area.

Do like i did and make a list of features you MUST have and features that you would like, but not a necessity.
My budget is under $3k. I live in the 92124 zip code.

The only feature I NEED is extended cab (I'm 6'4"). Other than that I would like it to be a manual and have A/C. I would prefer the rest be manual...I don't want to have to deal with electrical problems.
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  #11  
Old 07-19-2010, 09:10 PM
dixie_boysles dixie_boysles is offline
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Default Re: Guide to buying a Ford Ranger?

Daniel, no, u can get extended cabs with 4 bangers, 3.0s or 4.0s. 4x4 supercabs only come inthe V6s though.

BigMike, nevermind on the 01+ on that price range unless u get a high mileage one. You will need to look at 93-97 model trucks and more than likely a reg cab 2wd.

I will look up some at work tomorrow for u
__________________
2014 F150 SuperCrew XLT 4x4
275/65/17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W | Shorty Antenna | Tinted Windows | ProClip Phone Mount |5.0 v8 |Tow Package | Oxford White


Sold/Totaled: 2006 Ranger XLT 2D SuperCap 4x4 Torch Red
15x8 Pacer 164P Polished Wheels | 31x10.50 BFG ATs | Level II Tow Hooks | FX4 Red Insert Seats
Tinted Windows | 6000K HIDs | Kobalt Low Profile Toolbox | Pioneer Speakers
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  #12  
Old 07-19-2010, 09:14 PM
Dcrymes99ranger Dcrymes99ranger is offline
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Default Re: Guide to buying a Ford Ranger?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dixie_boysles View Post
Daniel, no, u can get extended cabs with 4 bangers, 3.0s or 4.0s. 4x4 supercabs only come inthe V6s though.
Ok yea maybe I was thinking of the supercabs cause at work in the computers we have them listed under 3.0 and 4.0.
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  #13  
Old 07-19-2010, 09:22 PM
dixie_boysles dixie_boysles is offline
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Default Re: Guide to buying a Ford Ranger?

Extended cab=Supercab. I dk, I'm about 99% sure u can get the Supercab in a 4 banger, ill look some up tomorrow.
__________________
2014 F150 SuperCrew XLT 4x4
275/65/17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W | Shorty Antenna | Tinted Windows | ProClip Phone Mount |5.0 v8 |Tow Package | Oxford White


Sold/Totaled: 2006 Ranger XLT 2D SuperCap 4x4 Torch Red
15x8 Pacer 164P Polished Wheels | 31x10.50 BFG ATs | Level II Tow Hooks | FX4 Red Insert Seats
Tinted Windows | 6000K HIDs | Kobalt Low Profile Toolbox | Pioneer Speakers
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  #14  
Old 07-19-2010, 10:42 PM
Orange Gold Orange Gold is offline
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Default Re: Guide to buying a Ford Ranger?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dixie_boysles View Post
Extended cab=Supercab. I dk, I'm about 99% sure u can get the Supercab in a 4 banger, ill look some up tomorrow.
Yes, you can get them.
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  #15  
Old 07-19-2010, 10:47 PM
More_Cowbell More_Cowbell is offline
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Default Re: Guide to buying a Ford Ranger?

im 6'3 and my friends single cab ranger has enough room for me and hes around the same hieght hes just got an old 91 single cab short bed 2.3l manual and he gets good gasmileage like 25+
so your best bet would be a 93-97 there are a ton out there and decent amount of things you can do to them unlike pre 93 which dont have much aftermarket stuff for them
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1990 Ranger Extended Cab
2.9L V6 5 Speed Transmission
Planning to put a 347 and a T-5 in it eventually

Quote:
Originally Posted by FireRanger View Post
It looks like someone attacked the front of the truck with a bedazzler.
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