03 Ford Ranger 4x2 question

kyleighn22 · #1 01-28-2022, 12:08 AM

I’m currently looking at an 03 Ranger 4x2 3.0L V6. It has almost 93k miles, no rust, garage kept, oil changed every 3k miles. Does anyone have any problems with their 3.0L? I’m nervous about buying it because a lot of people have said they’re hit or miss.

Bisbee · #2 01-28-2022, 09:03 PM

I drive a 2000 Ranger XLT, with the V6. With 129k miles it has been flawless. Yesterday I returned from a 6 week trip to Mexico towing a small camper and I fully trusted the truck every mile of the journey.

Sent from my MI PAD 4 using Tapatalk

DrWh042 · #3 01-28-2022, 11:29 PM

good question!

Bob C. of Indiana · #4 01-29-2022, 02:21 AM

I've had mine 10 years about the same mileage as the one you are looking at.It has had nothing major has happened. Had to replace leaf spring brackets due to rust.Put in a new radiator,water pump,and belt.Replaced step bars due to rust.I am pro active because I love the truck and staying ahead of could be problems. I don't drive much and have put on 1500 miles in 10 years.You might find this interesting.

Ask your question on this Ranger-Forums it has more members and is active. Ranger-Forums - The Ultimate Ford Ranger Resource.

12 Deg North Industries · #5 02-01-2022, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyleighn22

I’m currently looking at an 03 Ranger 4x2 3.0L V6. It has almost 93k miles, no rust, garage kept, oil changed every 3k miles. Does anyone have any problems with their 3.0L? I’m nervous about buying it because a lot of people have said they’re hit or miss.

I think the objective thought is understanding that it doesn't matter if it is a Bugatti or a Ford, it will have an issue at some point.

I want to try to put this in perspective. The Ford Wixom Plant used to build the Lincoln Town Car, Continental, LS, Mark III-VIII etc.. At a time in late 1990's early 2000's they used to hold 3 8hr shifts, 75-78 cars an hour per 8 hr shift, 7 days a week. That is a conservative average of 608 vehicles per shift, or 1824 cars a day.. 12,768 a week, and a few dozen away from 664,000 vehicles a year.

As part of fun and useless information, the Lincoln Town Car alone was produced from 81-07

If there had been 25,000 cars plagued with issues annually, that's still an astounding ratio of (avg) 3.77% I would have to say that the way we take care of things dictates the overall reliability of anything. Whether mechanical or a relationship.

Although the 3.0L seems by consensus to be slightly less reliable than its 4.0L brother, a '93 with 362K on Original engine/trans (man) exists in our fleet with at least 70% of those being hard offroading miles in the Nevada, Arizona, and overall West Coast environments.

Obviously living in the snow belt, on the beach (salt Spray from ocean), hurricane alley, or LA high traffic areas (accidents) will bring an early demise ratio into the picture.

But ideally as long as you take care of it, rinse it off from salt, mud, while pre-maintenance mentality.. maybe would suggest a synthetic oil and stretch those oil changes to 5000-7500 miles debating use. You should enjoy that truck.

If you're centralized around a simplified vehicle, it should be a good fit. If you're looking for gadgets and tech, a newer vehicle is calling you.

.

kyleighn22 · #6 02-06-2022, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12 Deg North Industries

I think the objective thought is understanding that it doesn't matter if it is a Bugatti or a Ford, it will have an issue at some point.

I want to try to put this in perspective. The Ford Wixom Plant used to build the Lincoln Town Car, Continental, LS, Mark III-VIII etc.. At a time in late 1990's early 2000's they used to hold 3 8hr shifts, 75-78 cars an hour per 8 hr shift, 7 days a week. That is a conservative average of 608 vehicles per shift, or 1824 cars a day.. 12,768 a week, and a few dozen away from 664,000 vehicles a year.

As part of fun and useless information, the Lincoln Town Car alone was produced from 81-07

If there had been 25,000 cars plagued with issues annually, that's still an astounding ratio of (avg) 3.77% I would have to say that the way we take care of things dictates the overall reliability of anything. Whether mechanical or a relationship.

Although the 3.0L seems by consensus to be slightly less reliable than its 4.0L brother, a '93 with 362K on Original engine/trans (man) exists in our fleet with at least 70% of those being hard offroading miles in the Nevada, Arizona, and overall West Coast environments.

Obviously living in the snow belt, on the beach (salt Spray from ocean), hurricane alley, or LA high traffic areas (accidents) will bring an early demise ratio into the picture.

But ideally as long as you take care of it, rinse it off from salt, mud, while pre-maintenance mentality.. maybe would suggest a synthetic oil and stretch those oil changes to 5000-7500 miles debating use. You should enjoy that truck.

If you're centralized around a simplified vehicle, it should be a good fit. If you're looking for gadgets and tech, a newer vehicle is calling you.

.

Very good point. I’ve had my eyes on rangers for a couple years now. I own a 2003 jeep wrangler that had/has some issues but i’ve always stayed on top of them and got them fixed right away. The guy wants 7k for it which isn’t a lot but it’s only a 2 door and i would prefer an ext cab. I’m in the mix with it honestly.

Jabs · #7 02-07-2022, 03:20 PM

Bought my 02 Edge 3.0l 4x2 new in 2003 and just used her to pick up 2 facecord of wood. I’m not going to mention wearables like brakes, shocks, but there is 1 major Achilles heal with this particular truck and that’s the transmission. From gasket blowout, electronic switches and or overdrive not engaging. You would think after 20 years and 100k or millions of these trucks on and off the road, the ford 5r44e would be bulletproof or at least cheap to replace, but no. $1000-$1,500 rebuilt, not installed, just for the transmission. My OD hasn’t worked in 10 years, shifts hard from 2 to 3 gear, and whines like a baby, but she goes. Just not on E-way. Other than that, Michigan winters, mostly parked outside and she still goes. Not a drop of oil, of any kind, leaks, starts right up and runs strong. 258k miles. I love ol’girl

dvrich · #8 02-11-2022, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyleighn22

I’m currently looking at an 03 Ranger 4x2 3.0L V6. It has almost 93k miles, no rust, garage kept, oil changed every 3k miles. Does anyone have any problems with their 3.0L? I’m nervous about buying it because a lot of people have said they’re hit or miss.

Whoever told you the 3.0 engines are hit or miss is an idiot.
Very reliable engines so don't listen to spammers.