Hello I have a 99 ranger 2wd 5 speed reg cab with 185,000 that I am retiring because of rust underneath and the $ to make it safe. I know the Taurus with the 3.0 & auto are suseptable to bad auto trannies. I am guesssing Ford uses this same combo in rangers. I know maitanance is key. So my question is has anyone seen the 4 cyc /auto have issues? Im not a lead foot so power is not a concern. Also I saw a 6 cyc with a stick. Is this common in the ranger? My target would be 2004-2006 so rust may be alot less. Thank you

Key to buying a vehicle without rust would be getting it from a state other then Massachusetts. You may wanna look on the internet and find one from North Carolina South Carolina.

Further south where they dont get the snow and they dont use salt. Then when you get it undercoat the frame of the truck to prevent the rust.

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Unfortunately, all the Ranger Automatics from the A4LD to the 5R55E are susceptible to premature failure. However, this is largely in part due to owner negligence. Not only do you need to find a truck with no rust, you need to also find a truck in which the owner proceeds to give you a hardcover 1,000 page book with every preventative maintenance item he has had done on the truck, including trans related items. Many people look over the transmission, which is why they have such a high failure rate. This is pretty much across the board between all auto makers though.

I agree! the 30 year old rust free stuff here is like going to car heaven, make sure you get inland vehicle and not a coastal car as the salt air kills too! Look at craigslist, greenville, sc for examples!