hello,
new member here.
few questions

I had a 94 ranger that was my first vehical.it was a black extcab flareside 4x4 with the 4.0 and a 5speed...i absolutely loved the truck it was my pride and joy being 16...anyway i had the truck for about 4 months and 3k miles before i unfortunatly rolled it on black ice... well the truck was totalled but i didnt have a scratch on me...i ended up moving on to a older taurus just to get me around...

now im in the Air Force and am fixing to get done with training and move to my first base...So i need a vehical that will be reliable and fun to drive..

Im undecided what to get but part of me just wants a Ranger again..
I have been looking around and it seems that i could pick up a 1998-2002 ranger for around my price range of 5k or less..that is for 4wd and around 120kmiles

I guess my only questions are are these a good reliable truck..mine seemed like a good runner but i didnt have it long enough to really know..

some other questions are
what known issues
what is the reliability of the 1998-02 rangers
what is the best engine-3.0 or 4.0-maintnance issues
what tranny is preferable-i like manual but i wouldnt mind an auto but are they reliable
how many miles are these trucks known to go with proper maintnance
what mileage to expect is it possible to get 20-22ish hwy

im a big outdoorsman and even though i realize these trucks dont get great gas mileage i dont think a car is what i want

ive grown up with 4x4 trucks in Wisconsin but i will be in North Carolina for the next 2 or more years so i dont know if 4wd will be necissary

any imput is appreciated
thanks
kyle

rangers are reliable if they have been taken care of properly, just like any other vehicle. i say shoot for a 4.0, more power. ive heard that the 3.0 sucks on gas and isnt that powerful. with proper maintainence they will last a long ass time.

__________________
1992 Ranger XLT
2.3L 2wd 5spd
91 Mustang rear end, 373 L/S.

From what i was told, both the 3.0 and 4.0 are good albeit the 3.0 isn't good on consumption/power ratio, they are both reliable.

Like any 4x4 make sure you check the transfer case and connected moving parts (drive shafts, etc).

I always preferred the manual to auto transmissions mainly because the person who abuses of it will most likely burn the clutch while an auto transmission will need a full transplant. Even with a "new" slightly used or rebuilt auto transmission, there is possibility of problems.


Best thing is to take it to a trusted garage, or dealership, for a full checkup.