Hey all. Let me start off by saying I am brand new to the forum, although I have been lurking for a while. My name is Brian, and I have been looking for a ranger for a while, and specificly want a late 90's early 00's extended cab 4x4, auto, 3.0L or 4.0L v6. I dont have a huge budget, caping at maybe 3,000. That being said, I just found a 99 that is exactly what I'm looking for, with a 4.0L motor. However, it has 196,000 on the clock. I havent seen it in person, or test driven it, or anything, but the owner says it drives great, only has a little rust spot near the tailgait, and that the frame is solid and still black, and that everything works perfectly, and it shifts great. The truck also has brand new tires, if that makes a difference. haha. He is firm at $1900. From what I've seen in pictures, it looks super clean. So, basicly, what I'm asking would you guys even concider buying a ranger with such high miles? I know they can last to way past that is maintained, but, would you buy one with almost 200k to begin with? I'll also note that the seller is a diesel tech and says he's done all maintance at the shop he works at.

Sorry for the very long read, but I hope at least a couple of you can give me a little help.

Thank you,
Brian

Man, well the price is good and thats what got you hooked. Right? If you like it you gotta go see it, look at its undercarriage. Check for straight frame, I've seen some that are chopped and welded. Hear the engine for knocking and test drive it hard.

I got my 2001 4.0sohc for $2700 with 102,*** miles. Only thing is that the front differential was shot.

GO GO POWER RANGER!!!

Not gonna lie, the price is definetly a driving factor. haha. the same truck was up for sale a month ago for $2800 or so, now he says he needs $1900 for school, or something like that.

Other than the price, the other factor is that its excactly what I'm looking for, and 9/10 of the rangers that are for sale around me are either regular cabs, or the price is triple what it should be. haha.

Thank you for the reply!
Brian

low mileage and lower age don't always mean better....a less mileage newer vehicle that has had little or no preventative maintenance done to it in my opinion is worse in many ways than an older vehicle with higher miles that has been updated and taken care of... When you look at the vehicle look at all the usuals-- If there are more than one or two minor things to fix...like if the truck has a broken door handle and broken pistons on the cap door and needs shackles and the hood has a funny way you have to open it etc--this is a vehicle that hasn't gotten the fixes its needed and probably not preventative maintenance regularly--when you check the oil to see if its pure/no white from water seeping into it--also note the level and if it looks new or old--my 89 ranger gets its oil changed every 3 or 4 months and you can check it at any time and tell its not old and been in there forever...if its leaking underneath, I'd walk away....no leaks and good till this point I'd step back and look-- does the engine and engine compartment look clean, does the interior look clean and not real worn and stained looking...these are indicators of level of care that you should look at before buying a high mileage vehicle. Also ask what they've done to it--if they hand you a notepad with repairs and updates--a plus to your maybe I should get it side. If they can at least remember some things they did to it, better than augh I don't remember... You want to gage the level of care that's been put into a high mileage vehicle. If they say it has a rebuilte engine or tranny and no paperwork don't take their word as it being so. If they say they did all the work so there is no garage receipt-they should still have receipts for parts...of course I'm biased because my DD is an 89 Ranger : )

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89 4x4 Ranger ext cab, new rebuilt 2.9L 1998, leer cap, 6' bed, original tranny (auto), power windows/drs/seats, cruise control, 16 mpg LOL---sweet restoration project

Thanks for the reply lou.

Anyone else have any insight on things to look for, and whether or not they would even concider buying a 4.0 with almost 200k on it?

I had a 98 set up like this one and when I got rid of it there were 421K on it and the engine never gave me any issues. Of course look at all the normal things and see if there has been regular maint. done to it. My concern with does it have an automatic tranny and has it been taken care of. Mine died at 269K. No need to fear a higher mileage truck just look it over and make sure your not buying someone elses issues.

Id jump on it. That's how much I paid for my 93 XLT 4wd 4.0 extended cab with 194,000. You said it yourself. These trucks can go the distance when taken care of. Just do a nice check on everything. If you've got a buddy who knows cars well, see if they'll go look at it with you.

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1993 Twin stick XLT 4.0L. 3.73 8.8LS LED's here and there. Plasti-dip lower half. Sony HU. Image Dynamic 5x7 all around. 12" Sony sub. 200,000 club
Build Thread

after thought---I'd also ask why they're selling it. If that question stumps them initially or they say oh I need money they MIGHT be trying to unload a truck with issues...i'd feel more comfortable if they come back reasonably quickly and seemingly honestly with something like just had a kid and need a mini van or need a bigger truck...just something to add to the overall impression you get of the truck....also ask if its been in any accidents, if so, what repairs...

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89 4x4 Ranger ext cab, new rebuilt 2.9L 1998, leer cap, 6' bed, original tranny (auto), power windows/drs/seats, cruise control, 16 mpg LOL---sweet restoration project

Make sure you take it on a looooong test drive. When you get back check the oil and trans. fluid...if it`s an auto. Make sure it drives down the road straight. hit the brakes a little hard to make sure they don`t pull. Listen for any odd noises. Look under the hood and under the truck to make sure it`s not leaking anything. Take a flashlight for dark areas. wear old clothes so you can crawl under it to look. don`t expect it to be perfect, it`s used. Make sure all elec. things work...lights, signals, heat and air, wipers, horn.

I apreciate all he replies guys! I'm going this saturday to check it out and test drive it, etc. I'll be to sure look at and do all the things you all said. Hopefully by next week I'll be the proud owner of both my first vehicle, and ford ranger.

Brian

That many miles would scare me off, but that's just me. I won't ever buy another vehicle that has high miles and no maintenance records. Have done it too many times now and have gotten burned bad.

Good luck. Hopefully it works out for you.

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