Hey all
I'm new to this forum and I do not even own a Ranger--yet. I am looking at one to buy.

2001 Ford Ranger with 49,454 miles. I'm convinced these are actual miles. It's only been owned by one family and they have all the records.

It's just the basic package--no options--it has power steering, AC, AM/FM radio and steel wheels. I think that's all basic stuff.

One not too bad dent on the driver door. Doesn't affect opening or closing.

Here's what the guy said is wrong with it:
1) The steering rack is leaking steering fluid. He put some stop leak stuff in it.

2) The check engine light is on. He says he thinks this may be because it has been sitting and not driven a lot. He claims the manual says if this happens, that you should first try cycling through about three tanks of gas and that may take care of it.

3) Last winter, the heater would not blow hot. He says he thinks it might be the thermostat.

I am not a mechanic AT ALL. I am looking for an inexpensive, reliable truck for my 21 year old son to drive to school and work. Rangers seem to have a lot of good press as far as reliability.

I think I can get this truck for less than 3000 bucks.

Just wondered if anyone has general advice/insights about the 3 issues I named?
Or if you just want to tell me about how good--or bad--this particular model is, that would also be appreciated!

Thanks
fivepines

meh, those are very minor things. I would focuse on the heat problem. No heat...? did the truck overheat...? does it run hot...? If the truck runs fine, does not get hot and puts out no heat, I would suspect a plugged/bad heater core. If the truck does overheat, it can be something as small as a thermostat all the way to a cracked head. You need to find this crucial info before going any further

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Thanks, Pooleo. The truck did not get hot when I drove it, so hopefully that's good news.

I forgot to mention this is the 2.3 L , 16 valve , 4 cylinder with automatic.

If the heater issue is the thermostat or something similar, that shouldn't be too bad. I will definitely get it checked to make sure it doesn't have a cracked head.

I'm concerned about the check engine light because the new standards for inspection in Memphis, where I live, will not let vehicles pass if the CE light is on. They hook your vehicle up to a computer now to read any codes you might have.

If anyone else has any advice, I would appreciate that too.

fivepines

heater issue is no big deal, heater cores are very easy to replace and that is most likely the problem. Heater Cores are right behind the glove box and have two hoses. With the CE light, take it to have it smogged, that is what we do in California I don't know about anywhere else. And I have no knowledge about power steering issues. Hope this helps!

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my lil prerun run... tires and junk cool tube bumpers, fiberglass, cool colored lights, loud bass and a tire rack so you know im cool

most of those issues are minor in themselves. How much is as king for the truck since it needs some minor work? For the Check engine lights, I would just bring the truck to near buy garage you trust and have him check it for codes (while youre there have him check the truck from head to toe, since it hasnt been driven alot it might be hiding more surprises)

the heater issue could also be because it has no coolant or a blend door issue. It could be several items and as long as its not eating coolant, it shouldnt be a huge deal.

Id do a carfax to make sure it really does only have 49k original miles.

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Thanks JustIncredible. That's good to know.

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Thanks also to Crowd88 and Ranger. I will get a carfax. And the other guy is supposed to be taking it to the Ford dealer to get it checked out.

The steering rack is gonna have to be replaced sooner or later cause those additives work for so long, the engine light I mean if it runs good it can be as small as just a loose gas cap just get it scanned. The heater not sure but less than 3000 is a good deal