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  #1  
Old 02-03-2011, 09:30 PM
bcoors bcoors is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5
Default Hi! Potential new owner here.

Hi everyone. Been stalking around here for a few days looking at how-to's and what not, great site.

I'm currently looking for Ranger, which would serve as a daily driver and to haul things to the dumps. I've decided that a inline-4 is probably the best choice for me. The one thing I'm having a problem deciding is standard or automatic?

I'm coming off a GM made Saturn, which were built with automatics designed by monkies. How well built are the auto transmissions in Rangers?

And I'm a bit reluctant to go with a standard because I have very little experience driving one and I don't want to screw something up while I'm test driving it. I have no problem learning how to drive one though. Would someone be pissed if I showed up to buy their truck and told them I can't drive stick that well?

One last thing, is it possible to find a decent Ranger on a budget of just $3000? What are some common problems with Ranger's that I should look out for while looking for one?
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  #2  
Old 02-03-2011, 09:47 PM
HazardousRanger HazardousRanger is offline
Hazardous to Your Health!
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,992
Default Re: Hi! Potential new owner here.

it is possible to find decent rangers for 3000 cant help you with the rest lol driving auto all my life
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Ford Ranger Edge Supercab, 2004 3.0 Auto, 2WD, 4.10 Axle 31x10.5x15 BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO's


My Truck Is My Mountain Bike's Ride!

Class III hitch, Rhino Bedliner, Almost Maxed T-Bar Crank, Tuff Country Add A Leaf, Custom Low Anchor Points, OEM ('99) Tow Hooks, Pro Comp Offroad Lights , Mustang Dome Light, Clear Corners, Slim Toolbox, Blinker Mod,Cargo Brake Light Mod,Expo Lighted Visors, Ultra Silverstar heads/fogs, Fog/high mod, Reverse/switched lights, Bike Fork Mounts
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  #3  
Old 02-03-2011, 09:51 PM
Clinton Clinton is offline
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 14,046
Default Re: Hi! Potential new owner here.

Welcome....You related to the beer manufacturer? If so free beer for me?
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  #4  
Old 02-03-2011, 10:08 PM
bcoors bcoors is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5
Default Re: Hi! Potential new owner here.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Clinton View Post
Welcome....You related to the beer manufacturer? If so free beer for me?
HA! No, I wish. It's kind of a play on my last name. Besides, I'm not exactly old enough to drink legaly (though that doesn't stop me ).
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  #5  
Old 02-03-2011, 10:11 PM
Clinton Clinton is offline
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 14,046
Default Re: Hi! Potential new owner here.

LOL...you sinner!!
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  #6  
Old 02-04-2011, 12:42 AM
TerrenceStuart TerrenceStuart is offline
Old man driver.
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 14,894
Default Re: Hi! Potential new owner here.

welcome to FRF, BK!
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2001 Ranger Edge 4x4 (sold)
2006 F150 Lariat 4x4 (sold)
2007 Explorer XLT (Destroyed by Deer on highway)
2014 Explorer XLT (inherited from parents)
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  #7  
Old 02-04-2011, 02:34 AM
2002 2WD Edge 2002 2WD Edge is offline
Ford Tough
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 387
Default Re: Hi! Potential new owner here.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bcoors View Post
Hi everyone. Been stalking around here for a few days looking at how-to's and what not, great site.

I'm currently looking for Ranger, which would serve as a daily driver and to haul things to the dumps. I've decided that a inline-4 is probably the best choice for me. The one thing I'm having a problem deciding is standard or automatic?

I'm coming off a GM made Saturn, which were built with automatics designed by monkies. How well built are the auto transmissions in Rangers?

And I'm a bit reluctant to go with a standard because I have very little experience driving one and I don't want to screw something up while I'm test driving it. I have no problem learning how to drive one though. Would someone be pissed if I showed up to buy their truck and told them I can't drive stick that well?

One last thing, is it possible to find a decent Ranger on a budget of just $3000? What are some common problems with Ranger's that I should look out for while looking for one?
All newer auto transmissions cost a lot to fix or replace. Manuals much less so usually..even if the clutch has to be replaced. But asking someone with one to let you drive it while you learn to use a clutch.....good luck on that. A Catch 22 scenario. Check with your local driving schools as regarding/learning how to drive with a manual transmission. Learn that and you will be all set. You could find a decent older Ranger for maybe 2 thousand. Honing your driving skills in the meantime,..learning to drive a manual transmission,...could be well worth the time and money spent on doing so.
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JBA s.s. headers&exhaust, K&N cold air intake, Bosch Iridium Plus 4 plugs, Royal Purple in motor, 5spd & diff.,Superchips programmer, axle girdle. Also have but yet to install KYB Gas-A-Just shocks and Belltech sway bars.
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  #8  
Old 02-04-2011, 03:01 AM
STL STL is offline
...............

 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 23,399
Default Re: Hi! Potential new owner here.

Welcome to FRF
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2005 Edge

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  #9  
Old 02-04-2011, 04:51 AM
Rango88 Rango88 is offline
N/A
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,031
Default Re: Hi! Potential new owner here.

I agree. A manual is the best way to go. If you take your ranger with 4 cyl. and manual tranny, the fuel economy will rival most econobox cobalts and aveos lol. Also Manuals are much cheaper to replace and cheaper to buy used as well. You might get more truck (less miles and better shape) if its manual.

As for you being unexperience at driving Manual, when I went to my ford dealership I wasn't the best manual driver andnot driving manual for over a year, I was nervous, but if you take your time, you won\t have a problem, I know I didn't. The clutch feel was easy to get used to and the shifter is direct and far from sloppy. Butbying used like you will do the clutch might have a different feel . Just try it, tell the owner you're a little rusty, and you might stall. Stalling a vehicle doesn't really do it any harm. But I would suggest taking a course on the stick if it comfort's you .
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  #10  
Old 02-04-2011, 05:45 AM
brinker88 brinker88 is offline
TTB man
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,920
Default Re: Hi! Potential new owner here.

If you have a lot of time on your hands, do what I did. I bought my ranger for $400 and now have a total of about $3000 including buying the vehicle, rebuilding upper engine, painting it, lifting it, bigger tires, etc...
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1993 Ford Ranger Ext. Cab | stepside | 4x4 | 4.0L | Lifted | 35" BFG KM2s | MT Classic IIs | Dana 35/Disc 8.8 with 4.56's | Duals | Etc

RIP JASON
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  #11  
Old 02-04-2011, 10:15 AM
DiabloBlanco DiabloBlanco is offline
Get Lifted.
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,402
Default Re: Hi! Potential new owner here.

welcome to the forums!
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YZ the way to be!
The Brotherhood!

Mods to come: Camburg entry 6.0 system. FiberwerkX Fenders and bedsides. Tube bumper.
R.I.P. Jeff Ashton. 1992-2011
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  #12  
Old 02-04-2011, 02:46 PM
bcoors bcoors is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5
Default Re: Hi! Potential new owner here.

Thanks for all the tips! I'm definitely going to think about getting a stick now. I think I've found a decent one at a dealership, they might be more forgiving about the lack of experience, especially if it means a sale.
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  #13  
Old 02-04-2011, 03:19 PM
Rango88 Rango88 is offline
N/A
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,031
Default Re: Hi! Potential new owner here.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bcoors View Post
Thanks for all the tips! I'm definitely going to think about getting a stick now. I think I've found a decent one at a dealership, they might be more forgiving about the lack of experience, especially if it means a sale.
I have heard of some salesman taking the time to go with you and help with manual, since its a slow time of the year, they could provide that service. My ford dealership offered to show my fiance but she rather learn with me.
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  #14  
Old 02-04-2011, 04:14 PM
HazardousRanger HazardousRanger is offline
Hazardous to Your Health!
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,992
Default Re: Hi! Potential new owner here.

when u learn then come back and teach me! haha
__________________
Ford Ranger Edge Supercab, 2004 3.0 Auto, 2WD, 4.10 Axle 31x10.5x15 BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO's


My Truck Is My Mountain Bike's Ride!

Class III hitch, Rhino Bedliner, Almost Maxed T-Bar Crank, Tuff Country Add A Leaf, Custom Low Anchor Points, OEM ('99) Tow Hooks, Pro Comp Offroad Lights , Mustang Dome Light, Clear Corners, Slim Toolbox, Blinker Mod,Cargo Brake Light Mod,Expo Lighted Visors, Ultra Silverstar heads/fogs, Fog/high mod, Reverse/switched lights, Bike Fork Mounts
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  #15  
Old 02-04-2011, 04:25 PM
jacobxstanley jacobxstanley is offline
It's so cold in the D
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,080
Default Re: Hi! Potential new owner here.

hell, i bought mine for 800 and the thing is a damn tank!

you shouldnt have a problem finding one for 3k
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1992 Ranger XLT
2.3L 2wd 5spd
91 Mustang rear end, 373 L/S.
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Originally Posted by esrevnoc View Post
I'm trying to join Ranger Power Sports forum and they ask "What color is blue?" Anyone know how the heck to answer this question? Probably something silly but I'll be darned if I can figure it out.
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