Hello Ranger Forum

I'm a new member to this, and I was wondering if some of you guys (and gals) could help me out. I recently have developed an interest for Ford Rangers, mostly with the 80's to 1997 models, but I was wondering which one would be the best one to invest in for good MPG, reliability, part availability (or find-ability), low cost of purchase, possible low insurance, etc. Basically I'm wondering what are the specs of the ideal 'cheap' ranger that would be good on mileage, insurance, and be reliable all at the same time? also, 2wd would be the preferred platform, not a 4x4. Thank you in advance for your answers!

1996 2.3 Lima I have 130k miles and nothing horrible has gone wrong and runs like a dream! Getting 20-22 mpg city and it's fun

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96 Ford Ranger 2.3 - Loads of mods
03 DSG Mustang GT 5 spd- CAI, Flowmaster cat back, Sequential tail lights, 70mm T.B. 265/305
1992 GMC C1500 4.3 Long Bed 91K

Welcome to the Forum..

I have an '01 3.0 Vulcan V6 I have 132k mi. on it and the thing ALWAYS starts. I am not the most mechanically savvy guy but even I can work on the truck when it needs maintenance beyond the simple oil chance or what not. I average about 20 MPG's on mine.
It is a 2WD. Now, you will most def. hear on this board that the 3.0 has no balls, I would slightly disagree with that; the 3.0 does not have the acceleration or brute strength of the BIG BAD 4.0L. Thing is, you need to try to find the truck that fits you and what you need it for. Ex: You not necessarily wanting a 4x4. To my knowledge, Rangers are not rough on insurance, as I have full coverage on mine and have no issue affording it..

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2005 Mercury Mariner Luxury ~ 3.0 ~ 4WD

2001 Ranger XLT Supercab - 2WD - 3.0 VULCAN
6000K HID BiXenon Headlights - 6000K HID Foglights
Daily Driver
Over 137K mi. with a long way yet to go.. - SOLD!!

You have a cam syrcho sensor problem though ;0

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96 Ford Ranger 2.3 - Loads of mods
03 DSG Mustang GT 5 spd- CAI, Flowmaster cat back, Sequential tail lights, 70mm T.B. 265/305
1992 GMC C1500 4.3 Long Bed 91K

Huh?

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2005 Mercury Mariner Luxury ~ 3.0 ~ 4WD

2001 Ranger XLT Supercab - 2WD - 3.0 VULCAN
6000K HID BiXenon Headlights - 6000K HID Foglights
Daily Driver
Over 137K mi. with a long way yet to go.. - SOLD!!

97 2.3 auto with 200k on it's second motor because person before me let they're mother in law drive it and she ran it dry and blew the head gasket. It's a great truck. No major issues at all. Just normal maintenance. Runs good I drive it every day all day and it's still goes. I love my truck. I am slowly making it my own with plenty of mods! I only get 14mpg city. But that's because I changed my rearend gears, I have 31 inch tires and I have a check engine light on so it's not running the best right now. But it's a good truck with the stock size 14s it will get over 20.

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1997 B2300 reg cab 2.3 Lima, 15x8.5 Mickey Thompson classic 2, 31x10.50 cooper discover at3, 7.5 open 4.10 rear, dynomax super turbo catback, alpine iva-w200 w/ nav, kicker 6x8s, alpine type R 8, alpine 250W mono amp, power bass 400.4, tool box & camper shell, compustar alarm/remote start.
1956 Ford F100 rust bucket with big plans!