Any Opinions on this Truck?

paintboy · #21 01/16/11, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timfromohio

My truck with that engine is constantly throwing codes for a DPFE sensor (tells the EGR valve when to open/close) - I've replaced the sensor twice, have confirmed that the EGR valve itself is functioning properly, and now just ignore the light ...

To hijack this thread.

Tim, it's most likely your EGR ports are clogged. Take the upper intake off and clean them out with a pick and vacuum. All should be well after that.

4nTN · #22 01/16/11, 11:11 AM

The truck is a ranger...sorry I didn`t include that from the start.

4nTN · #23 01/16/11, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beeman

Most that buy 4wd don't really need it, I've had 2wd vehicles and no problems using them as road vehicles. Now if you need to get off of the road or you have a rough driveway then it's a different story.

Aside from pulling a what we're guessing is a small trailer what else will you be doing with this truck? Also what size is this trailer and what does the trailer loaded weigh?

As someone said a V-6 in a fullsize truck, if that's what you're looking at, is usually pretty anemic. Also be aware as someone else stated a vehicle with over 100k mi. will need some work. Since I do live in E TN I well know that most vehicles get the oil change at WalMart and gas put in them. Check engine lites are a driving lite to let you know the engine is running. The maintenance plan is a tow operator card in the glove box and a cell phone. No matter what you buy have it checked out completely by a competent repair shop BEFORE buying. A few dollars spent now can save a lot later. Nothing is cheap today, even on older vehicles parts can be expensive. Expect the truck to need work and allow for it in the price. Go price a good set of tires before you buy a truck with marginal tires, you'll be shocked at the cost of just tires. One more thing, I've seen a lot of title problems lately. There's a title loan place on every corner and vehicles have liens on titles and all kinds of screwed up titles, be careful.

Thanks for the heads up on titles.I`ll be careful about this.

roachhill · #24 01/16/11, 11:14 AM

I have the same question as the other poster is it a V6 or a straight 6. The straight 6 was probably the most dependable, longest lasting engine Ford ever built. My dad's F250 with a 300 straight 6 had over 380 thousand miles on it when he sold it and it still had the original, unrebuilt drivetrain. My old F150 with staight 6 sat for months on end and still started as soon as you turn the key, never should have sold it. The newer F250 we have here on the farm is a piece of crap compared to those older trucks.

10ecn · #25 01/16/11, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4nTN

The truck is a ranger...sorry I didn`t include that from the start.

Take a look at a good shop manual. A lot of the repairs and maintainance for this truck a fairly easy, but you occaisonally have issues with accessability. I've got large hands, and Ranger has some tight spaces to reach into. They can require a little extra patience, and creativity.

10ecn · #26 01/16/11, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roachhill

The straight 6 was probably the most dependable, longest lasting engine Ford ever built. My dad's F250 with a 300 straight 6 had over 380 thousand miles on it when he sold it

That was one of the best engines ever built by anybody. Definately a keeper, if you ever happen upon one, in good condition.

sticky_burr · #27 01/16/11, 12:08 PM

thats what i have a original 170 little 6 still gets 30mpg mixed

as for the full sized if the engine goes look into transplant a cummins 4bt plenty of pull and good economy

KySam · #28 01/16/11, 12:17 PM

Ford Ranger for $5900.00 no way. A 98 Ranger 4 wheel drive extended cab a car seat and a 9 year old. Dont plan on this truck lasting long room size for those youngins. If you are looking for roominess.

I wouldnt pay $5995.00 for a 98 Ford Ranger. I am a Ford person but Thats to much money for a Ranger with that many miles. You can find a full size Ford in that price range.

A V6 in a range is going to be a gas hog. A full size truck will get anywhere from 15 to 20 per gallon if you keep your foot out of it and drive with some sense. It seems like when a company puts a V6 in a smaller truck the gas mileage drops terribly. Keep looking for a full size truck.

The CEL will come on it will be the O2 sensor EGR or the oil pump light will make them come on.

My brothers oil pressure gauge does a dance when idling. Goes back up when he takes off. Oil pump and sending unit got changed. There is a pressure valve in side the oil pump housing and the front of the motor has to come off to replace.

Keep looking for a full size truck. Fords will have alot of mines on them. Because when people get one they keep it for depend ability.

Good Luck

Beeman · #29 01/16/11, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10ecn

Also, bear in mind, that if it's a Ranger, it was probably built by Mazda. The larger Fords tend to have a better reputation. That being said, the Mazda Ranger I had took a lot more abuse, and wear and tear than I thought possible, and continued to get the job done. It's still parked out back in the woods, and I started it up 2 days ago. If I could get the electronic problems resolved, I would probably put it back on the road.

Actually you have it backwards, if it's a Mazda it was built by Ford.

Beeman · #30 01/16/11, 02:48 PM

You said you needed a truck, if you need a Ranger you don't need much of a truck. Kids get bigger and a Ranger isn't very big inside or outside, not going to carry much, pretty marginal at best. They do have common electrical/electronic problems, nothing that can't be fixed.
For less then what you quoted I bought a 98 chevrolet 3/4 ton 4wd 350 gas engine with 79k mi. and I bought from a used car dealer.

timfromohio · #31 01/16/11, 02:53 PM

Paintboy - thanks. I thought of doing that, but was afraid that chunks of hard deposit might not get picked up by the vacuum, go where they shouldn't, and cause even bigger problems. I might try it at some point anyway.

MO_cows · #32 01/16/11, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4nTN

The truck is a ranger...sorry I didn`t include that from the start.

WAY overpriced for a Ranger. I thought it was an F150. That is a very small cab vehicle for hauling 2 kids around. Maybe you would do better with an SUV? A real one like an Explorer, not a crossover, if you need it to tow.

But if your mechanic gives it the green light and you decide you want it, take along a printout showing the blue book value and cash. Asking price is just that, asking price. Make a counter offer, the worst case scenario they say no. Every time I have walked away from a not-good-enough deal, a better one comes along.

suthin12 · #33 01/16/11, 03:38 PM

I just sold a 98 f150 for 3k because I was sick of fixing it check engine light on and diagnosed as IMRCV fix at dealer was to be in the 700 range. Had electrical problems battery had to be disconnected nightly. I have 89 f150 4x4 inline six I wouldn't trade for two of the 4.2 V6. Put tranny in 98 f150 $2003. If ur gonna pull something get something to pull with and 4.2 city truck ain't it.

salmonslayer · #34 01/16/11, 03:47 PM

One of my trucks is a 2000 Ranger with the 3.0 V6, Auto, 4x4 and extended cab and if you are looking at a Ranger with a 3.0 keep looking. It works for our purposes (bought it from a son who was in a pinch and is used by the MIL to drive to church...literally) but that engine is known for the gas mileage of a V8 and the power of a 4 cylinder. They also arent sprung well enough to carry much of a load and I sure wouldnt feel safe carrying any kids in the back.

pheasantplucker · #35 01/16/11, 06:40 PM

If it was an F-150...I'd say go for it. I have had two small pick ups. I'm done with them. 78 Datsun and a 01 Nissan Frontier...Both good trucks, but I can't stand how small they are or their short wheelbase. Makes for a bumpy ride. Think the Ranger would fall into that catagory.

randy11acres · #36 01/16/11, 10:06 PM

Have had 3 rangers, f-150 shortbed now, and f-250s in the past IMHO a ranger is not enough truck for what you want to do.

agmantoo · #37 01/16/11, 10:45 PM

That V6 (4.2 L) is an underpowered coffee shop runner that will get 15 MPG up hill, down hill, loaded, unloaded. When the fuel gauge goes erratic just divide 15 into the odometer reading and you will know how much fuel you have used since the last filling.

PhilJohnson · #38 01/17/11, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beeman

Actually you have it backwards, if it's a Mazda it was built by Ford.

Yup! Mazda quit having a separate truck line here in the states after 93. The Ranger is 100 percent homegrown. I will say almost 6k for a 13 year old Ranger is way too high. That thing should be 4k at the most.

paintboy · #39 01/17/11, 07:01 AM

My guess is that this guy is trying to charge for the fancy rims.

michiganfarmer · #40 01/17/11, 07:16 AM

I think its too much money, and I think ford stopped makng the straight 6 in 1995 so I think yuo are getting a V6. If it was a straight 6 with a stick, I wouldnt be worried about the miles. As it is I wouldnt pay any more than about $1800 for the truck you describe