2001 Ford Ranger V-6 3.0L

[SpudRider]

I have an opportunity to purchase a 2001, Ford Ranger with the Edge trim package. The truck has an automatic transmission, air conditioning, and cruise control. The engine is a V-6, with 3.0L displacement.

Was this truck manufactured by Mazda? What do you guys think is a fair price for this truck?

Spud

[Weldangrind]

I presume that it was manufactured in the USA at the assembly plant that also made Mazdas. There will be some Mazda parts involved.

Blue book says $3,162 - $5,869, which seems ridiculously high for a 12 year old truck. My gut feel is $2500, with low miles.

[SpudRider]

What would you consider low miles, Weld?

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Less than 100,000.

[SpudRider]

I think I was offered a fair deal, but it isn't a smokin' good deal.

The truck was a NAPA fleet truck. It was rear-ended by a UPS truck. 8O The truck body has about 212,000 miles on it, but the engine was replaced about 100,000 miles ago. The truck has some new parts in the front suspension. However, the truck needs some body work.

I drove the truck, and the engine is in good condition. The interior is nice, but the truck has problems with the dome light and radio. :roll:

The truck has an automatic transmission, air conditioning, and cruise control. The fellow selling it is a mechanic who did the body work to repair the damage from the collision.

He wants $2,000 for the truck. That seems like a fair price, but it's not a great deal.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Was the engine replaced with a rebuild or a crate motor?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Was the engine replaced with a rebuild or a crate motor?

I think it was a new engine, but I'm not sure. I will ask tomorrow. :? I just saw the truck this evening.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

112,000 miles on a crate engine is fair. If the frame is straight, it sounds like a winner.

For comparison, SoWaG bought a '91 with a 3.0 and a five speed for $800.00, knowing that it needed a slave cylinder. Fast-forward past a new battery, a used alternator, a new brake line (a terrible job), a used headliner, new plugs, new clutch, new O2 sensor and assorted seals and fluids, and we've added nearly $1000.00 to the initial price. His truck was a one-owner vehicle with around 180,000 miles on it. The only reason he jumped on it was because the PO had installed so many new parts just before the slave cylinder failed (again).

Your proposed truck is sounding better all the time.

[SpudRider]

The frame is straight, and the truck is in good mechanical condition. It has a cracked windshield, but visibility is good. The tires are in good condition.

My Christian brother Andy is a professional diesel mechanic with over thirty years of experience. He went with me to inspect the vehicle. We went together for a test ride, and he also crawled under the vehicle to inspect the undercarriage.

I will verify the mileage tomorrow, and ask if the replacement engine was new from the crate. As always, thank you for your helpful input, Weld.

Spud

[SpudRider]

How difficult is it to repair these vehicles? I like the idea of being able to slide under the vehicle to do my own repairs without needing a lift. The engine compartment seems accessible, without a lot of hidden components. Like all homeowners and motorcycle enthusiasts, I could certainly find uses for a pickup truck.

I enjoy doing all the maintenance on my motorcycles. Can I transfer some of my motorcycle maintenance knowledge to this Ford Ranger, pickup truck? I know several members of these forums like the Ford Ranger, and own one. I believe FastDoc owns a Ford Ranger. If the price is right, should I join the Ford Ranger Fraternity? :?: What are the advantages, and the disadvantages, of owning a Ford Ranger?

Spud

[FastDoc]

The Ranger is the preferred truck for Chinariders, Spud.

I may have missed, is it a 4WD?

They are very easy to work on and parts are plentiful and cheap. They were in production for about 30 years. I don't think there are many other American vehicles in production that long with only evolutionary changes. :P

They seem to hold their value well but I don't know the market. You saw my truck. I paid $2,500 for it 5 years ago. It's a 1992 4.0 4WD automatic, FWIW. It had 92,000 miles on it.

They are Fords. They were co-marketed by Mazda and have some Mazda parts and engineering. They were built in the US. The 3.0 I believe is a Mazda design. The 4.0 is what they call the Cologne engine, and it's German IIRC.

I very much like the Rangers. Good simple heavy honest reliable simple safe capable vehicles. Chicks dig them. 8)

[FastDoc]

I had to put money into my Ranger too, which is to be expected. Shocks tires, steering box (the old one was OK but a little sloppy and I hate sloppy steering). I changed all the fluids. Brake, transmission, axles transfer case, coolant etc. Then a tune up. The only unexpected expense was a transmission oil seal that cost me about $400. I could not do that myself. I also went to dual exhaust just because I like the way it sounds. 8)

They have a LOT of ground clearance. I never need to raise mine to work comfortably under it.

All told I'm into the truck about $4,000 but its a good truck that looks good, rides good, and works well for my needs.

I recommend a Ranger for you Spud.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

The Ranger is the preferred truck for Chinariders, Spud.

I may have missed, is it a 4WD?...

Thanks for the feedback, Doc. This Ranger has 2-wheel drive.

Spud

[FastDoc]

2WD will be fine where you live although you will likely want snow tires or good all season tires.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Was the engine replaced with a rebuild or a crate motor?

This Ranger was a NAPA fleet vehicle. I don't know why the original motor failed, but NAPA replaced it. I would imagine NAPA rebuilt the engine. The first engine was replaced at 100,000 miles. The current engine runs well, and has 120,000 miles of wear on it.

Spud