Bought a used Ranger

[Sunnyinhollister]

After looking around at a lot of vehicles, I came across this one when looking at a Liberty and a Toyota Matrix. Aesthetically, it is was the best one I was looking at. I'm a little concerned over the timing chain issues on the 4.0L, but when it started up from a cold start the engine is quiet. I found the window sticker and it came with the factory tow package and hitch, 4.10 axles, and LSD. Everything works on it, but there are a few minor issues. There's a front axle seal that needs changing, I might have an oil leak on the engine, still trying to figure that one out, the driver window motor needs changing, and there seems to be a rattle someplace. So far I changed the engine oil and air filter, front diff fluid, transfer case fluid, and did a few drain and fills of the PSF reservoir. I'll change the spark plugs, trans fluid and filter, and rear diff fluid next.

 

[mclasser]

Good looking truck! How many miles?

 

[CT Rob]

nice

 

[Sunnyinhollister]

Originally Posted by mclasser
Good looking truck! How many miles?


117K - I was really happy after learning the truck came with 4.10 axles and the limited slip diff.

 

[Mr Nice]

Looks good and cared for it's age.

 

[Fawteen]

A friend of mine who is a trades painter has a little Ranger as his work truck that is about that same vintage. He beats the snot out of that little truck-zero maintenance unless something breaks, it's covered in paint and overspray, never been washed, etc. It never lets him down and just keeps running.

 

[slo town]

I like it!

Scott

 

[Electromotive]

Nice purchase!

 

[Lyman]

Nice! I owned a 99 4x4 Ranger. I wish I still had it.

 

[buster]

Nice looks like it's in good shape.

 

[01rangerxl]

Looks nice! That's very low miles and nice features.

 

[Sunnyinhollister]

Thx!

 

[SatinSilver]

Originally Posted by Sunnyinhollister
I came across this one when looking at a Liberty and a Toyota Matrix.


Congrats on the Ranger. Any links for the Matrix? I'm always interested in those. Thanks!

 

[Kira]

White paint is strong paint (except the bad GM paints of the '80's).
Get a little familiar with your P.A.T.S. Passive Anti-Theft System
Does the 2001 have the troublesome (crack prone) thermostat housing?
Congrats on getting limited slip.
Rear drum brakes

 

[SZR48207]

Solid trucks. Much better than the whatever they are selling now with the Ranger badge.

 

[AC1DD]

Too bad Ford didn't see the light and build a new compact truck. The new Ranger isn't much smaller than the F-150.

 

[01rangerxl]

Originally Posted by Kira

Does the 2001 have the troublesome (crack prone) thermostat housing?

Yes. There's an aluminum replacement.

I've heard of PATS problems, but have never had them personally. I wore out the most used original key on my 02, but that was blade wear and nothing to do with PATS.

 

[Sunnyinhollister]

Originally Posted by SatinSilver
Originally Posted by Sunnyinhollister
I came across this one when looking at a Liberty and a Toyota Matrix.


Congrats on the Ranger. Any links for the Matrix? I'm always interested in those. Thanks!


https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/ctd/d/santa-clara-2003-toyota-matrix-xr-43/6994538854.html

The other two I was looking at sold.

 

[Corollaman]

They were solid trucks, you have to remember Ford literally let them sit around for years unchanged for the most part which can be a good thing as far as reliability goes. The 4.0 V6 will get the same mileage as a full size truck.

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted by Kira
White paint is strong paint (except the bad GM paints of the '80's).
Get a little familiar with your P.A.T.S. Passive Anti-Theft System
Does the 2001 have the troublesome (crack prone) thermostat housing?
Congrats on getting limited slip.
Rear drum brakes

I have to disagree. Ford, Chevy and Dodge all had terrible white paint back in the 90's and 00's. At least around here, all the Crown Vics and Chevy pickups and Express vans are down to the primer. My Jeep is peeling bad too.