The Ford Ranger is loved by both truck fans and general automotive enthusiasts for its compact packaging but enormously useful design. It alone is one of the main reasons why many of us pine for a smaller pickup truck – check that, a smaller and cheaper pickup – to come back to the U.S. market instead of being fed these $60,000 monstrosities. Yes, there is a new Ranger and the Chevy Colorado, but those are hardly spartan rigs. This Ranger is an awesome buy with under 30,000 original miles, the preferred 5-speed manual, and good options. Find it here on craigslist for $16,500.
That’s hardly a bad price, especially considering how many years you’ll get out of this truck with the most basic of maintenance. The market has realized how great a basic, durable pickup is, which is why you can’t touch a Toyota Hilux/Tacoma in good shape for less than $20,000. The Ranger is catching up for sure, but it’s not quite there yet – the question is, how much longer can you buy one like this that’s basically new in the wrapper for under $20K? There’s little doubt the mileage is genuine, as the condition is outstanding inside and out. By the way, the sellers are the original owners.
Although it’s a subjective quality, there’s no denying this is also a good looking rig – another selling point for those of us who are among the legions of Ranger faithful. The alloy wheels still look great years later, especially when wearing meaty white-letter radials. The matching bed cap likely means the bed floor has been spared from much abuse, and given how clean this Ranger is, I’m sure the owner took steps to ensure the bed didn’t end up scratched to hell. The truck’s location in Seattle means it also hasn’t been regularly exposed to winter conditions or road salt, and likely remains rust-free.
The second-generation Ranger is likely the most recognizable of the overall lineup, and I can remember coveting the “Splash” edition with its wild colors and flared bedside (if there’s a more perfect 90s truck garage of a Ranger Splash and a Jeep Wrangler Renegade, I will need to see proof as that’s a pretty killer combo.) Two V6 engines were available, and this truck has the larger 4.0L Cologne V6 with a healthy 160 horsepower and 225 lb.-ft. of torque. This is desirable specimen, and we doubt it will stick around long given the following the Ranger has. If you want a cheaper option, look for the Mazda B-Series rig that the Ranger is based on. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Barney for the tip!
Thanks Lavery. A lever operated t-case, and manual hubs is about all its missing… really nice truck for somebody. 👍
I’m with you Stan. It’s needs that extra little lever on the floor that allows you to go…….
Where Ford don’t pay for the tow……
Lol. I’d be happy with this in 2WD form too, I’d neber want to drive it in salt or snow. Its too nice.
And it’s a 4.0 – the best engine,combined
with a Five speed!
While I’d be happy with a 4 cyl. And a 5 speed. I’d be even way happier with the 4.0 and a stick.
Highly desirable truck. Posting already gone.
They always are Bob.
Bought a black 94 new. Same 4.0, and also a 5 speed. In 94 the 5 speed was a weak Mazda unit, could only tow 1600lbs iorc, worked well till the syncros went out at 150k. 4.0 ran well till 180k, original clutch, no oil leaks.
Traded it after 16 years, entire undercarriage and body was rusting away, I learned my lesson about not washing in winter and fluid film. Rear shackles on these turn to rust biscuits.
These will be climbing in value, million’s sold, and people will want their old small truck they had.
It doesn’t surprise me it sold immediately, people everywhere are looking for these!
Very nice truck, but I’m not on the 4.0 bandwagon. Early 2.6/2.8 Cologne engines had lots of head/valve train issues. Later ones like this are OK, but all the issues weren’t solved until they went OHC (‘98?). I have had a couple Rangers of this ilk with the 2.5, and one with a 3.0. 3.0 is virtually indestructible, but Ford upped the gearing on these, so they’re a little harder to launch. I still have a ‘99 with over 250k on it. It has a junk yard ‘00 replacement engine of unknown parentage. Guesstimating it’s at 150k or so. Still running strong. Have $500 in the rig, including a new windshield. Perfect around town beater/ dump runner.
Subject truck is very nice. $16k? Naw.
I’ve owned 4 Rangers.all reliable.
86′ 4cyl,5 -speed
93′ same as above.
98′ 4cyl- auto
03′ Edge 3.0/ auto.