The seller isn’t kidding when they say this 37,297-mile 1997 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 pickup looks like new. Other than a few scratches and chips in the paint inside the otherwise shiny pickup bed, this truck appears almost flawless. It isn’t quite 30 years old yet, but it’s vintage enough that we thought you’d get a kick out of seeing it here. Speaking of flawless, thanks to T.J. for another great tip!
Ford made the second-generation Ranger pickup from late 1992 for the 1993 model year until the end of 1997. They offered several trim levels, from the XL to the XLT as seen here, then the top-trim STX. A “Splash” model was another option for buyers. There was a Regular Cab as seen here, and also a SuperCab with extra space behind the seats. This one is wearing what Ford referred to as “Cast Aluminum Deep-Dish Wheels” and they look great to me.
This truck appears to be in outstanding condition, but as almost always, the photos aren’t the greatest. We don’t see the underside and most of the exteriors were taken from so far away that I had to crop them to get a bigger view. The Splash edition had a step-side bed that Ford referred to as a Flareside bed and I have to guess that most Barn Finds readers would prefer the regular bed style seen here? Or if you’re like me, one of each, in each color. Is that too much to ask?
The interior appears in outstanding condition, what we see of it in the seller’s photos, that is. I’m guessing that enough of it can be seen both inside and out for a buy to make a decision on this one. It comes with a five-speed manual, which was standard. A four-speed automatic would have been an option.
Sadly, as with most craigslist ads, there is no engine photo in this one, despite the fact that the seller included 23 photos. There’s one lower right-hand corner photo that’s missing – where there should be an engine photo. This one has Ford’s 3.0-liter OHV V6 with 147 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque and sends power through all four wheels. The seller has it posted here on craigslist in Bend, Oregon and they’re asking $17,950, about what it cost new in 1997. Here is the original listing. Any thoughts on this one?
Thoughts….yeah. Ridiculously overpriced.
$1000. It’s a Ranger. Too many people get it confused. Just because it’s old, DOESN’T make it collectible.
No way $1,000 in that great condition.
I’d say $5,000
My price opinion is higher than yours and most definitely much higher than gentleman that you disagreed with on price. Despite the fact that it isn’t my favorite bodystyle Ranger, it’s still extremely clean and fairly simple to work on. I love the TTB front suspension on the 4×4 versions of these and the F series. The 3.0 V6 will never win a drag race but it’s a good engine with a long life span with proper maintenance. I’m a tight wad by nature so it’s hard for me to say this. Given the miles and condition AND if you take into consideration the price of new ones, $7000 to an absolute maximum of $8500.00 would not be a bad deal. With decent car the reality is that the truck will far outlive several of us here. Asking price I consider too high. Your appraisal of the price is lower than mine but at least it shows you’re in touch with reality far more than some.
Oh how I miss my two Rangers! Today’s pickup trucks are so ridiculous and impractical. I’d love to have this…. but not for that price. I realize they were great trucks, but he’s really dreaming.
Looks like a nice Ranger with low miles. The 5-speed like this would be my preference. They have a solid reputation as tough little buggers, and like other compact trucks of this era, have a degree of collectability (since few of them survived the abuse they took). I don’t closely follow prices but I’m pretty sure this is a five figure vehicle all day long; the asking price may not be far off the market.
Thanks Scotty.
Just sold one 2WD auto, Cold air 116.000 miles no rust, white regular cab I received for free, for 3800.00 dollars, that 3.0 litre had so much power I could not believe it, I had one in a Taurus many years back, but nothing powerful as this one. Good little truck, just too small.
I think there is a pretty strong market for these. Most of us miss a small truck that is no longer on the market. Now, there is a market for 60’s corvettes but not at $300K. I see this changing hands at more like $8500 – $9500
Bought a new 1997 Ranger out the door for $7,000. Toreador Red, Regular cab, 2.3 liter, 5 speed manual. It didn’t have air conditioning or power windows. Being a year end carryover, A Plan, rebates, and an eager salesman resulted in the low price. If I recall he threw in a bedliner too. I quickly tired of no air conditioning and traded it in on a 2000 Ranger. Memories.
Price is crazy, but these will be climbing in value fast, especially in this condition.
Considering buying one when I sell my Cutlass, going for a clean 4×4 with a stick. Jeep, Ranger, Anything interesting.
Had a 5 speed 1994 with the 4.0. Weak Mazda transmission, don’t know what make trans this year has. Rusted to pieces at 165k. Cologne 4.0 still ran like new. Had a 2001 with the sohc Cologne 4.0, ran like new when a drunk Russian totaled it at 120k.
Great trucks, lots of people had one and would like to collect one. One of the best aging designs out there. Especially compared to today’s look alike fake steroid bulge pickups.
My late friend had a ’96 Ranger 3.7 (?) 4spd (?) w/ only 80k miles, the truck was a beast. Only 2wd but handled the snow here in WI. w/ oversized tires. She paid 800$ in ’16 for it, she sold it before she passed in ’18 for 300$ when we learned it had a cracked frame. A farmer bought it for a “field truck”, last I knew it was still going strong!
Sorry, it was a Dodge Dakota, I get those 2 mixed up!
17k? Yea there good truck but tiny, ive had them in xlt ext cab, much more betta. 17k wow!
dont think too long, just go. It’ll B gone soon.
Yeah, hi price 4, 5K$ more realistic but U have to go to get it.
Stay home? no chance. (Wanna think? compare it toa Maverick)
Now get goin…
I owned 4 Rangers.
86,93.96, and a 03′ Edge step side. all good trucks.
Those V6 Rangers got abysmal gas mileage, something like 17mpg if you were lucky… $18k is ridiculous.
My 2010 V-6 Ranger Sport 4×4 got 18 mpg average. My 2009 F150 5.4 V-8 gets 18mpg average. The Ranger was sort of useless for what I use a truck for. I still own the F150. Best truck I’ve ever owned.
If he wants that much for it, he needs to list it on BaT.
Sold my 96 XLT Ranger (stick) a few years ago. Had 135k on the clock, similar condition. Got 6 gs for it. So yeah, I think this one is a bit overpriced.