We’ve seen quite a few Ford Rangers here on Barn Finds, but only two 1997 models, and one was also an Oxford White truck, which we saw back in January. This 1997 Ford Ranger XL is a little more expensive, but it’s a long-bed truck, and it has around 46,000 miles compared to over 100k miles on the last one. The seller has it posted here on craigslist in Custer, Washington, and they’re asking $6,800. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Curvette for the tip!
I don’t know if there’s any data on this (Bob_from_TN might know, he’s a data guy), but I’ve always thought that owning a white pickup would maybe slip under the radar more than a truck in another color, theft-wise? As in, ne’re-do-wells might just think it’s a random company truck or a meter-reading truck and leave it alone, to search out the nicest, colorful, chrome-laden pickup to see if there’s anything worth stealing. I could be way off.
I used to think and say that white was probably the easiest color to touch up, but a recent commenter mentioned that there are as many or more tones of white as any other color, so it’s likely no easier for touching up dings as seen on the left rear bottom of the bed above. I do like the white and black theme here, and the white letter tires are an interesting touch. This one is a long box, or bed, but with the toolbox in the back it’s effectively a short bed truck after all. That can be removed for any longer carrying needs, of course.
1997 was the last model year for the second-generation Ranger, which came out in 1992 for the 1993 model year. A small truck with manual windows and a 5-speed manual transmission seems so quaint, doesn’t it? I like it. The “Medium Graphite” interior looks perfect to me, and I like the cue ball-looking shift knob. The XL trim was the base level for ’97. They don’t mention rust, and it looks good on the exterior. Even better, the seller includes several underside photos. Here’s a brochure on the 1997 Ranger.
The clean engine is Ford’s 2.3-liter OHC inline-four (yes, similar to what was in the Pinto), which had 112 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque when new. Backed by the Mazda-sourced 5-speed manual sending power to the rear wheels, the seller doesn’t say how it works, but it’s sure had a ton of work and it sounds like a winner. Almost every maintenance item has been addressed (clutch, throwout bearing, brakes, timing belt, fuel pump, oil change, etc.). Would any of you choose a long bed Ranger over a short bed Ranger?
I went & looked at a fairly basic Ranger.The owner,a friend of our
family quit driving & bought it new.Garage kept,& still looked new.He
wanted $10,000 for it,so I passed.I’m sure that he had to lower the
price later,but it was really nice for what it was.I don’t think that it had
many miles on it.
If he had been a 5 speed Super Cab,I would have been very
interested.
Wish this wasn’t on the other side of the country. I’ve been looking for a good used small pickup for a while. Wouldn’t be worth shipping it across country, but I envy whoever gets it. 46K miles is pretty amazing for a 1997 work truck.
This looks like a great truck. Love the Cue ball shift knob. I’ve had several vehicles I did that too over the years. The price…. Condition……. And mileage…… This wont last for long. And why is it, I’m NOT surprised Curvette found this?? Thanks Scotty!!!
Sliding rear window would be bonus. Great little practical rigs.
I read all the time on here, about guys pining for a small, simple truck, with no creature comforts. Here it is! Me? Been there, done that. Got the t shirt.
Big C – I liked the basicness of this truck until I realized there is no A/C. Let me echo you – been there, done that, sweated through the t-shirt!
I will always be nervous with this engine since I had one break 2 rods. Design issue that never was resolved…
I currently have 5 Ranger pickups. All but one are project hot rods. That 2.3 is bullet proof. And I have had more than 25 of them. (Refurbished and sold to support my racecar habit.) I have had and seen many abused 2.3 and never saw one with bad connecting rods. And the one I’m driving now as by beater truck is about to turn over to 308,000 miles and I thrash it pretty hard, carrying lumber and building supplies for my new house. All this being done at an average of 75mph and 22mpg. The fact that at the low miles on this truck and it had to have a new clutch indicates abuse to me. Average clutch life on these trucks is close to 200,000 miles. My current beater still has it’s original clutch. If close by, I would not hesitate to grab this truck.
If somebody constantly uses a clutch as a “hill-holding” device it will wear out long before its time.
The local Ford dealer here west of Phoenix back in 93′ had these in a short bed for $ 7,995.00 All were white 4cyl,5 speeds,no air.
Have to say that I find this whole thing shocking. I am the owner of a 1995 Mazda B2300 (a Ford Ranger in all but the name), extended cab, long bed, 4 cylinder, 5 speed pickup in a maroon color with about 160K on it. The body has not one spot of rust and the paint is very nice all around. I bought it about 16 years ago for $2200 with 93K showing (broken odometer that I had repaired). All I have done is put in a new clutch system and clutch hydraulics. The interior has no tears and still looks good. A/C blows cold. Cruise doesn’t work. Gets 26 mpg on the highway and around 19 in town.
I tell you all this as a preface to my recent property tax valuation on this truck in North Carolina. I was shocked to receive my tax bill this year (as part of the registration renewal process in this state) and it was almost 4x higher than last year. They put a low retail valuation on it of $3900. What??? According to the nice lady in the tax office, it’s a low mileage antique (30 years in NC qualifies as antique) which is why the valuation is so high. Once again, what??? It’s a working truck for crying out loud. She told me that I could apply to have an antique license for an additional $10 which would….get this….lower the taxation value. What??? The standard value is up almost 4x because it’s an antique, but if I get an antique license, it lowers the tax value. I need a drink!!!
The Tax Man. They’ll get you one way, or another.
I live in the Northeast so it has to have 4×4 or deal broken.
That’s an interesting question SG: theft data by vehicle color, or trim level. I have no idea. It would be something to ask someone who works in the auto insurance biz, analyzing data on theft rates by vehicle, by geography, etc. to use in rate calculations.
This one is gone, did one of you grab it?