As time progresses, new vehicles begin to slide into the “greatest” categories that they would have never fit in during their early lifetimes. Is the Ford Ranger one of these vehicles? Overlooked during their tenure as a boring small truck, many people are beginning to realize how great these little trucks were during their 1st gen production (models up to 2012). Up for sale here on Craigslist is a clean, original-condition 1994 Ford Ranger with only 85k miles on the odometer. Located in Seattle, WA, this XL is being offered for $7500. Thank you so much to Curvette for sending in this tip!
As the gas crisis began in the late 1960s, the American car industry recognized it had to start producing smaller, more efficient vehicles to compete with the imports that were taking a significant market share. For their truck offerings, Ford decided to partner with Mazda and utilize its compact truck platform to introduce the Courier to the market in 1972. This gave Mazda the infusion of cash it needed and gave Ford time to develop its own compact truck for the market. This model, the Ranger, was introduced to the market in 1983 and remained in production until 2011, with a total of 6 million units sold.
This second-gen Ranger presents extremely well. The maroon paint looks sharp against the polished aluminum wheels, and the grey interior is in impeccable condition. But the greatest spec on this truck is the 2.3L engine paired with the 5-speed manual. This is a near-bulletproof combo that will last for a long time and is very cheap and easy to work on. Not to mention, it provides a little bit of fun as you row through the gears.
Almost everyone I know has a Ranger story. So many people have had Rangers, or know someone who has driven one. I have a buddy with a Gen 2 that has over 500k miles on it, and he has no plans of getting something new. It just keeps going like the Energizer Bunny. These are great rigs for a first car or for a daily driver. They may not get the best mileage, but parts are plentiful and cheap, and they are easy to work on. Rangers may not be the most sexy vehicle, and you may even wonder why this one is showing up on a site that highlights collector cars. But as time marches on, nostalgia and reliability are slowly moving these rigs into the collector realm. What is your Ranger story?
I don’t know about that 85000 mile claim. It honestly looks more like 35000. Wow!! This must’ve been garage kept. I’m not an expert on prices these days, but I think it just might be a very fair price for the condition. We bought a brand new ’94 Escort 4 door sedan and these were on the lot at the time. If we could have afforded 2 car payments back then, I definitely could see myself in one just like this. Great find.
Is it an interference motor?
No
Looks like a really nice little truck. But I do believe that it has the 2.3L engine (2.0 was only available until ’88 and it sure looks like the 2.3 valve cover). Might have to go check this one out this weekend.
Corrected. Thanks, Eric!
Looks like a really nice little truck and may have to go check it out this weekend. But I do believe that that is a 2.3L engine – 2.0 was only available until ’88 and that looks like a 2.3L valve cover.
Updated. Thanks, Outlaw!
It is a 2.3. I owned one.
You could pay the $7500 and double it on an auction!
Oh wait, is it a long bed?
Not an interference engine. (though Wikipedia is not specific) I had a roommate who had this engine in turbo form in a Mustang SVO, and it broke a timing belt one time and just coasted to a stop, no damage.
These little trucks are incredible, I’ve owned two of them. They kept going up in value, this one is well worth the price. I now have a 2002 xlt ext cab FX4 with 97,000 on it. Was told they were limited editions. Thinking about selling it, I’m almost 80 and time to stop driving.
@Dave – Why not send it in so we can auction it for you!
Beautiful truck , I had a 2000 same color. Very good vehicle. The long bed was convenient.
This Seattle dealer is one of the few I would call reputable most of the time from their website they have a Carfax link so you can look it up definitely one worth checking out
Nice but why is it that anything I’m interested in is ALWAYS on the other side of the country? Oh well, something may eventually show up in the East!
Because they have these things called car haulers and, it’ll still be cheaper than repairing (putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound) all of that east coast salt damage. This is the lamest excuse in the book. I’ve purchased hundreds of cars from the other side of the country and never had problem one.
I owned 4 Rangers over the years great trucks.
86’93’98’ and a 03′ Edge Stepside.
I have a 2010 same color with the V6 with 38k miles that I bought from some elderly people a few years ago. I rarely drive it but it really does come in handy sometimes. It is definitely a simple, bare bones vehicle compared to new models but much more useful. I know people say it all the time but why is no manufacturer picking up on the need and desire for a compact truck? This is a pretty good buy in my opinion.
tops in their day.
‘King’ cab (remember the window behind ur head), 5 speed,
4WD? Who could fault one. Some put the late model “D” port
head on (from 2.5) these earlier engines. Nuttin beats a cross flow
pinto/Lima motor. I like that w/the holly/weber 2500 or (same) 2v weber
32/36 progressive. Now ya got what I call ‘performance’ (MPGs AND pep).
Only stoped production (in merica) a few yrs, back now w/bent6? Ford F
model – largest selling vehicle (40 yrs) in the world (even surpass the corolla).
Hey, Boo Boo. Let’s go check out some Silverados.
The Ranger wouldn’t like that, Yogi.
(if you get that joke, you may be old)
Interesting thing is the 2.3 has 2 sparkplugs per cylinder. I owned a 1994. Most reliable vehicle I have owned.
I had a cousin buy a new Escort in 94 that was the same color. If I remember correctly it was called wild strawberry metallic. Was a very fitting color for the 90’s. Gosh I miss vehicles in actual colors.
I just donated my 1995 Ranger to the veterans. A 4.0 automatic 6 with a new interior I had just completed.
Hank would love this one, I tell you hwat.
I have the one in the picture. Overhead cam engine with 160,000 miles. Great truck.