Yes, on small trucks, just to get that out of the way. I love big trucks, don’t get me wrong, but all things being equal, I very much prefer a small truck like a Ford Ranger or an early Toyota Tacoma before they became huge, bloated, and faux-aggressive, as is the current trend, sadly. This 1987 Ford Ranger XLT SuperCab is posted here on craigslist in Fort Collins, Colorado, and they’re asking $4,200. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Mike F. for the tip!
Dang, Colorado is so scenic! What isn’t scenic is the apparent wrinkled left front fender, and it looks like it’s a lighter shade of Colonial White. Here’s a super-sized enlargement. Is that redundant? The original photo is so small it’s hard to tell, and the seller doesn’t mention it at all, which is unusual. If this truck showed up on a trailer with a big wrinkled front fender, I’d be disappointed, even though it’s my job as a buyer to make sure things are a-ok.
The first-generation Ford Ranger was made from 1982 for the 1983 model year until the end of 1992. The SuperCab configuration came out in 1986, and other than whatever is going on with the left-front fender on this example, it looks pretty nice to me. The ubiquitous spray-on bedliner is in place as expected, and for weekend camping duties, the topper/cap/shell/whatever-you-call-it is a nice touch. It’s even color-matched to the Dark Canyon Red in this Deluxe Two-Tone Ranger. Here’s a 1987 Ranger brochure.
It’s hard to miss the floor selector for the automatic transmission with overdrive. Since this Ranger has the V6, the automatic is probably not as noticable of a drag on performance as it may be with the four-cylinder. The XLT was a step above the S and Custom models, and the seller says this one has cold AC, another bonus. The seats look great, and both front bucket seats appear to have a power lumbar feature. The SuperCab area appears clean and would surely come in handy for hauling gear and passengers in a pinch, with its fold-down seats.
The engine should be Ford’s Cologne 2.9-liter V6 with 140 horsepower, backed by the automatic sending power to the rear wheels. The seller has done a lot of maintenance, including a “rear fuel pump, fuel filter, valve cover gaskets, PCV valve, various vacuum lines, air filter, cooling system flush, front wheel bearings,” and more. Any thoughts on this Ranger?
This was a a very highly optioned nice Ranger when it was new. I like that two tone treatment. I’m thinking that cap was a day one addition for sure. The bed looks like it was used but not abused. It’s too bad about that front fender though, but its repairable. Personally, I think it’s a very fair price, something we don’t see all too often these days. The interior looks like its held up very well too. I’m thinking somebody’s getting a decent older Ranger here.
Good analysis Dave. I like this Ford, looks comfortable, be a nice camping rig w cap, and xtracab. In autumn, throw the small aluminum boat in the back for duck hunting season. Remove the cap, haul the dirt bikes.
2wd compact trucks are very useful.
I had nearly this exact same spec – Wisconsin Badger red and white (I live in Madison, WI). Loved it. Mine was a 5 speed. Rode great. Reliable. Got nicknamed Lowrider because it wasn’t as high as a full sized truck. Didn’t have the very interesting power lumbar. Cool!!!!
My first company vehicle was a highly abused Bronco of this vintage. It had enough umph when it wasn’t in the shop. Norristown Ford shotgunned parts to get it running but it was tired and we next got Taurus wagons. (Better but not up to field service work and very uncomfortable seats unless you had the lumbar support. I didn’t ). Seeing this brought back those memories.
Nice truck if anyone needs brand new, in the box genuine Ford front fenders for this Ford ,I have both front fenders. And robust for them.just saying. Thank you [email protected]
I had one of those with a five speed. I pulled a 10′ utility trailer with my mini sprint on it for four years. Engine had enough torque to handle this easily. The front seats were the most comfortable seats I ever sat on, and the center column was the perfect height. The best thing was that the area behind the front seats was spacious and accessible. I later owned a 2011 Super Cab Ranger without the third door and access to the back was non-existent.
If it were in western pa I’d be looking at it. Dinged fender wouldn’t bother me. Would be great for flea mkts. And chasing groceries.
The STX model on the front and back cover of the brochure is one hot looking vehicle.
yrs ago we’d donea few TC, tensioner and cassettes on the Cologne 4L so can do it w/o engine out. Its tough on MPGs, & never over heat one (same on 2.9). I’d rather the Essex if going bent6.
Topper, OD transmis, bigger cab all pluses. As said – ‘there’s some good utility to a sm/intermediate 2wd p/u’.
I like the Lima (worked a lill) or Essex better…