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I'm not sure how you expect anybody to give any info on the truck considering you didn't say much about it. If it's the 2.5 4 banger, that was a good engine. The 3.0 V6 is a known problem child especially with pan gaskets. The 4.0 is a gas hog considering output and performance. The 4.0 is a high stressed engine so be careful and mindful about maintenance. If it has the 5 speed manual, those are another problem child. It's actually a Mazda transmission and is pretty weak. If it gets notchy in shifting, yer just before having problems. The automatics were pretty much trouble free. In regards to price, you didn't get a good deal but you didn't get screwed either.... depending on the powertrain, any options, and condition.
All good news for me! It's an automatic 4 cylinder
The biggest thing I'm worried about right now is how it will handle in the winter.... we can get some harsh winters around here, but we haven't for the last 3 years or so. Some people say "eh.... just throw some sand bags in the back, put good snow tires on it and it'll go"...... others have sad they aren't worth a crap in winter.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I can verify that they are not great in snow. I have a 4WD 2007 with the heavier 4.0 and still have to add sand bags in winter. The rear end is just really light.
I can make it up the hills in snow with 3 - 60 lb bags using 4WD. Around here that truck would go for about $5,000 but I have seen them advertised with less miles, say 125,000 for as much as $8,000 and $12,000 with 4wd, despite the KBB figures.They have remained very popular and are not made any more.
A good set of snow tires and some weight in the back and it will go anywhere.
The 2.5 was a good, long life engine ... but CHANGE THE TIMING BELT. A cousin of mine had a few 2.5 rangers and they all snapped the timing belt shortly after he bought them.
3.0V6 - Extremely reliable. Has the power of a 4 cylinder and gas mileage of a bigger v6. But will run forever.
The automatic transmissions are typical ford - not real reliable. I'd start putting some money aside to replace the automatic transmission.
That makes it a regular cab with a short bed. They were sold new around here for $8995.00. It's basic transportation at best. But if that's all ya need....
I have a formula that has worked well for me when determining the real value received from a used car. The formula says you need to get at least 1000 miles of driving with no major mechanical issues for every 100 dollars spent .The higher the millage the worse are the odds it will happen . If you pay 3100 you need to get an additional 31k in millage . You are taking a big gamble , but many of these trucks do run 221k or over before the drive train goes out.
If you have a place to store them, get a 2nd set of wheels and put some dedicated snow tires on them, that's probably the best thing that will improve winter driving. If you decide to put sand bags in the bed, put them between the wheels and the cab, don't put them way in the back, where they will make the truck less stable if you ever get a skid started.
Be honest with yourself and acknowledge that you bought this truck without researching the model properly, and you lucked out by happening to buy one with a reliable engine/transmission setup. Next time do your homework. Or get on here posting about a vehicle you are *considering* buying, not one you just bought. I'm not trying to be harsh, just stating the facts as I see 'em.
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