100% agree. These little trucks are all most of us really need. Dependable, well-built and fun to drive (especially manual). I have a 98 Mazda B2500 5-speed that I wouldn't trade for any new plastic pavement princess filled with electronic nonsense.
FAX I was gifted my grandparent's '91 ranger as my first car and it was amazing. Kept that truck until this past January. Had a 4 cylinder and a 5-speed but I found out it could fit a v6 so I ripped the v6 out of a '92 mustang and it ran perfectly.
that’s a helluva steal man, I’m looking for a ranger now, and most I see are ranging around $1500-4000 with mileage riding around 80k-220k. These things are perfect little trucks
You don't have to go to far really, I'm from KY and I bought one for 1800$ at a 1/2 hour drive, threw a new ICM coils and wires and have dailyed it for the last 4 months. The 2.3's are where its at as far as buying them on the cheap, just braindead reliable. Dual spark being the only drawback, but I got skinny arms so I was able to change the secondary wires in an hour
This is called going GREEN! 30+year old truck still reliable and useful. There is nothing GREEN about buying a brand new $70k Tesla, only losing Green $$$. I drive a 89' Toyota pickup for the 10 years :)
Same here, I just bought one here in San Antonio 71k original miles super clean and a very fun ride I love driving it almost more than I do my Escalade lol
This era of Rangers are really good little trucks. I have been driving an 1987 regular cab long box XLT with the 2.3 and a manual transmission for many many years now and I love my little truck. It does everything I need it to, and it keeps on going. The looseness with the shifter is just a common feature in these Rangers, there is really nothing wrong with it.
Really good little trucks am a proud owner of a 1990 xlt single cab 2.3l, these trucks all you have to do is take time out to know them ,but if not they will drive you crazy if you don't understand them.
@@wagnarangerbrown6744 Exactly! These little trucks have their quirks but if you know about them and can get used to them, they will serve you for many many years. My 87 has never left me stranded and protected me in two accidents and I have repaired it every time. One time I had noticed the starter was starting to make a little noise and acting funny, but it was not so bad that I was worried about it. Then one day I had stopped at a place I needed to go to, and the starter made a really weird noise as I shut the truck off. So, I immediately restarted the truck, and it did start but I had a feeling I better get to my shop right away. So, I took it right out to my shop and parked it figuring I would deal with it the next day. The following day I had a mechanic friend replace the starter for me and when he went to take it off it literally fell apart in pieces and he could not believe that it had been working at all. My little Ranger has always gotten me home!
@@packard5682 yes sir they are old good faithful and they will handle just about any situation you put them into. I baught mine since 2020 and been through alot with it because the wrong people were working on it so they stress me and drained My pocket When I baught mine it was in no driving condition so from garage to garage and still didn't get any help my so called friends left me because they say am crazy because I sell my bus and buy this old ranger now in 2023 am driving my truck am very happy this truck build me while I was building it if you understand what I mean
Welcome to the club! My daily is a ‘89 ranger single cab. My wife’s grandpa bought it for his ranch and now I use it for construction and with a little care and love it works just as good as the day he got it.
my 91 sat for over 10 years. This weekend I spent about 350 bucks, to fix all the hoses, heater core, lights all the way around and some other things. When I got back from a test drive, I just sat in the driveway like a kid on christmas day. Im so happy I revived it and I look forward to driving it everyday to keep the miles and maintenance off my duramax.
and your gonna save a shitload of money driving it. I have driven a 77 Olds Cutlass as my daily driver for the last 6 years, I have 5k ish into it including what I paid for it and my co-workers wonder how I can afford to go on an "Expensive" vacation every year.... well lets see.... Your paying $1000 a month to drive you brand new car every month, My car is paid off and my insurance costs me $38 a month...... Their paying 12k a year just to drive back and forth to work, I'm paying $456 a year.... that's how.
I have a 89 ford ranger single cab short bed that was my grandpas truck he was a mechanic he bought it new in 89 and drove it till hes death December 26th 2017 its also a 4 speed with overdrive that truck has a lot of memories in it im hopping for more when i fix it
I got a 90’s ford ranger from my grandfather that was my first vehicle. I kept it around after getting another car and I am starting to fix it up from sitting. It has 58,000 miles on it and in perfect condition, it’s a great vehicle.
I rarely comment on here but I have to. Excellent video. My cousin had a '91 in this color, single cab. Kept running and running. Don't remember what he did with it but you're right. The seats are very comfortable and there's something about these older trucks. Crank windows, bench seat, optional cruise/AC, etc. You are also speaking my language about not worrying about if someone dings your truck in a parking lot or if you scratch the bed with a bicycle or some firewood for camping. It's a truck, it's meant to be used. So many folks have these big giant 4-door monster trucks and they are only for show. They have mood lighting, massaging seats, and power everything but yet they never use the truck for its intended purpose. I see a late 80's Ranger not far from me. I might ask if he's willing to sell it. Fantastic stuff and I hope you still have this truck.
I appreciate the comment! I definitely do still have this ranger, in fact, I just finished a 250 mile backcountry camping trip with it. And you are right, it is not luxury, it is a pickup!
Love your truck, I bought a 1992 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0 automatic a few months ago and absolutely love this truck. Put a few bucks in it but overall in great shape for its age. I am almost 60 and feel like a kid again with a new toy. Excellent purchase and will continue to put more money into it if needed. Could not be happier with my new OLD truck lol. Good luck with yours if you still have it......
I remember going to the Ford dealership with my dad back in the early 1990s in Phoenix Arizona and we test drove your exact truck except in white. I remember it had a V6 engine and we punched it off the light and it left about 10 feet of rubber! Lol it was a great truck!
I have a 2003 Ranger, basic little truck. Regular cab, short bed, 2.3L 5 speed manual, rubber floors, taxicab quality seats, manual windows... it does have power steering and brakes but I think those were standard by 2003. The only option is AC. I bought it in 2015 for $2800 with 38k miles on it. I search for months before I found it. I wanted a basic little truck for light duty things like bringing mulch home, or big purchases like furniture, but being able to afford to daily drive it to work. It's been great. When I was driving 45 miles a day to and from work, I regularly got 32 mpg. I recently retired and it's still doing light duty work for me, preparing my house to sell, getting the other house ready, starting moving stuff to the other house... it's been damn dependable.
That's my truck! I bought mine new, now 135,000 miles only. I've gone through a couple coolant overflow tanks (weird as they're pressurized, commonly leak near cap), a $24 heater control valve(corroded plastic, super easy). I removed the plastic intake flappers(a little bit of an involved job requiring intake manifold removal) but now motor ain't doing that clicking. She's a solid and practical little truck! I bet i could sell mine for $8,000 now! I paid $13K new.
Does your 1986 have sway bars on it? My 1986 ranger came off the assembly line without them. Made my own sway bar mounts for the Front twin i-beam and bolted on 1993 2wd ranger splash swaybars. The rear sway bar I bolted on is also from a 2wd splash out of the junkyard and it bolts strait on there without any fabrication. Now it corners way faster without Leaning over!
Your vid almost made me cry seeing the unrusted body of your great little truck. I still have the 1990 Ranger I bought in Texas '95 for $4600. 2WD manual 5-speed. Camper top. So many great road trips, camping sleeping cozy in the back, rain on the roof. But Wisconsin winters parked outside, salty streets, and my neglect ate holes in the floor. The engine still runs great at 300,000 miles, so I haven't wanted to let it go, even with a dented tailgate that doesn't open, from a deer encounter when I braked quick and the neighbor behind me couldn't stop in time. His newer pickup was completely smashed in. I've loved having a ride so simple I could learn to repair it myself, and have good honest mechanics when I need them. Now we're at a crossroads because the throttle is stuck wide open and the tires are wearing. Your video makes me want another Ranger from that engine era. Wishing you many comfortable miles with your beauty, Idaho brother.
I just bought myself one for $500 and its sat for years but looks to be in almost perfect condition and you are right, this is all i need as a farm kid living in the great state of texas! Hopefully I get it running! God bless!
Agreed, I have an 89 f350 crew cab dually diesel, an 85 GMC S15 extended cab 4x4 5spd 4 cyl, a 79 jeep cherokee chief an 03 chevy tahoe 4x4. All paid for, all reliable and all easy to maintain and cheap to do. Great video
Picking mine up next month for $1500. 92 4.0 extended cab 4x4. All new gaskets in the engine, new interior, runs great, drives great. 180k miles. Little bit of rust and no AC but I’ll live. I enjoyed your video!
I bought my Uncles 93 Toyota Pickup with the 22RE, 5 speed, and a 7.5ft bed for $500 bucks off my uncle. Works great! I just love the simplicity of 90s vehicles.
I've got a 2006 Ranger 4.0 4x4 one previous owner. Perfect truck in this market. I had a 2016 F150 and had some major issues that developed. I decided to trade her in. Got a hell of a deal. Two years now and only changed the front shocks, rear leaf spring shackles and brake line. It's been the perfect truck for my needs. I've owned a 1986, 2003 and now a 2006. In this market and as I get older. I now realize why my dad never bought new cars and ran them to the ground. I was always worried what the neighbors had and now I could careless.
I have a 91 single cab long bed 2wd w/4.0L 5spd and a limited slip differential w/180k and it still drives great. I bought it about 6 years ago and paid $2300 for it. I've had offers of $3k for it and just laugh and say No Thanks, I'm keeping it. Going to take out a couple of small dents and a tiny rust spot or two next spring and repaint it. Good as new...and a lot cheaper.
I had literally the identical truck to yours except it was a 1991. Slow as hell, but I absolutely loved it! Was very lucky to get it for free off the original owner. Had 289000km. 30k km and 4 years later it was still running strong! Had to sell it because I moved away for school and needed something that could keep up on the highway, but I wish I never sold it!
I had a '91 4wd 4 liter ranger when I was in highschool. I loved it. Mine had the electric controlled transfer case. The T- case never gave me any trouble. The automatic hubs that Ford used to use are junk, but I converted the hub's to manual hubs.
I had a 88’ Toyota Pickup and a 93’ S10 that I used for my daily drivers. And I loved driving both of them. 93’ had the 4.3L but the 88’ Toyota was just fun to drive.
I had a 94 Ford Ranger, I sorely miss it. I need a working truck. The price of new trucks nowadays makes me sick because they aren't worth the money. Good buy on your truck 👍🏻
Did you ever find one? I have a '94 I paid $500 for years ago and drive it daily. The couple times it has been out of commission I have missed it badly.
Yes, I did find a good truck but that depends on who you ask. I grabbed a used 2006 Ford F150 XLT 5.4L 3V. I also found the mechanic who figured out what was causing the engines to crap out and it all had to do with an inferior oil pump, now fixed and replaced with a Melling Hi Volume oil pump (20% more) and racing rocker arm & lash kit. Funny you should ask now because I'm getting ready to take her in for her major timing job. If you have the garage and know how, I suggest doing it yourself if you should buy one of these. My truck is in mint condition and I've driven it quite a bit already over the last year. How is your truck doing these days?
@@MichaelStoneqm3 Those older F150's area solid find! Good luck on the timing fix. My Ranger is still doing good. It definitely has some issues at 230k but I just fix them as needed. Recently replaced one leaf spring and both U bolts on both sides. But other than that recently it has been good (knock on wood). Good luck on the repair and happy to hear you found a good one.
@@tt-designs124 I'm glad yours is still rolling along 👍🏻 I don't want to have to purchase another vehicle as long as I live. I called Ford yesterday and they refused to do my truck after they told me they would when I purchased it. I filed with BBB & will work on Consumer Affairs today. You know, I would attempt to do this job myself but it needs a good environment to do it i.e a shop or garage with good ventilation. I live in the desert, literally, I don't want sand and crap in my engine. When the wind gets blowing it's even worse. I had already ordered and paid for the parts on Amazon $1800 and have all of it sitting on the floor in front of me. I need to find an HONEST & Reputable Mechanic that knows these Fords like FORDTECHMAKULOCO here on youtube, or Scotty Kilmer even. Wish me luck 🙏🏻.
I have a 1989 Ranger STX Super Cab 4x4 with the off road package that I bought brand new and it paid for itself many times over, since i've had it. It still only has 99,388 miles on it. I'll have to retire it soon though because I need to down size my vehicle collections...lol
I bought a ‘91 with the 2.3 four banger. It had a blown head gasket, which was replaced and the head milled. Still low on power, but it has a check engine light on, and no one seems to have a reader.
Love the truck ! I have a 1993 extended cab 3.0 v-6 5 speed with the shifter slop like yours it’s normal . I bought mine 4 years ago for $500 from a friend it was a 1-owner truck . The truck shows 88,000 an change but who knows how many miles it has because it rolls over at 100k… anyways it’s been a wonderful truck . R-12 refrigerant is hard to find for the air conditioning. I was able to charge mine with some environmentally friendly equalalternative and it works OK. Your right if your smart just drive something like these trucks . Super cheap yet super reliable and tough!
Just bought a 1990 f150 XLT Lariat for 900 bucks. I spent too much money on it, I have around 2k invested in it, but I've recently started daily driving it. Really all I need, just something basic and cheap to putt around in and haul stuff. Wish it was a little smaller like this ranger. Enjoy it man, they are great vehicles!
My father in law gave me a 1990 Ranger XLT (2WD). It needs work, but it works well for the rare occasion I use it. I think there’s a ton of benefit to having trucks like these around!
I would love to find a deal like that. The oldest 4wd Rangers I can get within 10 miles of my area is 2003 for about $8999 with 150k - 200k miles on them.
1993 Ranger xtracab 4x4 4.0 5spd 80k no rust Wyoming truck 1400.00. Brake line and a battery got it thru inspection. Little stuff kept the total well under 2k A similar yota would have been 7k in my area. The rangers to avoid would be a 4.0 sohc. Why other than cheapness by bean counters, would you have a timing chain in the rear of an engine, as well as the front? Yes my Toyota xtracab long bed was better, but those are impossible to find. You don't feel bad with the dog in front. If only they still had vent windows.
I just bought my 6th RBV(Ranger based vehicle). I've had two 94 extended cabs(2wd & 4wd), both 4.0 AT. The A4LD seems to last longer in pickups than Explorers. I've had two gen 1(91-94) Explorers, both 4wd 5sp. The Explorers seem to arrive rougher in my price range. I had an 89 Bronco2, 2.9, 4wd AT. I literally drove the wheels off that. It had a failing trans when I got it and I put almost 50k on it that way. I've just purchased a 90 Ext cab, very similar to yours. I've never paid more than $500 for one, but I buy them broken and fix them. It's getting a lot harder, they're not as plentiful now, and people are starting to value them. My friend had a 94 Explorer from new, and put 400k on it with basic maintenance. Of course, we put 5 automatic transmissions in that, in Explorers they fail right at 80k. The motor was still running strong at 400k when his wife was tired of looking at it and sold it when he was out of town. Lots of parts at the junkyard, very durable structure and systems. The broken one I just bought is 4.0, AT, but I have a Mazda box to put in it. I'll be on the road soon and I think I'll tell the boys to bury me in this one!
This right here is my dream truck! I noticed that the Oregon plates. On marketplace, you people have such amazing deals on these trucks! Where I’m from in lower Northern Cal, nothing rusts, and everybody seems to know what value they have. I’m taking $5500 and up for one of these similar equipped truck 😭
Im very jealous of the non-rusted body. In highschool thats what me and my buds all drove too. I miss the super cushy seat and light steering. We pounded the snot out of them....alternators, starters, water pump's stuff like that all needed replacing by 160,000 miles but were cheap and easy to change. I have a newer Tacoma paid for now, that reminds of mine old Ranger in that cab configuration. Im driving older little cars now to keep miles off of it cuz I dont like the direction new trucks are heading.
Recently bought a 2000 4x4 3.0 5 speed having the time of my life in the ranger and have only had it for almost 2 months now needed a lil love jus oil alternator and still needa radiator but it’s still holding strong 😂💪
I drive an '89 f150, straight six 4x4, gets about 12mpg, so i did the same thing and bought a 1500 dollar Ranger. Mine's a '99 with the 2.5 and a 5 speed. Then i stupidly lifted it and it gets like 17 mpg...
I just picked up a 1998 2 WD for $3200.00.170K and pretty solid for Minnesota (chemical snow removal means rust).Love it.Couldn't be happier.I might turn it into a camper.
Good Buy.I need to make wooden door handles too. That is the idea I had but just haven't got around to it. Watched to se if it was 4X4. Couldn't tell by the front hubs. No transfer case shifter in floor so must be 2 wheel drive. I sure would want more than $2000 for my 89 Rust free California Ranger. 260K miles daily driver.
I bought my 1990 new put 350000 miles sold my to a Guy he put another 150000 more. Look up the all the history of the engine was built low end was a BMW changed to push rod, with a throttle body. Love wished I keep it. I converted it to low back pressure exhaust system help gas mileage.
Got same truck, not extended tho, same color, guard, roll cage, 4 wheel drive. Got it same day from a timberlogger i was working with after rolling off a cliff. Love it. Only minor pain i had with the 90, minewas techically made in july of 89, is the bearings, rotor uses that years bearings and not 90, even though its a 90. So a suble crossover Also i split my rangers axle, and heard a large crack in town, and drove into the woods 50 miles away home only to discover my rear axle split off completely at the differential, only hung on by the u joints. Cheap fix that as a used axle of its ratiowas only like 160 bucks
I just picked up a 2003 ranger with the 2.3l duratec (about the same output power as the 3.slow) and a manual transmission. I paid 2k and got it with 96,000 miles.
Not sure about new Toyotas, but some will have swappable intermittent wipers. I got mine at a junkyard and replaced the standard one in my car for cheap compared to ordering one.
Recently bought a 91 ranger for 800$, 400k miles, 4x4, lockers, 5 speed stick and a 4.0L, fresh motor and tranny and no rust which is rare in the rust belt
I got a manual 98 ranger with 4l back in like 2004 or so for $3000 from a guy in La Pine. It was my favorite truck ever. My second favorite is a manual 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 that gets about the same mileage as the 4.0l ranger.
Getting my 87 Ranger back in driving condition after several years in storage as the fuel pump needed replacement and the breaks needed work....at the time I didn't feel like dumping $$ into an old vehicle, but now I've changed my mind for some reason....probably because I no longer wanted to be that guy who says "someday I'm going to ......"
I bought a 2002 Ranger for 2800 bucks that needed a new transmission and everything else looks brand new. Its a 4.0 Auto 4x4 KC 4 door or whatever those half doors are called. Think is awesome. I cannot justify paying 40k for a driveway queen.
I bought a 95 Ranger for 1400$ Canadian and it's a great vehicle. Looks great drives great, pretty much never had a big problem with anything on it and that little 3.0 is going strong at 145k km.
My father had a 1989 ford ranger single cab 4x4 manual with the 2.9 has 60,000 miles I now inherited the rig and currently doing a cab off restoration I want it looking cleaner than it did in 89 one day I’d like to make a video on her to post she’s gonna be minty
I have been driving my 2006 ford ranger xlt 3.0 since I bought it in 2013 with 100k miles - currently 225k , and it is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, yes they have their own problems , yes I changed water pump , ac. Compressor , alternator . infamous camshaft synchronizer, shocks and uppers abs lowers not counting brake jobs and oil changes , as it’s a regular maintenance, but it keeps going , about to throw , timing chain and a timing cover and a second water pump at it , but hell It beats 700$/months new truck payment , and it beats Toyota’s outrages price for 1998 Tacoma every one seems to want 10k$ now , great truck if your hands grow from the right place 😎
I honestly wished they kept this body design over the newer ones. They prettied up a work truck/job to job vehicle just so suburban dads can look good in a modified truck but never use. Rant aside, your truck’s a beauty. My father’s 99 ranger is on her last ropes after 272k miles of hard work and not a single issue aside from fixing the ac.
if these things are treated fairly & well maintained, there easily capable of 300k.been driving my 90 since 2000.replaced water pump, starter, pushrods, rocker arms & intake gaskets at 200k.engine has never been this quiet, run better or idled smoother @ 200k+.sure i'll get another 100k out of it before i die.put shift kit & cooler on fragile a4ld as soon as i bought it.probably why it still works great at 200K+.
Nice video! After driving 90s obs Chevy suburbans and Silverados for the last 20 years I just bought a 94 Ford ranger XLT ext cab 2wd 4.0 V6 with a 5 speed manual. So fun and takes me back to my first car: a 72 Datsun reg cab 2wd with 4 cyl 4 speed manual. These little trucks are so fun to drive and so easy to work on! ❤🛻
100% agree. These little trucks are all most of us really need. Dependable, well-built and fun to drive (especially manual). I have a 98 Mazda B2500 5-speed that I wouldn't trade for any new plastic pavement princess filled with electronic nonsense.
FAX I was gifted my grandparent's '91 ranger as my first car and it was amazing. Kept that truck until this past January. Had a 4 cylinder and a 5-speed but I found out it could fit a v6 so I ripped the v6 out of a '92 mustang and it ran perfectly.
Best thing is, is you don't have to worry about scratching it or anything. And they last forever !!
150% agree. Mine (1994 2.3L) has 440K miles, still going strong.
I just bought a 1988 ford ranger XLT with only 79,000 miles! Just for $500 dollars! Feels a brand new truck 🥹
that’s a helluva steal man, I’m looking for a ranger now, and most I see are ranging around $1500-4000 with mileage riding around 80k-220k. These things are perfect little trucks
Who ever sold you the 1988 ranger for $500, send them a birthday card every year.
WTF, how lol
Judging by your English I'd figurr you bought it stolen by the cartel.
Only 79K? How's that possible? My 2004 has 165K
$1500 for an old ranger with no body cancer? As someone who lives in the rust belt, I feel very jealous haha.
You don't have to go to far really, I'm from KY and I bought one for 1800$ at a 1/2 hour drive, threw a new ICM coils and wires and have dailyed it for the last 4 months. The 2.3's are where its at as far as buying them on the cheap, just braindead reliable. Dual spark being the only drawback, but I got skinny arms so I was able to change the secondary wires in an hour
This is called going GREEN! 30+year old truck still reliable and useful. There is nothing GREEN about buying a brand new $70k Tesla, only losing Green $$$. I drive a 89' Toyota pickup for the 10 years :)
Just bought an 88 Ranger 2.9L manual transmission. Loving it.
Same here, I just bought one here in San Antonio 71k original miles super clean and a very fun ride I love driving it almost more than I do my Escalade lol
I bought a 87 ranger n has 122k but odometer might be broken
This era of Rangers are really good little trucks. I have been driving an 1987 regular cab long box XLT with the 2.3 and a manual transmission for many many years now and I love my little truck. It does everything I need it to, and it keeps on going. The looseness with the shifter is just a common feature in these Rangers, there is really nothing wrong with it.
Really good little trucks am a proud owner of a 1990 xlt single cab 2.3l, these trucks all you have to do is take time out to know them ,but if not they will drive you crazy if you don't understand them.
@@wagnarangerbrown6744 Exactly! These little trucks have their quirks but if you know about them and can get used to them, they will serve you for many many years. My 87 has never left me stranded and protected me in two accidents and I have repaired it every time. One time I had noticed the starter was starting to make a little noise and acting funny, but it was not so bad that I was worried about it. Then one day I had stopped at a place I needed to go to, and the starter made a really weird noise as I shut the truck off. So, I immediately restarted the truck, and it did start but I had a feeling I better get to my shop right away. So, I took it right out to my shop and parked it figuring I would deal with it the next day. The following day I had a mechanic friend replace the starter for me and when he went to take it off it literally fell apart in pieces and he could not believe that it had been working at all. My little Ranger has always gotten me home!
@@packard5682 yes sir they are old good faithful and they will handle just about any situation you put them into. I baught mine since 2020 and been through alot with it because the wrong people were working on it so they stress me and drained My pocket When I baught mine it was in no driving condition so from garage to garage and still didn't get any help my so called friends left me because they say am crazy because I sell my bus and buy this old ranger now in 2023 am driving my truck am very happy this truck build me while I was building it if you understand what I mean
I'm looking for one myself
@@adriansmith1939 if you are in jamaica I know we're one is
I like that he does the little two finger wave to everyone who passes him on the street
These are the true trucks of rhe people! Affordable, simple to fix, and cheap to own! Keep it up. Love the 90s trucks
Welcome to the club!
My daily is a ‘89 ranger single cab.
My wife’s grandpa bought it for his ranch and now I use it for construction and with a little care and love it works just as good as the day he got it.
Have me a 94 f150 xlt...no rust, rebuilt the engine. In nice shape. Love it
my 91 sat for over 10 years. This weekend I spent about 350 bucks, to fix all the hoses, heater core, lights all the way around and some other things. When I got back from a test drive, I just sat in the driveway like a kid on christmas day. Im so happy I revived it and I look forward to driving it everyday to keep the miles and maintenance off my duramax.
and your gonna save a shitload of money driving it. I have driven a 77 Olds Cutlass as my daily driver for the last 6 years, I have 5k ish into it including what I paid for it and my co-workers wonder how I can afford to go on an "Expensive" vacation every year.... well lets see.... Your paying $1000 a month to drive you brand new car every month, My car is paid off and my insurance costs me $38 a month...... Their paying 12k a year just to drive back and forth to work, I'm paying $456 a year.... that's how.
I have a 89 ford ranger single cab short bed that was my grandpas truck he was a mechanic he bought it new in 89 and drove it till hes death December 26th 2017 its also a 4 speed with overdrive that truck has a lot of memories in it im hopping for more when i fix it
You have really fixed the Ranger to look exceptionally nice. Kudos on purchasing reliable transportation for a great price.
I got a 90’s ford ranger from my grandfather that was my first vehicle. I kept it around after getting another car and I am starting to fix it up from sitting. It has 58,000 miles on it and in perfect condition, it’s a great vehicle.
Are ya sure it has that because remember it starts over every 100,000 miles?
@@Lone_Wolf91 yes I know it rolls over. He bought it new and never drove it. The only issues it has is from it sitting, like needing a new fuel pump.
@@mugsy1906 Nice. I also got one that has 159,000 miles right now.
I rarely comment on here but I have to. Excellent video. My cousin had a '91 in this color, single cab. Kept running and running. Don't remember what he did with it but you're right. The seats are very comfortable and there's something about these older trucks. Crank windows, bench seat, optional cruise/AC, etc. You are also speaking my language about not worrying about if someone dings your truck in a parking lot or if you scratch the bed with a bicycle or some firewood for camping. It's a truck, it's meant to be used. So many folks have these big giant 4-door monster trucks and they are only for show. They have mood lighting, massaging seats, and power everything but yet they never use the truck for its intended purpose. I see a late 80's Ranger not far from me. I might ask if he's willing to sell it. Fantastic stuff and I hope you still have this truck.
I appreciate the comment! I definitely do still have this ranger, in fact, I just finished a 250 mile backcountry camping trip with it. And you are right, it is not luxury, it is a pickup!
The kind of video I’ve been looking for… cheers
I can't get over how cool the headliner is that is such a vibe
Love your truck, I bought a 1992 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0 automatic a few months ago and absolutely love this truck. Put a few bucks in it but overall in great shape for its age. I am almost 60 and feel like a kid again with a new toy. Excellent purchase and will continue to put more money into it if needed. Could not be happier with my new OLD truck lol. Good luck with yours if you still have it......
Putting a new motor in a mint 94. A real fun project that I will drive forever
I remember going to the Ford dealership with my dad back in the early 1990s in Phoenix Arizona and we test drove your exact truck except in white. I remember it had a V6 engine and we punched it off the light and it left about 10 feet of rubber! Lol it was a great truck!
I have a 2003 Ranger, basic little truck. Regular cab, short bed, 2.3L 5 speed manual, rubber floors, taxicab quality seats, manual windows... it does have power steering and brakes but I think those were standard by 2003. The only option is AC. I bought it in 2015 for $2800 with 38k miles on it. I search for months before I found it. I wanted a basic little truck for light duty things like bringing mulch home, or big purchases like furniture, but being able to afford to daily drive it to work. It's been great. When I was driving 45 miles a day to and from work, I regularly got 32 mpg. I recently retired and it's still doing light duty work for me, preparing my house to sell, getting the other house ready, starting moving stuff to the other house... it's been damn dependable.
That's my truck! I bought mine new, now 135,000 miles only. I've gone through a couple coolant overflow tanks (weird as they're pressurized, commonly leak near cap), a $24 heater control valve(corroded plastic, super easy). I removed the plastic intake flappers(a little bit of an involved job requiring intake manifold removal) but now motor ain't doing that clicking. She's a solid and practical little truck! I bet i could sell mine for $8,000 now! I paid $13K new.
I have an 86 ranger and can agree with everything you said. Loved the video.
Does your 1986 have sway bars on it? My 1986 ranger came off the assembly line without them.
Made my own sway bar mounts for the
Front twin i-beam and bolted on 1993 2wd ranger splash swaybars. The rear sway bar I bolted on is also from a 2wd
splash out of the junkyard and it bolts strait on there without any fabrication. Now it corners way faster without
Leaning over!
Whole lotta words of wisdom in this video. I am very glad my dad had very similar views on vehicles to you!
Your vid almost made me cry seeing the unrusted body of your great little truck. I still have the 1990 Ranger I bought in Texas '95 for $4600. 2WD manual 5-speed. Camper top. So many great road trips, camping sleeping cozy in the back, rain on the roof. But Wisconsin winters parked outside, salty streets, and my neglect ate holes in the floor. The engine still runs great at 300,000 miles, so I haven't wanted to let it go, even with a dented tailgate that doesn't open, from a deer encounter when I braked quick and the neighbor behind me couldn't stop in time. His newer pickup was completely smashed in. I've loved having a ride so simple I could learn to repair it myself, and have good honest mechanics when I need them. Now we're at a crossroads because the throttle is stuck wide open and the tires are wearing. Your video makes me want another Ranger from that engine era. Wishing you many comfortable miles with your beauty, Idaho brother.
I appreciate your story! Sometimes it doesn't take a fortune to buy what you need, but just enjoy the things that you have!
I just bought myself one for $500 and its sat for years but looks to be in almost perfect condition and you are right, this is all i need as a farm kid living in the great state of texas! Hopefully I get it running! God bless!
hey I did the same armrests/door handle fix. I skipped the painting part though, I liked the natural pine wood look out of the 2x4 I used.
Agreed, I have an 89 f350 crew cab dually diesel, an 85 GMC S15 extended cab 4x4 5spd 4 cyl, a 79 jeep cherokee chief an 03 chevy tahoe 4x4. All paid for, all reliable and all easy to maintain and cheap to do. Great video
Picking mine up next month for $1500. 92 4.0 extended cab 4x4. All new gaskets in the engine, new interior, runs great, drives great. 180k miles. Little bit of rust and no AC but I’ll live. I enjoyed your video!
I bought my Uncles 93 Toyota Pickup with the 22RE, 5 speed, and a 7.5ft bed for $500 bucks off my uncle. Works great! I just love the simplicity of 90s vehicles.
I've got a 2006 Ranger 4.0 4x4 one previous owner. Perfect truck in this market. I had a 2016 F150 and had some major issues that developed. I decided to trade her in. Got a hell of a deal.
Two years now and only changed the front shocks, rear leaf spring shackles and brake line. It's been the perfect truck for my needs. I've owned a 1986, 2003 and now a 2006.
In this market and as I get older. I now realize why my dad never bought new cars and ran them to the ground. I was always worried what the neighbors had and now I could careless.
I love my 01 ranger. Im having to replace a bunch of seals and gaskets that are starting to go bad though.
Rangers are awesome trucks!
I have a 91 single cab long bed 2wd w/4.0L 5spd and a limited slip differential w/180k and it still drives great. I bought it about 6 years ago and paid $2300 for it. I've had offers of $3k for it and just laugh and say No Thanks, I'm keeping it. Going to take out a couple of small dents and a tiny rust spot or two next spring and repaint it. Good as new...and a lot cheaper.
I had literally the identical truck to yours except it was a 1991. Slow as hell, but I absolutely loved it! Was very lucky to get it for free off the original owner. Had 289000km. 30k km and 4 years later it was still running strong! Had to sell it because I moved away for school and needed something that could keep up on the highway, but I wish I never sold it!
I had a '91 4wd 4 liter ranger when I was in highschool. I loved it. Mine had the electric controlled transfer case. The T- case never gave me any trouble. The automatic hubs that Ford used to use are junk, but I converted the hub's to manual hubs.
I had a 88’ Toyota Pickup and a 93’ S10 that I used for my daily drivers. And I loved driving both of them. 93’ had the 4.3L but the 88’ Toyota was just fun to drive.
My 1991 2.3 Ranger was to Date the best vehicle i ever owned.
Got lots of rangers - 1983 for 300 bucks almost 21 years ago just installed another clutch assembly since the first one I put in was 20 years ago
Got a single cab 89’ same color . Learning to work on. Gonna fully restore for my late Dad. Give it to my first child when they grow up
I had one in high school and I wish my parents never got rid of it, she was pristine
I had a 94 Ford Ranger, I sorely miss it. I need a working truck. The price of new trucks nowadays makes me sick because they aren't worth the money. Good buy on your truck 👍🏻
Did you ever find one? I have a '94 I paid $500 for years ago and drive it daily. The couple times it has been out of commission I have missed it badly.
Yes, I did find a good truck but that depends on who you ask. I grabbed a used 2006 Ford F150 XLT 5.4L 3V. I also found the mechanic who figured out what was causing the engines to crap out and it all had to do with an inferior oil pump, now fixed and replaced with a Melling Hi Volume oil pump (20% more) and racing rocker arm & lash kit. Funny you should ask now because I'm getting ready to take her in for her major timing job. If you have the garage and know how, I suggest doing it yourself if you should buy one of these. My truck is in mint condition and I've driven it quite a bit already over the last year. How is your truck doing these days?
@@MichaelStoneqm3 Those older F150's area solid find! Good luck on the timing fix.
My Ranger is still doing good. It definitely has some issues at 230k but I just fix them as needed. Recently replaced one leaf spring and both U bolts on both sides. But other than that recently it has been good (knock on wood).
Good luck on the repair and happy to hear you found a good one.
@@tt-designs124 I'm glad yours is still rolling along 👍🏻 I don't want to have to purchase another vehicle as long as I live. I called Ford yesterday and they refused to do my truck after they told me they would when I purchased it. I filed with BBB & will work on Consumer Affairs today. You know, I would attempt to do this job myself but it needs a good environment to do it i.e a shop or garage with good ventilation. I live in the desert, literally, I don't want sand and crap in my engine. When the wind gets blowing it's even worse. I had already ordered and paid for the parts on Amazon $1800 and have all of it sitting on the floor in front of me. I need to find an HONEST & Reputable Mechanic that knows these Fords like FORDTECHMAKULOCO here on youtube, or Scotty Kilmer even. Wish me luck 🙏🏻.
Completely agree with everything you said. 100%.
Well done, great attitude, Happy Days.
I have a 1989 Ranger STX Super Cab 4x4 with the off road package that I bought brand new and it paid for itself many times over, since i've had it. It still only has 99,388 miles on it. I'll have to retire it soon though because I need to down size my vehicle collections...lol
New truck prices are insane. Best of luck to you
Great little truck and good advice.
I bought a ‘91 with the 2.3 four banger. It had a blown head gasket, which was replaced and the head milled. Still low on power, but it has a check engine light on, and no one seems to have a reader.
Love the truck ! I have a 1993 extended cab 3.0 v-6 5 speed with the shifter slop like yours it’s normal . I bought mine 4 years ago for $500 from a friend it was a 1-owner truck . The truck shows 88,000 an change but who knows how many miles it has because it rolls over at 100k… anyways it’s been a wonderful truck . R-12 refrigerant is hard to find for the air conditioning. I was able to charge mine with some environmentally friendly equalalternative and it works OK. Your right if your smart just drive something like these trucks . Super cheap yet super reliable and tough!
Man nothin beats those little 3.0s, packs a fair punch and gets great mpg. I've got a 95 and she puts along rain or shine.
@@calebmclachlan5611 they are a great one !
Just bought a 1990 f150 XLT Lariat for 900 bucks. I spent too much money on it, I have around 2k invested in it, but I've recently started daily driving it. Really all I need, just something basic and cheap to putt around in and haul stuff. Wish it was a little smaller like this ranger. Enjoy it man, they are great vehicles!
My first truck. I had a blue extended cab with the 3.0 V6 automatic. Loved that thing regret selling it.
Just got a 91 3.0L V6, manual, extended cab, 150k miles, $1600. Very happy with it so far
My father in law gave me a 1990 Ranger XLT (2WD). It needs work, but it works well for the rare occasion I use it. I think there’s a ton of benefit to having trucks like these around!
Great video. Love that generation of the Ranger
I would love to find a deal like that. The oldest 4wd Rangers I can get within 10 miles of my area is 2003 for about $8999 with 150k - 200k miles on them.
1993 Ranger xtracab 4x4 4.0 5spd 80k no rust Wyoming truck 1400.00. Brake line and a battery got it thru inspection. Little stuff kept the total well under 2k
A similar yota would have been 7k in my area. The rangers to avoid would be a 4.0 sohc. Why other than cheapness by bean counters, would you have a timing chain in the rear of an engine, as well as the front? Yes my Toyota xtracab long bed was better, but those are impossible to find.
You don't feel bad with the dog in front. If only they still had vent windows.
I just bought my 6th RBV(Ranger based vehicle). I've had two 94 extended cabs(2wd & 4wd), both 4.0 AT. The A4LD seems to last longer in pickups than Explorers. I've had two gen 1(91-94) Explorers, both 4wd 5sp. The Explorers seem to arrive rougher in my price range. I had an 89 Bronco2, 2.9, 4wd AT. I literally drove the wheels off that. It had a failing trans when I got it and I put almost 50k on it that way. I've just purchased a 90 Ext cab, very similar to yours. I've never paid more than $500 for one, but I buy them broken and fix them. It's getting a lot harder, they're not as plentiful now, and people are starting to value them. My friend had a 94 Explorer from new, and put 400k on it with basic maintenance. Of course, we put 5 automatic transmissions in that, in Explorers they fail right at 80k. The motor was still running strong at 400k when his wife was tired of looking at it and sold it when he was out of town. Lots of parts at the junkyard, very durable structure and systems. The broken one I just bought is 4.0, AT, but I have a Mazda box to put in it. I'll be on the road soon and I think I'll tell the boys to bury me in this one!
This right here is my dream truck! I noticed that the Oregon plates. On marketplace, you people have such amazing deals on these trucks! Where I’m from in lower Northern Cal, nothing rusts, and everybody seems to know what value they have. I’m taking $5500 and up for one of these similar equipped truck 😭
Im very jealous of the non-rusted body. In highschool thats what me and my buds all drove too. I miss the super cushy seat and light steering. We pounded the snot out of them....alternators, starters, water pump's stuff like that all needed replacing by 160,000 miles but were cheap and easy to change. I have a newer Tacoma paid for now, that reminds of mine old Ranger in that cab configuration. Im driving older little cars now to keep miles off of it cuz I dont like the direction new trucks are heading.
Recently bought a 2000 4x4 3.0 5 speed having the time of my life in the ranger and have only had it for almost 2 months now needed a lil love jus oil alternator and still needa radiator but it’s still holding strong 😂💪
I drive an '89 f150, straight six 4x4, gets about 12mpg, so i did the same thing and bought a 1500 dollar Ranger. Mine's a '99 with the 2.5 and a 5 speed.
Then i stupidly lifted it and it gets like 17 mpg...
I just picked up a 1998 2 WD for $3200.00.170K and pretty solid for Minnesota (chemical snow removal means rust).Love it.Couldn't be happier.I might turn it into a camper.
I literally just today picked up an 88 ranger after my 2011 gmc threw a rod! And I’m so much happier with the ranger then I ever was with my 2011 gmc
Just picked mine up yesterday, it's my first truck. '92 STX 4.0 4x4 with 170k for $2250
Bought a 92 ranger for a grand 3 years ago and the only thing ive had to do it put a new heater core in it. Just wish it was 4x4
Good Buy.I need to make wooden door handles too. That is the idea I had but just haven't got around to it. Watched to se if it was 4X4. Couldn't tell by the front hubs. No transfer case shifter in floor so must be 2 wheel drive. I sure would want more than $2000 for my 89 Rust free California Ranger. 260K miles daily driver.
It is actually a 4x4 model, with the electronic shifter. Not ideal, but it works great, after some tinkering, and the price was right!
@@HighDesertDerelict I wondered if it might be vacuum of electric shift.
No way I just bought a $900 ranger xlt with 94000 miles on it in cali, need to fix the oil pump but that’s nothing, I hope it’s a nice driver!!!!
Very cool, I hope it turns out to be a good rig for you!
Put it on TH-cam
I bought my 1990 new put 350000 miles sold my to a Guy he put another 150000 more. Look up the all the history of the engine was built low end was a BMW changed to push rod, with a throttle body. Love wished I keep it. I converted it to low back pressure exhaust system help gas mileage.
Got same truck, not extended tho, same color, guard, roll cage, 4 wheel drive. Got it same day from a timberlogger i was working with after rolling off a cliff. Love it. Only minor pain i had with the 90, minewas techically made in july of 89, is the bearings, rotor uses that years bearings and not 90, even though its a 90. So a suble crossover
Also i split my rangers axle, and heard a large crack in town, and drove into the woods 50 miles away home only to discover my rear axle split off completely at the differential, only hung on by the u joints. Cheap fix that as a used axle of its ratiowas only like 160 bucks
There’s so many manuals on sale, usual problem is rust but it’s always minimal
I just picked up a 2003 ranger with the 2.3l duratec (about the same output power as the 3.slow) and a manual transmission. I paid 2k and got it with 96,000 miles.
Not sure about new Toyotas, but some will have swappable intermittent wipers. I got mine at a junkyard and replaced the standard one in my car for cheap compared to ordering one.
Great video! 👌 I have a 01 Ranger Edge ,4x4 ,4L, auto for 21 years now. Only 236,000 miles on it. I sold it one year and had to buy her back. ❤
Idk how to drive manual but i agreee with everything you say 100%
Recently bought a 91 ranger for 800$, 400k miles, 4x4, lockers, 5 speed stick and a 4.0L, fresh motor and tranny and no rust which is rare in the rust belt
this is such a well put together video
4 years ago I bought a ram 4x4 1500 , for $2.500. Still driveing it .
My ranger is 34 years old
I got a manual 98 ranger with 4l back in like 2004 or so for $3000 from a guy in La Pine. It was my favorite truck ever. My second favorite is a manual 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 that gets about the same mileage as the 4.0l ranger.
Getting my 87 Ranger back in driving condition after several years in storage as the fuel pump needed replacement and the breaks needed work....at the time I didn't feel like dumping $$ into an old vehicle, but now I've changed my mind for some reason....probably because I no longer wanted to be that guy who says "someday I'm going to ......"
Thats like 5k here in AZ. My state is being squeezed
There’s something endearing about a vehicle that’s clearly earning its keep and the Ranger of this age is perfect for it’s intended purpose.
About to swap my 91 extended cab with a 302 ( 3.0 still fine ) just want more power. I flipping love ford rangers
I bought a 2002 Ranger for 2800 bucks that needed a new transmission and everything else looks brand new. Its a 4.0 Auto 4x4 KC 4 door or whatever those half doors are called. Think is awesome. I cannot justify paying 40k for a driveway queen.
I bought a 95 Ranger for 1400$ Canadian and it's a great vehicle. Looks great drives great, pretty much never had a big problem with anything on it and that little 3.0 is going strong at 145k km.
SUGGESTION: LMC HAS VINTAGE RANGER PARTS. GET THEIR CATALOG. I USED THEIR PARTS ON MY FORD RANGER.
Best review ever!
Small pick up prices have gone insane. Those Rangers go for as much as an equivalent F-150.
My father had a 1989 ford ranger single cab 4x4 manual with the 2.9 has 60,000 miles I now inherited the rig and currently doing a cab off restoration I want it looking cleaner than it did in 89 one day I’d like to make a video on her to post she’s gonna be minty
I have been driving my 2006 ford ranger xlt 3.0 since I bought it in 2013 with 100k miles - currently 225k , and it is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, yes they have their own problems , yes I changed water pump , ac. Compressor , alternator . infamous camshaft synchronizer, shocks and uppers abs lowers not counting brake jobs and oil changes , as it’s a regular maintenance, but it keeps going , about to throw , timing chain and a timing cover and a second water pump at it , but hell It beats 700$/months new truck payment , and it beats Toyota’s outrages price for 1998 Tacoma every one seems to want 10k$ now , great truck if your hands grow from the right place 😎
The 2.9 is amazing
I honestly wished they kept this body design over the newer ones.
They prettied up a work truck/job to job vehicle just so suburban dads can look good in a modified truck but never use.
Rant aside, your truck’s a beauty. My father’s 99 ranger is on her last ropes after 272k miles of hard work and not a single issue aside from fixing the ac.
Preach truck brother! :)
I AGREE WITH YOU 100%.
Those Old Oregon trucks are a deal, Rust is minimal unless it lived near the coast. Anyway, That was an era of well built, easy to work on trucks.
if these things are treated fairly & well maintained, there easily capable of 300k.been driving my 90 since 2000.replaced water pump, starter, pushrods, rocker arms & intake gaskets at 200k.engine has never been this quiet, run better or idled smoother @ 200k+.sure i'll get another 100k out of it before i die.put shift kit & cooler on fragile a4ld as soon as i bought it.probably why it still works great at 200K+.
Nice video! After driving 90s obs Chevy suburbans and Silverados for the last 20 years I just bought a 94 Ford ranger XLT ext cab 2wd 4.0 V6 with a 5 speed manual. So fun and takes me back to my first car: a 72 Datsun reg cab 2wd with 4 cyl 4 speed manual.
These little trucks are so fun to drive and so easy to work on! ❤🛻
I wish i could find one with that little rust for 1500, one more paycheck at my new job and shed be mine.
My dad has a 1990 ford f150 it was so good
I LOVE VINTAGE MINI TRUCKS!!!!