The CAR WIZARD shares the top MIDSIZED TRUCKS TO Buy & NOT to Buy
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มิ.ย. 2020
- The CAR WIZARD 🧙♂️ shares the top Midsized trucks to Buy and which ones NOT to Buy.
If your looking for larger trucks, check out my video on full size, half ton trucks: tiny.cc/CarWizardTrucks
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My little 2001 Ranger 2.3 5 speed has over 250k miles. Can sit for 2 months, fires right up. Starter install took an hour. Love it.
I've got a 98 with the 2.5 5speed and I don't think I could kill it if I tried. And I'm about to try, I've got a 331 that's just screaming to go in there....
I had a 2009 Ranger 2.3 automatic 140000 miles and I just traded it in on a 2020 F-150XLT 2.7. I wish I could have kept it but the dealer offered $6000 on it so she had to go. Most reliable truck I had. Pulled 5000 trailer with it sometimes. Miss it.
There’s no reason it couldn’t sit for 2 months and not start up 😂🤣
Soooo it had a starter problem
Dan Stray it only lasted 250k miles.
Had a manual ranger 4.0 6 and put nearly 300k miles on it still running to this day. Super motor and reliable truck.
The OHV 4.0’s are great engines, however the SOHC 4.0 is known for timing chain issues.
Had a 3.0 6, but crashed it and totaled it back in January. Still am pissed to this day. I loved that thing. I’m driving an Accord now.
My 4.0 explorer has 200.000k on the dot lol and it honestly runs brand new it doesn’t look the best on the outside but man she’s been reliable a gas hog though
I have 2001v6 with over 200k glad I did check with wizard when I purchased lol
I had a 4.0 6 ranger with a 5-speed. Mine also had over 300k. Sold it about 5 years ago and regret ever doing so
I have a 04 3.0 Ranger with 349,000 original miles. Only thing replaced over the years has been plugs, wires, coil and routine maintenance with oil changes. Still runs and drives great to this day. I even pull a 6x12 enclosed trailer with 2 4-wheelers a lot.
automatic or manual transmission? Iv'e got a 99 3.0 auto (wish it was manual but here we are)
Ya the 3.0L Vulcan is pretty much a bullet proof engine. However it will not tolerate being overheated. Overheating a 3.0L is a sure fire way to end up with a cracked head. So NO the 3.0L is NOT prone to cracking heads if they are not overheated.
@@bayloc88I have had a 99’ 3.0L manual since 06’. I am pretty burned out from driving manual but It is a lot more reliable than the automatic. If it makes you feel better it is super annoying to drive after a while.
I have a 03 2.3 Mazda B2300 with 99,000 miles. Only thing replaced over the years has been ball joints, struts, u joints, tie rods, coolant reservoir, coolant hoses, O2 sensor, the catalytic converter, batteries, oil changes, and some transmission work.
lol At least I’ve learned a lot through it. The trucks been shaking since the day I got it 2018. Shakes at 70-80MPH. No alignment has fixed it. Maybe the transmission mount? Any ideas? The shake is beneath the floor board
Guy I work with has a colorado with over 300,000 miles, has owned it for 12 years and says he has never had a problem with it, highly recommended it
Same here lol never had a problem with mine
I have a 2011 Colorado with over 200,000 miles on it runs like a champ never had any issues
Me too
I have a 2007 Chevy Colorado with the 3.7L inline 5cylinder and over 200,000 miles. It is very reliable and hasn't given me any major problems.
Just bought a 2011 l5 with 93k miles hopefully I get those miles too
WIZARD!!! You know you messed up when you said that you took a call and made the video. That's letting the people know that you have a request line!
Lol
Yup, that's going to eat into his time now.
I think there is demand for smaller trucks because even mid size trucks are very expensive.
Mighty Max to the rescue!
Chicken tax
yup Trucks in general are going for high $
Also, new trucks have gotten so large and tall they're hard to us for actual utility purposes.
Have you noticed the solution to this is to offer 6-8 year finance terms? My solution? Wait until it has 75k miles. Let the new truck buyer go into debt so your taxes can offer them bankruptcy buyouts later. Wait...
I was pretty relieved when you said my 08 Tacoma would continue to never have problems haha.
I agree that the 2nd Gen Dakotas overall are great with the 4 cylinder engines, but the 318 V8 you could get in them was reliable, powerful enough and cheap enough, that they were worth squeezing around the sides of them to work on. I've seen some with over 250k- they are great when paired with the Aisin manual transmissions as well. 1st or 2nd gen Dakotas were both fine with the 4 or 8 cylinders and manual transmissions
The Wizard's voice is super soothing like Mr. Rogers. 🥱
Can you use that word in a sentance?
I get confused. Today's midsized truck seems to be the same size as my 79 GMC.
Indeed. My 2016 Colorado is the same size as my coworkers '98 Silverado
And yesterdays midsize truck is the same size as a 39 GMC
Yeah, look at a new mini compared to an "original". Like a Tiguan next to a Golf.
@@chriskelly9361 What if you aren't trying to compensate for something???
My 08 Ranger longbed actually has a larger bed than my buddy's full size 2017 Ram. Not as wide, of course, but by sheer volume it beats it.
Had an '87 Ranger 4x4, ex-cab, 2.9L auto. Loved that truck. Wasn't fast or a powerhouse but outside of a transmission I toasted towing a 22' cuddy cabin boat it was a great truck.
Just spent a whole day at work listening to these videos. Thanks wizard for the content.
He talks about Toyotas while wearing a baby yoda t-shirt
@Joe Smith love my 1st gen taco and 3rd gen runner
This is the way
@Joe Smith I got a 1st gen, got it from some jerk off who never took the frame in. 1400 bucks for a nice welding project, I aint mad im a welder.
Yoda and Toyota are not related. We don't need a Star Wars treatment on every damn thing in existence.
@@ryanlangan1060 No but the founder of Toyota last name is Toyoda.
Just ask the Taliban and similar forces around the world about the Toyota truck. All you need to know.
I'll ask them on our next zoom meeting
And a big part of that is who is willing to ship/sell trucks in those parts of the world. Not a ton of big 3 dealerships pushing there, and not a ton of big 3 trucks are even shipped outside the states at all. Some cars and trucks are more prevalent globally simply because they were intentionally shipped to every continent (Toyota, Mercedes)
The obummer admin sent Toyota’s over during cash for clunkers. I remember seeing an article where a plumber in Texas I believe got harassed as the tb still had the plumbers business name and phone number on the side. His secret service code name was “renegade” for a reason. Just look up the word in a dictionary
I mean yeah, there's a literal war named after the freaking company cause of the truck.
@@djfreake Definitely not. The engines were required to be destroyed in the C4C program.
In the story you are referring to the plumber traded in his truck at a dealership and it went to wholesale auction and was purchased and then exported.
I live in the midwest and I know multiple farmers who own an 04-12 Colorado (which is really an Isuzu) with over 250k miles. Mine has 150k right now. The 5 cylinder is a great motor, and overall the trucks work great. Easy to work on as well. No data on HVAC issues here (A/C works in all the trucks I'm around)
My 2008 3L Ranger had rough idling until I changed the plug wires and water pump leaks but nut serious, only when it's cold! 240,000 Kilometers, bought 8 years ago! Love it!
Older tacomas also have serious frame rot issues, to the point that they recalled many but some were too late
He has ignored this in each of the truck videos.
well toyota had a buyback program for that exact issue. they're not having problems now bc they switched from box to a C frame
Rust isn’t an issue here in the southern south but I’ve seen some pick ups from up north that are complete rust buckets to the point that bolts are completely seized and panels have huge holes on them
Yea, in 2008 Toyota recalled 1995-2004 trucks for that if memory serves. Not sure what made them more prone to rot then other trucks though. But hey, as bad as those where, it could be worse: Ford Windstar's rear axle rot problems - it's scary to see those snapped in half from corrosion. :-O
my dads old tundra (2001) had frame rust issues also to the point of getting rid of it since it would be too dangerous to drive but toyota refused to replace under a recall. i could never recommend an older toyota truck anywhere near the rustbelt.
Honda Ridgeline- the non truck that is really what most people need.
Ha ha ha ha ha ha..ha..ha ......ha. (pause). Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
No
The pilot with a bed
I concur
Correct.
I still miss my 97 S-10. Got T-boned two weeks after reporting to Ft Hood. I also cry thinking about it. I loved that truck
I'm just glad that chevy is talking about brining the avalanche back!! Absolutely loved that truck.
I had a 98 Chevy s10, 4cylinder 5 speed. I payed 300$ for it and drove the living hell out of it for 2 years! I abused it like crazy, doing burnouts, hauling full size trailers, attempting to drift it Haha, but it never let me down! It had over 250k and was a complete rust bucket, rustiest vehicle I've ever owned, but so dependable! The guy I sold it to is still driving it around today and he has had it for 2 years now
You know what Wizard, I love these videos. Thank you for sharing the mechanic's viewpoint on these trucks. I feel like people just buy whatever truck/car looks best or is cheapest and it's really nice of you to let us in on the problems you have seen so that we can avoid them.
I got a 94, 6cyl, c1500 short bed stepside manual. Going on 275k. Runs like a champ. Replaced water pump and other common things myself, super easy to work on. Got it maybe 6 yrs ago for 900 with a bad clutch. Was another 1000 or so for new clutch. Couldn't be happier with it.
Thank you. Your information is so valuable. I recommend your videos to everyone I know.
My 2004 Colorado 2.8 five speed has been insanely great to me..no valve issues so far since I've put 30,000 miles on it. The HVAC issues are summed up to poor grounds. I fixed mine easy. Some pass lock issues but I've never had any.
I had a 2000 nissan frontier with the 3.3 v6. I sold it with 350k miles on it a year ago, and I still see it rolling around town every once in a while.
The main reason I love your videos is the amount of content per video. So many videos are on YT are just people reading Wikipedia pages and padding it with a lot of found footage and motion graphics.
Keep in mind, the S10 and Ranger weren't available as a 4 Cylinder 4WD, 4WD was only available with the optional V6.
80s ranger 4cylider had 4x4 option don’t know why they dropped it in 90s
That's strange because I had a 1985 S10 with a 2.5 4 cyl. 4X4
@@thomvogan3397 They probably did have 4Cyl 4WDs in the earlier model years, but I'm referring to 94ish up S10s. Sameish timeframe on the Rangers.
@@thomvogan3397 lots of the early S-trucks had the Iron Duke and were 4x4, but when CAFE numbers became an issue, the downgraded to a bare bones 4 cylinder 2wd only. As the Wizard mentions, that 2.2 I4 is reliable as can be, but once the 2.2 took over for the Duke, the 4x4 became a 4.3 V6 option only...
I have a 1995 Ford Ranger XL Regular Cab Long Bed with a 2.3 I4 mated to an M5OD (manual transmission) and BG 13-54 (manual-transfer case) with manual-locking hubs and a 4.10 differential; they certainly exist, albeit they are exceptionally hard to find.
I have a 2008 Ford ranger 4.0 4x4 manual with 218,000 miles. Still tow almost everyday and never had an issue with that truck.
It's an OK engine and an OK truck
Had a 2007 Ranger 4.0 Automatic. Whole transmission needed to be replaced at 60k miles. Manual is the way to go.
I have an 05 Ranger FX4 with 160,000 on it. Not gonna lie I’ve got a lot of money into it but it’s better than new. Original dark shadow great metallic paint shines like new. No rust. Awesome truck. Love it.
i have a buddy who had the recall toyota, they replace the entire frame. its like new now
I had a friend in high school who had a Tundra. His frame completely rotted out.
@@kingjlinza did he get compensated? bc Wasn't there a Toyota buyback program bc frame problems
Yeah, I know two people who had the frame replaced on their Tacomas.
JEEPNATION I know someone who had there’s replaced for free and it was a sequoia. Hey they might have messed up but at least they owned up to it and fixed it for free. The sad thing is most everything else on those vehicle are unkillable.
ryding with ryan they had to fix it as there was a class action law suit. So either they fixed it or the pay for it. So they fixed it.
My uncle had his 96 ranger for 22 years before he bought a new truck had 1,100,00 km on it great truck
You are my new favorite TH-cam thank you from someone who’s new to cars and trying to get into them
My manual 02 4.0 Ranger was probably the best vehicle I’ve owned thus far. I put over 80k on it to where it’s sitting now at 200k and it’s still going strong, I just ended up giving it to my younger brother. Only things I ever did were U Joints and a clutch, it’s just been an all around fantastic truck. There’s a reason you see so many still running around, they don’t die
I have a 1988 Dakota LE V6 2wd 5 speed with 120k miles. Fully restored. Good and reliable. Owned it for 8 years as a summer ride.
Have 2 auto 1st gen Dakotas with the 5.2 with 260k on one and 280k before they gave up
If your truck is an 88 it's a la stile motor wizard was referring to the magnum
@@onewheelpeelproductionzdan2000 both the dakotas I mentioned were magnum motors also have a 5.2 mag in my 1500 with 130k~ with no issues.
I had a 94 Dakota. V6 with the 5 speed. Still my favorite vehicle of all time. I had more fun in that truck than any other vehicle I've had.
I had one too, was my first vehicle. Mine was teal green with a purple tape stripe lol very 90s
This is insanely valuable information. Thank you. Definitely sharing this to anyone interested in buying a used truck.
The 05-07 Frontiers also suffered from frame rot. A buddy of mine had a Pathfinder on the same frame and his mechanic pushed a philips screwdriver thru the frame rail like butter
Sadly a lot of really nice 90’s and 00’s trucks have died to rust.
My Dad has an '07 Dodge Dakota with a 4.7 V8 that 253k miles. It has never blown a head gasket. He has only replaced the water pump and just recently replaced some sort-of sensors. The truck was almost totaled just after it was bought, luckily they we able to save it. The truck has served our family very well.
My salvage yard uses an 06 with the 3.7 as a part runner. Got it with a blown tranny and replaced it 100k miles ago. It has just over 200k on it now. My personal Jeep Grand Cherokee also has the same 3.7 and it has 175k miles on it and the only issues have been small cooling issues. (Knock on wood)
@@alexhill828 i know this is old, but I have the exact same truck except it's a V6 club cab. Extremely smooth and amazing truck.
I have a 91 s10 with the 4.3 and it still runs perfect. Can’t say the same for the body, and that GM paint. I’m convinced it’ll rust out from under me before anything happens to the motor. I love it.
I love my Ranger, though it’s a 4.0 V6 with 61k miles that was barely driven in the past few years, so it’s no shock that it runs well.
I’m glad that it looks like small trucks are going to make a comeback soon. Plenty of people just don’t have the workload or finances to warrant having a full size or even mid size truck. A two door truck with a small bed that I could throw my fishing gear in would be great!
Today's small truck is as big as a 1/2 truck from 30 years ago. Today's small trucks are not very small.
Jesus loves you alot trust in His death 4 salvation and be saved from eternal hell
No one is making small trucks anymore, Mid Size has replaced them
And the price they want for "small" new trucks are still widely unaffordable and as much as big truck s
@@mrvv8337 a brand new ranger is damn near as big as my F150 from 72. There are no more true mid size trucks
I had a 2002 Dakota 2wd with the 3.9 that i used as a concrete work truck for a few years and I absolutely loved the thing
Love my gen 2 dakota. Dropping a 5.9 in it. Wouldn’t trade if for the world.
That's awesome! Exact same truck as well. It did a good job for the time I had it. Wish I had a v8 in it. Did yours tick a lot?
looking to buy one here soon
I’m glad you mentioned the Dakota 4.7s. My former company furnished me a new 09 Dakota 4x4 quad cab with the 4.7. The motor it’s self ran strong, but the day after taking it in for its first service, the plastic radiator cracked at the mouth and I had a rough time getting the dealership to fix it under warranty. They basically accused me of cracking it because I probably took the radiator cap off myself. The other issue was seats that had all the lumbar support of a bucket. Came that from the factory and I still have lower back problems from driving that piece of work. After it got passed to other employees, all complained of lower back pain when driving it. The 4.7 actually ran pretty good, but I learned that although they recommended the tuneup at 100k miles, the second set of spark plugs required replacement every 30k, which was a $750 bill every time.
Thank you again! Got to buy a used 4 wheel vehicle of some sort next year and I feel a lot better about it after listening to you.
I'm glad you mentioned it Wizard. I have an 03 Tacoma and love it, ill never sell my 1st gen, the key is watching for ball joints and getting the frame checked and painted. I have a California truck and will be painting my frame despite it having almost no rust, mechanical throttle, and solid fuel injection with a non interference V6. Good truck.
Yes they are very reliable if you check out the frame and watch for the ball joints . Other than that you can keep on trucking. I love my 1st generation Toyota Tacoma TRD with TRD supercharger 4door.
My grandfather has an early 2000’s Ranger 4 Cylinder with over 200k miles.That truck has been driven across the country, been hit by a deer, and it just keeps going. Definitely a solid truck. 💪
I had a 2005 Ford Ranger XLT with the 4 cyl and 5 speed Manual Transmission. That was a pretty reliable truck. The only thing I had to fix was the fuel pump. In 2015, I was involved in a roll over and totaled the truck. Last time I checked on it, my ex wife's mother in law has the truck and it still run and drives to this day.
Thank you for the tip on Clearwater cylinder heads, I did not know about them and I live a few miles from Clearwater.
Currently have a 2000 Nissan Frontier 4 cylinder (KA24DE) with the 5 speed manual and 4WD and I can confirm that the engine is solid. Only thing to look out for is bad knock sensors. Getting mine replaced right now but it’s definitely a solid truck.
The '97 - '04 Dodge Dakota can really punch above it's weight if you get one with the optional 5.9L magnum. It's the same V8 used in the late 90s Rams and has 250hp with 350lb-ft of torque! Supposedly it's pretty robust too.
To bad its detuned.
@paleolithictech how many transmissions you go through?
@paleolithictech had a 94 v6, never had engine problems. Picked up at 140k miles sold at 220k miles. Also got 22 mpg .
@@cleonituk got a dakota i bought new in 98, 5.2 356,000 on it original transmission, still have original starter and alternator on it,
Would a 92 Dakota with 168000 be worth looking into. 5.2 engine
I disagree on the Dakota, my 97 5.2 V8 has been great for 18 years! Been taken care of in that time frame to avoid serious trouble. The 2.5 is solid but the 3.9 is also alright and the 5.2/5.9 are lots of fun. I agree to the 4.7 and 3.7 being not worthwhile.
I agree , I have/had a 97 Dakota 5.2 liter , It's absolutely bulletproof ,.. still running strong with inexpensive maintenance,, cheap parts. easy to fix..
Thank you for your service 🙏 ❤️. And I really enjoyed the video. I'm a car guru and I like good trucks and vehicles and I have purchased several based on you reviews and I gotta say that are FABULOUS
I love your style of speaking no big words and super tech language it reminds me of Saturday morning kids educational entertainment shows
Although I am a tech I feel there's no need to talk to clients like that thanks again Wizard 👍
01 Toyota Tacoma with over 300k and the wife will not let it go. I guess we will keep driving it till it has 500k
I have a 2006 Tacoma with the 4.0 it has 374k miles on it.
Great trucks
Barely broken in.
I still drive it everyday.
How’s the frame
Had a 98’ S-10 2.2 (first year of the upgraded head gaskets) with a 5-speed. It was an endless money pit (electrical mostly) along the way, but I managed to trade it in with 168k miles and still got $2750 for it back in 2007.
I drove a 2007 Mazda B-2300 5-speed to 100k miles and replaced the ignition coil and a battery. Bullet Proof!
Wizard is right it rode terrible though even with slightly bigger tires and Monroe shocks!
Valuable info. Great job.
Tacoma also had a huge problem with frames rusting out. Was handled under warranty for a lot of them
Great video wizzard
Seeing that on RCR was such a facepalm. How do you make the AC pipe dump condensation directly onto a main frame part...
Tacoma has terrible ergonomics imo. 2020 and not sure if they have power seats yet.... I used to have a 2015 taco double cab trd off-road, test drove and was ok. But on anything longer than 15-20mins it gave me terrible knee/leg pain. I am healthy and was 20 at the time, thin and 6ft tall. Everything else about the truck I liked, except the touchy brakes and radio volume didn’t go high enough. I like toyota in general but sometimes they are too lazy with designs like the tacoma, the seat on mine wasn’t even height adjustable. The steering wheel height to seat height relationship is terrible, and the seat height is very low too. Maybe if you’re 5ft tall it’s fine... My opinion get the Tundra instead, way nicer truck, comfortable, million mile capable. There is a popular video on TH-cam if a million mile tundra that toyota bought back, original drivetrain, reverse had an issue that was repaired at 700k something miles. With the gas savings with the Tacoma it can go towards knee surgery!
Connor Ashburn the brakes are stupid touchy on the new ones.
Connor Ashburn I’m 5’7, 215lbs, Tacoma is absolutely perfect for me. My friend who’s 6’3 loves my truck as well, says seats are super comfy
The full box frame design would have water build up in it. Not really as big of an issue where I live, though. Central California is pretty dry most of the year. And no salted roads.
I love my 2013 Tacoma 4X4! Bought it with 20,000 miles 3 years ago. I now have 130,000 miles on it. Great truck! No issues so far!
Those Tacomas can go strong. Except the 2016-2019 Tacoma's with transmission issues.
@@az7378 so is 2020 and up Tacomas good? I’m looking to get rid of my 04 Colorado
Hopefully my 2021 ranger will make it on a future list of trucks to buy. Only time will tell. So far I absolutely love this truck
I have a 07 Mitsubishi Raider (rebadged Dakota) with almost 224000 miles and the 3.7 with no issues at all. I've noticed also that you have very little if any videos regarding said trucks. Love the videos keep em coming.
Perfect timing Wizard, in the market for a truck. Thanks!
What did you buy ?
My Canyon has 348K on it and I have done semiregular maintenance and put in seven sensors, that qualifies it for Wizard statis wouldn't you agree. It's a 4.2 straight six
I agree with you about the Ranger except that you didn’t mention the 4.0 SOHC which is a terrible engine that blows up a lot. The 4.0L pushrod engine is a fantastic and durable engine.
mine ran well, sold it at 230k miles and the person down the street is still driving it.
i am religious on the maintenance though, oil, pcv, tensioners you name it got replaced when they said it should and i’m not out beating my shit either. so maybe that was it, i did replace and alternator and did fix the front timing chain guide.
but not that bad really.
decent power and mileage.
I got over 400,000 miles on the original 4.0 SOHC in my 2001 Ranger 4X4. The body rusted away before the engine died. Just kept up on maintenance.
@@kevind3185 SOHC or SOHV . I’ve heard the same thing about the SOHC timing guide but I’ve heard the SOHV was good
Thanks this is such a public service to help people. I'll rely on your expertise
I’ve heard mixed opinions on the 04-12 canyons. My dad owned an 07 but besides an accident he got in with it, he had close to zero issues with it
I have a 2006 nissan frontier with the 6 speed manual and the 4.0 v6. we had to do the timing chain work on it but it was pretty low on miles and now it has been fantastic. the manuel doesn't have the same problems as the automatic and the v6 has incredible power
I have a 2008 Tundra with almost 300,000 miles. It has never had any serious issues, it's never broken down on me for the time I owned it, never broke down on my uncle who I bought it from either. He's a contractor so he put most of the miles on the truck. I now have a 2022 Toyota Tacoma and I love it. It is the same size of a first gen Tundra which was my first truck, also another reliable truck with the 4.7L V8 engine. I just love Toyota trucks.
I have a 93 Dakota 3.9 v6 with a 5 speed 4x4 with 336,000 and the cylinders still push over 150 psi out of them and it still runs amazing, I run it everyday with out a hitch. And it does anything I ask it to, I pull with it everyday so I am not sure if I got a gem in the rough but I love my v6.
my 1999 Dakota 5.2l V8 has 263,000 miles. It has been abused and neglected for he 15 years I have owned it. It just keeps going and going.
5.2l rocks
Yeah don't get me wrong I'd bet money that your 5.2 has cracked heads. But honestly the magnum series of engines don't really care if they have cracked heads. That and the heads don't crack in a drastic way.
Yes I just put 5.9l Heads on it that's what I did never had a problem
All the metal on the 5.2 and 5.9 is thick as hell. They can crack and never care. When Chrysler switched to the new Hemi, with its dual shaft rockers and huge aluminum heads and extra-high cam tunnel and Y-block and monster cross-bolt mains, it was still CHEAPER to make than the 5.9 Magnum. The old iron horse is just a thicc vintage chonk. That said, never put stock heads back on. Aftermarket iron heads can be had for pretty cheap, and add serious performance (in addition to not cracking).
I've got the 4.7L magnum in my 2000 dakota. Same idea. Almost deals bullet proof. With 350000km its got the common rust issue and the heater core went on me around 330000km. But over all shes been a beauty
If you want a V6 in your ranger, get a 2005 or later 4.0. Got that instead of a 4 cylinder because that's what the lot had. 2004 and earlier had issues with the timing chain.
correct
Or get a full size truck with the 300 inline 6
Great advice I feel compelled to take heed to. Thanks a lot.
Sir, Thank you, thank you! We are looking for a new used car and your video is extremely helpful!
"Some of the hillbilly type people..." 🤣
🤣☺
Then he says they make wise decisions.
I thought hillbilies only buy chevys
I got a 2005 chevy colorado with 428,000 miles on it right now.
They're good trucks. I've got a 2007 with no problems.
My best friend has one with 26,000 miles, same year. It was his grandfathers who didn’t drive it much. I had the chance to drive it. Really smooth truck.
I own an 06 with 283k miles,
How it still runs is still a mystery
Even a blind squirrel can find a nut sometimes
I love my 06 Colorado ...with 155k still has lots of life left in it
Very timely information for me. Thank you.
Just The Advice I Was Looking For...Unfortunatly Its 10° Out All Month And Nothing Available Yet In My Area...THANK YOU......RANGER IT WILL BE
The Dakotas/Rams pretty much are solid. I've owned all three of the Magnums 5.9/5.2/3.9. they are solid motors and will run without issue 90% of the time. Most issue I've seen with them is the water pumps fail (replaced 2) but other than that they don't give many issues
@paleolithictech what was the cause of the timing chain issues? Replaced mine when we were doing the water pump.
Spot on again Wizard. I had a 2001 Dakota with the V6, the engine went BAD at 64k miles....
Jesus...
I have a 3.9 with 298k
They rusted out here before they had the chance to reach that mileage
I’m considering a Dodge Dakota of that era to replace my Ford Explorer Sport Trac once it gets time to move that on. I think I’m going to go for a 5.9. I’d avoid the 4.7 just because of the head gasket problems
@@kingjlinza avoid the 4.7 at all cost. Oil issues also. Have had 3 4.7's. on a 5.9 now and won't look back. I still have a 4.7 rango and enjoy it but not as reliable. Both have over 200k on them.
As you call me, a “hillbilly” yes we do take S-10’s and rangers off road. If FAR more numbers than any Toyota and they come back home usually. But I will say I’ve never seen an abandoned taco but I have seen a few abandoned S-10’s in the woods.
This was very helpful!! Thank you very much
Excellent automotive advise! Coming from years of experience! 🙏🏻🇺🇸🙏🏻🇺🇸
I've got a '99 Ford Ranger, V6 automatic with 119,000 miles on it. It's been in my family since new and we've never had a problem with it. I kind of want a full size truck but I can't justify getting rid of my Ranger.
I rebuilt the carb and new clutch, but my 85 S10 is my favorite one thus far. It's got the 173 60° V6 with 4 spd floor shifter. Love that thing
Thank you sir for your service.
I have 1998 s10 longbed 4.3 tow pakage, 5 speed manual, two wheel drive, it can tow 5000lbs. Today mpg 27.3 that was blended highway and town driving.
It was a fleet vehicle for a local pest control company. Had like 135000 miles when I got it 9 years ago. It now has 224522 miles. Just had the intake gasket replaced this year. Did timing chain at 200000 miles. Only major issue that caught me by surprise was passenger side lower ball joint broke while driving in parking lot.
great insightful video. i would like to point out with the 1995-04 tacomas (and some tundras too), they have issues with rust eating welds away on the 3rd member carrier causing rear diff leaks. I have one and its a p.i.t.a to put it lightly.
Never had or knew anybody with a 3.0 Ranger, but I can tell you the 4.0 is a great reliable motor. I used to tow trailers way heavier than I should with a 4.0 5 speed and it never caused me a minutes trouble. Actually a friend of mine towed a backhoe with his... Stopping was a bigger issue than pulling LOL
My 93 with 3.0 has 370,000 on it. They are bullet proof but lack power.
@@raytycker1656 is that a 6?
@@garychandler4296 yes its a small v6.
I have a 2002 extended cab 3-liter v6. I have 325,000 miles on it. It’s a work truck. I’ve been towing trailers, carrying heavy loads all the time. Engine is perfect. Change oil every 3-months. No problems with motor. I have had 3-new clutches in and had to replace 1st and 2nd gears along with their respective synchronizers. Two times. Including brakes several times. Still using it. It has now became a science project. Oh yah, bushings and bearings for the chassis.
awesome. Smart. Trustworthy. Honest!!! Thank you Thank you!!!
I have a 96 ford ranger with the 2.3l its very reliable for me so far despite it being owned by people who did not take care of it very well before and with almost 280k miles although alot of those are highway miles from the previous owner. The spark plugs are little bit hard to get to on the intake side (There are 8 spark plugs for at least my model year). Its slow but reliable.
Me too. In fact its my first car. Bought it at 157k miles on Dec 28th. Owner gave it to her niece and her boyfriend did not give it proper maintenance and messing up installing parts. It has a transmission issue but its stil reliable.
I've got a 3.7 Dakota, and it's a tank; the 4.7s had overheating problems, but the 3.7 was the same drivetrain as the old Jeep Libertys, and they just went forever.
Thank you, I needed this !!!!!
I have a 08 Colorado and I love it, never had a problem with it. And I’ve had it for about 4 years
Weird I have had two 3.0 Rangers with no problems. First one I sold at 286k, current one is about to turn 200k. Change your fluids people.
I had a 97 3.0...The Vulcan Engine was great. I had mine up to 170K and there wasn't an issue with it.
My 02 S10 has the 4.3 with 330,00 miles, still drive it everyday.
Learned about you on the show “car issues“ like your rapport with the main guy. Thanks for the reviews I’ve been watching them all afternoon Makes me feel awful good about buying my 2017 Toyota Tacoma. Thanks Wizard
Thank you for your service!
Does your s10 recommendation stretch to Astro vans as well? I'd love to see a Buy This Not That on older Conversion Vans and standard vans like that. G series, Econolines, Eurovans, etc.
My coworker had an Astro with the 4.3 and he had problems with the spider injection assembly like the wizard said on the v6 s10.
@@KeliBaB I'll keep that in mind, I just picked up a 2000 Explorer conversion Astro, lots of love and care was put into it by the PO and I've given it a 5k mile shakedown in the past month without any major issues. Little updates here and there all done within 30 minutes in my driveway, getting into the German stuff first as a kid has its benefits lol
My dad had a 1990 Safari for a few years. Only problems I can think of were changing the spark plugs and the power window wiring failing in the front doors. And the inevitable rust. His dad has it now, and I've driven it a few times, and I absolutely hate it.
KeliBaB the more common issue is the LIM gaskets going bad. After 03, the injector issues went away with the removal of the poppet valve.
I still drive a 97 Astro van at work. 447 thousand miles. Original engine, second transmission. Loaded down with service tools and equipment running mountain roads all its life. Biggest issue was the intake gasket leaked and took a few lifters with it. Love than van and I dread the day I have to replace it.
2.2 S10 with a 5 speed. The truck so good, I bought it 2x. Literally, mine is my 3rd and sixth vehicle. My brother in law thought he totally killed it. I bought it back from him and fixed the no start. She runs like a champ eveb after 18 years.
Me too. My first was a '97, and I swore I'd never buy another one because it wasn't fast, but it grew on me, and bought 2001. That one has 192k on it, no engine repairs except a water pump at 147k, starter at 157k. As for the truck, just did front end work at 183k. Good ride, good reliability, COLD a/c, and great on gas.
I once owned a 1994 ford ranger. I liked it. One of the best feature on it was how it allowed me to survive a basically head on collision. If it wasn't for that i would have kept it.
Rangers are just awsome little trucks. So many still around where I'm from in Michigan. They be rust buckets but they just don't die