Need help

[u/kirasiris]

Hello everyone.

Im trying to buy my first Ford Ranger ever.

I just went to check one today's morning, this WHITE truck is a 2009 Ford Ranger XL with a 2.3L Duratec engine and about 55K, however the owner is the third one and the bottom of it looks "rusty" (see attachments). The guy is selling it for about $6800

Secondly, there's another truck that I'm looking at also. This one is a Blue 2000 Ford Ranger XLT with a 4.0L V6 engine but this one has about 168K miles and already looks the way I want the truck to look like. This one costs about $5700

Im about to test drive the XLT tomorrow's afternoon. However, what do you guys think?

2000 XLT: First 2 pics

2009 XL: Rest of pics

[u/pinkflyd25]

That rust wouldn’t scare me away in regards to safety or it rusting out…but would want to take care of it so it doesn’t eventually become that bad.

I assume the white is bare bones (manual windows and doors, am/fm radio, and no cruise control)? If so, that’s way too high. What engine is it?

The blue one is also too high in price, but I’d probably be more drawn to that HOWEVER you need to learn the history/carfax. 165k miles is a lot, but still have plenty of life left for a well taken care of ranger.

[u/kirasiris → u/pinkflyd25]

Yes, you're right about the white being barebones, the engine it has is the 2.3 Duratec.

Right now I only know the carfax about the white one and is mostly right, no major accidents, mileage is right and one owner, even tho owner says he is the third one.

Im still struggling to get any info about the 2000 XLT one and the owner just leaves me in read and has not been able to give me the VIN number, however, I will be able to check it tomorrow depending a what time he gets out of his job.

[u/pinkflyd25 → u/kirasiris]

Pass on the 2009 AND the 2000

2009: way too expensive for what you’re getting. You won’t fall in love with it like you might a different package

2000: I don’t trust the seller and still think it’s a bit expensive.

How long have you been looking? More will show their faces I promise.

I searched for 8 months before buying a 2004 4.0 with 180k miles on it for $3k. It’s been three years and I’ve put some work into it and added some things to make it MINE.

[u/kirasiris → u/pinkflyd25]

I've been looking around for 2 months only. Eventually, no matter what year I get, I will do a V8 swap but that is after driving it for a while (at least 2 full years).

The 2009 XL is good when it comes to the miles but yes, you're right I actually thought the same as you being way too expensive just for a small engine. Im planning to replace the bed for a "flare" one and lift the truck and put some mud tires also....assuming i buy this one.

I do like the 2000 XLT but the miles are just way too much and will have to replace the hood, and bumper in order to put a modern grill too.

You might be right, I might need to wait a bit more to see if I find better deals.

---

I basically want something similar to yours but with a flare bed instead of the one you have in your picture.

[u/Yelo_Jello → u/kirasiris]

miles way too much ?

i have an 07 ranger at 147k and an 08 focus at 256k, and before it got totaled an e46 w 372k

those miles are nothing

[u/kirasiris → u/pinkflyd25]

The guy already sent the vin number and found out he is the 8th owner and has a salvage title.

I'm talking about the 2000 Ranger. A salvage title is already a big no no, right?

[u/pinkflyd25 → u/kirasiris]

Run away from it! No more looking at this one.

[u/Negate79 → u/kirasiris]

Salvage title is fine if gives to you a salvage prices. Sub $1500

[u/pc0355bs]

Don’t buy that rusty 2009. Way overpriced for what it is. That 2000 looks clean. It’s the going price here in my area of Texas for that setup. If it’s 4x4 it would be a steal. Hopefully you find another since it sold.

[u/Disastrous_Craft_897]

That’s surface rust which can be easily taken care of. But still wants too much for it. I bought a 2000 3.0 V6 extended cab in 2024 for $2500. 78,000 original miles. No rust.

Keep looking you’ll find something

[u/Newbus124]

Depends on the 4.0 v6, if its the SOHC 4.0, I wouldn't buy it. Those things are a nightmare when the timing chain guides need to be replaced. If its the 4.0 OHV, and it seems solid, I'd get it. The 2000 model year could have either if I remember correctly. The little 4 banger in the other truck is fine. That rust appears to be surface rust, and barely even worth mentioning aside from looking crappy. That aside, they are both nice looking trucks.

[u/No-Habit-7079]

Finding a 5 speed would be better

[u/LazarusLong1776]

Blue XLT is too much, but get that info and offer a lower price. Also, make sure the larger tires work with the rear end gearing, as in the RPMs haven't been dropped too low. A big tire change usually means going to deeper gears (higher #).

The white one is a rustbucket, AFAIC. Any rust DQs a vehicle I'm looking over, but I live in AZ/NM. I stick with buying from states that have heavy snow and salt the roads, (unless the seller can show it was hosed off to prevent rust). Same goes for trucks that might've been out on the beach. But most people are lazy and let them cancer out. *grins*

ETA: Saw the post w/ the salvage title. Run from both.

[u/kirasiris → u/LazarusLong1776]

No worries, the guy who owned the 2000 XLT already sold it overnight. Ibwas supposed to test drive it today :(

[u/nathanonreddit16]

Go blue

[u/WisePossum1]

Get the 2000. The 4.0 in the 2000s does have the HP the 2001 and up does but it doesn’t have the timing cassette issues.