What to look for in a used Ranger?

[LBarr2002]

A friend of mine is looking to sell her Mustang and get a used Ranger (or other small truck, maybe Tacoma). If I can convince her to look mainly at Rangers, what should I be looking for?

1) Year? What year models tend to be the best, most reliable.

2) Drivetrain options? What's the best engine/transmission options? 4wd systems? Is there options like the 4wd, True-Trac, or AWD in Explorers?

3) Average Prices?

This is not going to be an offroad truck. It'll need to get decent milage. She only wants 4wd because her road gets really bad when it rains alot and she's gotten her car stuck a few times.

I know there are a lot of differing opinions but any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[RockRanger]

98-2000 ish rangers have vacume hubs that seam to be unreliable. They can be modifired relitivly easy from what I have heard to be fully locked like an explorer front is. The 97 and older auto hubs can be weak but if not wheele dhard they probably would survive. I wouldnt get anything that doesnt have a 4.0 in it but thats me. shift motors can be a problem just like on explorers.

 

[F14CRAZY]

I've heard that the Vulcan 3.0L V6 isn't that great, since mileage sucks and power isn't that great, so stick to the 4.0

I'd try to stick to 4x2 if off roading or major snow isn't in the picture, to have less to go wrong, less weight, and no transfer case to sap power. I'm guessing it would probably have a limited slip, so not all is lost.