Looking at 2001 2wd 3.0 automatic

Discussion in '1998 - 2011 Ford Ranger' started by Jeremy Peterson, Dec 3, 2019.

  1. Jeremy Peterson

    Jeremy Peterson New Member

    Never had a Ranger but thinking about getting one now. Had Jeeps and I loved the helpful forums so thought I would check here.

    Anything special I should look for, problem areas for that model? This one looks great in pictures and has 117,000 miles.

    thanks in advance.
     
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  3. Sean McG

    Sean McG New Member

    Really it is a gamble on a vehicle with that age. However, the mileage is low considering its age. There are many things to examine but having a 3.0 is not going to get you much power (I know). Ultimately depends on your purpose for it. Offroad fun? A 3.0 is weak. Grocery getter, small boat hauler? Your safe. Hotrod? Nope.
     
  4. hankosaurus

    hankosaurus New Member

    Hello Jeremy.

    I bought a 2000 Ranger XLT 4 years ago. I have had hardly any trouble with it. I changed the Idle Air Control Valve ($35) this summer when I noticed an intermittent problem starting the engine. The problem was detected by an OBD II Diagnostic Code Reader ($29 on Amazon). I also swapped the radio to get bluetooth/cellphone/handsfree capability. This summer I changed fluids, filters, wires, and plugs just because I thought it deserved some respect and love. There was a noticeable improvement in power and acceleration. The tips of the plugs at 153K were burning thin.

    It had 143K mi when I bought it, and 154K now. Sean's observation about power is on the mark. I understand that the 3.0L engine called Vulcan (cast iron block... Vulcan was the god of fire and iron, I think.) was made in Ohio and was used for years in various Ford products, including Taurus. Not a remarkable engine, but not a problematic one either from what I understand.

    I have read that this vehicle was also marketed as a Mazda B3000. A good basic truck. I have no regrets about buying it. I would do it again.

    Henry in North Georgia
     
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2019
    Sean McG likes this.
  5. Tom Warner

    Tom Warner New Member

    I just bought basically the same truck lol, problem areas I've found are the cab/bed mounts and break lines. My brake lines rotted out it's common for a 2001.
     
    Sean McG likes this.

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