What is good mileage for a used Ford Ranger?
When shopping for a used Ford Ranger, one of the most important factors to consider is its mileage. Mileage can give you a good indication of how much wear and tear the vehicle has experienced and help you determine whether it’s a worthwhile investment. In this article, we’ll explore what constitutes good mileage for a used Ford Ranger and provide tips to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Mileage and Its Impact
Mileage refers to the total number of miles a vehicle has been driven. For a used Ford Ranger, the mileage can significantly impact its performance, reliability, and resale value. While mileage is an important factor, it’s not the only one to consider. The way the truck has been maintained, its service history, and how it was driven are equally critical.
What Is Considered Good Mileage?
As a general rule of thumb, the average vehicle is driven about 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. For a used Ford Ranger, you can use this benchmark to determine whether the mileage is reasonable for its age. Here’s a quick guide:
- Low Mileage: Less than 12,000 miles per year. A Ford Ranger with low mileage is often a great find, as it likely has less wear and tear.
- Average Mileage: Between 12,000 and 15,000 miles per year. This is typical for most vehicles and indicates normal usage.
- High Mileage: Over 15,000 miles per year. While high mileage isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, it’s important to carefully inspect the vehicle’s condition and maintenance records.
Factors That Affect Mileage Quality
Not all miles are created equal. Here are some factors that can influence whether a Ford Ranger with higher mileage is still a good buy:
- Maintenance History: A well-maintained truck with high mileage can often be more reliable than a poorly maintained one with low mileage.
- Driving Conditions: Highway miles are generally less taxing on a vehicle than city miles, which involve frequent stopping and starting.
- Previous Use: If the truck was used for heavy towing or off-road driving, it may have experienced more wear and tear.
Tips for Evaluating a Used Ford Ranger
When considering a used Ford Ranger, follow these steps to ensure you’re making a smart purchase:
- Request the vehicle’s maintenance records to verify regular servicing.
- Inspect the truck for signs of wear, such as rust, leaks, or unusual noises during a test drive.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection to identify any hidden issues.
- Consider the truck’s overall condition, not just the mileage, when making your decision.
Conclusion
Good mileage for a used Ford Ranger depends on its age, maintenance history, and how it was driven. While low mileage is often ideal, a well-maintained truck with higher mileage can still be a great choice. By carefully evaluating the vehicle’s condition and following the tips outlined above, you can find a Ford Ranger that meets your needs and provides reliable performance for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year are Ford Rangers not to buy?
It's reliable, but when it does break things are expensive. 2021 and newer models tend to have better records than the first two years. What are the worst Ford Ranger years? Among the older models 1999, 2002 and 1997 stand out as years with above average numbers of complaints.
How long do Ford Ranger transmissions last?
If you experience rough shifting, you might panic thinking it's the transmission and for good reason, it's expensive to replace it. In general, the transmission should last for at least 100,000 miles so if your vehicle is much newer than that, chances are it's not the transmission, so take a deep breath.
What year was the Ford Ranger bad?
Although the 1999 Ford Ranger has the most overall complaints, we rate the 2019 model year as worse.
How many miles is too many for a used Ford Ranger?
As mentioned, Rangers can reach up to 300,000 miles if properly maintained. While the Ranger has a stellar reputation for longevity, it's not a bad idea to stick with used Rangers under 100,000 miles.
What is high miles for a Ranger?
In general, however, you can think of a Ranger with 15,000 miles like a car with 225,000 miles. Although it'll likely need new bearings and bushings, and perhaps some replacement yokes and output shafts, if you or the previous owner was nice to the machine, it should keep on chugging long past the 10,000 mile mark.
How many miles do Ford Rangers last?
250-300,000 miles
When properly maintained, Ranger engines can typically last up to 250-300,000 miles, which is comparable to competitors like the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Chevy Colorado. Engines such as the 4.0L V6 have proven to be particularly durable, with some units reaching over 300,000 miles.
Is Ford Ranger a good used truck to buy?
Reliability meets rugged performance with the 2021 Ford Ranger. It's one of the best used compact trucks to buy because minimal repairs are required, it had very few consumer complaints, and it's highly rated.
What is the best year used Ford Ranger to buy?
Q: What are the most dependable model years for a used Ford Ranger? A: If you're in the market for a reliable pre-owned Ford Ranger, consider the following model years: 1998, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2020, 2021, and 2022. These years have proven sturdy and durable, and they are ready to hit the road with minimal issues.
Is it expensive to run a Ford Ranger?
Ford Ranger mpg
A big, blunt-shaped truck is never going to be the most economical vehicle, so the best we can say is that the Ranger is at least par for the class. It averages between 27.2mpg for the 3.0-litre V6 in Wildtrak X trim up to 33.6mpg for the XLT with the 170hp 2.0-litre diesel with the manual gearbox.
What is a good mileage for a Ford Ranger?
Is the Ford Ranger good on fuel? The 2024 Ford Ranger MPG scores are competitive for the midsize pickup automotive market segment. The truck earns up to an EPA-estimated 21/25/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 when equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and two-wheel drive.
