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I agree, but I wonder if cars are like houses: it's all about where they are. Here in Southern California, we don't see a lot of wet weather, so vehicles don't have major rust issues. They last a long time, too, so certain people buy them for work trucks (think the ubiquitous gardeners) from the original owner, who bought it as a commuter or lifestyle vehicle. So, most of the Rangers I see for sale around here appear to be work trucks that the previous owner is done with. They are often beat up, with dents/holes on the bed rails and back of the cab, dings and scratches on the body, torn seats and stained carpet. I need the find the original owner before the truck gets bought by a gardener! lol.
Ehh, my 2000 2wd 5 speed is an extended cab XLT and had the same mirrors, no tilt steering, no cruise, crank windows, manual locks but CD player, A/C and carpet. I know mine wasn’t messed with beyond what I changed since I bought it new.
Ok, so here’s how I look over stuff (this is kinda my job). Get inside, start it, make sure everything works like it should, radio, heat, A/C (if equipped), seats adjust, windows work, etc. Check for an owners manual and such. Pop the hood when you get out. Open the hood, check for turned bolts, damage to the radiator support and inner fenders. Core/radiator supports like to rot out down by the frame rails and being that they are welded in, it’s usually pretty obvious if it’s been replaced. Turned bolts (the factory paint is chewed up) doesn’t always mean it’s been replaced or repaired but will tell you if you need a closer look. Feel around the edges of body panels for a tape line. Look down the body lines and see if it’s straight. Look for flat paint, excessive dirt in the paint, runs and “fish eyes” as more indicators of something being painted. Check the rear leaf spring hangers shackles and the frame around there for bad rust. Check the frame up by the front of the bed on both sides where it curves down towards the front of the truck, frames like to rot there. On the passenger side, check the crossmember right behind the cab and the next one back for rot, usually by the frame.
That is a very good question!
Thanks! This will be added to the checklist I made from the buying guide on this site. I take Carfax with a grain of salt, but I do appreciate a seller being willing to share it. Repairs done right are acceptable, but I'm taking a chance and trusting that they were done right. These trucks I'm looking at are all 15-20 years old, so I don't expect perfection, but they do need to be safe and any repairs need to be done competently.
This is primarily for my 16-year-old son. He needs to get himself to school, practice and games. He's buying the gas, so a smaller engine could be fine. No 4x4 needed; we live in suburban LA!
We do need AC and heat. I'd like something with a decent body/paint so the neighbors don't bitch and moan about an ugly truck to the HOA.
That is good to hear!
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