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1990 Ford Ranger Pricing...Is it worth it?


wildbill23c

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Found a Ranger for a kid I know that I'm wondering if its worth the money even with needing head gaskets and possibly new heads as it has the 2.9L V6 engine.

Link is to a local Craigslist ad.

http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/3996828207.html

Thinking about trying to talk the guy down to around $1k due to the truck has been sitting for 5-6 years since the head gasket blew, meaning a lot of work in going through and replacing all the fluids, putting in new head gaskets, probably new heads as they were driving it around after they found the gaskets had failed. Not sure what to do, any advice is greatly appreciated. Going to go look at it Monday. Looks to be in pretty descent shape body wise, its a 5 speed (guessing the M5OD), electric shift 4x4 (not thrilled about that, but guess it can be swapped to manual shift if the kid wants to do it).

This will be the kid's first 4WD, and something he can haul hay with and do chores with.

Thanks everyone, as I always know I can count on TRS for great advice, you guys saved my Bronco 2 from destruction.
 


hank857

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probably no more than $500 would be my guess. I was going to redo my 94 with a rebuilt engine and they go for around $2000 each (4.0). Not even sure you can find a 2.9 anymore so you would most likely be looking to replace the engine with another. Guy I know went with a rebuilt 4 cyl for his mazda this past summer already using oil!

So $500 might even be generous. Look at orielly or autozone for replacement engines, heads etc. then make your offer.
 

alwaysFlOoReD

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You can find a newer running one for cheaper around here. I agree with $500 or less for average body condition, which this one sounds like.

Richard
 

straycat

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You can find a newer running one for cheaper around here. I agree with $500 or less for average body condition, which this one sounds like.

Richard
^^^What he said, Bro!!! Sounds like it might justl need a lot more work then you know since you can't drive it. Look around. I see really great deals on Ranger that are running and don't need anything. AutoTrader, local car adds.
 

kryptonitecb

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Without being able to drive it you are basically buying scrap, therefore pay scrap prices for it. $500 would be the absolute most I would pay for it considering you need a new engine to start with. You know you'll find more issues as you dig in to it.

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic
 

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Honestly I wouldn't even buy it.

Unless its exactly the truck your looking for, and doing all that work is no big deal, its just not worth it at any price.

I paid $500 for both of my trucks, and they both drove me home from where I bought 'em. (88 and 89 b2s)
 

carbuff

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Yes, keep in mind that if antifreeze got in the oil, it will ruin the bearings if left too long without being cleaned out. 5 or 6 years is a long time. Is the engine frozen, or does it turn over freely. Thats something you need to check.
 

killj0y

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that thing is rough...I would offer 500 and work towards that kind of price. No way its worth 1500 unless there is an extremely high demand for them in that area then it would make sense. Still wouldn't pay it though.

Edit: just saw the other info and if the engine is no good I wouldn't even offer 500. Maybe 200 if I really wanted it and I can salvage something on it like if it had decent tires or tranny....etc that I could make my money back in case it was junk. But if what i'm reading is correct that thing is junk and you should move on after telling the owner he is crazy for even thinking its worth 1/4 of what he is asking.
 
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85_Ranger4x4

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$1500 is too much for a dead truck, the body is in really nice shape (to me) though.

I would rather rebuild an engine than do bodywork, luckily for me my truck needed/s both :yahoo:
 

Andy D

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Id lowball starting at scrap price~200 and would not go over 400$ Bad engine isnt really an issue. Sitting for 5 yrs rusting and providing a home for mice is.
 

85_Ranger4x4

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Thinking about trying to talk the guy down to around $1k due to the truck has been sitting for 5-6 years since the head gasket blew
The only problem with this truck is the head gasket was recently blown.
Is the guy a rock or how is 5-6 years "recent"?

Lowballing the guy with scrap price compared to what he wants will probably just make him laugh in your face.
 

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