Hi Scotty,
I purchased a 1999 Ford Ranger on 1/6/23 from private party in Ky. As it was what I wanted having owned one new I rented a uhaul and drove from Tennessee to KY. Marketplace ad : One owner (Im the 10th…Mileage 167415. It was 199,000 in 2017. Must he a Magical truck. I’ve driven it 6 miles from the uhaul dealer to Ky location. Rust (cosmetic) cottage cheese frame. Holes all the way through. Mileage??? Who knows?? I changed the headlights so I didn’t have to use brights and replaced all the fuses. Starts occasionally and billows white smoke from the tailpipe. The rims and tires look good. Radio and power windows work. Heater works. Advertised as Great condition, daily driver. Really. That just be why the mileage is less. I’m 64 and angry to be so ignorant of everything. Looked at it in the dark. Perhaps you could spotlight this piece o’ crap and use my experience as WHAT NOT To Do. Seniors beware. Seller seemed so genuine. I’m about $3500 into it now. I knew it needed front wheel bearings. Evidently he wasn’t quite forthcoming in the ad.
Thanks!HELP!!!
JJ
guess I can use the stepside bed as a planter in the spring.
White smoke is a blown head gasket. Makes a nice lawn ornament though. Next time, get it checked out by a mechanic before purchase.
Caveat Emptor
"Cover your butt"
Sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately if the frame is rotted the truck is scrap and you should probably cut your losses and get rid of it.
This is why we constantly tell people not be believe anything a seller tells you and to have a thorough pre-purchase inspection done before buying any used vehicle.
Unfortunately, Ranger frames are prone to rotting out. Ford used cheap steel and if it wasn't cleaned regularly, it will rot out. I bought my '99 Ranger in Kentucky as well and brought it back to Ohio.
My truck does have a rusty frame, I was also not suspecting it. I had a coworker who welds for a living and he patched the frame rails around the shock mounts. Now, the only major rust is one of the crossmembers has rotted from the lower flange of the frame rail. I'm going to fully replace that at some point with a factory crossmember. If your frame has holes, there's no point in saving it.
Been there done that bought a 2001 Chevy Suburban 2500 that I knew was rusted out which I don't mind but he failed to mention the major hole the gas line that whenever you fill up the car It would all leak right out
