I'm considering buying a 95 Ranger as a backup and winter truck. My daily driver is a 94 and I would prefer another 93/94 but the 95 may turn out to be the best deal I can find. My real question is what drawbacks may come along with a 95 model? I believe the ignition is different among other details, but are there any major concerns I should consider? Thanks!
Pay attention to the automatic transmission and the mileage, since you didn't list it. If it were serviced with proof, then it may be a decent buy if the price is right.
I'm not sure where you are, but check that rear frame for rust if you get any measurable snow. Pay particular attention to the shock mount areas in the rear and the rear crossmember that holds the gas tank. My 3.0 '99 had a pair of hairline cracks in the frame rails at the shock mounts that started rotting, which I missed in the pre-purchase inspection. The lower part of the crossmember is also rusted off the frame rail on the passenger side. The top is still sturdy. I bought my truck in Northern Kentucky.
Thanks for those tips. The odometer's broken so I don't really know, but am told it's around 170,000. Let's just say the price is low and leaves plenty of room for minor-to-medium issues. It's a southern car so there shouldn't be rust issues but I'll be sure to inspect it closely, since you never really know. As long as the transmission shifts well on my test drive it'll do for now. If and when the transmission goes out I plan to convert it to manual.
Good luck! I also overlooked my truck's transmission and it was on its way out. It didn't have any power on the highway and would get stuck in overdrive. It had 250k mi. I had it rebuilt almost 2 years ago, and that was a fiasco. It wasn't done correctly and acts weird. It's now at 270k and I may get a remanufactured one. The engine runs like no tomorrow with all those miles. I like the old thing and want to keep it around for a while.