How mechanically trouble free is a 1989 ford ranger?

35

Asked by jofa Dec 03, 2007 at 03:25 PM about the 1989 Ford Ranger

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My son bought a 1989 Ford Ranger and it has become a money pit?  He loves the truck, but can no longer continue to repair it.  Is this truck prone to having lots of problems - what about the engine? What about recalls?  Did they have any and will they still repair if this has not been previously done?

2 Answers

84,375

Don't know specifically what problems you are having, but any truck that has been abused by a previous owner can easily become a money pit. The Ford Rangers in 1989-1993 were basically Mazda B-Series pickups, as Ford partnered with Mazda to produce the Ranger and the Ford Probe during these years. My dad has a 1991 Mazda B-2200 which has been absolutely fantastic except for the engine now smoking badly and a rust hole in the frame at 185k miles. These are typically good trucks but the biggest problems with these were rust -- I worked with a guy during college who actually came out one morning to find his 1989 Ranger broken in half -- both of the frame rails had finally given way right behind the cab. To see if there are any recalls outstanding, contact a Ford dealer and have them look for recalls with your VIN. Manufacturers are required by law to honor recalls no matter how long since they were made.

1 people found this helpful.

we have the same issue on our 1989 ford ranger, a money pit. Now the truck will crank but not start,.. very frustrating. Not sure what to do since the boy still owes money on the truck,

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