Hey everyone,

I currently have a 2002, 3.0L v6, automatic, with 186k miles on it. It's got some severe problem that I may not be able to fix.

I'm looking at an '89 2.3L v4 with only 60k original miles. It's a 4x4, 5-speed manual. My question is, does anyone have any warnings or vital information about this year/model? Is the maintenance any different than my current truck (oil type, etc.)? What kind of reputation does this year/model have?

Thanks for the help!

 

1989 was generation 1.5 or gen 2 for some, 1989 to 1992 had a different front end look/style than the 1983 to 1988

The 1983 to 1992 Rangers are 2" narrower than the 1993 and up Rangers

1989 was the first year the 2.3l SOHC Lima engine got a distributorless spark system and dual spark plugs for more power

The 2.3l Lima was first used in 1974 Pinto, so is nick named the Pinto engine
Its was used in Rangers and Mustangs, plus a few other Fords up to 1997 and has a very good reputation
It does uses a Timing BELT, and that does need to be changed every 80-100k miles, but the engine is non-interference so even if belt should break or slip it can't cause engine damage

Its not a powerful engine like newer 2000 and up 4cyl 4valve DOHC engines, its 1974 technology and its heavy, 400+ pounds, built like a tank and lasts just as long, lol
It can get out of its own way and can get 22+MPG
Its rated as 100 horsepower

1989 is 33 years old vehicle..............so regardless of miles its got 33 year old parts, seals and gaskets

The benefit of low miles is limited to Collector type vehicles, which Rangers are not, lol
Low miles can mean clean interior and maybe body
But it also means it sat alot of the time, so seals and gaskets dry out
If you will be turning it into a Daily Driver then you will start to get some leaks, it just goes with the "low miles" on older vehicles