1998 to 2011 Ford Ranger / 1998 to 2010 Mazda B-Series
The Draw: This pair of mechanical twins had tremendous success in getting Canadian shoppers into a low-cost, high-capability pickup with a load of options, variants, and powertrains to meet any need. Look for 4- or 6-cylinder power, two or four-wheel drive, automatic or manual transmissions, and plenty of trim grade variants to comprise your perfect Ranger or B-Series.
Owners seem most satisfied with the styling, comfort, interior space, legroom, off-road capability, and overall value of their trucks. Depending on the model in question, ride quality is also highly rated, and depending on the equipped engine, some owners even report good fuel mileage. Confident trailer towing and 4x4 operation on slippery roads are also reported.
The Checks: Check your potential used Ranger or B-Series for rust at the rear cab corners, lower portions of the doors, driver’s floor board, around the wheel-wells, on the bottom of the tailgate, and on the corners of the roof. Owner’s forums also suggest checking for cracks or leaks from the differentials and transfer case, and noting any damage beneath the vehicle that could have been caused by off-roading.
Be sure the passenger-side floor carpeting is dry. If it’s wet, the truck’s heater core may be leaking coolant, which is bad news.
Finally, note the quality of the gear shift between second and third on models with the automatic transmission. If the transmission feels like its slipping or “flaring” during said shift, there’s likely a problem with a gearshift solenoid in the transmission that needs to be addressed.
The Draw: This pair of mechanical twins had tremendous success in getting Canadian shoppers into a low-cost, high-capability pickup with a load of options, variants, and powertrains to meet any need. Look for 4- or 6-cylinder power, two or four-wheel drive, automatic or manual transmissions, and plenty of trim grade variants to comprise your perfect Ranger or B-Series.
Owners seem most satisfied with the styling, comfort, interior space, legroom, off-road capability, and overall value of their trucks. Depending on the model in question, ride quality is also highly rated, and depending on the equipped engine, some owners even report good fuel mileage. Confident trailer towing and 4x4 operation on slippery roads are also reported.
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| 2006 Ford Ranger (Photo: Ford) |
The Checks: Check your potential used Ranger or B-Series for rust at the rear cab corners, lower portions of the doors, driver’s floor board, around the wheel-wells, on the bottom of the tailgate, and on the corners of the roof. Owner’s forums also suggest checking for cracks or leaks from the differentials and transfer case, and noting any damage beneath the vehicle that could have been caused by off-roading.
Be sure the passenger-side floor carpeting is dry. If it’s wet, the truck’s heater core may be leaking coolant, which is bad news.
Finally, note the quality of the gear shift between second and third on models with the automatic transmission. If the transmission feels like its slipping or “flaring” during said shift, there’s likely a problem with a gearshift solenoid in the transmission that needs to be addressed.
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| 1999 Mazda B-Series (Photo: Mazda) |