1997 Ford Ranger value?

[1929]

1997 Ford Ranger

17K mile 1997 Ranger. Is it worth what they are asking? Would you be comfortable having your teenager driving it?

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[Scott Asheville]

I had essentially the same truck, a 4-cylinder, 2-door, RWD, XLT, with quite a bit of rust where you couldn't see it, and 110,000 miles. I traded it in on my Maverick for something like $4,500. Mine was a 2010, so newer than this 1997.

There was a time during the pandemic when values for old Rangers were off the charts, but we're way past that now. I'd value that truck at $5,000 to $6,000 retail, but only if you understand that it is an incredibly crude vehicle. Wicked axle hop, just cheap and crude in every way. On the other hand, I got 29 MPG highway with that anemic 4-banger. Understand that you get zero power to pass anyone, and highway merges are life-threatening. That engine in that truck is a turtle.

If it's truly low miles (not rolled back odometer), good condition, and you're cool with driving an anemic rattletrap that will try to kill you on bumpy curves, go for it. Hey, I owned two of them. For their time, they were good cheap rides. I accomplished an amazing amount of stuff in those crude little beasts.

I hope that helps you decide, OP. I'm not trying to nudge you one way or the other. Just relating my 20 years experience in last gen Rangers. Lots of Ranger threads on MTC.

 

[prsncat]

@1929 I would verify the insurance rates with your insurance provider before deciding.

Here in CA, the insurance rates for pickup trucks are significantly higher than for sedans.

I sold a 2002 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab 4x2 (with a matching A.R.E. shell) about six months ago. It had a little over 121K miles on it. I had all of the records, the original window sticker, and the original DORA (yes, it was a Retail order). I was the second and fourth owner, and my dad was the third owner. It was immaculate (and original—no accidents or repaint). I sold it for $11.5K.

I would say that $7K is a little high—but not by much. Even if you paid the full price, I would still say it was fair. Regular cab, standard transmission, and 4-cylinder Rangers are in demand in many parts of the country.

The only opinion that matters is yours.

 

[1929]

Good feedback and gives me more to think about . I've owned a similar Ranger in the past so I'm familiar with the operation. I would not be driving it. By it's nature I'm expecting the low power would keep a young driver out of trouble.

 

[Scott Asheville]

Good observations, OP. Yea, being anemic is good for a young person. Only being able to fit two people in the cab is another good thing - fewer passenger distractions. My guidance would be to take the kid out to a washboard road and give him some lessons in axle hop. I wasn't kidding about that being a killer. In a bumpy curve taken to fast with axle hop, you can hop yourself right into the other lane or off the road.

With the right parental training, yea, an old Ranger is not so bad. But personally, I'd spend that same $7,000 on a bulletproof used Miata and be a hero. And I say that from experience, having given my used Miata to my niece. She loves that thing and is one of the few in her generation who can actually drive a manual.

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