Two months after buying it, the truck developed a low idle and began stalling at red lights. Dealer took a week (and 2 unnecessarily changed intake gaskets) to figure out the EGR assembly had rusted out. C$1100 to fix. They also made a large scrape on the door, but fixed it for free after angry complaints.
Multifunction switch needed replacing as it was hard to get the wiper spray to work... needed in Canadian winter...C$90.
Parking brake release handle snapped off one -30C morning. Caused a problem when I left the truck in a no parking zone in front of a deli with the engine on and parking brake set, the bylaw officer came by and told my girlfriend to move it, she and several passers-by could not figure out how to release the 1 inch metal stick that is now the parking brake release. $75 ticket.
Wiper spray tube falls out of the fluid holder so it leaks everywhere. Also comes apart at a connector. Not a big deal, I just put it all back together, but might replace soon to save hassles.
Squeaks from front and rear ends... i think it just needs grease.
Random clunks and pops when in 4x4 but I don't think anything is wrong. It still works fine.
This truck is in excellent condition as the previous owners used it as a second truck on a bush lot and to drive to the nearby town (Pembroke) so it had very few KMs for a '96.
Annual rustproofing has kept the body mint. Paint is almost like new except for scratches I added on some tight trails.
Interior is excellent except for the console armrest has wear marks where the passenger's and my elbows rest. Am planning on fixing this with a fabric cover for it. Seats have covers and are mint.
This truck handles well on and off road. The ground clearance on 4x4 Rangers is better than most small pickups, only the Tacoma comes close.
The jump seats are neat and I like them. Some people complain about sitting there, others love it. Plus you can stash several items back there.
I am especially impressed with the A/C which blows ice cold after no more than 10 seconds on the hottest day. Also the heater blows hot pretty much immediately on the coldest days. I am told Canadian built Rangers have souped-up heaters. And the defogging action on the windshield is speedy as I've ever seen.
Factory speakers are good quality. There is a newer CD player in it though.
I don't like how you can't keep the drivers door open with the key on without ringing the chime. I like to do this to play CDs. Got to crank the volume to drown out the chime.
Gas mileage seems to be lower than I was expecting though even for the 4 Litre engine. About 400 kms to the 72L tank which I think works out to about 13 MPG city. Any comments on how to improve?
I have added taillight covers, ventvisors and a bug guard. Later maybe a suspension lift and bigger tires. I expect to drive this truck for at least 10 more years. It is awesome!
Update Oct 14 2005. 83,000 kms.
The truck is still running well however the transmission is starting to slip going into 3rd, and has slow engagement in and out of reverse. The usual problem (a blown seal in the transmission causing low fluid pressure) was diagnosed, and work completed... but it did not fix the problem. I may have waited too long to fix it, and now the clutches are wearing out. Well at least the shop didn't charge me for the work.
All four ball joints also need replacing. I thought it was low mileage for that. Some bushings on the leaf springs are also dried and cracked and squeaks are becoming more common. Oh well it was built 10 years ago. Besides all this everything else is fine. I am going to drive it till the shift 'flare' gets very bad. For now its barely noticeable.
Okay, so my satisfaction with the vehicle is wearing thin. I like the looks, but more things are happening, that I was not expecting. I know it's 10 years old, but I bought this one on purpose since it had such low mileage. A truck 2 years newer with 4 times the mileage was the same price.
Transmission has been diagnosed as needing a rebuild. A new EPC solenoid did not cure the flare.
A new creaking noise is developing in the front end, even though all new ball joints and U joints are installed. I guess it's a tie rod end so not hard to fix, but a pain anyway.
Rear end makes whining noise in reverse when cold. I am hopeing brakes 1st, wheel bearing 2nd, and will have to be restrained from torching the thing if its the differential.
The paint is starting to crack and peel above the windshield.
I think I am going to need a new belt tensioner soon.
At least the 4x4 and all electricals, and the engine, seem reliable still. But, too many issues at 54,000 miles.
Another quick update:
4.0L engine remains as reliable as ever however, a water leak developed above the rear window and stained my headliner. I removed and sealed with silicone, the 3rd brake/cargo light which cured the problem. The front end makes a bad creaking noise. I took a look and the trailing arm bushings are shot.
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