Binding throttle cable.
2.3 4 banger runs excellent and I get 26 mpg overall.
Manual transmission could be a little more precision.
Seats and driving position could be improved.
The XL trim level had no option available for alloy wheels.
Full size spare should be standard instead of optional.
A comparably equipped Toyota Tacoma would be 3-4 thousand $ more.
The base Ranger (XL) is the best value by far in a small truck. As you stated, it's thousands less than the over rated Tacoma, and is a far better truck. I'm currently driving my 4th Ranger since 1992 and I've never had a second's trouble with any of mine. I never spent a penny in repairs on any of them. Lots of luck with yours.