Should I check it out?

"Abject_Penitent" (nosek)
07/30/2014 at 21:16 • Filed to: craigslist

The ad just says it RUNS GREAT and that isn't much to go off of so I'm wondering If anyone has some insight on mid nineties Mazda trucks. Good? Great? Tragedy on wheels?

I love small trucks and I already own a 1995 red miata so this would naturally be a great fit.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

DISCUSSION (23)

N51fanatic > Abject_Penitent
07/30/2014 at 21:19

arent these ford rangers in drag?

Your boy, BJR > Abject_Penitent
07/30/2014 at 21:19

It's a ranger.

Dsscats > Abject_Penitent
07/30/2014 at 21:20

Looks really nice. I say go for it!

mazda616 > Abject_Penitent
07/30/2014 at 21:20

It's a Ranger with Mazda badges. :)

AM3R > Abject_Penitent
07/30/2014 at 21:21

I learned how to drive stick on one of the newer (late 90's/early 2000's) 4 cyclinder trucks. It was RWD and manual so I had some fun. Check for rust on the tailgate.

TheMightyTexMex > Abject_Penitent
07/30/2014 at 21:22

It's worth a look, but it's really clean so I'd be wary. Get the VIN, run a Carfax, ask for any maintenance records and check the front clip, door hinges, and tailgate for any signs of a collision/repair. Signs could be bolts that look like they've been removed/repositioned and slight ripples on the metalwork. Check all the rubber suspension parts, too.

Abject_Penitent > TheMightyTexMex
07/30/2014 at 21:30

I will have to do that. Thanks

Abject_Penitent > N51fanatic
07/30/2014 at 21:31

Yes indeed

Weizenbier > Abject_Penitent
07/30/2014 at 21:36

I have a 97 B4000 (4wd; 5-speed) extended cab.....I'm up to 220k and I've had it for close to 10 years. Other than wear and tear (brakes, 1 clutch) the only thing i've ever had to put into it is multiple 4wd hubs (factory ones are garbage); I've taken good care of it, but it's never left me stranded

DanZman > Abject_Penitent
07/30/2014 at 21:51

LMAO! i thought that pic looked familiar... i was just looking at this truck today too. Your safe tho, im going to get a full size

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > Abject_Penitent
07/30/2014 at 22:02

buy because JUMPSEATS JUMPSEATS JUMPSEATS

I've always wanted one, just for that

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > itranthelasttimeiparkedit
07/30/2014 at 22:08

They are awful. I used to choose to sit in the floor of my friends truck.

Birddog > Abject_Penitent
07/30/2014 at 22:26

I just picked up a 96 Ranger with the 3.0.

Being out of the rust belt you may not have to worry about the spring hangers and shackles rotting out.

Check them anyway.

The Vulcan is known to crack exhaust manifolds too.

Abject_Penitent > Birddog
07/30/2014 at 22:53

I will check those out. Thanks for the info. I will visually inspect but would it be safe to assume if the exhaust manifold is cracked the CEL would be on?

Abject_Penitent > itranthelasttimeiparkedit
07/30/2014 at 23:10

Jump seats are awesome. I would make people sit in them, even if I only have one passenger.

TheMightyTexMex > Abject_Penitent
07/30/2014 at 23:23

Of course! OH, also, check the fluids. Test drive the car, run it hard and for a while. Let it get hot. If they rigged it to hide engine troubles, they should start to show up when you work the engine.

Alex from Toronto > Abject_Penitent
07/30/2014 at 23:38

Those back seats look fun.

Abject_Penitent > TheMightyTexMex
07/31/2014 at 01:39

Thanks for the excellent info but I'm not going to look at the truck. Asked them for the vin and their tone changed to very defensive and they didn't give me it so I took that as a red flag

TheMightyTexMex > Abject_Penitent
07/31/2014 at 02:52

Wow, that's sketchy at hell. I'm glad you didn't get screwed though

Abject_Penitent > TheMightyTexMex
07/31/2014 at 03:28

Me too. Oh well, didn't really need it, just thought it would be cool and useful to have. There's always later.

TheMightyTexMex > Abject_Penitent
07/31/2014 at 03:41

So, I'll ask just out of curiosity: What did they say when you asked for the VIN?

Abject_Penitent > TheMightyTexMex
07/31/2014 at 04:24

them- why? What do you need that for?

Me- to see its history, check if it's been in any accidents.

Them- no, titles clean, it's clean.

Again, their tone changed once I asked. For all I know they were just super paranoid about their privacy but to me it is a huge red flag.

TheMightyTexMex > Abject_Penitent
07/31/2014 at 12:38

yeah, I wouldn't take chances with that. Ya done not goofed.