4 x 4 owners? Help me

[+ friction]

Hey -

I am looking at a 1999 4WD Ranger w/112,041 miles on it. Is this extremely high mileage for a 4WD vehicle? I know nothing about 4WD, and am especially curious of the the wear and tear associated if a person almost always drives in 2WD anyway.

It is in good condition, and less than 6 grand which seems like a steal according to NADA based on the fact that it is loaded.

Thanks!

 

[Greg S]

Basically with a 4X4 you are adding twice the drive train issues since you have both front and rear axles and gears to deal with. Overall as long as you maintain it and check everything periodically you should be fine but if this vehicle has been used for heavy off-road use at 18,000 miles a year that is a lot of abuse. Yearly average is supposed to be 12,000 for the country or 15,000 here in CA, at 18,000 this car has seen a lot of milage for it's age. There is also the gas issue as you can probably expect around 16-18 MPG depending on the engine.
I probably would suggest against it unless it's just supposed to be a secondary car, but it doesn't sound like it will be.

 

[+ friction]

It is manual, which would help w/ MPG, but add to potential problems as well I'm sure.

And yeah, it would be a commuter DD. I haven't even driven it yet...maybe I can get a better feel for some of the abuse it has suffered after that. I trust this dealer immensely, and I expect honesty on the previous owner from them (country dog huntin' offroader vs. city boy).

Thanks for the help!