Faults:

The serpentine belt idler began making noise at about 50,000 miles, and I replaced it.

The vacuum diaphragm for the dealer-installed cruise control began leaking at about 80,000 miles, and I replaced it.

At about 80,000, the oxygen sensor began to go, causing a check engine light.

I had the brakes redone on all four wheels at 110,000. Surprisingly, the rear still had a good bit of lining left. The front rotors had gotten a bit thin, though, so they are replaced.

It now has a very slight oil leak in the differential, requiring a few spoonfuls of oil at every other oil change.

Everything else has been expendable items like shock absorbers and mufflers, and routine maintenance.

General Comments:

This truck is simple, rugged, dependable, and long-lived. It runs and drives about the same now as it did when I bought it.

I was looking for cheap, no-nonsense transportation and light hauling capabilities, and the truck delivered superbly.

It is, however, seriously underpowered, and the very slow acceleration takes some getting used to. Still, it's withstood hour after hour of towing a light trailer on the interstate in hot weather, throttle wide open, many times without complaint.

The ride is what you would have expected from a truck, before trucks began to get more and more car-like. It's pretty rough, with the old Ford twin I-beam suspension. But this arrangement, which is no longer in production, is simple and rugged. There are no ball joints to wear out, and it handles off-road exceptionally well. It's never been aligned in all the time I've had it, tracks straight and true, and wears the tires evenly.

None of the stuff that tends to break on an older vehicle -- air conditioning, door latches, universal joints, power steering pumps, etc. -- has given a speck of trouble. The clutch is original. No smoke, oil burning or leaks (except as noted above), pinging, body rattles, vibrations, or anything else.

In many ways, this vehicle is simple and crude. Yet the build quality, and the durability of the components, are top-notch. Only the dismal horsepower/weight ratio keeps this truck from being excellent in all regards, and that was something I knew about from day one. I bought what I could afford at the time, and I got everything I paid for.

The new Rangers, with their high-tech dual overhead cam engines and ball-joint suspensions, appear to be good machines, but I think the old-tech 1993 model was built to survive.

Faults:

This 1993 XLT, 4x4, V6, 3.0L, standard cab with fresh tires and a new Pioneer C.D. system looks great. BUT, I haven't had it more than a month and there's been too many repair costs!

First off, the truck overheated when I came back from a little 40 mile trip and back. They had to repair a rare water neck part.

Then, the 4x4 never worked in the first place! They still have to repair the shift motor.

Also, there is no room in the cab!

General Comments:

This car is loaded!