26th May 2006, 13:43

As a mechanic I cringe when I read of people having to replace brake pads at ridiculously short intervals. Any modern vehicle should go at least 60,000 to 100,000 miles on the original pads if driven properly. I've owned cars and trucks from Ford, GM and Chrysler, plus one German and one Japanese car. I never, EVER had to replace the brake linings on any of them prior to 80,000 miles, and had one Chrysler product that only had two sets of brake pads replaced in 240,000 miles. Having to replace brake pads at 30,000 miles indicates one thing. Tail-gating and constantly riding the brakes. Such driving behavior generally indicates a lack of respect for the vehicle, which makes me question whether other "defects" are really the fault of the vehicle/manufacturer.

2nd Jul 2008, 19:02

"Having to replace brake pads at 30,000 miles indicates one thing. Tail-gating and constantly riding the brakes"

Could also mean sticking calipers or similar problems.

3rd Jul 2008, 19:55

True, a sticking caliper will result in very premature brake pad wear. However, a sticking caliper is generally very easy to detect due to a dragging noise or, if the noise isn't audible, a very pungent burning odor from the pads overheating.

9th Dec 2009, 14:10

From all of these comments, I tend to agree with the person who said that there is a lack of respect for one's vehicle when the brakes repeatedly need to be replaced. And everything can be fixed, whether or not it is cheap is a different topic.

I have always enjoyed driving the Ford Rangers especially when it's a 4 cylinder 5 speed, it gives you gas mileage plus the ability to get out of the way if need be.

If your Ranger is not getting better gas mileage than an half ton or a three quarter ton, then you need to pull your foot out of the gas pedal and drive more economically. Or get a smaller engine, and still follow the advice in the previous statement.

11th Mar 2010, 23:01

I have an 02 Ranger Edge 4x4 4.0 ltr, and it is running strong, no major problems, just some leaks here and there, but nothing major for a truck with 135,000.

I keep care of my vehicle, and that's why it runs great.

13th Mar 2010, 23:25

My guy has a Ford Ranger 2002 4x4. He kept up with all of the maintenance on the truck. In the past 5 years, it has been in the shop three times for the transmission... Now March 2010 with 108k, as he was driving, the transmission fluid busted out and the transmission is a total loss. A price tag of $1900 to get a new tranny. I am not pleased with this truck. It is a pure sour lemon, and would never get another one...

18th May 2010, 14:44

I have a 2002 Ford Ranger Edge pickup, and it has 182,000 miles on it and I am just replacing the brake rotors and pads for the first time. I bought the truck with 13,000 miles on it, and all I have replace in 6 years is the alternator, and windshield wiper motor, and now the brake pads and rotors. If you take care of the vehicle maintenance, you can make your vehicle last a long time. I have had four Ford Rangers and will never own any different kind of truck.

28th Sep 2010, 04:14

I just bought a 2002 4.0L 5 speed Man Ford Ranger Edge package, step side bed, 52,000 miles salvage.

The truck looked almost brand new, it runs like it is brand new. The clutch and gear shift is smooth and feels great. My son has a 2005 Ranger 4 cylinder 5 speed, and the interior of my 2002, the way it runs and the tranny all feel better. Whoever had this truck took care of it, and then a great mechanic restored it.

I hope I get some good service out of this vehicle for at least 5 years. Plus I saved about $2500 so far I can't complain.