2002 Ford Ranger 2.5L Diesel · ML52 AXN

The vehicle presents an inconsistent roadworthiness profile despite a history of clean passes in previous years. The most recent test conducted on 28 June 2025 at 165,346 miles resulted in a failure with no recorded defects, which suggests a significant mechanical or emissions issue prevented a pass despite a clean advisory history. This follows a pattern from July 2024 where the vehicle failed just 53 miles after a pass, indicating that the vehicle may be prone to sudden component failure rather than a slow, predictable decline in preventative maintenance. At 165,346 miles, this 24-year-old Ranger has averaged approximately 6,889 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage for a commercial vehicle of this age. The data shows consistent use between 2022 and 2025, with annual increments ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 miles. However, the gap of 2,100 miles between the July 2024 failure and the July 2024 pass suggests a period of low activity which can lead to the degradation of rubber components or the seizing of brake calipers if the previous owner neglected the vehicle during stationary periods. A buyer must prioritize an investigation into the specific cause of the June 2025 failure, as the lack of recorded defects in the log makes the current state of the vehicle opaque. Given the age and mileage of the Ranger, a thorough inspection of the structural integrity is essential, specifically looking for corrosion on the chassis rails and leaf spring mounts. The buyer should also examine the suspension bushes and coil springs for signs of fatigue, as the intermittent failures in recent years suggest that the vehicle may be reaching the end of its service life for several key mechanical components.