would you throw in the towel and sell?
#1
would you throw in the towel and sell?
So I bought a '91 xlt reg cab, auto, 2wd for $600 a couple weeks ago, because it's too cold to ride a motorcycle in MA, and I ride to school w' 30lbs of books, and go to work carrying my lunch from home. I also wanted the flexibility to haul around my motorcycle when it needs servicing.
I also know with an old cheap vehicle (ford ranger or toyota corolla), you're expecting to put money into it. So far I've gotten this much into it (over 2 weeks):
1.) battery dead...terminals corroded...so the battery was replaced and the terminals new
piece of cake...what's next?
2.) brakes didn't work, so I got front rotors, brake pads, brake lines, front right caliper, rear drums, rear shoes, and rear brake lines all replaced
ok...not bad...it's expected...even new cars/trucks need brakes
3.) the belts started squealing like madness, so I got some gatorback belts
ok, not bad...took an evening with a friend
3.) inner door handles snapped and won't stay on...annoying...got replacements from a junkyard
I just laugh...my sister could replace that
4.) the truck didn't start one day.
I should've seen that as a sign that the starter was about to go out, but we got it started and I kept driving it. A week later it died at a convenience store and again wouldn't start...dammit. I bought a starter at a nearby automotive store and tried swapping it myself, but the bolts and nuts were frozen, with very little clearance and I was late for work, so I pushed it to a mechanic, left the new starter with him, ran home, and commuted on the motorcycle until the starter was in.
ok...the reliability of this truck made me miss ONE class, and show up late for work one day, but it's not a big deal. I should've caught the starter problem before it died for good. It's almost my own fault.
5.) now the battery voltage is dropping when I turn on the headlights and windshield wipers...
So if I learned anything from the starter issue, I need to replace that alternator ASAP before the truck won't start next week!
That means it's another $100...
So...thus far, it's gotten on average, 1-2 major problems/week that prevent it from getting me from home to school and work.
I'm starting to reconsider my stance...should I sell the truck for whatever I can get, save up, then find an econobox corolla/civic/escort/jetta?
Or should I go ahead and get the alternator replaced?
The way I see it, it's a simple fix. Get the alternator done...keep the truck going, and at least you know what's new on this truck.
But my friends (and especially my parents, who are gung-ho about me getting a weenie little automatic honda civic) are shocked everytime something goes wrong, and disappointed when they hear how much I spend to get it fixed.
It's almost like an "I told you so"....sell this ford and go buy a civic.
I hate to think they're right
What would you guys do? Keep the ranger? Or sell?
I also know with an old cheap vehicle (ford ranger or toyota corolla), you're expecting to put money into it. So far I've gotten this much into it (over 2 weeks):
1.) battery dead...terminals corroded...so the battery was replaced and the terminals new
piece of cake...what's next?
2.) brakes didn't work, so I got front rotors, brake pads, brake lines, front right caliper, rear drums, rear shoes, and rear brake lines all replaced
ok...not bad...it's expected...even new cars/trucks need brakes
3.) the belts started squealing like madness, so I got some gatorback belts
ok, not bad...took an evening with a friend
3.) inner door handles snapped and won't stay on...annoying...got replacements from a junkyard
I just laugh...my sister could replace that
4.) the truck didn't start one day.
I should've seen that as a sign that the starter was about to go out, but we got it started and I kept driving it. A week later it died at a convenience store and again wouldn't start...dammit. I bought a starter at a nearby automotive store and tried swapping it myself, but the bolts and nuts were frozen, with very little clearance and I was late for work, so I pushed it to a mechanic, left the new starter with him, ran home, and commuted on the motorcycle until the starter was in.
ok...the reliability of this truck made me miss ONE class, and show up late for work one day, but it's not a big deal. I should've caught the starter problem before it died for good. It's almost my own fault.
5.) now the battery voltage is dropping when I turn on the headlights and windshield wipers...
So if I learned anything from the starter issue, I need to replace that alternator ASAP before the truck won't start next week!
That means it's another $100...
So...thus far, it's gotten on average, 1-2 major problems/week that prevent it from getting me from home to school and work.
I'm starting to reconsider my stance...should I sell the truck for whatever I can get, save up, then find an econobox corolla/civic/escort/jetta?
Or should I go ahead and get the alternator replaced?
The way I see it, it's a simple fix. Get the alternator done...keep the truck going, and at least you know what's new on this truck.
But my friends (and especially my parents, who are gung-ho about me getting a weenie little automatic honda civic) are shocked everytime something goes wrong, and disappointed when they hear how much I spend to get it fixed.
It's almost like an "I told you so"....sell this ford and go buy a civic.
I hate to think they're right
What would you guys do? Keep the ranger? Or sell?
#2
#8
#11
heck I go through this monthly...search my threads :( after the 130mark it was like Hell was let loose...just recently my truck leaked...but guess what I'm dealing with it... most of those mods you've done I did with my dad so you not the only one thats wanted to call it quits...If you do anything get another ranger
#12
Keep in mind that you bought a 15 year old truck, and at a decent price, I wouldn't be to concerned about having to do some basic repairs to make it reliable.
How many miles are on it? How does the truck look? What is it worth once you fix everything?
I would expect to spend some money on a $600 truck. I'd also rather drive a Ranger than any subcompact. A truck is much more usefull. I've owned lots of vehicles that I bought cheap, fixed their problems, and kept for many years that became good reliable vehicles.
How many miles are on it? How does the truck look? What is it worth once you fix everything?
I would expect to spend some money on a $600 truck. I'd also rather drive a Ranger than any subcompact. A truck is much more usefull. I've owned lots of vehicles that I bought cheap, fixed their problems, and kept for many years that became good reliable vehicles.
#13
i dont understand why your complaining. you bought a beat to **** ranger. that from the looks of it hasnt had regular maintness in years. to me i bought a 1986 F-150 about the same condition as your truck when i got it. took me about 6 months to get all the bugs worked on it and then she never let me down and ran like a top...
personally all the things you have listed are a simple replace and fix. and what i would come to expect from a beater vehical. if you where expecting anything different that one is on you pal...to me none of this is the trucks falt at all personally it all falls on the pervois owner for not taking care of it...
personally all the things you have listed are a simple replace and fix. and what i would come to expect from a beater vehical. if you where expecting anything different that one is on you pal...to me none of this is the trucks falt at all personally it all falls on the pervois owner for not taking care of it...
#14
Originally Posted by BlackRanger93
heck I go through this monthly...search my threads :( after the 130mark it was like Hell was let loose...just recently my truck leaked...but guess what I'm dealing with it... most of those mods you've done I did with my dad so you not the only one thats wanted to call it quits...If you do anything get another ranger
i dont see why people ***** or complain of older vehicals braking down or needing parts its a fact of life people. once you do what is needed on the vehical its like there brand new agian... you have to keep up on these things..
#17
Originally Posted by Redneckstone
if it leaks replace the gasket and move on....i dont see the problem.. over 100k i expect something to leak hell at 60000 my manual trans top plugs went out and leaked trans fluid like crazy...so what did i do...um went to the store..bought the plugs...and OH GOD replaced them...
i dont see why people ***** or complain of older vehicals braking down or needing parts its a fact of life people. once you do what is needed on the vehical its like there brand new agian... you have to keep up on these things..
i dont see why people ***** or complain of older vehicals braking down or needing parts its a fact of life people. once you do what is needed on the vehical its like there brand new agian... you have to keep up on these things..
#18
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any vehicle can be like that when you buy it for 600 bucks. seriously....its not that bad. i had a 1990 isuzu pickup that i got for free from my brother and i had to replace some stuff on it but it was fine with me. i expected it. it was 15 years old.....what do you expect? i say keep the truck dude. little stuff aint gonna matter. just dont be like the last guy and NOT have it serviced. you can do all the stuff yourself so just take the 1 or 2 every saturday and make sure everything workin fine. that way you will find problems before the truck leaves you hangin. hope this helps.
#19
#21
Unregistered User
Posts: n/a
You paid 600$ for a used/unkept vehical. If you throw 2000$ at it, its still cheaper then having car payments for a year regardless of the vehical and you OWN it, with a clena title to so with as you please.
You like having the option of putting a bike in nthe back of the truck.. that Civic better have a BIG hatchback to fit a bike in it, heaven forbid said used civic needs a strut/work with a motorbike stuffed in back..
You like having the option of putting a bike in nthe back of the truck.. that Civic better have a BIG hatchback to fit a bike in it, heaven forbid said used civic needs a strut/work with a motorbike stuffed in back..
#22
#23
Originally Posted by winks
I picked up my Bronco for $750, its 17 yrs old, and had all the same problems.. I fixed it.
I say fix it, pop the tailgate, have a seat and drink a beer... cause you didn't let it beat you.
I say fix it, pop the tailgate, have a seat and drink a beer... cause you didn't let it beat you.
#24
ha just done so
Well I'd like to thank everyone at this forum and anyone who gave me advice on here and helepd me out. Iv been on ranger forums ever since I had my ranger and I had it for 4 years. I'm commuting to college now and well the ranger just was not cutting it. I traded in my ranger for a VW GOLF TDI (TURBO DIESEL INJECTION). I must say I'm in love. This little car is so smooth. Got a little kick to it for a small diesel engine. and with upwards of 50mpg I am happy now. Tell you the truth I had nothing but problems with my ranger and I'm glad to have it gone. I was born a pick up man and when I'm out of college I'm sure i will get another pick up, just not another ranger. no offense guys.
#25
Originally Posted by GregsEdge
Well I'd like to thank everyone at this forum and anyone who gave me advice on here and helepd me out. Iv been on ranger forums ever since I had my ranger and I had it for 4 years. I'm commuting to college now and well the ranger just was not cutting it. I traded in my ranger for a VW GOLF TDI (TURBO DIESEL INJECTION). I must say I'm in love. This little car is so smooth. Got a little kick to it for a small diesel engine. and with upwards of 50mpg I am happy now. Tell you the truth I had nothing but problems with my ranger and I'm glad to have it gone. I was born a pick up man and when I'm out of college I'm sure i will get another pick up, just not another ranger. no offense guys.
so are you leaving to go to the vw forums?