Hey Folks,

I drive a 2002 3L V6 2wd ranger with a regular cab.

In the last 4 years or so, I have had to rebuild the front end suspension, replace the valve cover gaskets, and get the powersteering pump replaced. The throttle body cleaned (twice). And I've been through two batteries. I've also replaced the upper radiator hoses, heater hose assembly, and the thermostat (this was mostly preventative, but the heater hoses leaking is what caused the fix to be done).

This year it looks like I have had to get the MAF sensor replaced, my throttle body clean yet again, and I have another battery replacement I need to do.

On top of this, I have slow oil leak which the shop identified as being from the pan gasket, crankshaft main seals (front and rear) and the timing CVR gasket. They want roughly $2200 to replace all of those seals to stop the leaks.

There are exterior paint and body issues I would love to have fixed, but I have been prioritizing the function of the truck over that.

I live in an apartment and this is my only vehicle so I am limited on the kind of work I can do myself on the pickup and since it's my daily driver, I am basically SOL if there's ever something that takes longer than a weekend to fix.

I'm starting to think it may be time to let the old ranger go since I've basically put in half of the pick-up's worth in the last couple years in repairs and preventative maintenance.

I'm a bit hesitant to take on a vehicle payment since the ranger has been paid off for as long as I've owned it (roughly 12 years). But I am concerned I'm starting to get into the "money pit" stage of the truck's life cycle where a lot of expensive repairs and replacements are going to become necessary soon.

What advice would you give to someone like me?

Thanks in advance.