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?

 

me.......i got past that part of its life and havent had a problem. bu8t you can never predict what it will do next.

might as well.

but if you are really liking the truck, repair. Fix Or Repair Daily!..or is it just Weekly???

 

i have been thinking and i dont know!

 

Get a civic! It will last forever!

 

ya they do

 

Then when you get out of school and get a job torch the civic and buy another ranger!

 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

 

This is why I post to the ranger forums

What I need is a BETTER paying job. I already have a full time job w' my B.A. in biochemistry and molecular biology.

 

With that degree I dont understand why you dont already have a great job that is paying very well.

 

i think u should find a used ranger like a 99 like mine and trade it in i got mine for 7k with 70k miles on it and now i got 110k and still running strong!

 

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

 

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.

 

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...

 

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 would get a used nice 95+ ranger..i got mine for 900 bucks...heat/a/c runs cherry...a 95 ranger will run u about 1k-2.5k

 

doesnt any honda?

i hot 77k on my 2k civic, just breaking her in.

 

very well said

 

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.

 

screw civics, everyone should get ford festivas! lol
my first car was a festiva, I loved it, had so many people try to buy it off me.
I got my ranger and sold it to my brother.

 

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.

 

good idea winks you buy the beer i am on my way over!

 

x2, almost the same thing i did. exc. i still cant get the tailgate to work the right way

 

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?