Been looking at this pickem up truck....

[John Schmidt]

Looks in good condition overall, with that high mileage I'd probably replace the motor and have the tranny rebuilt. Just wondering if anyone has experience with that 4.2 six engine, comments pro/con re. reliability. I can see just one problem with it....she's sleeping in the next room.    When I joked it might be easier to be forgiven rather than get permission, she suggested it be big enough for a commode on one end and a shower on the other with a mattress in between. Maybe it's just me but I get the distinct feeling she's totally against it. I mentioned that in getting the truck we could sell the bike hauler trailer sitting in back and just install a bike loader in the bed of the truck. Her comments was...."as long as it doesn't interfere with the plumbing." I'm secretly watching for a weak moment before bringing it up again....come to think of it, I been watching for at least 25 years now. Ought to be any day now. 

https://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/d/1997-ford-f150-xlt/6671012161.html

[carolinarider09]

I have a 1996 Ford Explorer Sport. Same engine as that one, I think, but no towing package but I do tow a trailer with it (one lightweight and one Wells Cargo which I have no idea how much it weighs).

Power everything as well. 

It has 187,000 miles on it, original engine and transmission. 

There is a forum I have used to get some advice on making mine last a few more years.

Its  https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums

[_Sheffjs_]

I do like the look here. 

[gordonv]

If it was the same engine as what was in my Taurus car, the wrecker said they had a engine problem. But then another said "of course" with so many out there, there has to be a repeat theme of problems.

Just like our , rear drives, etc, read enough posts and you see it over and over again.

[f6john]

Can’t hurt to go take if for a spin.......?

[sandy]

I'm on my 3rd Ford truck and have not heard of that motor. They made a 4.0 pushrod V6 which was a great motor. In the Ranger it was fast.
 

Why is it that our wives don't let us enjoy our lives? Keep reminding me why I've been single for 33 years.

[John Schmidt]

I'm on my 3rd Ford truck and have not heard of that motor. They made a 4.0 pushrod V6 which was a great motor. In the Ranger it was fast.
 

Why is it that our wives don't let us enjoy our lives? Keep reminding me why I've been single for 33 years.

A few years back we bought a near new lease turn-in Explorer....'95 I believe. It was the last year of that motor, the '96 went to the overhead cam if memory serves. Anyway....we put 100k on it and it still ran like a clock but with the wife's health I needed something easier on her and easier to get in/out. The Explorer was the Limited with all the extras and was in great shape when we traded. The motor was trouble free, I'd like to think the 4.2 in this one is as good. My daughter thinks I deserve the chance to get something I want like this but I have trouble going against my wife's wishes. It's not like buying something simple like a TV or new golf club.

[RudyF6]

That 4.2 is essentially an overgrown 3.8 like they used in FWD cars and minivans. Don't sound very impressive, but it's basically a good motor if you take care of it. I was a Ford dealership parts manager for 32 years, so I've seen a few cracked intake manifolds (plastic cracks in a coolant crossover) and camshaft synchronizer issues. It could be electrical failure or mechanical wear. (sorta does the job of a distributor). Neither repair was that expensive, but those are the only common items I recall.

[baldo]

That 4.2 is essentially an overgrown 3.8 like they used in FWD cars and minivans. Don't sound very impressive, but it's basically a good motor if you take care of it. I was a Ford dealership parts manager for 32 years, so I've seen a few cracked intake manifolds (plastic cracks in a coolant crossover) and camshaft synchronizer issues. It could be electrical failure or mechanical wear. (sorta does the job of a distributor). Neither repair was that expensive, but those are the only common items I recall.

We've owned 3 different Taurus wagons over the years. Two had the 3.0, one had a 3.8. That one gave us problems from the get-go. Head gaskets and oil leaks.....I was happy to get rid of it......

Hopefully the 4.2 is new and improved....

[JimC]

I'd probably replace the motor and have the tranny rebuilt.

John,
I would re-think that strategy.
If you do that you will be upside down big time in that truck, real quick.

Before doing that I would look for a low mile cream puff, one that needs nothing.
If you are in no hurry to get a truck, keep looking, it may take a month or two, but you will find one.
You might have to travel, it may cost a little more, but it will be worth the wait.   

Jim

[RudyF6]

That 4.2 is essentially an overgrown 3.8 like they used in FWD cars and minivans. Don't sound very impressive, but it's basically a good motor if you take care of it. I was a Ford dealership parts manager for 32 years, so I've seen a few cracked intake manifolds (plastic cracks in a coolant crossover) and camshaft synchronizer issues. It could be electrical failure or mechanical wear. (sorta does the job of a distributor). Neither repair was that expensive, but those are the only common items I recall.

We've owned 3 different Taurus wagons over the years. Two had the 3.0, one had a 3.8. That one gave us problems from the get-go. Head gaskets and oil leaks.....I was happy to get rid of it......

Hopefully the 4.2 is new and improved....

We used to keep head gasket kits and reconditioned heads to do 2 of the 3.8's at any given time, I don't remember ever having to do the rear drive 4.2 though.

[¿spoom]

With a high-mileage vehicle like that, it's a virtual certainty that one could buy it for a dollar and still have a few thousand in it within a year of everyday driving. Or one could end up always thinking, "I better take the good car, can't risk a breakdown" whether accurate or not. There's no way I'd buy that truck at any price unless I'd had it up on a lift and examined by a good mechanic that you trust. Launch a boat or two in salt water-how's the underside years later? Rear main leaking? Differential full of sawdust or a few bananas, engine running on half Motor Honey or 50wt oil? Unless you know the seller, it's always a crapshoot. Don't take this as a "I hate Fords" or anything, I've had great luck with them, including that bodystyle;

[Gavin_Sons]

Don't you have a Highlander? Stick with Toyota. I am on my 2nd Tundra. A couple of guys at work have the Tacomas and love them. They last too. I about puked when i saw that stepside. I think any stepside truck is hideous. Toyota even had one for a few years.  

[¿spoom]

Don't you have a Highlander? Stick with Toyota. I am on my 2nd Tundra. A couple of guys at work have the Tacomas and love them. They last too. I about puked when i saw that stepside. I think any stepside truck is hideous. Toyota even had one for a few years.  

Don't if it'll make a difference, but on those Ford stepside/flareside PU's, the interior bed dimensions are the same as the same year std. side. Only the outer appearance is the same, you don't give up any cargo space like SOME brands 

[phideux]

Why would you change a good running drive-train just because it has 190,000 miles??
I had an Explorer with a big V-6, same year as that truck. I sold it with 250,000 miles on it about 8yrs ago. I still see it running around town. I drove the hell out of that truck, pulled the boat everywhere with it. Gas mileage sucked but it was reliable as heck. O bought it with 60,000 on it, the only work I did to it was an Alternator and a Starter.

[MarkT]

Haven't heard of that 4.2.  You sure that's right?  I have a 4.0 V6 97 Explorer.  The engine just died with 147k on it.  My mech says it's not worth fixing.  Says the head(s) corroded, now has a coolant leak.  Can't get heads at a fair price.  I'm going to get another opinion from a dealer before I do anything else.  I wouldn't buy a Ford with that many miles.  Now a Toyota...  I just bought a 4Runner with 54k on it. Limited, loaded, looks like new.  Great buy at 14k under sticker.  I'm about to put Evans in the cooling system.

[baldo]

Don't you have a Highlander? Stick with Toyota. I am on my 2nd Tundra. A couple of guys at work have the Tacomas and love them. They last too. I about puked when i saw that stepside. I think any stepside truck is hideous. Toyota even had one for a few years.  

 A guy at work has a new Tundra. That thing is huge......

Have you seen that recall for Tacomas for rusted frames? A local dealership had literally stacks of rusty frames, with stacks of new frames ready to go.....I can't imagine how much $$$ that cost Toyota.....

[Gavin_Sons]

Don't you have a Highlander? Stick with Toyota. I am on my 2nd Tundra. A couple of guys at work have the Tacomas and love them. They last too. I about puked when i saw that stepside. I think any stepside truck is hideous. Toyota even had one for a few years.  

 A guy at work has a new Tundra. That thing is huge......

Have you seen that recall for Tacomas for rusted frames? A local dealership had literally stacks of rusty frames, with stacks of new frames ready to go.....I can't imagine how much $$$ that cost Toyota.....

I have a 2017 Tundra with the big 4 door cab. They are huge. A lot bigger than my 05 was. My 05 had the frame recall, They replaced the whole frame.

[carolinarider09]

Why would you change a good running drive-train just because it has 190,000 miles??
I had an Explorer with a big V-6, same year as that truck. I sold it with 250,000 miles on it about 8yrs ago. I still see it running around town. I drove the hell out of that truck, pulled the boat everywhere with it. Gas mileage sucked but it was reliable as heck. O bought it with 60,000 on it, the only work I did to it was an Alternator and a Starter.

That is nice to know.  And yes on my 1996 Explorer the gas mileage sucks but it still starts and has yet to let me down.  I bought mine from a local ford dealer with about 30,000 miles on it.

Before I bought it I took it for a spin around town but not out on the highway.  When I made the purchase I took it for a ride.  When it got up to 55 or above it had a terrible bounce in the rear.  Found out it had about a gallon of water in the left rear wheel.  Just another of life's experiences. 

[Cracker Jack]

Why would you change a good running drive-train just because it has 190,000 miles??
I had an Explorer with a big V-6, same year as that truck. I sold it with 250,000 miles on it about 8yrs ago. I still see it running around town. I drove the hell out of that truck, pulled the boat everywhere with it. Gas mileage sucked but it was reliable as heck. O bought it with 60,000 on it, the only work I did to it was an Alternator and a Starter.

That is nice to know.  And yes on my 1996 Explorer the gas mileage sucks but it still starts and has yet to let me down.  I bought mine from a local ford dealer with about 30,000 miles on it.

Before I bought it I took it for a spin around town but not out on the highway.  When I made the purchase I took it for a ride.  When it got up to 55 or above it had a terrible bounce in the rear.  Found out it had about a gallon of water in the left rear wheel.  Just another of life's experiences. 

Would've expected water in the wheel/tire to balance it like ride-on or balancing beads.

[Rams]

Don't care what brand it is, the vast majority of used vehicles are available because there's something wrong with them.    The seller had a reason to move on to something else.  Caveat Emptor is applicable....   Depending on how the vehicle was used and maintained is the deciding factor IMHO.   Generally highway miles are not nearly as big of a deal as city miles with lots of stop and go on them. 

Anything purchased used from a private seller is more of a gamble than buying one you can get a warranty with and even then it's a risk.  Used vehicle warranties can be and usually are pretty restrictive on what they cover...

Rams

[Jess from VA]

However, even with private purchase, you can always request a seller to sign a bill of sale that says he'll split the cost of any necessary repairs with you for 90-120 days after purchase.  If he's being honest about how good the condition is, he should agree to that.  If he doesn't, walk away.

Just having it in writing, however, doesn't mean he'll honor it.  Some will and some won't.  And you'll win in small claims, but that still doesn't mean you ever get paid.

The seller's reaction to the request (of such a home-made warranty) is almost as good as the warranty itself.  If he runs away, so should you.

PS: Make your best bargain on price first, THEN ask him to spit costs for a few months after that.   

[Fazer]

I have a 2002 F 150 with a 6 cylinder.  I bought as a work truck in 2008 with 105,000 miles for the sign shop, and it now has about 115,000 on it.  We just drive it when we have to deliver/carry etc.  With a standard five speed, it has been reliable, but I am surprised at the shitty gas mileage.  I am in the 14 mpg range.

[John Schmidt]

Haven't heard of that 4.2.  You sure that's right?  I have a 4.0 V6 97 Explorer.  The engine just died with 147k on it.  My mech says it's not worth fixing.  Says the head(s) corroded, now has a coolant leak.  Can't get heads at a fair price.  I'm going to get another opinion from a dealer before I do anything else.  I wouldn't buy a Ford with that many miles.  Now a Toyota...  I just bought a 4Runner with 54k on it. Limited, loaded, looks like new.  Great buy at 14k under sticker.  I'm about to put Evans in the cooling system.

Mark, I'm just going by what the seller listed as the engine now in it. At this point it's a non-issue, I'm passing on it....or any other vehicle for the time being. I'll keep watching for a deal down the road sometime, but for now it created way too much consternation on the part of my wife. Actually, I'd love to get a good Chevy c10 and modernize it, I like that old body style. Maybe one day....

[¿spoom]

I have a 2002 F 150 with a 6 cylinder.  I bought as a work truck in 2008 with 105,000 miles for the sign shop, and it now has about 115,000 on it.  We just drive it when we have to deliver/carry etc.  With a standard five speed, it has been reliable, but I am surprised at the shitty gas mileage.  I am in the 14 mpg range.

Bummer, I had the 5.4 V8 in my '03 and overall mileage was around that in the city and 18~20 on the highway depending on the speed limit (70 or 55mph) and my foot. Sometimes in a heavier vehicle it's better to just get a small 8 over a big 6 and have it work less. A few times I've second-guessed getting an STS with the 3.6L six over the 4.6L eight that was rated at only 2-3mpg combined worse gas  mileage and much more pep, but I'd just heard too many horror stories about the reliability of the Northstar V8 engine. I honestly get better mileage than your '02 F150 with my '13 E350 1-ton V8 van. Maybe you have extreme gearing in the rear end? If so and you don't pull stumps, you might get your money back with different gears and speedo drive setup, assuming the engine is running right. Amazing what old coils & injectors can do without generating a check engine light.  

[¿spoom]

However, even with private purchase, you can always request a seller to sign a bill of sale that says he'll split the cost of any necessary repairs with you for 90-120 days after purchase.  If he's being honest about how good the condition is, he should agree to that.  If he doesn't, walk away.

Just having it in writing, however, doesn't mean he'll honor it.  Some will and some won't.  And you'll win in small claims, but that still doesn't mean you ever get paid.

The seller's reaction to the request (of such a home-made warranty) is almost as good as the warranty itself.  If he runs away, so should you.

PS: Make your best bargain on price first, THEN ask him to spit costs for a few months after that.  

Interesting, I love getting/learning different ways of thinking here Personally, I'd never give any kind of warranty on a used sale. I'm well off, but I'm not an insurance company. I keep a file folder on every vehicle I have, and it goes with the car when I sell it. I'll be glad to go along on a test drive with a prospective buyer and they can drive it hard or soft, hopefully we'll drive straight to their mechanic where's they've a trip on a hoist pre-scheduled to check it all out. I don't know what might break tomorrow on any of my vehicles, and darned if I'm going to spend a dime to fix one that I no longer owned, especially after it's out of sight. If nobody wants to buy it as-is where-is at may higher street price, I'll just trade it in for less at a dealer that can stand behind it or dump it off at auction, I no longer care.  

[¿spoom]

Haven't heard of that 4.2.  You sure that's right?  I have a 4.0 V6 97 Explorer.  The engine just died with 147k on it.  My mech says it's not worth fixing.  Says the head(s) corroded, now has a coolant leak.  Can't get heads at a fair price.  I'm going to get another opinion from a dealer before I do anything else.  I wouldn't buy a Ford with that many miles.  Now a Toyota...  I just bought a 4Runner with 54k on it. Limited, loaded, looks like new.  Great buy at 14k under sticker.  I'm about to put Evans in the cooling system.

Loved my 3.0 V6 '89 4Runner, the last of 4 Toyotas I've owned, but it wasn't perfect either, and I had to get rid of it because at 12 years old it was rusted everywhere. 
Couldn't afford another 4Runner as I'd recently been divorced, so I got a 4-year old 4door GMC Jimmy. Worst vehicle I've ever owned, I guess a new 4Runner might actually have been cheaper in the long run, but by then they weren't making the body style ones where the roof came off.

[¿spoom]

Haven't heard of that 4.2.  You sure that's right?  I have a 4.0 V6 97 Explorer.  The engine just died with 147k on it.  My mech says it's not worth fixing.  Says the head(s) corroded, now has a coolant leak.  Can't get heads at a fair price.  I'm going to get another opinion from a dealer before I do anything else.  I wouldn't buy a Ford with that many miles.  Now a Toyota...  I just bought a 4Runner with 54k on it. Limited, loaded, looks like new.  Great buy at 14k under sticker.  I'm about to put Evans in the cooling system.

Mark, I'm just going by what the seller listed as the engine now in it. At this point it's a non-issue, I'm passing on it....or any other vehicle for the time being. I'll keep watching for a deal down the road sometime, but for now it created way too much consternation on the part of my wife. Actually, I'd love to get a good Chevy c10 and modernize it, I like that old body style. Maybe one day....

Do you and the wife like vans? Maybe a classic, long bed van, older the better as long as it's got a sound frame & body. My Valk won't fit in my std. bed van (too long, never checked height) but the smaller Dyna will.

[Pappy!]

Haven't heard of that 4.2.  You sure that's right?  I have a 4.0 V6 97 Explorer.  The engine just died with 147k on it.  My mech says it's not worth fixing.  Says the head(s) corroded, now has a coolant leak.  Can't get heads at a fair price.  I'm going to get another opinion from a dealer before I do anything else.  I wouldn't buy a Ford with that many miles.  Now a Toyota...  I just bought a 4Runner with 54k on it. Limited, loaded, looks like new.  Great buy at 14k under sticker.  I'm about to put Evans in the cooling system.

Mark, I'm just going by what the seller listed as the engine now in it. At this point it's a non-issue, I'm passing on it....or any other vehicle for the time being. I'll keep watching for a deal down the road sometime, but for now it created way too much consternation on the part of my wife. Actually, I'd love to get a good Chevy c10 and modernize it, I like that old body style. Maybe one day....

Do you and the wife like vans? Maybe a classic, long bed van, older the better as long as it's got a sound frame & body. My Valk won't fit in my std. bed van (too long, never checked height) but the smaller Dyna will.

........Dont forget to duck! .......

[Jess from VA]

However, even with private purchase, you can always request a seller to sign a bill of sale that says he'll split the cost of any necessary repairs with you for 90-120 days after purchase.  If he's being honest about how good the condition is, he should agree to that.  If he doesn't, walk away.

Just having it in writing, however, doesn't mean he'll honor it.  Some will and some won't.  And you'll win in small claims, but that still doesn't mean you ever get paid.

The seller's reaction to the request (of such a home-made warranty) is almost as good as the warranty itself.  If he runs away, so should you.

PS: Make your best bargain on price first, THEN ask him to spit costs for a few months after that.  

Interesting, I love getting/learning different ways of thinking here Personally, I'd never give any kind of warranty on a used sale. I'm well off, but I'm not an insurance company. I keep a file folder on every vehicle I have, and it goes with the car when I sell it. I'll be glad to go along on a test drive with a prospective buyer and they can drive it hard or soft, hopefully we'll drive straight to their mechanic where's they've a trip on a hoist pre-scheduled to check it all out. I don't know what might break tomorrow on any of my vehicles, and darned if I'm going to spend a dime to fix one that I no longer owned, especially after it's out of sight. If nobody wants to buy it as-is where-is at may higher street price, I'll just trade it in for less at a dealer that can stand behind it or dump it off at auction, I no longer care.  

Well now, I keep all my vehicles in top shape, with full documentation and a file, and parts (this sold two minty bikes in two days, a while back) (they didn't even try to bargain me down a hundred bucks either, though my prices were fair, not high).

I'm not sure I'd agree to pay for things in a vehicle I sold either, I only suggested it for MY used seller.  Everything in life doesn't have to be a two way street.  

My suggested 90-120 days may be a pipe dream, but even 30 days gives you some recourse if the seller is hiding something bad.  

Of course going to the neutral mechanic is good bidness for everyone.

My new van will take an interstate.  (And I got hosed on the trade in, even after getting them to come up twice, but I couldn't drive them both home 500 miles.  My brother didn't want to sell it for me either (I think his answer to that was blow me).  

2500 Dodge Promaster

I think I lived in dorm rooms smaller than this (and had a roommate).

[carolinarider09]

 
[/quote]Would've expected water in the wheel/tire to balance it like ride-on or balancing beads.
[/quote]

I don't know the physics and that would be sort of reasonable.  My tractor's rear tires are about half full of water.  But I don't get anywhere near 40 MPH on it.  Never noticed an issue..

Maybe thats why the beads are small and discrete particles. 

[hubcapsc]

Don't you have a Highlander? Stick with Toyota. I am on my 2nd Tundra. A couple of guys at work have the Tacomas and love them. They last too. I about puked when i saw that stepside. I think any stepside truck is hideous. Toyota even had one for a few years.  

I kinda hate 'em too, until I saw this red one...



-Mike "I guess red makes everything better..."

[¿spoom]

However, even with private purchase, you can always request a seller to sign a bill of sale that says he'll split the cost of any necessary repairs with you for 90-120 days after purchase.  If he's being honest about how good the condition is, he should agree to that.  If he doesn't, walk away.

Just having it in writing, however, doesn't mean he'll honor it.  Some will and some won't.  And you'll win in small claims, but that still doesn't mean you ever get paid.

The seller's reaction to the request (of such a home-made warranty) is almost as good as the warranty itself.  If he runs away, so should you.

PS: Make your best bargain on price first, THEN ask him to spit costs for a few months after that.  

Interesting, I love getting/learning different ways of thinking here Personally, I'd never give any kind of warranty on a used sale. I'm well off, but I'm not an insurance company. I keep a file folder on every vehicle I have, and it goes with the car when I sell it. I'll be glad to go along on a test drive with a prospective buyer and they can drive it hard or soft, hopefully we'll drive straight to their mechanic where's they've a trip on a hoist pre-scheduled to check it all out. I don't know what might break tomorrow on any of my vehicles, and darned if I'm going to spend a dime to fix one that I no longer owned, especially after it's out of sight. If nobody wants to buy it as-is where-is at may higher street price, I'll just trade it in for less at a dealer that can stand behind it or dump it off at auction, I no longer care.  

Well now, I keep all my vehicles in top shape, with full documentation and a file, and parts (this sold two minty bikes in two days, a while back) (they didn't even try to bargain me down a hundred bucks either, though my prices were fair, not high).

I'm not sure I'd agree to pay for things in a vehicle I sold either, I only suggested it for MY used seller.  Everything in life doesn't have to be a two way street.  

My suggested 90-120 days may be a pipe dream, but even 30 days gives you some recourse if the seller is hiding something bad.  

Of course going to the neutral mechanic is good bidness for everyone.

My new van will take an interstate.  (And I got hosed on the trade in, even after getting them to come up twice, but I couldn't drive them both home 500 miles.  My brother didn't want to sell it for me either (I think his answer to that was blow me).  

2500 Dodge Promaster

I think I lived in dorm rooms smaller than this (and had a roommate).

That is sweet. It'd be nice to leave the fairing on when loading the bike sometimes. I made it to unplug from the bike and go on/off in 5-10 minutes, but I still need to have a big cardboard box to put the fairing nose down (wrapped in 2 blankets) in for transport. Leaving it on the bike would open up around 5-6 sq. ft.

I went with a 1 ton passenger van with 3 rows of seats behind the 2 front cap'ns so that I could have front & rear air/heat, carpeting, 6 speakers blah blah because I wanted to feel like it's a giant car. The rental bare metal walls cargo vans I've driven all sounded like I was in a metal garbage can. I like the soundproofing panels on your Dodge.  I have a radio control 12v winch w/snatchblock so I can walk back and forth while it loads itself, keeping it going in straight. At the end of the season, I can take the top off my golf cart and transport it, also.

Bet I could practically leave the cart's roof on and drag the bike in behind it with your van! 
Please forgive me if this is too much of a highjack of the OT, I'm hoping it may generate some toy hauler ideas the Mrs. might embrace, also.

[Gavin_Sons]

Don't you have a Highlander? Stick with Toyota. I am on my 2nd Tundra. A couple of guys at work have the Tacomas and love them. They last too. I about puked when i saw that stepside. I think any stepside truck is hideous. Toyota even had one for a few years.  

I kinda hate 'em too, until I saw this red one...



-Mike "I guess red makes everything better..."

Ok I changed my mind on red Tacoma with step side beds. That is a good looking truck.

[Jess from VA]

Bet I could practically leave the cart's roof on and drag the bike in behind it with your van!

I have the 2500 with 159" wheelbase (13' 3"), but I don't know about both.  But the fairing and cart roof could stay on.  The inside roof is 6'4".  The thing really drives like a great big car more than a truck, pretty smooth and is very quiet (not like a car), and I had Rhinoliner sprayed on the whole floor to stop the slippery, and that made it quieter yet.  And the big Pentastar 6 is 250HP with a 6 speed auto, and 17-20 mpg.  At 5K lbs, it will squawk the (front) tires, easily.  



I'm still a great big kid, I enjoy driving it every time I climb up and in.

The back up camera screen is different, but I still prefer the mirrors (if you back into the yellow, you hit something)

[¿spoom]

Nice, what did we ever do before cameras? I replaced the stock one in that gray F150 with a 2DIN Eclipse unit with Nav, XM & a backup camera, took me around 4 hours to install it by the time I ran the wiring back to the camera and tied into the BU lights for the trigger. In 2005 it was like the holy grail of car audio, now you can get it on just about anything right from the factory.
That front wheel drive V6 sounds perfect, I've only driven the diesel Sprinter.

[Jess from VA]

Sprinters (all Mercedes now) are stupid expensive.

You don't want the Promaster diesel though; it's some loony automatic shifting manual that no one likes (and only beats the Pentastar by a few MPG).  The new Pentastar has replaced 7 previous Chrysler/Dodge 6's.  There were some troubles early on, but they seem to be fixed now.

They even call it flex fuel capable, but I run gasoline (90% anyway).   

[Atl-Jerry]

About 6 weeks ago he oil pump in my '09 Chevy Avalance quit and things went real bad. I bought it new, put 143K on it and like it a lot.  After exploring my options I decided to put a rebuilt long block in it, came with 36 months or 100k mile warranty.  About $4700 when done but thus far very pleased and a helluva lot cheaper than a new one.  I've not had any tranny problems but since I tow more than most I realize my tranny is a liability.  If it does quit I can get a rebuilt one for about $1600 and get it installed for another $200.  Hoping this truck will take me to my grave.

[hubcapsc]

I got this Tacoma not long after I retired. It was hard to find, I had
to "settle" for one with 150k, but it had all the stuff, 6 cylinder,
4wd, extended cab for the dog, manual transmission... I had to
get some $tuff fixed, a steering rack, inner and outer tie rods,
a new heater core (they had to take the dash board off for that),
a couple of sensors (made it run better and made the CEL go off)...

It's a "first generation" Tacoma, back when there was still such
a thing as a small truck... Tacomas are as big as F150s used to be
now.

There's a forum of nice people who love them, just like for Valkyries  ...



Too bad it's not Radiant Red like that other picture I posted to this thread, instead
of the boring extremely common color.

-Mike

[Jess from VA]

Hoping this truck will take me to my grave.

I'm not hoping mine takes me to my grave Jerry, it would mean my truck was stolen by the mortuary.  You could probably easily get 40 bodies in my truck.  Well maybe not easily, but they'd go in there (with some creative stacking and stomping).

I am hoping my new truck is my last vehicle, the damn things are expensive. And since I only get one about every 20 years, I have to figure out all the new dash board stuff all over again, and they keep getting more complicated.  Even after a month, I go out and have to review how things work before I take off (there's too much traffic to do it on the fly). 

What I'm hoping is no one takes my drivers license away from me before I pass. Walking is good for you and all, but I'm not fond of it as my only transportation.