[Chainblade]

well I've got this 94 Explorer that I love. Since I've had it, I've had to spend $2000 on a new transmission. Then I went over an umarked bumb on the freeway and it caused some front end damage that will cost $300-$500 to fix, plus my truck needs need new front springs and rear leafs. Is it worth putting even more money into this thing? It has 138,000 miles on it. I love the truck. It's large so I finally don't feel all cramped like I do in a car and it's got a nice exhaust and larger tires. but i just don't want to put even more money into it and then something goes wrong with the engine next soon and then there's another ton of money to get a new engine. I can't afford to buy a new car or anything. I'd have to trade it in for another Explorer, a tad new and preferable around 100,000 miles. Would it be worth it? or just stick with the one I have now?

[sims]

The mileage on a car isn’t nearly as relevant as how well it was maintained previously.

Any car should last ATLEAST 250K if its maintained religiously and driven properly and with that said if you abuse the shit out a car you could have it totally destroyed before 100K. things like suspension and brake’s wear over time and need to be replaced there is nothing you can do to avoid it. If you set on an explorer I’d strongly recommend (again) getting a shop manual and starting looking it over yourself. Determine the condition everything is in and you’ll have a much better idea of where you stand. You’ll also know what to look for it you do decide to shop around for another one.

[Chainblade]

ya I don't drive it hard at all. I'm a really anal driver. i piss everyone off because I don't drive hard, don't speed at all, and obey all the laws haha. ya I keep forgetting to pick up that manual that you recommended before, sims.

[offroadin]

There is no gain to be had by trading your's in. You know exactly what you have, no surprises, a dealer won't give you shit for it anyways. Leaf springs and coils are cheap. Go to the wrecker and snag some yourself. Won't cost much at all. Changing them is super easy. Who told you it needs new leafs and coils anyways, i saw your car domain page, doesn't look like it's sagging too bad.

[Chainblade]

Originally Posted by offroadin

There is no gain to be had by trading your's in. You know exactly what you have, no surprises, a dealer won't give you shit for it anyways. Leaf springs and coils are cheap. Go to the wrecker and snag some yourself. Won't cost much at all. Changing them is super easy. Who told you it needs new leafs and coils anyways, i saw your car domain page, doesn't look like it's sagging too bad.

the pictures on my car domain page are when i first got it. it's considerbly lower than that now. it happened right after i went 45mph over an unmarked bump on the freeway. I guess I don't know for sure if they need new springs/rear leafs but my truck dropped immediately after going after that bump and slowly got lower and lower. now it's all lopsided (especially in the back). I know they are relatively cheap to buy those things. I just don't know if I trust myself to fix it myself. I've never once touched a vehicle for any kind of maintenance. hopefully when that manual comes in, it will show me step by step what to do. i can't afford the money or time to have it professionally fixed if I screw it up.

[offroadin]

I see. Do you have any buddies who are into working on cars/trucks? I know you don't have much experience, but just take you time with it, read the manual and i'm sure with a few basic tools you can get through it.

[ninefivezero]

Your close to me, want to buy my 4Runner? I'll let it go for a friend-price of $11,000

[Coleman]

I never understood why 4runners have such a crazy markup.

[MSP]

You won't get much money for it, even if gas wasn't so damn expensive. Drive it till it dies. Get the critical work done as cheap as you can, and screw the other stuff.

[Chainblade]

ya i've decided to keep it. i like the truck (besides the terrible gas mileage). it's very comfortable for me since I'm so big. I don't think i'd ever get a car again. i'm sure i'd be better off fixing it so it lasts longer. and like you said, i wouldn't get much for the trade in. and I can't really afford a loan right now.