JoshInReno
Observer
My 1995 4Runner (3.0, 5 speed) has blown a head gasket. Its also needs the brakes redone and CV's replaced. All told... about $2000 in labor. I have the parts, thats what I do professionally. Also a blown speaker, a loose ground in the dash, and the headlights need to be aligned. Besides the head gasket, nothing big - just alot of little things. The interior and exterior are in REALLY good shape. The tires are almost new, the entire suspension is almost new, I just installed a winch bumper, etc., etc.
I love this truck - we have quiet a history together. She has 215,000+ on her now, I have put the last 50,000 on. Its not my only vehicle, so there is no giant rush to fix it. I also have a Dodge Cummins diesel - but its just not the same. Driving the Cummins is like doing your best to restrain a gorilla on steriods. Pure muscle and no manners. It has its place in my small fleet, but daily driving and trails are NOT it. Driving the 4Runner is like putting on a broke-in pair of boots. Comforting and familiar - you KNOW you will not be let down.
Even without the gasket issue, these things just aren't worth much currently on the open market. I don't really want to see it go, but I am having a hard time justifying putting any money into it.
The money part isn't a huge deal, except that I am saving for a wedding. So here I am at a crossroads. Do I pour cash into a longtime friend and partner, or let her go for the first offer that comes along? If I choose to keep, it will just sit on the side of my house for awhile, probably about a year. That seems shameful.
I have been struggling with this decision (if it was purely a fanancial one, it would be easy) - but I realize its like me asking a bunch of drunks if getting sober is a good idea! :sombrero:
Any suggestions?
I love this truck - we have quiet a history together. She has 215,000+ on her now, I have put the last 50,000 on. Its not my only vehicle, so there is no giant rush to fix it. I also have a Dodge Cummins diesel - but its just not the same. Driving the Cummins is like doing your best to restrain a gorilla on steriods. Pure muscle and no manners. It has its place in my small fleet, but daily driving and trails are NOT it. Driving the 4Runner is like putting on a broke-in pair of boots. Comforting and familiar - you KNOW you will not be let down.
Even without the gasket issue, these things just aren't worth much currently on the open market. I don't really want to see it go, but I am having a hard time justifying putting any money into it.
The money part isn't a huge deal, except that I am saving for a wedding. So here I am at a crossroads. Do I pour cash into a longtime friend and partner, or let her go for the first offer that comes along? If I choose to keep, it will just sit on the side of my house for awhile, probably about a year. That seems shameful.
I have been struggling with this decision (if it was purely a fanancial one, it would be easy) - but I realize its like me asking a bunch of drunks if getting sober is a good idea! :sombrero:
Any suggestions?
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