Keep my bronco 2 or get an explorer?

[Mikep7779]

A few months ago i purchased a 1988 bronco 2 from a private party. I am still yet to get it on the road. I bought the truck for $450.

I originally planned to fix the truck up as much as i could, but it seems that time is way to scarce for that at this time.

The b2 has 161,000 miles on it. Original engine and transmission, they have never been replaced to rebuilt as far as i know.

The air conditioner wont work.

Rear window wont work.

I have to install a new coolant reservoir. (have the hardware for this already)

And it may be leaking transmission fluid. (i gotta look into this)

The alternative to the B2 was to buy a ford explorer (id prob spend 4-5k on this)

I need to know if the engine and transmission are about to go? they seem to run and sound fine. But they are 20 years old, and 160k miles old.

Please let me know of any ideas or even opinions that you have.

And on a side note, i am a college student making 20k a year. If that changes anything....

 

[BroncoJoe19]

Mike, you are comparing apples to oranges here... a $500 truck to a $5000 truck.

IMO if the B2 has decent rubber on it and it runs, keep it and run it into the ground.

You really don't need A/C.

Over the years, the more I spent for a car/truck, the more I lost on it.

Put that $4500 aside for use at a later date, like getting an apartment or newer ride when you graduate and get a full time job.

When I was younger, I used to by used cars cheap, fix them and run them for a year or so, and then sell them for about what I paid for them. Now with ebay, when she dies.. you can part her out and recoup some of the costs, before you have it hauled off to be returned to mother earth.

If you were my daughter, I would probably want her in a newer car, hopeing that it'd be more reliable.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Sorry, double post.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Well, the B2 sounds like a good project vehicle. It depends on how much time and energy you have for it after working and college. Personally I like to at least get my 'projects' on the road as soon as possible to keep my enthusiasm up.

If you're getting discouraged with the B2, you might consider something like a newer Explorer Sport. They're like a larger version of the B2, with more comfort and doo-dads, and still a 2-dr well within your budget.

Since you're already questioning the B2 project, it might be time for a change.....