[brucepick]

Eco-Noob, your post above makes sense to me.

If you're paying a mechanic to do any work then the cost of a head gasket job looks like more than what you'd be willing to invest in your '92 Ranger.

Getting ANY money at all for the Ranger would be great if that money gets you a gas sipper that you'd like to have.

Possible failure points on that path are
1) "New" gas sipper car is later discovered to need work - or -
2) You get little or no money for the Ranger.

From what you write it looks like the Ranger runs (hot or cold, but at least it runs!!). So I'd think you could sell it. Make sure you have a replacement lined up or you'll be without wheels for a bit. That puts you at a disadvantage when buying the "new" car.