A question or two :) - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Eco-Noob · 02-27-2009, 12:18 AM

Hi,

I'm new here, but I have one question...

I have a 1992 Ford Ranger XLT right now, in pretty good condition, other than a cracked head gasket. (more info on the truck to come

)

Would it be better to sell it, and buy a Geo Metro, or Ford Escort, or to mod the Ranger?

Thanks in Advance

FastPlastic · 02-27-2009, 12:25 AM

Depends on what your looking for. Great mileage OR a challange?

Eco-Noob · 02-27-2009, 12:26 AM

Great Mileage. Currently jobless, and looking for ways to cut costs in life.

robbiewt · 02-27-2009, 12:48 AM

If you have the time and the tools, it might be cheaper to fix the head gasket and mod the ranger. But, in the long run a metro or escort would probably pay for itself.

Ryland · 02-27-2009, 12:54 AM

get bids on fixing it, fixing it will most likely pay for it's self if you sell it, so fix it first then sell it.
what do you need a vehicle for?

Eco-Noob · 02-27-2009, 10:32 AM

Commuting to school and back.

Sadly, just a 20 minute commute. I think its like, 30 miles round trip.

Tango Charlie · 02-27-2009, 12:29 PM

If you have the ability to do it yourself, fix the head gasket in the truck. Then sell it and buy a Metro. I commuted to school in a Metro, and it's just what the doctor ordered. Not real comfortable, but reliable, dead simple to work on, and efficient. Just do some homework so you know what to look for when you go shopping. Johnny Mullet's Metro site is a wealth of information.
If you don't feel qualified to do the head gasket yourself, you'll have to balance the repair bill against what you can sell the truck for, to see if it's worth it.
Or you could yank and sell the Ranger's engine, apply that toward a Metro, and save the Ranger's rolling chassis for an electric conversion later.

Eco-Noob · 02-27-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tango Charlie

Or you could yank and sell the Ranger's engine, apply that toward a Metro, and save the Ranger's rolling chassis for an electric conversion later.

I like that idea, I wouldn't mind having an electric Pickup truck!

It would make my stepdad quite mad, since he would want one too! He drives a Vectrix Scooter

A friend of mine might be selling/giving away his '89 Ford Escort (if he gives it away, I will take it!), and it has some minor brake issues, so I was thinking of selling the pickup to pay for the brake repairs and have some money left over for gas+insurance.

I have to talk to the owner of the Escort and find out more about it.

Is there a temporary quick fix to the head gasket? or is it a take-apart job?

snowfish · 02-27-2009, 03:08 PM

To my knowledge, there is No Real Quick Fix, for a blown head gasket. I sure you've googled around and found some pretty impressive claims. Most of these are pure "parasitic marketing". 100% of the time, there are legalese disclaimers like "your results may vary" or "compatible with most engines" even though they claim guaranteed results. What does that mean? Results could mean that it solved nothing, or as a long shot, it actually worked. Both are "results" and are undoubtedly guaranteed. Sorry, but she needs to be tore down.

I did a head gasket job, on my 89 Toyota 4x4 22re, for around $500 (parts only. I do my own wrenching). But that Included, head gasket, misc gaskets & seals, timing chain, gears & guides, head resurfacing, head bolts, water pump, belts, hoses, spark plugs, cap rotor & wires, pcv valve, oil filter, air filter, oil, and coolant. Since I was down there, I couldn't see putting all that "old stuff" back on.

IMO, since you're not working, I'd fix the truck and drive it. Then when employment arrives, I would definitely look for a Metro 5 speed to work on. The Real Geo's (not chevy) seemed to get better mileage. My wife just called, after a 400 mile trip, and recorded 53mpg. Nice! That's on a 1992 Metro Basic 5 Speed with 165,000 miles on it(not xfi or lsi). No mods. Just up keep.

Be prepared for some surgery on the Metro's too. Stuff like Frame Rot, Axles Shafts, Wheel Bearings, Brakes, etc. But take heart! They're Very Easy to Work on and possibly the Best Ecomodder choice out there! The Possibilities are endless!

Wow! Long Post! Sorry to ramble.

Eco-Noob · 02-27-2009, 06:09 PM

I figured it would be a hard job. I am not the most mechanical, so I have no clue how to do it. :\

I'm really interested in getting a Electro-Metro.. if one has enough battery life for 50 miles. It would be the perfect car for me.

Anyone in the Seattle Washington area made an electro-metro? Might enlist your services if I can get ahold of the materials!