Help me make a decision!

[bhults]

Ok, I've been kicking this idea around for a while, and it's beginning to drive me nuts....now, I understand that there are probably more pressing decisions to make in life, but I have the opportunity to make this one, so help! Here's some background info: I've got a 1995 EB---beautiful paint, no leaks, new trans, problem free, 130,000 miles. I've been planning on squeezing 32's under there with shackles/AAL/TT, etc. Love the truck.
----------> I'm in love with the Ford Lightning. I test drove one a few months back, and LOVED it. I've been looking at 03's and 04's...I called my insurance company to see how much it would cost to insure it, and it would only bump my insurance up to $2100/year.

So, the big question is: Do I try to sell the Explorer while it's still attractive enough to sell, throw some more money down and buy the Lightning---or do I hold onto the X, do the mods I want, and run it into the ground? I've been going back and forth with the positives and negatives: I'd have to take on a car payment--which I don't have right now...I'd have to pay for premium fuel (which I've done in the past) vs. regular....fuel economy ain't so great in the Lightning, but suprisingly not that much better in the X....

It's not like this is going to happen tomorrow, either, so any and all advice is welcome. Anybody know of any Lightning owners? Are they happy with their trucks? Biggest complaint I've read is their performance in Wet/snowy weather....but, fun can be had with that

 

[expl0der8]

Make sure you take into consideration the fuel economy, fuel prices, and the size of your daily commute. If you can afford that, along with the car payment and higher insurance I would say go for it. You could always get a cheap set of rims with winter tires for the winter if you are that worried, may help a little. If it is something that you have always wanted, and won't streatch yourself to much then go for it, YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE SO ENJOY IT!!!

 

[jasonb]

i dont think we can help you with that decision. the smart thing to do is keep the X. the fun thing to do is get the lightning. you have to decide if you want to be smart or fun. both have merits.

if you can truly afford it, the decision is that much easier. i have a friend with a lightning. he loves it. it doesn't snow here though.

 

[EBInterceptor]

I would love to get a Lightning but could never afford one. Aside from the price, they are 4x2's and street trucks. I don't have my X lifted or anything, but like to do some intermediate offroading. And because of the snow we get here that turns me off to the idea too. But if you can afford it and want to get it, it's still a great truck.

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

keep the EX..

 

[bhults]

Yeah, my communte to work is a definate consideration: it's 50 miles each way....currently, I don't have to drive to work. My dad and I work for the same company, and he's got a company car---so I have no overhead concerning my commute. He'll be retiring in a few years though. Either way you slice it, I'd either have to get rid of the truck (X or Lightning) cuz neither is good enough on gas to drive that distance daily, or buy some POS in addition to the truck, that's good on gas.

 

[Crazy5711]

In that case, can you afford to buy a POS and keep it running, especially with the added expenses of the Lightning?

Also, you should plan for future expenses that may be coming your way. (house, woman, kids, etc)

 

[bhults]

LOL! A woman in an extra 'expense'? You don't say! Seriously, yeah, a house is one of my primary investments, but not something I can do RIGHT now...I'm in a position to be able to afford the truck payment, and still be saving for a house. Add a wife and kids into that and the new truck idea is a definate no no....but, I don't seem to be moving at the speed of some of my peers in the wife/kids department, so, that expense is not even a consideration right now....I'm a little selfish at this stage in my life.

 

[Iowa Hick]

as far as the POS car, you can pick up a early to mid 90's escort for around 500-1000 depending on what shape its in, fuel mileage will be around 30-35, they last forever, i had 240k on mine when the tranny finally went out, I've got another tranny to put in it, so I think I going to give it to my sister for her first car, insurance is going to be pretty cheap especially if you get a wagon, just some things to think about

 

[Billy177]

just save the money from a pos and use it to pay for the gas