Might Be Time To Sell The X

[Jminor]

Well I have a 92 xlt 4X4 with 124000 on the odo. The radius arm bushings have been replaced recently, as have the head unit(Clarion Cd) the front brakes, Shocks, (Trailmaster SSV's), and a few other little things. I am about to replace the power steering lines and flush the tranny. I hate to let this truck go but I think it's time to...Dare I say it... get a car. I really love this truck but with gas prices the way they are and my commute, well it's costing me more than it should. Figured I'd post here 1st and then when I'm ready to sell maybe someone who will do what I would've liked to do to it will buy it.

 

[EMG7895]

Any rust on it?

 

[Bwana Bob]

I've had the same thoughts, but make sure you do the math. I have a 92 XLT with 193,000 miles on it, but I really love it, maybe because there's so much "sweat equity" invested in it, and no other SUV seems to have the same character as the old 1st gen Explorer, especially not those car-based SUV's.

I say do the math because a new car will not save you much on gas. The resale value of an old 1st gen Ex is maybe $1500, hardly worth selling. Figure how much you spend on gas in a year, then figure how much gas a new car would burn in comparison to the EX. A new car that gets 30 mpg will cost about $15000 to $18000. If you drive about 15,000 miles per year, even if gas goes to $5.00 per gallon, the new car will pay for itself in about 16 years!

I'm thinking about getting a small car like maybe a Focus wagon for daily commuting, but more to preserve the EX and keep it for camping and the heavy hauling. Check out insurance costs and you may find that 2 cars with one driver is not too expensive.

Also, don't forget that adjusted for inflation, gas prices are no higher than they were inthe 1980's. Hey, maybe its all a plot by the evil SUV-haters to dupe us into giving up our beloved Explorers. There will be no Toyota Prius in my future! Ha!

Bob

 

[marragtop]

I agree with the previous post. You can buy a LOT of gas for what replacing it would cost. You know the history behind it, so you're not driving 'someone else's headache'. I'd keep driving it until in needs a major repair (like the trans!).

 

[E_AU_Tiger]

The exact reason I am attempting to find a new motor rather than replace my baby is her character.

 

[Jason94sport]

Might as well keep it since it isn't worth much. Get a new car & keep the X around for other duties. It's nice to have it around for bad weather, or moving things, or off roading, or whatever.

 

[Jminor]

I Agree Totally

I've been thinking it over for like two months now and I just couldn't come to a decision. The fact that I got 5 replies in 1 day about this situation shows that there really are other people out there as crazy as I am. Just Love the character of the truck so much that nothing else seems to fit the same Niche. I appreciate all the feedback and now if I can convince my wife the same thing I might just have to do the gears and lift that I've wanted to do since I bought the truck over a year ago. 3.27's and 235/75/R15's SUCK!!!
I wanna go with 33s and like 3" of lift. Figure I'll swap gears to 4.10's, any advice on where to get a good set of gears??? In the MA area. I live close to Boston but I am willing to drive for a worthwhile investment. Thanks again I must have been taking crazy pills thinking about getting rid of the X. That was a close one!

 

[alexefron]

im selling my ex, but only because im going to school, and my parents refuse to let it sit in the driveway while im at school. I wish i could keep it, and the insurance would have only been another $300 a year for both trucks over the cost of just the new one.

 

[buckshotmudder]

Sometimes I think about trading mine also but I know they arent going to give me anything on trade in for it and Ive got so much into it that Im just gonna keep it. Gas isnt that bad neways. Much rather pay for gas than a car payment or something like that.

 

[HappyGilmore]

im sacraficing for my X!!! riding the go ped scooter to school and work to save gas because i cant afford it. haha.