Originally Posted By: itguy08
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Sounds like you need to dump that F150 and get a Jeep with a 4.0L, it'll run forever, there's no car payment, can tow a decent trailer, and can take a beating on the trails
Until that 4.0 eats its piston skirts. Or the manifold goes. The 4.0 still had its share of issues. A friend had one in a 90's Jeep and it was not "bulletproof" - it had its share of little issues.
The 5.4 will also run forever. Not sure what parts the OP replaced but brakes and shocks are normal wear items on anything.
No payments are a wonderful thing so if it's only 4 to go and the rest of the stuff is normal maintenance I'd say stay right where you are. But if repairs are major things then it may be time to trade.
Not sure if the OP has something like Zipcar where he is but that may be an alternative. IIRC they rent SUV's and that may work for his range trips.
If I lived in the city, I'd probably ditch the car too - you can rent a lot of cars for, say $400/mo + insurance, parking, etc.
Most folks don't consider a trans rebuild at 70k miles "routine maintenance". And frankly, since the rebuild, it shifts rough. Doubt it would even make it another 50k miles. (Aftermarket warranty chose where I got it done... Long story...)
The engine does run like a top. MMmmm, nothing like hearing that 5.4 purr.
I have a card for Car2Go (same thing as Zip Car), just no local service. Basically, I use it for when I'm out of town.
While dumping personal debt right now would be excellent, I get the feeling ultimately I'd end up behind... No win situation, really.
