Don't flip a vehicle you like...

[01rangerxl]

I bought my Explorer with the intention of reselling it within a month or so. I figured I would have no problem unloading it after a month, but I am finding myself stalling and finding reasons to hold off on selling it. I never thought I could find a $950 vehicle so useful and nice, but this one is really a gem. It starts everytime, it runs beautifully, it is among the most comfortable vehicles I have ever been in (more comfortable than some $75K SUVs I have been in), and it is just a fun/cool vehicle. I will miss it when/if I sell it. The problem is either the Explorer or Ranger will have to go, and since I have had the Ranger since I was 16, I have "bonded" with it. It may sound crazy, but I almost feel like I would be "betraying" the Ranger if I sold it. On the other hand, the Explorer is just so nice. Being a poor college student, having two cars is just irresponsible, so one will have to go. The dilemmas being a car nut can bring...

Anyway, lesson learned, if you want to flip a car, flip something you don't particularly like...

 

[XS650]

Quote:

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Anyway, lesson learned, if you want to flip a car, flip something you don't particularly like...

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Cars are like women that way, sometimes you start off thinking you are just going to flip them and then you start liking them.

 

[Camu Mahubah]

This feelings for the "flip" happen to the best of us! I remember a 1982 BMW 320i... Set the price a little high, and stand firm, that way you will keep her a little longer and when you do sell her you will make a good profit.

 

[gedcruise]

I almost always regret getting rid of a car.
I am always looking for that nice old Corvair, '76 Civic, '81 Vanagon, 123 diesel, '86 Wagovan, and so on.

 

[williar]

If you can't decide, then advertise them both. Keep the one that doesn't sell.

 

[Panzerman]

Id keep the one thats worth more. Nothing aginst Rangers, I drove one quite a bit when I started with my company, they are tough as nails, cheap to operate and pretty zippy, but I they are so small, I never had enough room. I think Id keep the explorer if you like it.

 

[01rangerxl]

The Ranger is actually worth significantly more, even though it is a completely stripped down base model. However, the Explorer is far more comfortable.

 

[HM12460]

so what if it don't make sense? keep 'em both! i've been in your shoes many times. my 2 favorites were a 1993 Z-28 camaro, and a 1991 dodge daytona. wished i had 'em now.

 

[Tosh]

Maybe you can find a trustworthy surrogate home for one until you can afford both?

I miss some of my old cars too, but I don't regret getting rid of them: Fiesta, Audi 5000 diesel, SAAB 900...

 

[Vikas]

How do you find a good running vehicle for $950 which will pass the inspection ???

- Vikas

 

[Master ACiD]

thats why im riding around in my stratus. i fell in love with the car even though i only bought it to "flip" it as you say. the stratus has every option *^*I*^* want in a car and has nothing extra i dont want.
i couldnt bring myself to sell it. but getting hit from behind at 60mph and totaling my previous car, a protege forced my hand at keeping the stratus.

 

[01rangerxl]

Quote:

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How do you find a good running vehicle for $950 which will pass the inspection ???

- Vikas

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By catching the ad within five minutes of it hitting Craig's List.

I am starting to think that I will sell the Ranger, though I have not made up my mind yet. The Ranger has been great, but I find the Explorer's covered cargo area, 4WD, and interior very appealing. I will miss the Ranger a lot, but I can always get another one. It isn't like it is a super-rare irreplacable vehicle.

 

[Steve S]

Yes, My 70 Dodge challenger and my 79 Ford F150 with a 300 six And my totaled 92 4x4 Toy p/u "especially"

 

[rpn453]

I experienced the same thing when it came time to sell my '98 Pathfinder after getting out of the oilpatch, even though I only had it for a year and bought it exclusively as a work truck. I would have liked to keep it, but it just didn't make sense for me to keep that and my Mazda3. The seats, armrests, and steering wheel fit me perfectly, it was enjoyable to drive because of the mechanical throttle and slick shifter, and I'll definitely miss the big tires and 4x4 this winter. I spent some time on it to get it the way I wanted in terms of fluids, maintenance, stereo, interior touches, tires, etc. Financially, I'd be way ahead for a long time, possibly forever, with the Pathfinder despite the extra fuel costs, since it was worth much less and has lower insurance costs. Plus, it won't be easy for me to find a mint condition black 5-speed if I decide to get back into that sort of work. I honestly don't even like thinking about it or looking at pictures of it. That Pathfinder made me realize what a great deal used vehicles can be if you find the right one. You'd have to pay me to drive a new Pathfinder instead of that one!

 

[Ramblin Fever]

Same here, there's been many times people have told me to think about parting with my Isuzu, seeing as it has 177k miles and is 10yrs old.

But, the ---- thing runs and even looks better then 98% of other suv's on the streets; besides, like you mentioned, I've had it for so long and have been to so many places in it and come home safely, that it just would never feel right without seeing it in the yard.

Besides, the primary reason we picked THIS particular Rodeo, our late Malamute/Dalmatian mix, Lexie had been with us at the dealership 10yrs ago, jumped into the back of this truck in particular and refused to get out. She spent many many hours/weekends touring in that truck, it's like she KNEW it was the one built for our adventures.

 

[ShiningArcanine]

Sell the Explorer, fast. One of my uncles has one and he has spent more money repairing it than he did when he brought it from a Chevrolet dealer when it was new. Ignore the nice interior; you will regret keeping it later.

 

[01rangerxl]

In the 12 years this truck has been around, it has not had any major work done. The previous owner was good about keeping receipts, and there is nothing in the receipts that is a red flag. Engine and trans are very solid, untouched originals at 150,000 miles. I'm not concerned.

And why would your uncle buy a NEW Explorer from a CHEVROLET dealer?