Because I’m nuts, the thought of renting a car to return from Reno on Monday to my home in SoCal is driving me insane. I think it would be WAY more fun if Otis and I made the trip in something that we bought for the same amount as the rental would cost. At least then we’d have something to destroy once we got home. And an adventure to share with all of you. I mean who wouldn’t want to do this? Right?
Okay so here is the deal. I’m selling my 2004 Suburban, aka Project Bimbo, to my brother and his family who live in the Reno area. They are short on time getting ready for a big vacation trip so I decided I would save them the time of coming down here by instead bring the Sub to them. I figured Otis and I could cruise along and stop for photo ops and then hang out with them for a day and tour Lake Tahoe. Then Monday I can rent a car and head for home. On the way back we can either take our time and do the 9 hour drive in 2 days while seeing what adventures we can have with the rental, or we can just hot lap it home in one and save about $100 in rental car fees.
OR WE COULD DO SOMETHING WAY MORE FUN BUT TOTALLY CRAZY!
Yeah, like scouring Craigslist, Offerup, and LetGo for a car that costs us $300 or less that we think just might make the drive home! What could possibly go wrong here!
So there are several options, none of them great I might add, but we’re really just not sure what to choose.
The top three at the moment include a T-Bird, which needs a battery and probably an alternator. I hate these cars. Which is either a reason not to get it, or a reason to get it because thrashing it by jumping it or lighting it on fire will be epic fun.
Next up is a 1984 Toyota Tercel 4×4 which makes it an off-road MACHINE!!! It is arguably the most reliable choice of all that I’ve found, although I have zero care in the world about one. But it is 4 wheel drive!
Finally there is this Ford Ranger. I hate Fords. I have vowed to never own one. Well not one that isn’t a Pinto, Maverick, or Fox Body that is. This Ranger is listed as running and driving great but having a freeze plug leak in the back of the block. Is it something a can of Lucas super radiator sauce will fix? Or is water flowing out of it like a spigot? I’m waiting on the seller to let me know. This one has the most potential for big jumps and excitement. But it is a Ford Ranger which makes it suck.
Ugh.
What would you choose? Or am I completely out of my mind for even considering this? Should I seek medical attention for the voices inside my head who keep telling me to do this kind of thing?
If the rear freeze plug is leaking on that Ranger I would stay away. Probably a 2.5 4 banger, have to pull the trans and flywheel to get at it. Not a easy fix! Like your idea of buying and thrashing, been there done that. Twice worked great, 1st time sucked big. threw a rod 50 miles from home. Had to call the wife to come get us . Still hear about it. Good luck!
Chad if you do this make sure you post the story w/ pics so we can laugh along with you!
The Tercel is by far the most interesting and as you said, likely to survive. But here’s a notion, rather than wasting a perfectly good vehicle, have some fun, take some photos, write the piece, then sell it when you get home. Maybe even make a few bucks, once upon a time being a “magazine car” used to increase a cars worth, right?
Or heck, ditch the scratch and donate it to a local school, could inspire some Jesse Pinkman into becoming a technician instead of a cook…
Could be an amazing end to a timeless story.
Good god, what has sobriety done to me?
Go with the T-bird. I agree with Brett though. Dont destroy whatever you get. Theres enough of that nonsense already in the world. Good luck Chad!
Those T-Birds are so boring you’ll probably fall asleep at the wheel.
A ranger leaking water and crossing the socal desert in summer? Great idea dude!
I would likely go with the tercel in this case because the thing would be a blast to beat on over the dirt roads and places you can find on the way home.
I’m with ya on the distain for Fords.How ever if your intent is distuction.Then go with the Toyota.Beat it hard on the way home.Get it home and call Fred from dirt every day. They could get you your $ back for some silly 4×4 project
Why do I get the feeling one of these cars MUST DIE?
Wow, all three options and you hate them already?
Don’t be dumb. Just take a rental and get home without fighting unfamiliar crap the whole way. Maybe try renting a Ford, and that’ll give you a chance to get over the childish brand loyalty.
Buy a car that is sellable so you may end up not paying anything! Maybe even make a few bucks!
Clearly the Ranger. It’s the most likely to break down in a lousy spot, and that is where great stories begin. So for the benefit of us readers get the Ranger so that we can read your tale of prolonged misery, woe, and heat stroke.
I’m digging the concept, looking forward to reading about your purchase and adventures. As others have suggested don’t destroy whatever you purchase…try to get it home and then either sell or donate it.
Given your options and the fact that you have a desert drive ahead I’d go with the Toyota.
Good luck!
What would I buy?….a plane ticket!
TBird, Tercel, Ranger. In that order. I’m liking the idea of donating it to the local high school, but going full Mad Max on any of them would be a blast. No destruction until they have been flogged of every bit of life left in them though!
Buy the Tercel, take an easy ride back. Give it a good once over, detail it.. and sell for profit.