To Trade or Not to Trade?

[Yspecv19]

Hello all! I cant remember if I ever introduced myself but I've been browsing the forums for some time.

So here is my delema:

I currently own an 04 Ranger(Auto,4.0L, 81k miles). Mechanically, it is in pretty good shape. I've owned it about a 1 1/2 years and have been through it pretty thoroughly in that time. Now the body and bed are not as clean. There are some pretty serious rust issues going on. Nothing neccesarily visible from the exterior but underneath is getting pretty rough including bed and cab floors(from the North East).

Now, I just came across an individual that is willing to trade straight up for a 2000 Ranger(Manual, 3.0L, 153k miles). Now obviously its 4 years older and has considerably more miles, but body wise it's in much better shape. Only one small patch of rust on the bed floor and two small holes around the radiator. A few other small spots of surface rust that can be easily taken care of. Cab floor and frame are in good shape and engine has had regular maintenance.

Would it be worth trading for the older truck with higher mileage but better condition or try to limp mine along and hope it doesn't fall apart going down the road?

Thanks for any input!!

 

[Ranger850]

Trading your rig, for an older, more miles rig with less rust? Not worth it imo, just keep the newer truck you have, and fix that rust. There is a reason your buddy wants to get rid of his truck.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Trading your rig, for an older, more miles rig with less rust? Not worth it imo, just keep the newer trick you have, and fix that rust. There is a reason your buddy wants to get rid of his truck.

You cant get replacement sheet metal for a newer truck as readily as you can for an older one.

Things like replacement floor pans don't exist.

 

[97RangerXLT]

83k on a great working truck... for 153k on a good looking truck...

I would hold onto yours. As posted above, fix the rust that you can, or if it is to the point of no return/ safety hazard, keep an eye out for a clean truck with extremely high mileage or blown engine transmission and swap your engine/ transmission/ axles into it. you may have to go south a few states (or half a dozen states) and get one there and ship it home, but that would be the route I would do.

AJ