Tough decision. Thoughts, opinions?

I have a 96 RC tacoma 5 speed 4 wheel drive, 165,000 miles. Runs great, no mechanical issues. Has rust along the top of the windshield.

Here's my issue. I will probably be moving several states away soon. My tacoma can't tow a big enough trailer to haul all my junk.

So, I found a 06 F150 RC, 8 cylinder long bed with 102,000 miles, 2wd, nice shape, for $5500. I'm really thinking about selling my truck and getting the ford. Or, I can rent a big penske or whatever and a car trailer and haul the tacoma.

My roof rust is getting serious, if I don't sell I will have to repair soon. Any thoughts or advice?

 

Sell. But try for a lower mileage ford.

 

Kinda the way I'm leaning. It seems like there's a few of these base model no option Fords around, and that's what I want- manual everything and vinyl interior.

 

I mean, if you're not willing to fix the rust or don't want to deal with it, I'd say go try the Ford. However, I have no idea how these Fords work or how reliable they really are, so staying under 100k miles would be my goal. The last thing you want to do is break down while towing your crap to your new house. I'd test drive a few fords and see how they run.

I have a friend that bought his F150 from a junk yard, great condition and has over 250k miles on it and it runs amazing. Bought it for 2 grand. He has a few things wrong with it, like no AC and electrical problems, but the engine runs fine still.

 

I know, I know. I struggled along with 2wd for many years. It's just that all the full size 4wd trucks in decent shape I have looked at were out of my price range.

 

It's possible. I was laid off last November and have been working a pretty low paying job since then so finances are pretty tight. But if it means finding a better deal, I should probably widen my search radius.

 

Yeah, that's the thing. I have some good job prospects which is why I am probably moving. Since my toyota still runs great, I could just haul it with me and keep it or sell it or whatever once I get there.

I just hate the idea of paying probably close to $1000 for a moving truck and trailer. But I am fond of the ol' rust bucket...

 

How much are you moving and how far? I once used a giant Uhaul and moved all my stuff then took the train back and drove my car.

 

Not a bad idea. I really don't need a full size truck except for this. I think I will either tow the tacoma or do what you did.

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

 

Could always have a buddy follow you in the truck and buy him a ticket back.

 

Make sure that Ford has had its spark plugs replaced once. That generation of F150s with the 3-valve V8s have two-piece spark plugs where the lower piece likes to break off and get stuck in the head due to carbon buildup... There are various extractor tools available but you'll still be paying more money than usual for a tuneup as a result.