Which car??

[Z06killinSBF]

Beware, lots of rambling!!!

I currently own a 97' S10 with a 2.2L 4 banger 5 speed. Nothing impressive about the truck. I've done some custom interior work and a nice stereo. I had it lowered but took it all off with plans to regain some $$. I've yet to sell it. It's a great beat around truck but I've taken it on a few road trips and it really beats you up. Bumpy ride, buzzes, tons of wind noise. It does get an average of 25mpg regardless of how I drive it.

Plan 1) Keep the truck and fix it up. Do a mild drop with parts I already have and rebuild suspension, get some Soft 8's in 17's and finish up the interior and paint it.

Plan 2) Get a gen 1 or 2 Taurus SHO (must sell truck first) and do just minor mods (bushings, stereo and sound deadning). These get about 25mpg from what I've read and handle amazing.

I like having the truck do to it's handiness and its been fairly maintenance free. It does need some TLC as stated above. Being a single cab it is on the small side and I have a little one on the way so it would be nice to have a back seat. I really like the SHO's and they are fairly reasonably priced. The SHO would also make a better highway cruiser. Finding a NICE Sho puts them in the $4k range, about 2k more than what I could get from selling my truck (I guess). I really want a nice DD that is quick and fun to drive.

I guess what I'm saying is, do I keep my useful truck and deal with it's issues over time (still doesn't have a back seat) or ditch the truck and save some $$ and get the SHO?

[DartorDemon]

JMO, why not look for say an ext. cab S10? Then you can just use those single cab parts you had before and have the back seat as well.

[The Stickman]

The best plan would be to get a 4 door 2wd Blazer. It will have a better wheelbase and better weight distribution. You will be able to make it handle and perform cheaply and have all the room you need.

[Ash]

How much of a hindrance is it gonna be with the newborn? How often will the little'in be riding in it?
If not that often, I say keep the truck. It's paid for, reliable, and you know the issues that need to be addressed. The 2WD Blazer sounds good too, what fuel economy can be expected Stickman?

[Z06killinSBF]

Honestly not much but if I'm home alone with the little one I can't go anywhere. It's not that big of a deal and my parents live close by. I've been looking at suspension rebuild kits today and some other things for the truck.

[The Stickman]

How much of a hindrance is it gonna be with the newborn? How often will the little'in be riding in it?
If not that often, I say keep the truck. It's paid for, reliable, and you know the issues that need to be addressed. The 2WD Blazer sounds good too, what fuel economy can be expected Stickman?

With the 4 door it's easier for getting in and out of esspecially with a newborn and a baby seat. Gas mileage should actually be fairly decent. I got around 30 with a pick up and the 4.3L 5 spd and 3.08 gears. now that also depends on how you drive and that was the lighterweight pick up. But I don't see mid 20's being out of the question with a 2wd. The 2 door will be a bit more twitching and on the edge than the 4 door simply because of the short wheelbase.