I need some advice-keep or sell 80, or 100?

[monteburns]

I need some good advice from cruiserdudes.

We've got a baby coming in less than a month. This will be our third child. Yes, they are all 4 and under and they are all boys.

So here's the dilemma: Our 94 Cruiser has 170K on it. We've had it for over five years. It seems that I'm spending more time than I'd like doing repairs. The cruiser still seems to be in good shape, but I don't know how much I'm going to have to put into it over the next year or two.

Here is what currently wrong:
I can't get that damn code 71 to clear. I've replaced all parts to the egr except for the valve itself, which tests out as fine.

Just the other day, the front drive shaft started squealing like a pig at low acceleration. I don't even know if this is the drive shaft or the u-joints or what. I thought it was the brakes, but the pads have plenty left on them all the way around.

The head gasket has not been replaced and I don't know if/when that will come up.

We rarely go wheeling any more.

So, do I sell off my 94? If I keep it, how much $ can I plan on putting into it? If I do keep it, how long will it go and can I be reasonably assured that it will be safe and reliable?

The other option is to sell it and get a 100 series. I don't have a ton of money and will likely have to get an older 100 with around 100K miles. So, I may be facing the same issues with that in a year or so. I know the 100 series is smoother with a lot more upgrades that seem family friendly. However, 15,000 is a lot more than 2,000 bucks into our current cruiser.

BTW, wife refuses a minivan, only wants cruiser.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Lka1988]

Originally Posted by monteburns

BTW, wife refuses a minivan, only wants cruiser.

Full-size van?







I got nothin'.

[bhmmapping]

Originally Posted by monteburns

It seems that I'm spending more time than I'd like doing repairs.

It sounds to me like you have answered your own question. It is a 14 yr old vehicle and it isn't getting any newer, so something will always pop up that needs maintenance.

[peepers]

get rid of it. the 100 series is much more your speed IMHO. the rear AC vents will be great for the kids. the bigger engine will haul the additional weight better especially when loaded with road trip gear.

make the decision and dont look back.

the only reason i sound so adamant is that i am in the same boat and would love to do what you are doing but i have way too much $$$$ into the 80 so i must keep it. i would LOVE a nice smooth running 100 series!

[pint]

Originally Posted by peepers

get rid of it. the 100 series is much more your speed IMHO. the rear AC vents will be great for the kids. the bigger engine will haul the additional weight better especially when loaded with road trip gear.

make the decision and dont look back.

the only reason i sound so adamant is that i am in the same boat and would love to do what you are doing but i have way too much $$$$ into the 80 so i must keep it. i would LOVE a nice smooth running 100 series!

It sounds too me like the 100 is the way to go as well. They are great vehicles. I have driven one the last 50K with no major issues. Similar to the 80 series, they are very well built. Look for one with all the service records as the 90K service is costly. I would recommend a 2000 or newer if possible due to the added safety features of VSC and ATRAC since it will spend a lot of time hauling kids. The rear air is great and the seat heaters are hard to go without once you've had them! The 80 is an amazing vehicle, but the 100 series has proven to be as well. Bye the way, the V8 is awesome!

[agomez]

go with the upgrade you will not be sorry....also do not be afraid of higher mileage 100's