Cam phasers sound like a pissed off bumblebee getting tossed around in a diesel
Front suspension is damn near shot, no grinding or anything yet, just some death wobble over bumps and holes,
Slip yolk thunks around every few stop and gos,
Tires are getting sun cracks and weathered, needs a new washer fluid pump, and the back is usually so full of bullshit I can barely fit lumber in it.
Now, with that example in mind, let's go over the options at hand.
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blame the guy who owned it before me, because if he had taken better care of it I wouldn't have any problems, and then wish for it to suddenly start identifying as a brand new pickup.
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give up, sit in the driveway and watch it rust because next week it might just stop working altogether, so it's not worth the effort this week.
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realize that regardless of any of the steps taken to arrive at this point, there is a problem that is probably not going away, and start saving up for the mechanic or learning to fix it.
I thought I had figured out the right answer but based on the varied options presented by you fine folk, maybe I've missed something?
Fix it or buy another? Not picking up what you are throwing down.
These are both proactive options, but given the fiscal times, buying a new one(while arguably far more cost effective) is a large initial sum that wouldn't be feasible for most.
But, you did pick it up, just didn't notice. Neither of your offered options involved doing nothing.
Substitute the country for my pickup. It could blow up tomorrow, next week, next year, or it might just hobble on until you don't have to keep paying it with duct tape. But that doesn't mean I don't need it to get me to work, or the store, between now and it's funeral
Alternate option:
-Based on current needs and road conditions/distances involved, calculate the bare minimum of absolutely HAVE TO FIX or patch items to get to:
-Hunt for online, local dealers or small operations, friends or family, a closeby USED but in reasonable repair replacement truck....
Yes, the second part may require saving money too, and may take longer than best case to find a good fit you can afford, but I think it is the best longterm goal.