x2 on the last two posts. Escapes or Mariners aren't terribly expensive, and even FWD models with GOOD tires will get you through lots of snow with a little prudence.

 

I would steer away from a truck as a first vehicle unless I could really justify it. My first vehicle was a truck, and I found out that even smaller trucks can get expensive. Trucks are meant to work for a living, if all they are doing is getting you around town, they are just gas guzzling resource wasting beasts. Since you are going to school, the cost of ownership is gonna be a huge factor. How are you supposed to buy books or pay for tuition, if you can barely pay to keep your tank filled? A 30+ mpg vehicle would be better, as far as your stuff, how much stuff you need? Simplificate and add lightness. If you really need a lot of stuff, rent a moving van. In the long run that will cost you less than the cost of fuel in a pickup that you don't need. If you really do need the 4wd, which I don't think you do, get a Subaru or a small SUV like a RAV4 or Escape. In the long run, they will be more affordable, and the lower the cost of living, the more you can be prepared for college, and the higher your grades will tend to be, setting you up for a much better life.

Besides, I see lots of 4WDs off the side of the road. The problem is not going, its stopping, and 4WD helps little with that. Snow tires make a much bigger difference.

 

I'd pass, I paid $550 for mine from a guy I work with. It had lots of work done to it, and I found it needed some additional things I didn't see when I bought it. Parts are cheap though compared to newer stuff and it is relatively easy to work on, if you got tools and skills. now I just need more time to work on it.

 

Since the primary use for a truck would be to haul goods to college what about doing a one way rental of a van etc? It would serve it's purpose and you wouldn't have to deal with repairs, insurance etc once you land there.

 

Since a primary use of the truck is to take things back and forth to school, a cap will give you weather protection as well as security. Since your parents want you to have a truck for hauling, perhaps they would pay for a cap or at least help pay for one.

If you go the rental route, consider a daily rate with you returning to trailer from the place that rented it to you. One way rentals get expensive.

Another thought in regard to the rust in the engine. One problem with the 2.9 engine is that it is prone to cracking heads if it is run with a low coolant level. Before buying this truck, I would recommend having the cooling system checked out by a mechanic that specializes in diagnosing cooling system problems. That problem concerns me.

By the way, how many miles are on this truck?

 

Re-read post one. Why anyone would read that description and continue to consider this vehicle is beyond me. There are tons of good used vehicles available. Sure, you can always buy a rolling total like this POS for less, but iirc, the object here is to have safe, secure, reliable transportation. Nothing about this vehicle suggests it meets any of those criteria.

 

I have to vote with most of the other people here. Both freeze plugs AND heater core gone? Sounds to me like someone didn't use the proper antifreeze or high enough ratio, and it had either frozen or had no corrosion protection. That would make it far from being a "good" engine. I remember what it was like being your age, I would look at most any car and go "I can fix this, that...." But this is when patience really is a virtue!

 

[QUOTE=neumayr83;10401349]First of all, I am 17 and I'm on the search for my first truck. Today I went and looked at a 1986 Ford Ranger. It has the 2.9L V6 with a 5 speed manual transmission. This truck is far from pretty, it is a rust bucket. The heater core doesn't work and the freeze plugs need to be replaced. He said he is going to replace those himself though. The paint is pretty much gone on the hood and top of cab. The tailgate is beaten up and has no hinge. The front right fender has been smashed and the grille is cracked. There is a dent on the bed the size of a basketball. The interior is thrashed, the bench seat either needs to be reupholstered or trashed and replaced. The roof is ripped up. The front two tires will be needing to be replaced soon. But, the engine and transmission are great! Its a really smooth ride. It's priced at $750 but he said he will go as low as $500. Any feedback if this a good deal or let it pass.
Too many probs with this truck. I gather that it is a 4x4, so ok one plus. Every thing else says no-go [nova]. A trashed truck is still a trashed truck. Salt turns all vehicals into rustpiles sooner or later, and this truck sounds like it falls into the sooner catagory
keep looking