Sell it or buy a 3rd car?

[EEinNJ]

I have an '03 Ford Ranger, extended cab, 4x4, loaded, 84K miles, bought in '05 with 31k. Our other car is an '06 Miata, bought new, almost 50k miles, which I commute in. Probably 30k miles/year between them. Spouse is not working now but looking hard. Every year when winter weather approaches I think about a 4 door good winter car (last year I bought snows for the Miata instead). Likewise it would be nice to have a back seat for going out with friends, family, etc.

The truck really does get used, hauling home & garden stuff, yard sale stuff, bikes, kayaks, hunting, some rough/off road duty. But, despite the supposed reliability of this model, I've spent $5000 in the last 4 years on maintenance and repairs. Aside from the usual oil changes, new tires, major services, it's needed 4 brake jobs, front & back, and just needed a new wheel bearing. I've probably paid a premium for dealer service, too, despite coupons.

So my question is, do I keep it for utility and buy a used late model like an Altima, or cut my losses and sell it/trade for a crew cab or SUV type vehicle? Truck is worth about 7K and I'd be paying cash either way for another car.

[m3racer]

Go find yourself a reputable independent mechanic. You're getting hosed for repair costs by the stealership.

[bjl584]

I would sell it while it's still worth decent money and in good mechanical condition and get something a little newer and more reliable. You may want to consider something 3 or 4 years old in good condition. Brand name is a matter of personal preference. For every story that you hear about someone having a great experience with a vehicle there is another story out there where someone had a horrible experience with the same vehicle. I would look for signs of neglect when shopping. If possible get all of the service records. If you don't know that much about cars find a good mechanic or a friend that knows cars and take them with you. If buying from a dealer I would strongly recommmend buying the extended warranty. It will be an extra $1500 or so, but it will most likely pay for itself. This has always been the case with my vehicles.

[lovcom]

Keep the truck because you are one of the few pick up owners that actually haul something in it more then a few times a year.

Get rid of the Miata....get a bigger car to haul more friends and family.

Stay far and away from the Stealerships...they are not your friend. Most independent mechanics are crooks to but find a good one and keep him.

I'd replace the Miata with a brand new car with the notion that it is to be kept for 200,000 to 300,000 miles. Shop around and get a great deal...it's a buyers market still. If you buy Japanese, don't get the extended warranty. These cars can seat 5 and are relatively cheap and high quality:

Toyota Yaris
Hyundia (several models)
Kia (several models)
The Honda Fit is perhaps the best but you will pay $2,500 to $3,000 more then the other comparably equiped cars above.

The Ford focus line are good cars too.

If you buy used, you don't know how the prior owner/s treated the car....if you plan on keeping the new car it's entire life (burn through the full depreciation) then doing so is not a bad deal at all....better then paying less for a used IMHO, and not to mention the factory warranty, and the knowledge that there was no prior owner.