[2LZ]

The Ranger thread got me thinking....to back in the day, a bit.

We all have our preferences to different vehicles...though most of us have owned a small boatlaod, by now....of all makes, models and sizes for what your job requires, your family needs, personal taste, what have you....

Being a mechanic-by-trade for a number of my younger years (Mid-80's to mid-90's), I saw a lot of repeat issues with vehicles (of that era), over and over.
If something came rolling in, dead on a hook, there were many times you just knew what to look for.
Dead Honda or other Japanese car? Chase the timing belt, head gasket/cracked head or fuel pump.
Dead 2.8 S10 truck or Blazer? Water in the oil due to seperating intake. (Youd smell it right away)
Dead Ranger or Bronco?....and any Ford for that matter? Ignition module or fuel pump.
Dead small block Mopar V8? Timing chain if it had over 100,000.
Escort? Module, fuel pump or inertia switch.
etc....etc.....etc....

You could literally pop a hood and start pointing at repeat probable problems over enough times.

I've owned all 3 American trucks, multiple times and have had good luck with all of them.....obviously, for a bunch of reasons, I prefer the Chevy product (for now). That's just me.

Which brings me to the point of this ramble, I guess.
I know that there's obviously been other mechanics here that frequent these forums....and there was one situation we always dreaded, (probably much like a doctor, right Doc?).....that would be the gathering or party. :roll:
The second it got out that you knew how to work on cars.....here comes the questions. Mostly free advise but there was always the Big One...

"I'm getting ready to buy a new car for (me, my daughter, son, mom....). What do you, as a mechanic, suggest I look at?"

LOADED QUESTION! 8O Whatever you suggest....will undoubtedly be the biggest POS that person has EVER owned! :x

I finally found a nice safe answer.....in the form of a question.
"What have you had luck with? Buy one of those....."

I don't care if it's an MG, Rambler, Studebaker, Hudson or Packard.....buy one!

Funny though.....I've had 3 of these vehicles, truck and car....and by far, THE WORST vehicles I've ever owned....that have given me the biggest problems, dead on the side of the road, etc..... Datsun/Nissan. Even purchased brand new!
I know there are folks by the ton that swear by these vehicles but boy....they sure hate me! :evil: