I have a 1979 Ford F100, which once belonged to my father. Since he passed away, it's served as a backup vehicle for an array of relatives, and now it's my turn. Yesterday, I got into the truck and turned the key, and I heard a single "clunk" (not a click-click-click), as if something started moving and then froze up. I tried again, with the same result. The next time, I got a kind of whirring sound, like something spinning free. It's a continuous whirring, rather than a series of attempts to catch. Lights and radio work fine. Jumping it didn't help. I didn't try to roll it off, because I'm loathe to leave it at the bottom of the hill in my slighty sketchy neighborhood; I'll probably try that this weekend, when I can get some help. The battery is relatively new. It started easily up until yesterday. [more inside]
posted by steambadger on Mar 15, 2011 - 10 answers

I’m considering buying a used truck/SUV but I’m confused by the dizzying array of options. [more inside]
posted by fieldtrip on May 27, 2010 - 29 answers

Does buying used through an auto-broker make sense for me? [more inside]
posted by furtive on Oct 31, 2009 - 3 answers

I'm replacing the 6.5" door speakers on my 1999 Chevy S-10 (regular cab) and I have two questions. [more inside]
posted by carsonb on Feb 13, 2009 - 5 answers

What years / models of Chevy Trucks / SUVs have interchangeable (for the most part) interior mechanicals, specifically seats? [more inside]
posted by SquidLips on Jan 12, 2009 - 6 answers

Why does my uncle's 1998 V6 Toyota 4-Runner misfire at highway speeds? Last month we drove from Los Angeles to Tucson and back, and at what seemed to be random points while we were driving the engine would buck repeatedly. Once it started, it would continue at all speeds, with the engine running particularly rough at low/idle RPM. We took it in to 3 different Toyota dealerships along the way, and to it's home dealership once we got back. They were all happy to service the vehicle, but none were able to fix it and two insisted they couldn't find any problems with the vehicle. [more inside]
posted by carsonb on Jan 12, 2009 - 10 answers

Please help me figure out what's wrong with my truck. It's driving me nuts! [more inside]
posted by lysistrata on Aug 25, 2008 - 6 answers

Should I dump my SUV? I have a 2006 Expedition, I've only put 12,000 miles on it since I purchased it new. My commute is 12 miles round trip and I only drive it in the winter and when it rains in the spring and summer, I bike on all other days. My concern is two fold. First, I am currently under water on my loan and will have to come up with around $5,000 on a trade or private sale. Second, if I keep the vehicle am I effectively throwing good money after bad, will this vehicle be unsellable / undriveable in a few years. I know that my question requires some prognostication, but I would appreciate some opinions.
posted by revan on May 23, 2008 - 27 answers

Does the Hypertech Max Energy Programmer really increase fuel economy for trucks and SUVs? If so, why do auto manufacturers not simply include them in their vehicles so as to beat out the competition? [more inside]
posted by tosteka on Apr 6, 2008 - 8 answers

What should I ask the mechanic to do to get my 1995 truck running smoother again? [more inside]
posted by Mid on Jan 13, 2008 - 10 answers

Do I have any shot of fixing my 1984 Ford F150 power steering leak on my own? [more inside]
posted by true on Aug 30, 2006 - 3 answers