'88 Comanche..Cheap at Twice the Price

by Robin Camp
(Cocoa ,Florida USA)

I bought the 1988 Comanche Pioneer pickup from a co-worker for $400.00. It had sat unattended for about seven years, so about $2500.00 later it was road worthy with new tires, (the old ones had dry rotted), new brakes, master cylinder, alternator, water pump, power steering pump + labor.

It ran great and would go anywhere I pointed it, until I drove off into a puddle deeper than the hood. Water entered the engine and blew out a chunk of the block, the size of my hand. $1000.00 later and a new short block, its back on the road, or off the road, as needed. Yet for $4000.00 invested, its still a pretty good deal.

When not off the road, I drive it to work, (18.5 mpg).


Larry's Comment: Darn those engines! They don't like water in their cylinders. Still sounds like a lot of fun even for 4 grand invested. Thanks Robin.