Why are new and used cars so overpriced for the average Joe?

Been searching around for a used car here in upstate NY, as my current vehicle, a 99 Ford Ranger, is literally falling apart. I'm debt free and wanted to try and keep it that way, but unfortunately I'm going to have probably take out a small loan for a vehicle.

I'd like to not have to finance anymore than 8 to 10k, because I don't have much to put down, and the place were I work is unsure as to their future.

I think I have an idea of why vehicles are so expensive, but just wanted to confirm with others, strike up a little conversation, and maybe get some options I have not yet considered. Why are new and used cars so overpriced for the average consumer?

As a debt free man making a decent income for my education and where I live, I see it very hard to save money and juggle the numbers to make a payment anymore than a couple hundred a month.

Torsion bar lift worth it?

I have a 2004 ford ranger 4x4 xlt and i don't like the way it sits. Like most other pickups its angled towards the front and i don't really like that. I have heard about twisting the torsion bars to raise the front end up, but i have no idea how to do it. So i guess my question is: Is it worth doing? Can i do it myself? And what's a safe distance to raise it? I have heard that if raised to far it can cause things to wear early. Any information on this helps a ton!

1986 ford ranger dashboard warning lights?

I have a 1986 ford ranger 4 cylinder and on the instrument cluster i can see all the light bulbs for the warning lights. The cover that actually tells you what each light is has been missing since i bought the truck used. If anyone can tell me the order of the warning lights so i can wright it down and make a chart so i know what it is when it lights up.

Which 02 sensor is the bank 1 sensor one on a 98 ranger xlt (4.0)?

I have had a check engine light on my 98 ford ranger xlt(4.0) for a while now and i'm finally getting to it. Ran it on a cheap computer and received P0133 as the code. A little research shows that its the O2 sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1.

First question, where is it located? I have had conflicting reports online saying driver side and passenger side. I'm no gear head in way shape or form but like to do the simple maint myself. I was able to find one o2 sensor on the passenger side but not sure if thats it or not.

Second question: I was able to get decent prices for the o2 sensor on Rock Auto but am completely oblivious to what o2 sensor i need… Upstream/downstream. I'm looking for to replacing both o2 sensors on that particular bank because i have read that there are 2 on the bank 1 side.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! If you need any further information to help you answer the question… Just ask and i will get back to you As soon as possible.

Is this repair worthwhile?

I have a 1994 Ford ranger pickup. It is in real good shape, only a bit of rust, and runs good. The only problem is an oil leak on the garage floor-a couple small spots on the floor every couple days.
Mechanic says one valve cover gasket is leaking, and so is the head gasket-but not as bad. He said it would be cheaper to only do the valve cover gasket, which accounts for most of the leakage, but since he has to remove the head gasket to do that, he might as well do both. What should I do? I would like to keep the truck for a few more years. Are the leaks really no problem except for the mess, or would it be better for the truck to get them fixed?

Tires on a 2009 Ford Ranger?

I'm looking at purchasing a 2009 Ford Ranger. I want decent size mud tires on it. Can I get some size information? I don't want to overkill it. Also what size XD rims would go on it. I also don't want to have to lift it any. It's 2010 extended cab 4wd, stock height.

Added (1). I meant 2009 down there at the end.

Ford Ranger dependability?

I'm looking at some Ford Rangers, 2007 to 2010. How dependable are they? How long have older rangers lasted? Looking at 60000 to 100000 miles on the odometer.