Can you help me with expensive decision??

[Travelover]

............. This consideration would fall into that area, but I have some uneasy feelings about the economy and want to maximize my retirement and investments such that with continued planning and some grace I can retire or modify my work schedule on schedule. ............John M

It is pretty darn nice to be in a position to either flat out retire early or to take on a lower stress job, or even start a new business, knowing that you have all your basic living expenses covered.

I mention it because when we are working it is easy to get caught up in the "nose to the grindstone and spending most of what we earn" mode. Once you realize what you are trading away (financial independence), the toys start to seem a lot more expensive.

 

[jcmseven]

Amen. I do not mean to imply that we are wealthy people, we are not. My wife and I both have good jobs and we have made it somewhat of a priority to prepare for retirement, etc. Like all of us, I feel at times when could and should do more, but when we figure our pathway in this regard we are close on track. For me it is a delicate balancing act. I was an only child and watched my parents squeeze every nickel despite having good jobs themselves, only to pay more tax and ultimately grow old and somewhat feeble without having really gone anywhere or had many of the things they may have wanted to enjoy when they were able. I vowed not to be that way, but keeping things in the middle is very important. I have found that as I get older myself, I still am a gearhead and enjoy looking and at times buying those nice things, but I can now talk myself out of getting things I really do not need as opposed to when I was younger.

John M

 

[tony Cecil]

Generations are different, and I do agree with you to `enjoy ` life along the way....One thing the older generation had was a sense of sacrifice that enriched their life....At heart you have your priorities understood....I congratulate you....Still discipline is warranted when `messing` around with depreciable assets....Tony

 

[timswi]

John,

I bought a 2011 GMC 6.2 1/2 ton 4x4 that is almost a ringer for a Denali. Got is for 20K less than the real thing (doesn't have all of the toys). Put over 50% down so it's digestable and it's the first new vehicle I've ever owned. It is a real live screamer too

I agree that $64K is a really big number. $55K chased me away from a 2011 DMAX. No regrets here.

I still dump a ton into retirement and savings and my 9 year old house is almost paid off. As long as all family and future obligations are handled without any pain, do what you want.

It all really depends on how liquid you are. If things are even a remote concern now, stay on the inexpensive side of the equation.

What's the point of collecting lint your entire life? Within you own capacity there should be a little enjoyment for the effort that you put in. All within reason of course. No debt is outstanding, but that isn't always practical.

All things in moderation.

 

[jcmseven]

So how do you like the 6.2L half ton? Does it perform as you expected??

John

 

[timswi]

So how do you like the 6.2L half ton? Does it perform as you expected??

John

Love it and it really runs...Due to the weather, I haven't towed with it yet. Gets around 17MPG in a 50% mix of highway and local..Same as my 04 5.3.

I'm very happy with it. Not even close to the same thing as the 04 and I really liked that.

Towing will tell the story with the 3:42's (stupid CAFE laws). The 6 speed should help..Tons of zip in this thing. Lighting up the back tires is a no brainer.

Rides really nice and is very comfortable as far as trucks go. I have leather, which I'm not a fan of.

So far so good.

There is a thread about my torture of buying this ...Titled something like "Back to GMC Shopping". A few pages deep by now.

 

[bdeboer]

From what I have read the Ford has a two way pump that sends the Urea to the engine from the tank then returns what is left in the line and injector after the reign process. This prevents freezing in the line. The tank is heated and will not allow a reign to happen till the temp of the Urea is something like 38 deg and is monitored by the computer. If the temp is too low it will just wait to do a reign when the temp is above the threshold.

I can not find any info on the GM system but by guess is its not as sophisticated as the Fords and thus the issues. Either trying to reign while the fluid is cold or frozen or just leaving it in the line where it can never get heated again.

Chris

I haven't read the details on how it works, although someone did say the 2012 tank will get a larger in tank heater. There is also problem with how it senses (or calculates) urea level that has caused some software updates/frustration. I have been following a few threads on the urea over at dieselplace mostly out of curiousity.

 

[deerefan]

Love it and it really runs...Due to the weather, I haven't towed with it yet. Gets around 17MPG in a 50% mix of highway and local..Same as my 04 5.3.

I'm very happy with it. Not even close to the same thing as the 04 and I really liked that.

Towing will tell the story with the 3:42's (stupid CAFE laws). The 6 speed should help..Tons of zip in this thing. Lighting up the back tires is a no brainer.

Rides really nice and is very comfortable as far as trucks go. I have leather, which I'm not a fan of.

So far so good.

There is a thread about my torture of buying this ...Titled something like "Back to GMC Shopping". A few pages deep by now.

JCM, Timswi was the poster I was thinking of. His truck is really nice. Good decision you are making, esp. if you go to a 1/2 ton. I just made this transition. I traded my 2006 F250 Lariat 4x4 for a 2011 1/2 ton Chevy Z71. Cut my notes by $100, cut my oil changes $60 and fuel fill ups by $20. My insurance went down some too and now I am driving a brand new truck with 5yr/100k mile warranty that is cheaper to own, maintain and repair.

 

[jcmseven]

Well folks, I just bought a new vehicle.....for my wife. As was aptly pointed out in the responses my wife's able-bodied but high mileage car was the target of potential replacement since we use her vehicle to make long trips. So, I have not traded for myself, something I am happy to report. At times I get a little sweaty at night thinking of the 2011 GMC Denali diesel sitting there at the dealer beckoning me, but I am able to go back to sleep most times.

On a side note, I did price a 1500 GMC Denali pickup since, as mentioned, my needs have changed somewhat since I bought my diesel. I have not driven one, but it came in at just under $49000 OTD (not that much cheaper than a diesel one and a little high to me). I know nothing of these gas trucks, but the service manager at the dealership indicated to me I would be disappointed if I were used to diesel power (even with the 6.2L since he reports it continues to have the 3.42 ratio). I have gotten contrary opinions here on the forum. In addition, I (gulp) even looked at a Toyota due to the CrewMax cab. I know nothing about them either except a couple of my buddies have them and like theirs and they have more back seat room than my GMC does. I have seen Ford's videos showing the frame flex, etc., but wonder how much of that is marketing. The truth is since I have sold a lot of my larger equipment secondary to my parents selling off much of their property where I needed it, I have become a 1/2 ton needer in a 3/4 ton truck. I am quite pleased with my current ride, but wonder if I could get adequate use with less operating cost from a 1/2 ton.

John M

 

[smstonypoint]

Well folks, I just bought a new vehicle.....for my wife.

In addition, I (gulp) even looked at a Toyota due to the CrewMax cab. I know nothing about them either except a couple of my buddies have them and like theirs and they have more back seat room than my GMC does.

John M

John,

So, what did you buy for your wife?

I didn't realize that Tundras were an object of scorn. Perhaps I shouldn't admit it in public, but I have an 05 that I like.

Steve

 

[jcmseven]

Steve, we bought her another MDX Acura. We have had four of them over the years and have gotten great service from each. They are compact, but big enough to take trips in and drive well. Good general fuel economy also and they will tow up to 5000 pounds. As for the Tundra, there is no scorn but sometimes those that own them here get a little grief (good natured). Don't know if its the same in Alexander Co.

John M

 

[jcmseven]

I should say four including this one.....three before.

John M

 

[tnjind]

64k for a pickup????????

Do people really pay that?

 

[tony Cecil]

I think you did the right thing..As for yourself, when your turn comes, I would suggest you get what you want...If it is a sixty thousand dollar truck--so be it-- Tony

 

[Diamondpilot]

You made the right move. I always want to make sure my children and other half is in the best and safest possible transportation I can afford. You now have the wear out dates staggered evenly on both vehicles so you can alternate every 5-6 years and get something new for one of you.


Smart choice.:thumbsup:


Chris

 

[jcmseven]

Thanks, most times I come around. I'm a little slow, so it takes me a while to process what I need to do.

John M

 

[Todd_C]

On a side note, I did price a 1500 GMC Denali pickup since, as mentioned, my needs have changed somewhat since I bought my diesel. I have not driven one, but it came in at just under $49000 OTD (not that much cheaper than a diesel one and a little high to me). I know nothing of these gas trucks, but the service manager at the dealership indicated to me I would be disappointed if I were used to diesel power (even with the 6.2L since he reports it continues to have the 3.42 ratio). I have gotten contrary opinions here on the forum. In addition, I (gulp) even looked at a Toyota due to the CrewMax cab. I know nothing about them either except a couple of my buddies have them and like theirs and they have more back seat room than my GMC does. I have seen Ford's videos showing the frame flex, etc., but wonder how much of that is marketing. The truth is since I have sold a lot of my larger equipment secondary to my parents selling off much of their property where I needed it, I have become a 1/2 ton needer in a 3/4 ton truck. I am quite pleased with my current ride, but wonder if I could get adequate use with less operating cost from a 1/2 ton.

I have a 2010 Tundra DC 4x4 and I feel the Ford bash on the frame flex was a publicity stunt. Yes the Tundra's frame will flex but there is a lengthy discusion on Tundra Solutions about this same issue. Toyota designed the frame to flex instead of crack. I'm not even going to argue about who makes the best truck because it's all about personal preference and bias. I can tell you that my Toyota has one of the smoothest powertrain packages on the market. Just test drive one and decide for yourself. I love Chevy and have owned several. I sold my Dodge 2500 CTD 4x4 and got a gas truck because I just do not need a diesel. I loved the Dodge and I was told that the truck would fall apart because it was a Dodge, but the Cummins would last forever. I never had a single issue with the truck. As far as towing 9k pounds of trailer, tractor, and accessories, I have towed this now with a 2001 Silverado Z71 5.3 with 3.73 gears, a 2007 Silverado 2500 Dmax with the Ally tranny, a 2007 Dodge 5.9 CTD 2500, and a 2010 Tundra 5.7. The Chevy 5.3 did not pull this weight well and the Tundra tows as well as the diesels. I don't know if this would be true with more weight but I don't tow anything over 9k pounds.

I just got back from a boar hunt in Arcadia Florida this weekend. I took my Tundra and I followed a friend with his 2007 Ford F-150 5.4 liter. We had both trucks loaded with gear and people and I averaged 17.9mpg and he was getting 16.9 mpg. I also noticed that the Tundra would pull away from the F 150 going up I-77 in NC and this is where the Ford used a lot more fuel than the Tundra. I tried to find a 6.2 Chevy in late 2010 but none of the local dealers had one, so I went with the Tundra. Take a few hours and test drive both and see what you like. The Chevy does have a nicer interior in my opinion. Good Luck.

 

[Charlesaf3]

love my Toyota Crewmax. A number of my friends who were Ford/GM guys dumped theirs for Toyota after playing with mine. And one owns a bobcat rental yard and delivers with it on occasion - he thinks it out-tows his 250 and 2500 without question (I can't really speak to the towing myself).

I use it as a daily driver, in the city, with no complaints. My wife hates to drive it though.

 

[Builder]

Well folks, I just bought a new vehicle.....for my wife. As was aptly pointed out in the responses my wife's able-bodied but high mileage car was the target of potential replacement since we use her vehicle to make long trips. So, I have not traded for myself, something I am happy to report. At times I get a little sweaty at night thinking of the 2011 GMC Denali diesel sitting there at the dealer beckoning me, but I am able to go back to sleep most times.

On a side note, I did price a 1500 GMC Denali pickup since, as mentioned, my needs have changed somewhat since I bought my diesel. I have not driven one, but it came in at just under $49000 OTD (not that much cheaper than a diesel one and a little high to me). I know nothing of these gas trucks, but the service manager at the dealership indicated to me I would be disappointed if I were used to diesel power (even with the 6.2L since he reports it continues to have the 3.42 ratio). I have gotten contrary opinions here on the forum. In addition, I (gulp) even looked at a Toyota due to the CrewMax cab. I know nothing about them either except a couple of my buddies have them and like theirs and they have more back seat room than my GMC does. I have seen Ford's videos showing the frame flex, etc., but wonder how much of that is marketing. The truth is since I have sold a lot of my larger equipment secondary to my parents selling off much of their property where I needed it, I have become a 1/2 ton needer in a 3/4 ton truck. I am quite pleased with my current ride, but wonder if I could get adequate use with less operating cost from a 1/2 ton.

John M

I think you made the right decision. From what you have posted in the past, you drive a lot of miles, right? That in itself is a good reason to own a diesel. They have respectable highway fuel mileage. I think you would have eaten too much in depreciation to offset your lower operating cost of a 1/2 ton. Up here, used HD's get the highest resale value of the big 3, but you're in a different region. I bet your current HD runs like a top for 200K miles since it'll be living an easy life with you at the wheel.

 

[beppington]

In my 20's I bought a brand new car about every two years. And loved every minute of it.

In my early 30's I finally paid one of them off, just happened to like it that much, & after about 3 months couldn't believe how my checking account had grown ... bright light blub went off in head.

My now early 40's self isn't overly pleased that my 20's self wasted all that money. But it's water under the bridge now.