Keep current truck forever or try to afford a new one every 5-10 years?

[Tomtint]

I have owned more trucks than I can count.. Probably 20 or 25 of them. Some would last a year or less and get traded. Swap it out for about 7500.00 and drive a new one. These days my truck isn't a daily driver as we have several other vehicles. Current trucks are a 202o F450 Limited dually that i bought used with 800 miles on it. Currently has about 12K and really only gets used when I'm pulling the camper. Also have a 17 F450 4x4 dump that I bought new..Has about 13K on it now. And a 1999 F150 that I bought used from a friend...And have dumped about 15K into it at this point..It has 185K on it now and if I can get it to go to 250K..Ill call it a wash. Cars, trucks etc.. Basically you are going to have a car payment or a repair bill..Pick your poison.

 

[stumblinhorse]

I guess that I have two conflicting thoughts. I would get a disposable vehicle if you want newer safety features like airbags and anti-skid.

If the '69 is in reasonable condition, especially body condition, I suspect that it will be cheaper to keep that one in good running condition compared to the cost of an errand vehicle, especially as you have several other vehicles if '69 needs to be down for a week due to parts.

All the best,

Peter

The only thing about the 69 is it is 2 wheel drive. And my errand vehicle will need to go in the snow sometimes. But in the summer is is good to go for sure.

Anything after 2000 has all the safety features I need I think. At 8000 ft above sea level the carb on the 69 is the only other bad thing.

 

[stumblinhorse]

As I read the end of your first paragraph I thought "Wouldn't it be nice to have the '69." Then read the last line...
I would love to buy it but it's worth more than I could afford.

If it was a 69 C10 in the same condition it would be worth 10 times what it is. People think the sweptline trucks were ugly. I am ugly too.

 

[stumblinhorse]

I think it’s a decent philosophy. Just remember, Cummins trucks with DPF/DEF need to be run HARD fairly regularly or they will suffer issues. Pre-emissions, not so much.

Also depends on how old you are, how much longer you intend to drive.

I think from my genetics I got a good 10 years left in me…. So not too long to own the 2016.

 

[ponytug]

The only thing about the 69 is it is 2 wheel drive. And my errand vehicle will need to go in the snow sometimes. But in the summer is is good to go for sure.

Anything after 2000 has all the safety features I need I think. At 8000 ft above sea level the carb on the 69 is the only other bad thing.

I hear you about 4WD. We live on steep roads, and the steep roads and snow/ice really alter one's perspective on what is safe/driveable. On the other hand, the right tires and loading can make an enormous difference. I had a two wheel drive Ford focus that was amazing in several inches of snow; it just floated on top of the snow and had great control. It didn't have the ground clearance of a 4WD truck, but it was always rock steady.

Shade tree conversion of the '69 to 4WD?

All the best,

Peter

 

[stumblinhorse]

I hear you about 4WD. We live on steep roads, and the steep roads and snow/ice really alter one's perspective on what is safe/driveable. On the other hand, the right tires and loading can make an enormous difference. I had a two wheel drive Ford focus that was amazing in several inches of snow; it just floated on top of the snow and had great control. It didn't have the ground clearance of a 4WD truck, but it was always rock steady.

Shade tree conversion of the '69 to 4WD?

All the best,

Peter

It only costs about $1k a year to own, all in maintenance, insurance and registration. So I need to make more room in my shop for it and think long and hard about it this summer.

 

[Jstpssng]

View attachment 795845
If it was a 69 C10 in the same condition it would be worth 10 times what it is. People think the sweptline trucks were ugly. I am ugly too.

My first 4 wheel vehicle was a '67 stepside with a slant six auto. The shifter was on the dash. I stll have the front end someplace... you never know when you might need a trailer axle.

The 318 was one of the best engines of it's time; not as fast as the 340, but tough as nails. Yours is still running... testament to how good they were. About the only thing I would change is the drum brakes on front.

 

[stumblinhorse]

My first 4 wheel vehicle was a '67 stepside with a slant six auto. The shifter was on the dash. I stll have the front end someplace... you never know when you might need a trailer axle.

The 318 was one of the best engines of its time; not as fast as the 340, but tough as nails. Yours is still running... testament to how good they were. About the only thing I would change is the drum brakes on front.

Every-time I go to do disc, I think, “this doesn’t stop too bad at all” and don’t spend the money. I have new drum cylinders for every corner that I picked up a few years ago for when I think I need to upgrade something. In the city it is down right terrifying with how close people drive now, 50 years after this truck was made.

 

[Jstpssng]

Every-time I go to do disc, I think, “this doesn’t stop too bad at all” and don’t spend the money. I have new drum cylinders for every corner that I picked up a few years ago for when I think I need to upgrade something. In the city it is down right terrifying with how close people drive now, 50 years after this truck was made.

I remember the only time that I took mine on the interstate. I was driving the speed limit or slightly over when some idgit passed me... then cut across in front of me to use the exit ramp. I don't recall what happened but I didn't hit them or otherwise wreck, so the brakes couldn't have been that bad.

 

[scaredychicken]

I drive a '93 Silverado C2500 pick-up OBS. It does everything I need for now. I cringe a the cost of new trucks, so the 30 yr old one is fine for me. only 169,000 kms (purchased for $2500 Cdn, in 2016)