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

[deserteagle71]

When the marketing people get their collective heads out of their butts, and make a simple, durable, 25-30 MPG, easy to repair, no frills truck, two door, with an 8 foot bed, that can tow 6,000 LBs, I'd be back in the market to buy one.... But no one is making one. They aren't even trying to.

Thing to remember is that "easy to repair" doesn't apply to any new vehicle, if anyone is contemplating buying one. I have to laugh at those guys who tell me they won't buy a turbocharged V6 because they want that good 'old V8 like daddy used to drive. If they'd done their research they would know that the newer V8 are NOTHING like the old Ford 302 or the small block Chevy 350 or the Dodge 360. Ever heard of cam phasers? Water pumps that are internal, inside the engine? Cylinder deactivation? I heard the new 3.0 GM diesel is a great little engine...until I found out the oil pump is belt driven and needs to be changed periodically, which entails splitting engine and transmission and then dismantling the back of the engine. All engines, regardless of the brand, are electronically controlled now. If it begins "throwing codes" you'll need a laptop and appropriate software to find out what needs replacing - not repairing. Even simple servicing isn't so simple. Does anyone make a new vehicle with a dipstick to check transmission fluid anymore?

And now I hear that GM and Mercedes are going to charge "subscription" fees if you want your heated seats and heated steering wheel and other amenities to continue working in their new vehicles...................

 

[square1]

Thinking this ^^^ 94 F250 7.3 IDI Turbo diesel single cab 8' bed 165k miles ^^^ and a cheap EV (Elon started a price war recently) will round out the driving needs for my lifetime

 

[Jstpssng]

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)

View attachment 795860

If I could find something like this^^^^

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Or this^^^^

Thinking this ^^^ 94 F250 7.3 IDI Turbo diesel single cab 8' bed 165k miles ^^^ and a cheap EV (Elon started a price war recently) will round out the driving needs for my lifetime

I would likely do this when I retire in few years.^^^^^
Although I would like to do some travelling, and an EV isn't ready for that yet.

 

[Hay Dude]

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

Yeah, I’d just ride that off into the sunset, but like i said, if it’s got a DPF/DEF system, don’t let it sit more than a week or 2 or you’ll start having problems. Gotta run it hot & hard a few times a month.

 

[Bocephous]

I will not buy a new(er) truck at these inflated prices. Ridiculous.

I've got a 2005 Tundra 4X4 I bought used in 2006. It only has 118,000 miles on it and has been very reliable. I didn't catch the surface rust in time on the frame so I had it coated with NHOU last fall which will prolong its life for a good while, I think. It has been stored in the garage on a battery tender for years when not in use and I try not to use it much in the winter due to Pennsylvania's obsession with salt and brine whenever the rumor of snow is heard.

I also just purchased an '05 Tahoe Z71 from a friend. It is very clean, almost rust free, and has all known weaknesses of that model addressed. It has 238,000 miles on it but runs very well and has very good oil pressure. It too will be undercoated with NHOU; I believe it will be a keeper as well.

 

[oosik]

I bought a brand new Ram Power Wagon in 2018. Plan on keeping it forever. I DO NOT like the mechanics of the newer Power Wagons. I didn't think it could be possible - the newer Power Wagons are even more electronic and computer controlled. After four years - still learning about all the "features" on my Power Wagon.

As a senior in high school - worked in the summer for the forest service. They had the old military style power wagons. No electronics or computers. Everything was mechanical and worked every time.

 

[stumblinhorse]

Yeah, I’d just ride that off into the sunset, but like i said, if it’s got a DPF/DEF system, don’t let it sit more than a week or 2 or you’ll start having problems. Gotta run it hot & hard a few times a month.

It is a 2016, so it has full emission. The truck has 45k miles on it now. So will try to keep at that pace for the next 10 years. Leave my lovely bride a truck to haul her horses in after I am in the dirt. No such thing as a short trip in my area so no issues so far. It can do a full Regen in the distance I drive to get my mail.

 

[scootr]

Bought a Ford 250 Transit in 2016. 5cyl inline powerstroke diesel. Paid for. Just turned 10k miles. Forever truck.
Bought a 2022 Ram 250 V6 gas last 40k. Wife's last truck.

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

Basically you are going to have a car payment or a repair bill..Pick your poison.

Well said!!! I chose the repair bill and time to spend with my kids to learn.
What they learned was to buy slightly used and the car payment method.

 

[nyone]

So what are you all thinking about the cost of new trucks? I am thinking that I am going to buy “disposable” vehicle. Something used that I don’t mind putting miles on that I can replace with something else if it gets to expensive to repair. I would only drive my 1 ton Cummins Ram for hauling etc. No trips to the store or running to the city. Try to keep my current truck literally forever. Since it seems that the replacement of a similar truck is $75k+ today, and probably more in future. The current truck will always suit my needs.

Probably a wash in the long run for cost. But I am not sure when I see new truck costs.

What is everyone else thinking on this?

We think alike. A few years ago I was looking to replace our 2002 yukon 2500 due to major rust (4 patches in the frame). That vehicle checked every box we needed and truly didnt want to get rid of it. I decided to buy a 10yr old 2012 suburban 2500 (the last year of the suburban 2500 was 2013) and got one with all the options in great condition, lower miles and no RUST. I wool waxed it as soon as it got home, dont drive it in the winter, dont daily drive it and dont take trips to town with it. I fully expect to still be driving this vehicle in 12+yrs.