Which truck best for my needs???

[tractorsanmore]

If I was in the doctor's shoes , I would take a test drive in a f 150 supercrew ( 5.4 & 3.73 gears )
P.S make sure it fits in that parking garage

 

[Skyco]

Keep the King Ranch park the mile away and throw a moped in the back. Unload the moped and ride the last mile to the parking garage.
Or you could substitute a bicycle if you want to keep in shape

 

[jcmseven]

Fellow Posters:

I am gathering information as we speak on prices, but it seems any choice I could choose would 1. not save much money and 2. might be a vehicle that would not have the capability of my current truck, which I like very much. I really like the bicycle suggestion. I race bikes as a hobby and could easily pile my old cyclecross bike in the back and ride into work on it. The are some places locally that I could park, friends houses etc. Kick, that was not a very nice thing to say. It is also not accurate. As I have noted, I am very happy with my current vehicle, but like many of us, my needs have changed and I have wondered about the validity of having such a large and expensive vehicle that I do not drive much. I think this is a very valid concern and one shared by others in the group. Since our group is comprised of many truck owners, I suspect the panel has great insight into this topic. I feel it not only relevant but also a legitimate question. We have already had several posts from others who share this dilemma. In short, the problem is in no way that I am not happy with my current truck, but rather that I am investigating other viable options with the group. I do not see that the thread is wishy washy. Where else can one who is thinking of alternative transportation options able to tap knowledge this easily??? Also, please bear in mind right now I have transportation, but at over 200K miles my dad's truck may or may not last that long. Also, any move I make would also be meant to save money, so although the expensive cars mentioned are nice--I am sure tongue in cheek in some case--are not really options for me as doctors really do not make that much money any more, after the insurance companies and uncle sam get their share.

John M

 

[Egon]

I'd suggest you keep your current truck and add a commuter vehicle of an economical nature. This vehicle may see more use than just commuting but keep in mind that when you need a truck that is exactly what you need and a 1/2 ton may not serve that purpose adequately.

 

[RayH]

If the only problem you have with the truck is that its too tall, install an airbag suspension. You can lower/raise it from the cab, it wont adversely effect the tow capacity, and it should actually be a better ride on the highway. It'll be a bit of a monitary expense up front but will increase the value and usefulness of the truck.
Just dont forget to lower it for the parking garage.

 

[crbr]

OK dont laugh at me but I had a 2005 duramax but did not like the mirrors so I traded it for a 2006. I still have the 2006 probably because I love the mirrors on it.

I was just wondering what engine you had. In my opinion, you actually traded into a better engine (LBZ), if in fact it was the LBZ. Your VIN can verify that in the 8th digit from the left.

Leave it alone. It's fine without modifications.

 

[browns40]

I would have to second getting the economical commuter car for your ~17,500 miles to & from work every year... you have a great towing rig, that you like, and have taken a chunk of payments out of... plus it is a "known commodity" to you...

Use your truck as a truck then, and make the car your daily driver.

 

[RayH]

I would have to second getting the economical commuter car for your ~17,500 miles to & from work every year... you have a great towing rig, that you like, and have taken a chunk of payments out of... plus it is a "known commodity" to you...

Use your truck as a truck then, and make the car your daily driver.

This would've been my suggestion as well but the OP already said that was something he didnt want to do.

 

[bx23barry]

bx23barry. I am 6 ft tall and weigh 240 I test drove an elise it was a great car but it took me 5 minutes to figure out how to get into it with the top down. only took me about 3 minutes to get out of it. You have to be pretty limber and skinny to drive one of those. They are made to buy drive to the track put the number on it and start racing. But they are a blast to drive.

I too am 6' 250+lb and almost get cramp getting out of the elise but a fair trade off plus good reason to lose a few pounds and get in shape. I don't have one but I had a deposit on one until I disability retired . The neighbor has one and I am totally jealous every time he goes by. My pickup ('04 f150) gets less than 10,000 miles a year now which is more than it used to get (had to replace the battery second year from non use) because I can't ride the motorcycles (used to get 15-20,000 a year on them) much anymore. But when I need the truck nothing else will do.

 

[Rara Avis]

Fellow Posters:

Also, any move I make would also be meant to save money, so although the expensive cars mentioned are nice--I am sure tongue in cheek in some case--are not really options for me as doctors really do not make that much money any more, after the insurance companies and uncle sam get their share.

John M

That would come as a big suprise to my wife, obviously you chose the wrong surgical subspecialty...

 

[jayhaitch]

I faced a similar situation this past year. I worked at one hospital for the past 10 years. Change of leadership, nasty politics, moved to a different hospital. Yet we built our dream home about 15 km from the first one. A 30 km round trip commute is now 69 km. Gas went to Can$1.19 per litre, or US $4.38 per US gal in May 07. My 12-13 US mpg Expedition was not looking so good. After seriously weighing options, the two were to get a commuter car or suck it up and just pay more for gas. My final commuter choice was a diesel TDI Jetta. Yet when I really crunched the numbers, it was still cheaper to just pay more for gas and keep using the Expedition. My break even point was at about 26,000 to 29,000 km of commuter car driving a year, which was far more than I would do. So, I got new tires, added a Superchips reprogrammer, got a Magnaflow exhaust, and now enjoy driving the Expedition more than ever, and it only cost me about $2000.

 

[RayH]

My wife and I had a similar decision to make a couple years ago when gas went up past $3.00 for the first time. We went the other way and bought a econo car. We bought the least expensive new car we could find, a Kia Rio. We drove it off the lot for $14000, its got a 100000 mile warranty and averages about 35MPG (twice what her Wrangler gets). Obviously we will never save enough fuel to offset the cost of the car but over a number of years, the car should pay for itself in savings of mileage and maintenance on our other vehicles.

 

[gemini5362]

I was just wondering what engine you had. In my opinion, you actually traded into a better engine (LBZ), if in fact it was the LBZ. Your VIN can verify that in the 8th digit from the left.

Leave it alone. It's fine without modifications.

Yes I did get the LBZ engine and from the looks of things it probably is a bit better than the one in the 2005. More horsepower and more torque. The 2005 was a nice truck but I really do like the alison 6 speed.

 

[wushaw]

I have a class 7 Peterbilt truck and a Jeep wrangler as my commuter vehicle. I cannot get rid of the Pete cause I wouldn't have any way to transport the house (44.5' fiver) when I go on vacation.
My Pete will sit up to a month at time before I drive it to work or to take the GF out on a date (she thinks it 's cool ). I haven't had to transport the tractor since it was new.
Someday I will get a Tacoma 4X4 to replace the Jeeps duties ( still keep Jeep as toy) and be able to carry more than the Jeep and pull more while still getting the same or better fuel milage.

Keep the KR and get a commuter like a small PU, if you need to pick up goods at HD, Lowes, you still have a bed to carry a reasonable load where a small car is very limited, get reasonable fuel mileage and the main reason....it will fit in the parking garage.

 

[jcmseven]

I had a relatively short day at work today, so I ran out to a couple dealers holding Sunday hours and re-drove two of the trucks I have been considering. In all honesty, neither of them appeal to me as much as the truck I currently have. I drove it today, and because it is Sunday and the staffing at the hospital was down due to the weekend I located a couple lots on hospital campus reasonable for the parking of the truck. I doubt it would be feasible most days, but some days it might work. I really have enjoyed owning my new truck. I worked hard to buy it and really like it. I do not want to sell it, but I really would like to use it more. Hopefully this will allow me to do so. I am going, for completeness, to drive the final truck in my three for consideration but as of today I am currently planning to keep mine a while longer. This will also allow me to build a bit more equity in it in the event I decide to sell later. I would like to thank all for their advice as I always appreciate the chance to bounce ideas off others who might have had similar issues.

John M

 

[Double Orange]

Well Doc, Seems you only have 2 options.
1 Sell house move to walking distance to work
2 Go back to other job


Good News... Keep Your Beloved King Cab Truck!!

Take two aspirin and call me Monday!

 

[mjncad]

Unless you absolutely feel the need for a truck to drive to work, I'd get a reliable, economical and maneuverable car for commuting. I won't drive my F-250 4 x 4 Super Duty to my doctor's office as the hospital parking garage is such a pain in the butt to maneuver in even with a car, let alone a pickup or large SUV.

If you need a truck look at a Toyota or Nissan pickup. They can be had with a lot of nice options and goodies like your KR F-250.

In any case, I'd keep the F-250 as it's too useful.

 

[RobertN]

I had a relatively short day at work today, so I ran out to a couple dealers holding Sunday hours and re-drove two of the trucks I have been considering. In all honesty, neither of them appeal to me as much as the truck I currently have.

One of the reasons I mentioned finding a commuter car earlier, is we have two trucks right now. Mine is the '01 RAM xcab longbed 4x4 diesel. The other is a '04 RAM-1500 quad cab shortbed 2wd with the 4.7l. Quite frankly, they both stink for parking, and mileage.

We were in Monterey last weekend. Went to a function for the Moss Landing Marine Labs, and then sailed out of Montrery Bay on Sunday.

First, we went to park at the hotel. What a joke! Even with the 2wd shortbed, the quad cab made it long enough manuevering in the parking was a pain. Same when we had to park in the parking garage when we got lunch. And, basically, parking the whole rest of the weekend.

Second, 18mpg. From what I can see 18mpg or so is typical for other 1/2 tons too.

My truck, even with the diesel, max's around 18 on the highway. I got it with 4:11 gears, which limit my mileage. And, it's big for a commuter

I will not let go of the 3/4 ton. We want to get another cab-over camper of 5th wheel. And, we use it in general for 3/4 ton stuff. But we are thinking about letting go of the 1/2 ton and getting a used moderate mileage, ~30mpg car.

One thing I mentioned earlier that was in passing, is this is not just about fuel mileage and cost for me.

Buy a decent set of all-terrain E rated tires. The BFG Rugged Trail 265-75-16 or 265-65-17 on a lot of Dodge and Ford pickups, is a $185+ tire. So are a lot of the other comparable stock size tires. The tires on a modest commuter car would be a lot less. I did brakes on both of our trucks recently; would have been a lot cheaper on a car.

I would like, in the end, to keep the miles off the truck. One to keep it in good shape, and two because of cost of operation. A little beater commuter car would help with that.

 

[Rara Avis]

This will also allow me to build a bit more equity in it in the event I decide to sell later. I would like to thank all for their advice as I always appreciate the chance to bounce ideas off others who might have had similar issues.

John M

Build equity??? You are kidding right... Vehicles are a sunk cost item...
The dealerships are having trouble selling fuel guzzlers right now...if you trade or sell on the street your King you will take a hit...
When I got the 2007 GMC C&C I was offered $1200 for a 1995 Dodge 3500 with less than 60K...I kept it as a backup...

 

[mjncad]

I would like, in the end, to keep the miles off the truck. One to keep it in good shape, and two because of cost of operation. A little beater commuter car would help with that.

That's why I keep my beloved 1995 Honda Accord, and why my 1999 F-250 has just under 30k on the odometer.