Who can afford a new truck anymore?

[Gale Hawkins]

I sold my 2001 quad cab ram 1500 cheap to my sister. 135k miles. Looked new inside except infamous 2001 cracked dash. Paint faded, no body damage.

The son's 2002 has cracks but not missing pieces in his dash so he got the cover that fits it very well for like $39 I think. I have seen some of the second generation Rams with the faded paint or perhaps it is just the clear coat. I rubbed his out by hand then waxed it so it is now jet black.

Being new to Dodge so far I have been impressed. As TomSeller mentioned safety features are important and that is one thing that has impressed me about Dodge. Our third generation Ram was the first year with the frame that is designed to crumple in a hard collision for example.

 

[ultrarunner]

My 96 F150 is super clean and rust free... it does have one large crack in the dash pad... tried to find one new and no luck... all the used ones also have the crack... I guess I could attempt repair of just buy a cover/pad.

 

[TomSeller]

My 96 F150 is super clean and rust free... it does have one large crack in the dash pad... tried to find one new and no luck... all the used ones also have the crack... I guess I could attempt repair of just buy a cover/pad.

That generation and the generation after are highly reliable.. Dash crack or no crack You ave a good one.

 

[MossRoad]

Seven years ago we bought a 93 suburban with 68K miles on it for $6000.00. It now has 109K miles. Last week I put $950 in steering, suspension, fuel pump, distributor and power steering pump and hoses and a brake line. Also put a set of tires on it for $700. So, I've got about $7650 in it for 7 years, so $91 per month. 41K miles in 7 years, so about 5800 miles per year. I forgot I put two tires on it soon after I bought it, so that's another $300. So, lets say $8000 if 7 years, or about $1150 per year, or $95 per month.

Anyhow, I plan on $1000 per year in car repairs per vehicle and put that money aside every year. If I don't use it, I keep adding to the fund anyway. After 35 years, believe me, we have plenty for emergencies! :laughing:

With that said, its an old truck! It has anti-lock brakes and that's about it. No airbags. So, its not a very safe vehicle by any stretch of the imagination. But its dependable and suits my needs. Its comfortable and rolls down the road just like anything else. It gets my tractor to the farm and back and hauls big stuff for the family. And that's all I need it for. We have a 2013 car that meets my wife's criteria, that being nice enough to drive to funerals and weddings.

Just got back from a 1200 mile round trip taking a young adult from college to grad school in the '93 suburban.... averaged 13mpg towing 5x8 loaded trailer and loaded interior of suburban at about 63mph first half of trip. Return trip was 18mpg at 75mph speeds. Truck ran fine. Had to use 3rd gear to maintain hills in eastern OH and western PA, but it held speed just fine.

I think I'll just keep repairing it. :thumbsup:

 

[kenmac]

come on moss.. Who you gonna impress driving around in a 93 suburban ??? :thumbsup:

 

[ultrarunner]

Me... driving my 91 Silverado...

 

[houstonscott]

Just got back from a 1200 mile round trip taking a young adult from college to grad school in the '93 suburban.... averaged 13mpg towing 5x8 loaded trailer and loaded interior of suburban at about 63mph first half of trip. Return trip was 18mpg at 75mph speeds. Truck ran fine. Had to use 3rd gear to maintain hills in eastern OH and western PA, but it held speed just fine. I think I'll just keep repairing it. :thumbsup:

Crude vehicle compared to a new suburban. Don't slice your hand off opening the hood. HS

 

[TomSeller]

Just got back from a 1200 mile round trip taking a young adult from college to grad school in the '93 suburban.... averaged 13mpg towing 5x8 loaded trailer and loaded interior of suburban at about 63mph first half of trip. Return trip was 18mpg at 75mph speeds. Truck ran fine. Had to use 3rd gear to maintain hills in eastern OH and western PA, but it held speed just fine.

I think I'll just keep repairing it. :thumbsup:

Great vehicle compared to a new suburban. Don't slice your checkbook paying for a new one. TS

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Actually many can afford the monthly payment for a new truck I expect but with great trunks to be had under/over $10K not everyone wants to pay the new truck price.

 

[MossRoad]

come on moss.. Who you gonna impress driving around in a 93 suburban ??? :thumbsup:

My wife... I just got back from the Ohio/Indiana border about half an hour ago where she and my daughter were stranded in a broken Ford. I towed them home with a car dolly behind the Suburban.