Im thinking of BUYING A NEW TRUCK..

[2LaneCruzer]

SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO BUY SOMETHING FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN YOU WANT TO!

I learned that a long time ago. I worked for a guy that had to justify everything he bought. He was an avid gun collector, and he justified it with the excuse that you never lose money on guns, they always appreciate...but he wouldn't buy a new washing machine until it died because it depreciates. Life is too short...besides, someday someone will be spending your money any way.

 

[drajj5]

I feel that whatever you choose will still have implications. I have a similar thought process as you, in one hand is a pile of cash... and in the other is a truck you want.

Either way you look at it, there might be regret; as it took a lifetime to gain what you have. I have yet to come off the cash for one of those NEW trucks as well, telling
myself the cost vs ownership isn't worth it. My logic - someones annual salary for the price of a single pickup truck is a lot to swallow.

But there are a lot of folks out there driving brand new trucks... So I must be one of the odd balls who stay in an old truck. Perhaps it's because I "fear the check engine light"
or have no clue how to "jack into the computer" to diagnose an issue that may arise. So, I continue to drive a truck from the 70's knowing that if any issue does happen, I can flip the
seat up and grab that 9/16 wrench and a cressent-hammer and solve almost any problem.

As I sit here and type this. I feel prehistoric and outdated compared to most of the folks here on this forum. I take solace waving at the (occasional guy driving an 'old truck' passing me
down the road). Stopping frequently at the gas station for fuel and guys with NEW trucks commenting on my OLD one; seeing their disbelief in why I drive something that age.

I too could own a new truck, but will have to sacrifice vent windows and a bench seat which for some reason causes my wife to huddle next to me while driving. So good luck with you venture as
I plan a full restoration of my old iron to carry me into retirement.

 

[jmc]

Some random thoughts:

How are truck prices right now? I keep reading about component shortages, tariff related raw material hikes, and COVID production shutdowns to recover from. My local dealer has a nice section of F150's but if reorders are slow, I doubt if they are discounting them as much.

Someone coined a term for something I keep relearning: "hedonic adaptation". It's when you buy something that makes you happy, but after the novelty wears off, the obligations still wear on. Meanwhile, we're shopping for the next shiny thing to make us happy.

That said, if your savings are earning at least as much as interest rates on trucks, you won't take such a large bite out of your savings by paying cash.

 

[NorTracNY]

I'm completely for buying something that you feel you can afford. I agree with everyone here that maybe you need to treat yourself. But the way you have posted here about the decision your trying to make, I'm thinking you know you shouldn't. Don't let people hear help you make a decision that you aren't going to be comfortable with!

 

[ruffdog]

In the plus column we have $700k and we are thinking about buying a $55k truck. Now that the OP is retired, will the truck be used for travel, work use, or will it be used for local transportation? I know everything has went up but the 700 and 55 numbers are too close for me. I wonder if the OP has health insurance for the retirement years and what if long term care is needed. I bought a truck after I retired but it was for pulling a boat, hauling firewood, and hauling stuff. I didn't need a new truck but they knocked $9k off of a W/T 4x4 so it was cheap.

 

[deserteagle71]

My last truck was bought new, a 2015 RAM that I traded this month toward a used 2019 RAM.
new to me 2019 RAM;

View attachment 694708

Wow! Love the interior on that truck! So much nicer, more "open" feeling than all those I've seen with a dark black interior...which remind me of being in a tomb. At my age I'll be in a tomb soon enough!

 

[LouNY]

My 15 had the buckets with the big huge console from the seat to the dash.
On long trips it would bother my knee hitting on the center console.
I had been looking for a newer one with the light colored interior and bench seat.

I did put some seat covers on the front but they are also a tan seat protector,
whoever had the truck previously had them on the dealer must have removed
them to show of the interior and thankfully put them under the back seat.

 

[ruffdog]

I too am not a fan of the center console.

 

[arto98607]

.......zip..................
I went to the Truck Place talked to the sales guy.. New truck like I want is $55,000.
.........zip..................

You should go ahead and buy it, after all someone has to buy new vehicles so that there will be used ones available for those of us who want them!

I bought a brand new car last time in 1982 and after that it's always been used car and pickup.

My current "new" truck is 99 F350 Diesel with 230,000+ miles and no plans of ever selling it.

 

[jmc]

My 99 super duty has a bench seat/open-floor-plan with the middle seat back that folds down into a console when you need it. Nice, except for the seatbelt latch receptacles. They poke you in the ribs when you sleep in the front seat! Other vehicles you were lucky to find them when needed. These guys stick up in the air at about 45 degrees.