Justifying a cost of a diesel

[SageBrush]

We still have a 2003 and a 1995 diesel DRW. Had a 1998 gasser truck till last year. I seldom drove the gas 4x4 truck, it just couldn't tow like the diesels. Most of our trucks are kept at least 10 years and I prefer new purchases, but I have gotten into used ones when they were obviously well kept with known history. I don't know if I would go with a new Diesel right now, they are getting far too complicated. I can still find good used diesel trucks with low miles totally stock and they are demanding good money. When I compare a 12 valve Cummins operation cost to the 24 valve I love my old 95 more! My family has had a few Duramaxes, one made it to well over 150K, but the transfer case and the injectors were not original along with some other things. Actually my uncle's last two bone stock diesel Chevy trucks had injector issues around 60K. Our common rail Dodge has been running the extra fuel filters and pump trying to make things last. Only have 103K on that Dodge currently but the injectors are original, it has a dual stage fuel filter plus the stock one that never gets dirty now. I like how the 3500 Chevy SRW drives, but it does cost more to run than the older Cummins. The Allison transmissions have been good though, no failures in our family so far. I think I'll keep our old trucks running as long as possible. My 95 dually is a tow rig, only 82,000 miles on it but thats with a lot of heavy loads. If I don't need the trucks I use the car instead. A good 4 banger four door is nice to have around to save the trucks for real work.

 

[fordmantpw]

Gm, I don't drive fords

Then you don't know what you're missing!.

I wont own GM.

Ditto that! We did once...my wife brought it into the marriage. She hasn't driven a GM since we traded it off 11 years ago. Her choice, not mine, so I've converted her into a Ford girl from a Chevy girl!

 

[fordmantpw]

Was building online last night, Dodge has started with 96 month financing. Owning a Cummins could be a possibility... I am sure GM will follow. Either way, next one will be diesel.

96 month? Wow, that's just crazy!

 

[3930dave]

96 month? Wow, that's just crazy!

Cost of new trucks vs. strength of the economy - I can't think of a better way to sum it up.

Rgds, D.

 

[WilliamBos]

96 month? Wow, that's just crazy!

Take $55,000 add 13% tax, makes the payment pretty heavy.

I keep 12 years on average, so their is 4 years payment free.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Gas today $3.39. Diesel $4.08 here. Makes me keep my F350 parked and I drive the Titan.

Chris

 

[fordmantpw]

Cost of new trucks vs. strength of the economy - I can't think of a better way to sum it up.

Rgds, D.

I can sum it up even better. People not living within their means.

But, if you keep your vehicle for 12 years like Will, it's really a moot point. You've got 4 years of no payments, so it's not like you are constantly in payments.

 

[3930dave]

I can sum it up even better. People not living within their means.

But, if you keep your vehicle for 12 years like Will, it's really a moot point. You've got 4 years of no payments, so it's not like you are constantly in payments.

We think the same tpw. (BTW, my newest 4 wheel road vehicle is a 2001 - I'm the guy that buys Will's when he's done with it ).

To keep the economy rolling, govts are quite happy to see those extended credit terms in place. My point was that it is useful to compare these 96months of payments to what is going on in a strong economy - I can't imagine many vehicles are sold in China for anything other than cash.

We both agree - the macro data clearly indicates the depth and breadth of the problem here (Canada/USA).

Rgds, D.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I can sum it up even better. People not living within their means.

But, if you keep your vehicle for 12 years like Will, it's really a moot point. You've got 4 years of no payments, so it's not like you are constantly in payments.

If during the period of no payments you pay yourself you are better off yet. I pay myself $400 a month per vehicle I have payed off. Then when its time to buy new I have 20 grand to put down. This way I can buy a new vehicle and have a 2 year payment with my trade and large down payment.

For example I have $19600 in my wifes car account. Its a 2007 BMW with 84,000 miles. I have it on CL for $18,250 so if I get my price I could buy her a bew $40,000 SUV cash.

Chris

 

[3930dave]

Gas today $3.39. Diesel $4.08 here. Makes me keep my F350 parked and I drive the Titan.

Chris

At the moment, the Canadian spread is pretty much exactly the opposite.

As I've said before, top-level, the spread is pretty much an artificial construct. With the right foursome in a golf-cart, the numbers could be inverted by the end of the day.

If we were serious, as a continent, with energy security, we'd get on with putting more diesels on the road. All you need to do is compare the energy content in diesel fuel with gasoline to figure that out.

Clearly, other forces,with different agendas, are at play.

Rgds, D.