New Truck time

[murphy1244]

I agree with you Cat, if your truck is not your daily driver. Not that you would build an unreliable truck, but just that the inital phase of building and fine tuning will take some time. I my case I needed to either spend some serious money on my old truck or buy another right away. I had to get to work each day and get to my jobs, and sharing the wife's car wasn't going to work.

When shopping I considered used trucks, but the pricing was outrageous. Looking at used extended cab, gas, 4x4, 3/4 tons, I was looking at 4-5 year old trucks still in the mid to lower $20ks with 60k - 80k miles on them. I paid more, but got a brand new truck, no wear and tear, with 0 miles on it. I financed a good chunk of the cost, and got a great interest rate. Used rates were at least 2 points more. So I felt the return is good.

The exception is that on occasion, you can find a gem of a vehicle, for an exceptional price. But that never happens at the right time for me.

The truck would be a third vehicle as I have a 95 WT Chevy now but is rusting away.

 

[mikehaugen]

I can't afford new trucks at this point in my life, but I am all for people buying new trucks... otherwise I would run out of used trucks to buy. I am hoping to buy a current 2012/13 in about 5 years. Right now I am considering getting a newer 'burban for the family, but am thinking like 06-08 era. I also "consider" things for a long time... could be another year or two before I actually buy anything.

 

[Peacock]

Just go find a cherry 94-98 Cummins powered Ram with a 5 speed and be done with it.

 

[joe t]

The truck would be a third vehicle as I have a 95 WT Chevy now but is rusting away.

If you want a toy to build then I would also suggest finding an 03-07 5.9 Dodge Cummins diesel. That is what I have. Pretty good platform.

 

[timswi]

Bought my first new truck last year because used GM's were going for stupid money...First new vehicle I've ever owned. No regrets.

 

[murphy1244]

If you want a toy to build then I would also suggest finding an 03-07 5.9 Dodge Cummins diesel. That is what I have. Pretty good platform.

What kind of price would I see?

 

[joe t]

high miles teens. good shape 20s. primo low 30s. modified who knows?

 

[joe t]

also further, I added up the price to:

Build transmission/TC
Twin Turbos
Injectors
Cam
Tune
Misc, mainly fuel parts

and it came in around 10 grand verbal bid from a very good Cummins builder guy. I still may do it but I've spent a ton on the front end of this truck fixing it, plus the lift and other mods added up already. I probably will keep this truck for awhile, driven some new ones and just didn't feel it.

 

[meburdick]

You have a number of variables to consider:

- How much work does the truck need to do (this will drive max towing capacity, max cargo weight, etc.)
- How OFTEN will it do work versus casual driving
- Budget
- Dealer experience (how well do THEY stand behind what they sell versus just the manufacturer warranty - this could drive new versus used)
- Creature comforts (if you're looking for a well-outfitted truck inside, stay AWAY from the Tundra - I have a CrewMax Platinum and it is absolutely the worst "comfort" vehicle I have ever owned)


You have to lay everything out and decide what certain things are "worth". For example, if you were to find that the Tundra was the best vehicle to do the work, skip the integrated navigation and bluetooth and buy an aftermarket system instead. It's cheaper and works better.

If you're going to tow heavy loads 20% of the time, calculate the real cost for the reduced mileage DURING THAT WORK to see what the total cost per mile is to operate the truck over its expected life. If you buy something with a huge motor and get 10MPG all the time, that's far more costly than getting a 20MPG motor that drops to 5MPG when you tow.

Don't get sucked into a deal because it looks better - do the math and understand what the total cost of truck is over how many miles and years you expect to own it. A $50,000 truck to tow 10,000 lbs 10,000 miles per year for two years will cost you a LOT more money than a $10,000 truck to tow that weight for five years. I know... seems obvious... but, most people do NOT understand that any item like this is about the Total Cost of Ownership - vehicle, insurance, gas, maintenance, repairs, mods, etc.