Time for a New Truck

[JeffandTamara]

Bird:
1983 GL650 Interstate, Only made the 650 1 yr... I bought it in '86. I try to ride to work every day when it is not raining and above 45 when I leave. Usually get a few days in December and then we'll get a warm day or two in late Feb....

JeffSW6
Probably my biggest desire is to not have more vehicles to maintain, buy insurance, taxes and lic., on. Still have one kid at home that keeps the Insurance up... At some point in life, over 50 now, we have to start cutting back on stuff... I think that is part of my equation now... & wife has something to say about that too...

JimRB
I spent $1000 last year on new shocks and some other stuff on the front end. My wife was driving and don't know what happened, but something came loose and tore up something on the right front. Replaced water pump, belt $250 about two months ago. I think I have a U-joint going out now, Heater fan won't work on high setting and growls on the other settings so the blower is probably shot. VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) I think is starting to go, ABS light comes on and speedometer goes to zero for a bit and won't shift. I have have read, it could leave me stranded. Rear Breaks are getting ready to be changed. Front ones changed a couple yrs ago.... My guess is another $1,000 and I could fix the critcal stuff and keep it running for a while... I think the right answer as you suggested is to spend a little now and keep for a while longer... 68,000 miles is pretty low, but wouldn't bring much as a trade.

 

[two_bit_score]

It's always better to be making the decision because it's what you want to do rather than because you have to replace a vehicle unexpectedly. Planned replacement s always better, so you are on the right track there.

 

[RobertN]

My last truck('89 F250 4x4) had 225,000 when I sold it. The 351 ran like a top, didn't use oil. It was pretty clean, although I used it like a truck. I got it with high miles, and sold it with a lot more...

I did some stuff when I lifted and geared it, big tires. Otherwise, a fan clutch, alternator, and clutch. We also put a leather front seat in; the original upholstery was in great shape, but the drivers side of the seat the foam had lost it's foaminess...

In most cases nowadays, 68,000 is a hardly broke in.

I think the right answer as you suggested is to spend a little now and keep for a while longer... 68,000 miles is pretty low, but wouldn't bring much as a trade.

 

[two_bit_score]

My last truck('89 F250 4x4) had 225,000 when I sold it. The 351 ran like a top, didn't use oil. It was pretty clean, although I used it like a truck. I got it with high miles, and sold it with a lot more...

I did some stuff when I lifted and geared it, big tires. Otherwise, a fan clutch, alternator, and clutch. We also put a leather front seat in; the original upholstery was in great shape, but the drivers side of the seat the foam had lost it's foaminess...

In most cases nowadays, 68,000 is a hardly broke in.

Might even be surprised how much it would bring as an outright sale.

 

[gilraine]

don't be scared of the GM 5.3, its a great engine and often times will get 20 MPG in a full size pickup.

 

[D7E]

Thanks Everyone for an interesting conversation...I have learned a lot. Oh Yea Merry Christmas to everyone! Kids will be here in a bit

So the original reason I posted, Seems like I am starting to put a a lot of maintenance expense into a 12 year old vehicle. The Truck has 68,000 miles. of that, I am guessing I have had my tractor on the trailer for less than 30 miles total since 2007. Not much. If it makes a difference, all of the miles are on rural roads with speeds less than 45 mph.

How can a truck with 68'000 be high maintenance we have 6 trucks and the newest is 2008 with 115'000 up to several that are 300-400k . i little maintenance is a lot cheaper than making payments .
If you only trailered the tractor 30 miles since 2007 why do you even bother with a trailer , many people drive 20-30 miles a day with tractors .

 

[two_bit_score]

How can a truck with 68'000 be high maintenance we have 6 trucks and the newest is 2008 with 115'000 up to several that are 300-400k . i little maintenance is a lot cheaper than making payments .
If you only trailered the tractor 30 miles since 2007 why do you even bother with a trailer , many people drive 20-30 miles a day with tractors .

Wondered the same thing. Maybe the few miles is all controlled access freeway and no alternate route?

 

[JeffandTamara]

No, the approximately 30 miles of towing is from as follows. My brother lives approximately 6 miles away. I have had pulled the tractor over there about 3 times 12 * 3 = 36 miles... travel is rural and some small hills. Since I had the trailer I thought it would be better to load it up as apposed to driving the tractor. But your right, it would be just about as much time to drive the tractor as to load and unload it.

As far as maintenance on the S10, I think I could spend the money on fixing it up. If I didn't want to try to tow the tractor, that would definitely be my first choice...I don't think there is too many choices of 4x4 that will get a lot more bang for the buck. I don't need a CD Player or satellite radio with sync technology.

 

[D7E]

Granted i am speaking of farm tractors 80-300hp but not new ones (1975-1993) we run 3 yards 3 miles apart from each other and land up to 15 miles away and several tractors get moved several times a day particularly the loader tractor. Generally doing 20-30 miles a day easy and hauling hay and straw home with tractors and semi trailers in summer closer to 100 miles a day.

 

[PapaPerk]

New 4x4 Tundra with smallest V8.