Reddog1 wrote:
Eric&Lisa wrote:
H2oSprt wrote:
The truck is 10 yeas old 100k miles, runs good but things are starting to need a bit more maintenance. Thoughts?
The cheapest vehicle to drive is the one you already own. Let's say the alternator or water pump goes out. Sure, you drop a few C-notes this month to fix it. But then it is done. Versus a payment where you drop a lot of C-notes every month for the next 60-72 months!
I have no idea your skill set, and I apologize if the following generalization doesn't fit you. Truck camper people tend to be more do-it-yourself types than the Class-A-parked-at-Camping-World types. You can definitely save time & money by doing a lot of the little maintenance yourself. Transmission filter, fuel filter, air filter, belt, etc.
Keep the truck, get it on a TLC maintenance plan, and go camping!
-Eric
I absolutely agree with Eric's post. Especially if the truck and/or TC are paid for. Paid for or not, cost a lot of money to to replace. Hard for me to imagine very many miles as a kid shuttle.
How many years and how far to shuttle kids might influence my decision, but I doubt it. Once a month or more, I would use the truck for a store run. I seldom take my TC off. I have left it parked for four months, but only a couple of times. My truck is diesel, 250,000. I have no intention of replacing it. I recently had the transmission rebuilt. I intend to repair or have it repaired as it breaks.
Getting off topic a little but I also 100% agree. I have a 2002 GMC 2500HD and other than one annoying thing (no power windows)there really is not a reason to sell, trade or upgrade. IF I was using as a daily driver then I would get a newer truck, but for my camper truck and occasional hauler of large items I have no reason. I can drop 3 - 5 grand a year into the truck for repairs and still be further ahead than buying a new truck. PLUS there is nothing to say that a newer truck will not have problems or end up costing you in non warranty repairs and upgrades.