I had a moment this week as my truck entered the shop for the second time for 2015. Over the last few months I've spent around $3000 bucks on the truck during the last few months. I've owned it most of its life and keep up with maintenance but things still seem to be failing. In the last two months I've:Replaced transfer case housing (it had pump rub)A/C need new blend actuator motors Radiator cracked yesterdayReplaced two broken Exhaust mainfold boltsAll the gauge stepper motors needed replacing I feel like giving up, afraid of whats next...Any advice? Truck is an 04 just over 100k miles. Then again it may need nothing for many more miles.

Was the cost of the repairs close to the cost of a new truck. In other words, Are you ready to lay down $60,000 plus for a new truck? If you are. Go for it. You are the only one you have to please

Sounds like you are driving a GMT-800! Everyone's tolerance is different, but generally when you are getting nickel-and-dimed to death it's time for consideration... My threshold is wider than most because there's nothing I won't fix myself, and I'm still in the doghouse 25 years later after rebuilding a transmission on DW's kitchen table... Now, if you have to pay a mechanic/dealer to do the repairs, it adds up fast! I'd still have my 98 K1500 and 98 C2500 Suburban if a hit-and-run Audi and a drunk driver, respectively, didn't do them in just over the last 3 years!

I'm going through the same thing with my 2005. I spent almost 10,000 on it last year. The brakes locked up and it cost $1200 and the head gasket blew and that was $8000. I thought about trading it in, but I wouldn't have gotten much for it with the blown head gasket and a new truck comparable to what I have costs $52,000. I'm working on a year-to-year contract and couldn't swing payments on a new truck if my contract isn't renewed every year for the next five years.The military replaced a vehicle when the cost of operations exceeded 50% of the replacement cost. Using that standard I still have a ways to go. However, there's a lot to be said for the piece of mind that comes with owning a new vehicle that's under warrantee.

I have always used the rule with both large fleets and my personal cars: When it cost more in repairs than new truck monthly payments, out it goes. Until then I keep it and repair it.

Fix and keep rolling...Wait...trade it in for a new one and then PM me quickly as to exactly where you traded it in at as I'm starting to think about a new TV!2004 with a few minor things...Bahah...that's about 2-8 hours in my drive way. Easy weekend projects. Thanks!Jeremiah

When to get rid of tow veichle | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

H2oSprt
Explorer
Feb 10, 2015
schlep1967 wrote:
The trick is, once you pay off the vehicle you keep making vehicle payments to yourself. Put that money in an account every month. It does not need to be the full amount of a real payment but at least 50% or more of one would really help. Now when the vehicle you own needs something repaired you have the cash on hand to take care of it. If it didn't need anything for a few years and you are ready for something new(er) you have a darn good down payment. Of course this account could also fall under the emergency fund every financial guru will tell you to have.

I do this, so I have the cash. Still hurts a little :)
ib516
Explorer II
Feb 10, 2015
Iraqvet05 wrote:
I must be lucky...my 01 with 86k miles on the clock has none of those issues. I do have to replace the fuel pump due to a bad sending unit. What are the signs of the transfer pump rub...leaking fluid?

PUMP RUB
schlep1967
Nomad
Feb 10, 2015
The trick is, once you pay off the vehicle you keep making vehicle payments to yourself. Put that money in an account every month. It does not need to be the full amount of a real payment but at least 50% or more of one would really help. Now when the vehicle you own needs something repaired you have the cash on hand to take care of it. If it didn't need anything for a few years and you are ready for something new(er) you have a darn good down payment. Of course this account could also fall under the emergency fund every financial guru will tell you to have.
Iraqvet05
Explorer
Feb 10, 2015
I must be lucky...my 01 with 86k miles on the clock has none of those issues. I do have to replace the fuel pump due to a bad sending unit. What are the signs of the transfer pump rub...leaking fluid?
colliehauler
Explorer III
Feb 10, 2015
$3000. Would not even cover the sales tax on a new truck where I live.
jerem0621
Explorer II
Feb 10, 2015
Fix and keep rolling...

Wait...trade it in for a new one and then PM me quickly as to exactly where you traded it in at as I'm starting to think about a new TV!

2004 with a few minor things...Bahah...that's about 2-8 hours in my drive way. Easy weekend projects.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
Dog_Folks
Explorer II
Feb 10, 2015
I have always used the rule with both large fleets and my personal cars: When it cost more in repairs than new truck monthly payments, out it goes. Until then I keep it and repair it.
mabynack
Explorer II
Feb 10, 2015
I'm going through the same thing with my 2005. I spent almost 10,000 on it last year. The brakes locked up and it cost $1200 and the head gasket blew and that was $8000. I thought about trading it in, but I wouldn't have gotten much for it with the blown head gasket and a new truck comparable to what I have costs $52,000. I'm working on a year-to-year contract and couldn't swing payments on a new truck if my contract isn't renewed every year for the next five years.

The military replaced a vehicle when the cost of operations exceeded 50% of the replacement cost. Using that standard I still have a ways to go. However, there's a lot to be said for the piece of mind that comes with owning a new vehicle that's under warrantee.
geotex1
Explorer
Feb 10, 2015
Sounds like you are driving a GMT-800! Everyone's tolerance is different, but generally when you are getting nickel-and-dimed to death it's time for consideration... My threshold is wider than most because there's nothing I won't fix myself, and I'm still in the doghouse 25 years later after rebuilding a transmission on DW's kitchen table... Now, if you have to pay a mechanic/dealer to do the repairs, it adds up fast! I'd still have my 98 K1500 and 98 C2500 Suburban if a hit-and-run Audi and a drunk driver, respectively, didn't do them in just over the last 3 years!
Terryallan
Explorer II
Feb 10, 2015
Was the cost of the repairs close to the cost of a new truck. In other words, Are you ready to lay down $60,000 plus for a new truck? If you are. Go for it. You are the only one you have to please

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When to get rid of tow veichle

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