New Truck - But I'm not happy about it....

[sptddog]

So it seems that a new truck is in order (warranty out on the current one). While this is a good thing normally - it isn't really for me right now....

My current 2012 is running 19.5 Alcoa rims and tires. A rough ride, but built to haul. I can't transfer the wheels/tires to the new truck (well, I probably could but then I run a whole 'nother risk) because apparently spacers are illegal in PA and the dealer will not inspect it after we transfer them. I could take it elsewhere but then run the risk that another mechanic will realize the spacers are there and refuse to inspect it as well. It's been inspected the last 3 years in PA but a GMC dealer, but not the one we're buying the truck from.

The pros - much nicer ride.

The cons - yucky small stock rims and tires. Risk that others will not want to inspect in the future. My conscious if I transferred them and was knowingly running illegal spacers. The fact that it might sit lower and I have to readjust my whole hitch in less than a week (I'm hauling a week from today - replacement turnover ball being installed Tuesday).

Tell me it's not gonna matter....tell me the improved ride is worth it. Tell me it will haul the same and not 'roll' over the puny 17 inch stock tires.

(stamps feet - I don't want a new truck!!!!)

[gmcsmoke]

first world problems

[4x4ord]

It costs money to own these HD pickups regardless of whether you buy new or used. Depreciation is a major cost of ownership and unless a truck has depreciated below about $6000 it is still depreciating. In many cases people don't save as much as they think keeping an old truck. I bought a new truck in 2011, drove it for 90,000 miles and it cost me $27000 difference this year to go to another new one. Had I planned on keeping the old one for another 5 years I would expect it to cost about 55k difference another 5 years down the road.

[brdprey]

the new generation.

its better to represent then to actually succeed at the job.

never thought i would see someone more concerned about their rims then the truck that can actually do what they wanted.

but then again i am one of them guys that turns a pick up into a rock crawler and wonders why i break schit.

[nomadictxn]

I do get the part about your husband worrying about you. I have bought things for my wife before to have some piece of mind.

[Grit_dog]

So the guys with old trucks say it's stupid to get a newer vehicle based on the propensity for costly failures with more age and miles. And the guys with new trucks say trade er in when the tires get bald for the first time!
Bottom line, every persons and vehicles situation is different (except for the aforementioned 6.0,lol) and it boils down to what is important to a particular owner.
In the case of the OP, it's about making something be "about them" and their "dilemma" at hand. Or maybe just indirect boasting about getting a new rig......
Either way, the right answer for one does not necessarily apply to another.

[carringb]

1) Trading in a truck to avoid repair costs is crazy, unless you owned something like a 2003 6.0 Powerstroke

2) You have "Wheel adapters". Not spacers. Spaces simply slide over the lugs. Adapters bolt-on. As mentioned, adapters are actually OEM parts on most duallies (for the front, and even the rears on some axles). Describing them correctly should help get them through inspection.

[tinner12002]

Heck I traded trucks just because my outer duals were getting a little thin on tread...sounded like a great excuse to me...LOL!
As far as using adapters while towing...not going to happen here, not that vain to have to have a specific look that can't be attained safely in my opinion.

[bucky]

The new lower payment game is the latest in a long line of tools used by big ticket item sellers to separate you from your money. People are catching on to the previous sales tool of "so what do you want your payment to be?" so lower payments than you have now is the next technique. With a longer term and more money out of your pocket. I'v seen 84 month financing, that's just crazy.
Dealers hate the zero percent financing by the manufacturers, it cuts them off at the pass.

[Powerdude]

Just because the truck is out of warranty does not mean it's not good anymore.

It seems like you have a significant investment in nice 19.5 wheels, and you don't really want to buy a new truck, even if it has a lower payment.

So don't. Your current truck will be good for many more miles, unless you haven't done your maintenance on it.

Why go deeper into debt, especially if you're not happy about it??

[Fordlover]

warranty has been expired on my truck for >8 years. No major repairs to date, but then again, it is gas powered so repairs seem to be much less expensive.

[Charlie_D_]

sptddog wrote:
recently we've suspected an exhaust leak, which the dealer can't find, but my antifreeze is often showing under the 'min' line. I've filled it twice since May. So there is a risk of head gaskets or injectors being bad - which would be covered by the extended warranty, or cost a lot out of pocket.

Look under the drivers side above the oil filter. See a wet spot that may be coolant? Can't remember if the cooler above the oil filter is the oil cooler but it is a cooler of some sort. The gasket has been known to leak. There is one replaceable gasket where it bolts on. The gasket for the cooler itself is not available as far as I know. It will cause you to slowly loose coolant without any signs of a drip.

As others said, do an oil analysis and check the oil for water.

[Campfire_Time]

sptddog wrote:


(stamps feet - I don't want a new truck!!!!)

Then don't buy one. Aside from the warranty running out, what is wrong with what you currently drive? If a warranty is important to you, call the dealer you bought it from and ask about what factory extended warranty options are available to you. Or look for a reputable 3rd party warranty, they do exist. That would be far cheaper than a new truck.

Sure you say lower payment and no money out, but where do you think the existing loan balance is going? Right on your new loan that's where. And a cheaper payment means it's a longer loan so you'll be paying even longer than you would have on your current truck. What's worse is that you'll be upside down the minute you sign the paper. That doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

[allen8106]

A few questions:

Is Bernie a diesel or gas?
How many miles?
Are you currently having issues with Bernie?

[mkirsch]

lucky used buyer is a winner

Have you priced a used truck lately? $5 less than new is not what I would call huge savings.

Yet, people will buy these overpriced used trucks and crow about how much money they saved over new, when a couple thousand dollars more they would have a new truck with that many more years of service on it and a WARRANTY.

Saw a truck identical to my daily driver, but a year older, at a dealership. Priced $29,999. What's the best deal you can make me? $29,999. See that one that I drove in? Yeah. I paid $32,000 for it a year ago. Why would I buy a 2-year old truck for $30K when I can get a new one for $32K?