Pickup Decisions...

Reddog1 wrote:

If you are willing too max out your credit, live beyond your means, live pay day to payday, there has been lots of valuable information here. I also ask, what is your yearly income? Is this your only interest in life? Are you willing to dedicate your future on payments which include 18% or more interest?

I don't know anybody who would have to pay 18% these days except those with very poor credit. My last vehicle loan was at 2.5%, for example.

Now, if you are nervous about the payload, why not step it up to a 1-ton? I don't think the cost should be that much more and you won't feel like you're skirting the payload limits.

I own a relatively new diesel and had a gas truck before this (no camper on the latter, though). The main reason for getting a diesel is the camper + boat + family + mountains lifestyle I have here in Colorado. I couldn't be happier, but I have not had to make any repairs. There are sensors in the truck that tell me when I need an oil change and they have been ~7,000 miles apart both times. Lots of oil, this is true, but this truck is a beast and is worth it.

I have lots of experience buying used cars for myself and others in the family. I rely on a set of emailed questions (I can PM you those if you want), the Carfax report (I like vehicles with two owners or less) and a followup phone call to get a sense of this person's integrity. The last thing is often the most important: finding out whether or not the owner kept full maintenance records. This tells me both the repair history of the vehicle and gives me a sense of whether or not the owner takes care of his/her stuff.

Good luck on your search,
Mike