Buy new ? Or fix the old girl up ?
05-03-2014, 08:17 PM
#11
No payments is a good thing . But , things wear out and parts can equal a payment . I drive a lot of miles (30,000) a year on average . So doesn't take long to wear out a truck . That is what makes the decision hard . One thing I won't do is buy a car for driving back and forth to work. A F150 that I had before saved my life in a wreck .I would have been dead if I was driving a small car .
Tranny, timing set, water pump, fuel pump, alternator, throttle body, AC compressor and the power steering pump and rack are what I'd consider "out of service" and "need to repair" points of failure.... Not forgetting about followers, pulleys, and other wear items, but ALL of them only need repair or replacement when they actually fail, or exhibit signs of failure..
I would certainly not go ahead and drop a tranny or pull a water pump for the hell of it. I'd wait till it exhibited signs of failure, and start to diagnosis whatever symptoms occur, when they occur.
.....
With all that being said, all you really need to cognitively keep up with are belts, hoses, oils, filters, ALL fluids, plugs, cops, brakes, tires, ball joints, and other suspension related components.. All this stuff is cheap, modular, and relatively easy to repair.
I'd honestly only look for a new vehicle if RUST was a significant issue.. Mechanical failure, and component replacement leaves no vehicle exempt. Justifying a "projected" savings based upon maintenance with a new vehicle, that owns you before you own it, is almost silly.. You can't save money you haven't earned yet, especially when your already spending it!...... On a loan of course.
It's convenient to buy new, and works out well mathematically when viewed from month to month. But a huge lopsided view commonly practiced usually always leaves out one thing, tomorrow will never be the same as today..... AKA....**** happens.
05-03-2014, 08:50 PM
#12
Do a cost analysis and see what is more feasable for you. Remember the cost of a new payment plus higher insurance each month and also you will want to not beat her up for some time. Verses what is it going to cost to fix the rust and let's say anything else wrong with her. Either way it is your money but do what works for you and your budget
05-04-2014, 05:27 PM
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thank you all for your responses . Not 100% yet , but pretty sure I'll keep the old girl . I will get another box for it , anything else she needs right now , perhaps some new wheels and tires . Also starting a rainy day acct. for anything that comes up next on her.
05-05-2014, 11:54 AM
#16
I just got my 08 SCREW XLT so I still have a payment and will for 3 years. But.... I plan on sinking cash into my truck - the kids call Col. Grumbles. I have zero plans on upgrading till it is totaled.
Once paid off even if I need to buy a new engine and tranny - still cheaper then a new truck. Friend of mine just bought a 2014 and honestly I much prefer the 2008 body style inside and out.
Once paid off even if I need to buy a new engine and tranny - still cheaper then a new truck. Friend of mine just bought a 2014 and honestly I much prefer the 2008 body style inside and out.
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joe mcmillan (05-05-2014)
05-07-2014, 07:42 AM
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Well made up my mind last night. Keeping the old girl. My neighbor asked me last night if I wanted to buy the 17 acres adjoining my property (great hunting land) , so I am . Much better than a new truck ! Thanks for the replies all .
05-07-2014, 09:31 AM
#18
Cycle For Fun and Health
You made the right decision. Congrats.
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koja7296 (05-07-2014)
05-07-2014, 10:23 AM
#19
Senior Member
Wow you can buy 17 acres for the price of a truck? I live in a rural area but 17 acres is still quite a bit more than a new truck. Maybe you got a good neighbor discount..... And I agree you made the right call. Price of land will always go up, they don't make it anymore, truck will depreciate.
