Like mentioned before try to find a newer used screw that someone else traded in at the dealer and have them go over it to your satisfaction. Maybe it's been dealer maintained there and you can get a history. I have a screw and two kids 5 & 1 and couldn't imagine having to squeeze them into a scab. Just don't want you to have the same thoughts again in 2 yrs. it's up to you in the end but if you're going to take a hit on your current truck might as well get a screw and be done with it and not have to look back.

 

You are going to take a hit if you trade it. I have been looking at new trucks for the last week. My 2011 Screw is thirteen months old, and only has 2,500 miles. Dealer only offering a little over half the original sticker on a trade. I will sell it myself before letting them have it for that. Check prices of similar used trucks in your area before dealing.

 

I was in a very similar situation, went to trade in my old truck still owing 24k on it, dealer said they would give me 10k for it. I said I can't take that but thanks for your time, loaded my 3 year old in the truck and left. Not even 2minutes later my phone rings, with the sales man offering me 25k.
Stick to your guns and don't waiver, and worst case you only get a couple grand carried over.

 

And the guy that got it new got it for 20-25% off MSRP. Enjoyed it for 3-4 years and 70k miles and got a lot of money back. (Also all repairs if any were under warranty and free)

At 70k, it's time for brakes, shocks, etc. So prepare for maintenance costs.

Not saying your theory is wrong, just different way to spend money.

 

Not really, got new brakes and other things from the dealer before I bought it as well as a full warranty for several months. On top of that I won't be spending $14K-18K in maintenance costs any time soon. So yes it is absolutely a different way of spending money. Lots of depreciation with no maintenance costs versus little depreciation for normal maintenance costs.

The OP obviously wants nothing to do with a used truck so he will have to eat thousands of dollars to get a shiny new truck again.

 

You're gonna make a good dad... Not legal in many places for babies anyway. No back seat, no go.

One thing I would tell you... You may have more time than you think. My wife rarely took the kids anywhere till they were 3 moths old or so.

 

I've owned LOTS of vehicles in the last 45 years and up until five years ago, all were bought used. I've never had a lemon, never paid for a new engine or transmission, only bought liability insurance and driven most of them beyond 90,000 miles. The op will be looking at lots of unforeseen expenses in the future with a new kid, probably not the time to be buying shiny. Just make sure the seller gives a 30 day engine/powertrain warranty and do the homework.

Haven't checked the law lately on child seats, mine are much older now, and you could be right about back seat only. Does the Pontiac have a back seat?

 

Yep then in a couple of years the SCAB won't be big enough for the kid and you'll want a SCREW, or maybe a screw will happen and you'll have twins!

Good luck to you.

 

Just did a quick Google search and depending on the state you're in, rear facing child seats in the front are legal IF the air bag can be turned off. Since there isn't one in the middle, I would think it would be ok. I don't get paid to determine the law though.

 

Seriously, a gently used XLT SCREW would be what I'd do... My 14 month old doesn't ride too well so my wife has been in the back seat with him his whole life and the extra room is awesome and worth every penny!!!