roamingguy 300292 Report post Posted February 27, 2012 (edited) I have an old pick-up truck, paid for, (2001 Dodge Ram 4x4), it runs, does it's duty, but requires more maintenance due to its age, not to mention it's a pig on gas BTW I need a vehicle for towing my boat, car won't do I wouldn't get much for it on trade in, if anything. Am I further ahead to buy a new, or newer used (ie 2010 up model) pick up for all round driving and towing Or keep the truck, it's paid for, and once our contract at work (hopefully soon) is settled, buy cash outright a car or vehicle that's easy on gas, for going back and forth to work, for my traveling, and keep the truck for fishing only Opinions welcome Thanks RG Edited February 27, 2012 by r__m__g_uy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CristyCurves 169032 Report post Posted February 27, 2012 I have an old pick-up truck, paid for, (2001 Dodge Ram 4x4), it runs, does it's duty, but requires more maintenance due to its age, not to mention it's a pig on gasBTW I need a vehicle for towing my boat, car won't do I wouldn't get much for it on trade in, if anything. Am I further ahead to buy a new, or newer used (ie 2010 up model) pick up for all round driving and towing Or keep the truck, it's paid for, and once our contract at work (hopefully soon) is settled, buy cash outright a car or vehicle that's easy on gas, for going back and forth to work, for my traveling, and keep the truck for fishing only Opinions welcome Thanks RG I think you answered your own question rg,in your last paragraph.Jmo,I probably shouldn't even respond as I am rather uppity when it comes to cars,I will only drive new and luxury,which realistically is stupid,as a vehicle should be about getting you from point a to point b ,be reliable and gas efficient. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mister C 1725 Report post Posted February 27, 2012 Not sure how big the boat is but if I was in the same boat as you I would consider getting a jeep. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
backrubman 64800 Report post Posted February 27, 2012 Am I further ahead to buy a new, or newer used (ie 2010 up model) pick up for all round driving and towingOr keep the truck, it's paid for, and once our contract at work (hopefully soon) is settled, buy cash outright a car or vehicle that's easy on gas, for going back and forth to work, for my traveling, and keep the truck for fishing only Opinions welcome Thanks RG I really like the part about paying cash outright. I did this the last time I purchased a vehicle and oh what a great feeling, no payments and you do save in the long run not paying interest. Of course you still have to keep the truck licensed, insured and road worthy (repairs, etc.) so if you buy a car to save gas will you really save as much gas as all of that will cost? Not knowing how many miles it is from and to work as well as all the other details, I can't do the math for you... but you should be able to do the math on this one easily and figure out what is more cost effective. I guess it comes down to if you need to buy a whole car to save gas and still repair the old truck, maybe you just need a new truck (so the expenses from the old one go away). Insurance, repairs on the old truck plus buying a car and insurance on that also ... anyways, I'm not sure the savings in gas (with a car) will make up for it. The math will give you your answer. Of course don't buy a NEW truck (unless you are really rich), just a really good used one with lots of warranty left. One that someone has already lost 5 or 6 thousand dollars on the second they drove it off the lot new. Hope that helps. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roamingguy 300292 Report post Posted February 29, 2012 Thanks for the input everyone. Just got my truck back from the shop, told it has a fair bit of life in it...that's the good news To buy another truck...and for the boat I have I need a full size V8 pick up or SUV, well I can't buy cash outright, even newer used...been pricing. Could put a fair downpayment, but not pay cash for the whole thing An older truck, yes, but I'm trading one older truck for another...doesn't make sense But I can buy a newer used car cash outright, maybe even one with some warranty on it. And I drive about 50km/day to work, major savings for me in gas with a car Think once our contract is settled, I'll be buying a car, something 4 cylinder Thanks again RG 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverado17 12689 Report post Posted February 29, 2012 i have a 4x4 Z71 club cab it's not that bad on gas wouldn't trade it for any kind of car Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest h**m****3 Report post Posted February 29, 2012 I'd keep the truck for truck things, as you need it more than you think, especially if you have one already and buy a newer smaller car with warranty for going to work. Drive the truck once a week to keep it in good order and you'll be good. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roamingguy 300292 Report post Posted February 29, 2012 Angela My boat is pretty new (2 years old) and pretty comfortable for a fishing day for two My truck is pretty old (11-12 years old) but happily, after last check in to shop, has a few years left in her But a little 4 cylinder car, easy on gas, makes trips to work, and Toronto and Ottawa a lot cheaper, plus saves wear and tear on truck RG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kate von Katz 49953 Report post Posted March 1, 2012 Have you considered getting one of those kits to swap the fuel your truck runs on? You can run it on old grease, propane, shoot they've probably got others, but my father is the mechanic, not me. You'll have to crunch the numbers, but the initial investment may pay for itself (and surely it'll increase resale value). Posted via Mobile Device Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites