bassin_man Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 If I get a boat my current truck would need money invested to be able to make long pulling trips. It for sure needs new u-joints, and new tires. Then ad on a tranny cooler, at least a rebuilt tranny (slow to shift into drive and respond sometimes afraid it wouldn't be able to handle pulling a boat for to long), the engine has started to run a little rougher also so a tune up would be helpful to. Its getting to be that age being a 91 that things are going to start going on it just because of its age. About the biggest upsides I can find about it is that its paid for and it only has 130,000 on the odometer. Now for the question. I am almost thinking that I would be better off taking the money and instead of putting it towards my truck putting it towards a newer truck. Opinions? P.S. The only thing I'm afraid about getting a newer truck right now is that it might get in the way of getting the boat I want. Therefore I figured either I get a newer truck and get an older boat or no boat at all or I could keep the truck and get a 00-03 boat. :-/ Quote
CGH Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 What type of truck is your 91? It's paid for, Milage is not that high for a teanager (17 yr truck) Like women, it may be cheaper to keep her Quote
CGH Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 Fix the tranny and add the cooler. Them 350's are good for 200,000 to 250,000 with easy. I've own 3 1500's two that were boat/trailer pullers all their lives with each hitting well over 285,000. The third was stollen when it had 158,000 last September, recovered with Motor, transmission missing > Quote
Super User cart7t Posted February 20, 2008 Super User Posted February 20, 2008 The 350 is a good motor. Freshen the transmission, shocks, engine tuneup, belts, hoses, u joints, etc and you're still a long way from the cost of a newer used truck. Quote
Super User Tin Posted February 20, 2008 Super User Posted February 20, 2008 Thats one of the few trucks that will run for a long time. Probably worth the money to just fix it imo. Edit: Just called one of my uncles, he has an early 90's 1500 that he has kept perfect and it is up to 197k Quote
Popeye Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 Keep your older truck and just fix it up. Unless you can afford a brand new truck, you won't know how a newer used truck was cared for and you do know how your's has been over the years. IMO:o) Quote
dave Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 Chevy 1500 with a 5.0 350. FYI 350 in a Chevy is a 5.7 Bullet proof Quote
Super User Tin Posted February 20, 2008 Super User Posted February 20, 2008 Chevy 1500 with a 5.0 350. FYI 350 in a Chevy is a 5.7 Bullet proof I thought it was a 5.7 too. :-? Ok not just me. Quote
=Matt 5.0= Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 Yep...not a 5.0. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Quote
Super User flechero Posted February 20, 2008 Super User Posted February 20, 2008 A new truck payment of $400 - $600 mo. goes a LONG way for maintenance and tires. Not to mention higher insurance rates of a new truck or boat. If you put that payment amount away each month, you could buy a nice truck or boat in short order and have no payments. (no payments feels real good!! ) I'm a low risk guy, so having any payments scares me. If I were in your shoes, I'd either trade up slightly and get a newer, but still used truck and pay cash for it... or fix what you have. (Yes, I'm a believer in Dave Ramsey's plan.) Quote
bassin_man Posted February 20, 2008 Author Posted February 20, 2008 Chevy 1500 with a 5.0 350. FYI 350 in a Chevy is a 5.7 Bullet proof You are correct. Not sure what I was thinking when I said it was a 5.0 Quote
GitRDoneIke23 Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 I'd say fix up the old truck. Maybe add K&N air filter as well. Like Flechero said no payments are VERY NICE!!! Quote
preach4bass Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 A new truck payment of $400 - $600 mo. goes a LONG way for maintenance and tires. Not to mention higher insurance rates of a new truck or boat. If you put that payment amount away each month, you could buy a nice truck or boat in short order and have no payments. (no payments feels real good!! ) I'm a low risk guy, so having any payments scares me. If I were in your shoes, I'd either trade up slightly and get a newer, but still used truck and pay cash for it... or fix what you have. (Yes, I'm a believer in Dave Ramsey's plan.) x2 Quote
CFFF 1.5 Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 unless you are getting a big boat you really shouldn't need a transmission cooler. I have a 97 1500 with 150k on it. I have had the tranny rebuilt about 2k. Other than that it has just been regular maintenance. Don't rebuild the tranny until it goes out on you. Just get AAA. You never know the tranny might last another 50k miles. My dad had a old 1500 that had over 300k and is still running today even tho he sold it. I still see it around town every once in a while. Quote
bassin_man Posted February 20, 2008 Author Posted February 20, 2008 Wow seems like the general opinion is to keep the truck. Anyone care to argue against that opinion? ;D Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted February 20, 2008 Super User Posted February 20, 2008 Sure, New is more fun! I'm one of those guys that tends to drive 'em till they're dead. BUT...If you take long trips or it's your wife's car, dependability is everything. So, on all equipment, but especially older cars and trucks, top quality maintenance is crucial. That means doing it yourself or by someone you know you can trust. I have generally cashed my older cars/ trucks in around 125-150,000 miles. The engines could probably last twice as long or even more. However, after ten years or so the rest of the car/truck starts falling apart and looks shabby. Then it's definitely time to go. Current status: Toyota Sequoia: 95,000 (mine) Nissan Altima: 93,000 (wife) (next to be replaced) Toyota Rav4: 19,000 (daughter for college) Nissan Frontier: 165,000 (son) (next one he has to buy, so it might make 200,000) 8-) Quote
preach4bass Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 Toyota Rav4: 19,000 (daughter for college) Nissan Frontier: 165,000 (son) (next one he has to buy, so it might make 200,000) 8-) Sexist ;D Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted February 20, 2008 Super User Posted February 20, 2008 The boy has been in college for five years with two more years of medical school to go. I bought his truck new when he turned 16. When he becomes a doctor, he can buy his own! 8-) Quote
farmpond1 Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 A few questions you may want to ask: What distance do you expecting to be traveling? Do you or will you be using the truck for anything besides pulling a boat? Comment: With gas prices being what they are, you should be able to get a decent used truck for a lot less than a new one. Quote
ba7ss3in Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 Can't get to the fishing hole, on the side of the road. Dependability. If your are a mechanic then you might be better off fixing the old truck. Shop around you may be able to find both without breaking the bank. Quote
bassin_man Posted February 20, 2008 Author Posted February 20, 2008 Hmmmm. RW brings up some good points especially about the reliability part of it. Other than local clubs to fish in many tournament trails or to get into some great fishing I have to drive a minimum of about 2-2 1/2 hours one way(thats what happens when your in Nebraska) because of the funky rules and regulations we have for bass in my area. Plus it isn't uncommon for me and some buddies to head to different lakes that can be upwards of 5-6 hours one way. It would be nice to get rid of this one before it really starts falling apart as its already on its way to doing so. I will be using the truck for hunting, fishing, trapping and then just the normal hauling things around. The only thing making the decision tougher is that I won't buy a boat less than 19' with a 200 on it and it must be composite construction no wood. Which means majority of boats are gonna have to be 1998 or newer. I guess I'm just to hard headed. I thought these decisions were suppose to get easier over time? ;D Quote
GitRDoneIke23 Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 FIX UP THE OLD ONE!!! You don't have very many miles on it. If it ain't broke don't fix it!!! Here's a good finacial plan. After you've fixed up your old truck and have recoverd form the expense. Start putting away money in another savings account each month. (about what you'd pay for a new truck.) That way when your old truck gives out, you'll have a good little bit of money to put down as a down payment. OR....... Sell the old one and buy a newER used one. Quote
=Matt 5.0= Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 A brand new truck could leave you stranded just as easily. I would be shocked if that 350 didn't run forever... FWIW, I drive a '98 F150 with 131k on it...sure I'd love a newer one, but right now I don't need a $350 a month payment. My truck is in pretty good shape, I'm looking forward to spending that small monthly payment on a Tracker to pull with my old truck Do what you can afford. Quote
MyKeyBe Posted February 21, 2008 Posted February 21, 2008 Keep the old truck. It's paid for and fixing the few problems you may have will never equal a new truck payment. Ohh and get the tranny cooler. Every 20 degrees you lower the tranny's temp will double its life!!! Quote
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