To keep, trade for used or buy new - HELP?
12-01-2006, 07:30 AM
#1
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To keep, trade for used or buy new - HELP?
I need your opinion to making a decision.
I have a 99 (see sig info below) that’s in perfect condition that I’ve babied because I honestly planned to keep it the rest of my life. Did I mention I LOVE this truck?
BUT:
-2 kids complaining of no room in the back and they aint gettin any smaller.
-I’m not that pleased with mileage -16 mpg hand calculated driving 70 in hills.
-The only mechanical thing that I’m concerned about is that it has a #53 block.
I’m torn between buying a new Mega cab or possibly upgrading to a used 03 Quad cab I found due to the better economy rail injection.
I can’t find an 06 Mega cab with the specs I want (if I did I’m worried about buying one because I’ve read they have AC cooling issue’s due to the large cab). I’m worried about the new engines coming in the 07’s with tons of EPA stuff crammed into them that they may not get descent mileage and the EPA stuff can clog...
The used truck I found is a 2003 3500 Quad cab 6-speed 4x4 with a HO engine 3.73 rear end. Do you think I’d solve the room issue with the kids in a Quad cab? Do you also think I’d get better mileage out of it even though it’s a 1 ton?
Help I’m losing sleep!
Thanx
I have a 99 (see sig info below) that’s in perfect condition that I’ve babied because I honestly planned to keep it the rest of my life. Did I mention I LOVE this truck?
BUT:
-2 kids complaining of no room in the back and they aint gettin any smaller.
-I’m not that pleased with mileage -16 mpg hand calculated driving 70 in hills.
-The only mechanical thing that I’m concerned about is that it has a #53 block.
I’m torn between buying a new Mega cab or possibly upgrading to a used 03 Quad cab I found due to the better economy rail injection.
I can’t find an 06 Mega cab with the specs I want (if I did I’m worried about buying one because I’ve read they have AC cooling issue’s due to the large cab). I’m worried about the new engines coming in the 07’s with tons of EPA stuff crammed into them that they may not get descent mileage and the EPA stuff can clog...
The used truck I found is a 2003 3500 Quad cab 6-speed 4x4 with a HO engine 3.73 rear end. Do you think I’d solve the room issue with the kids in a Quad cab? Do you also think I’d get better mileage out of it even though it’s a 1 ton?
Help I’m losing sleep!
Thanx
12-01-2006, 09:08 AM
#2
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I don't think the mpg will be better with a new truck, maybe worse. The best way to improve your mpg is to SLOW DOWN. IMO, you would be better off getting a ca to haul the kids in. And keep the truck you have. little used 4 door car is a lot cheaper to buy, drive and fix than a diesel truck. BUT what's the fun it that
12-01-2006, 09:27 AM
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I am with him ^^ ( I forget his name 
)
Money wise you would take less of a hit buying a car (NOT an SUV or MINI VAN) and toting the kids around with that , and just using the truck when you have to.
You already have a truck that you like , and you know it's history , and it's present working condition, that is worth gold IMO , nothing like buying a used vehicle and not knowing how it was maintained and taken care of.
)Money wise you would take less of a hit buying a car (NOT an SUV or MINI VAN) and toting the kids around with that , and just using the truck when you have to.
You already have a truck that you like , and you know it's history , and it's present working condition, that is worth gold IMO , nothing like buying a used vehicle and not knowing how it was maintained and taken care of.
12-01-2006, 09:39 AM
#4
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Agreed! Steveb, this is my problem too. My 11 yr old daughter is now in a major growth spurt and running out of room and when the family goes on a trip with the horses it don't take long for the complaining to begin from the wife and daughter. I am seriously thinking about stretching the cab (true 4 door) before buying another truck. I gotta a link to the place that does it but can't find it!
12-01-2006, 10:25 AM
#6
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Thread Starter
Your right
Yep - you guys are right. I'm just stubborn and admit it.
BUT who really owns these powerhouses that honestly need them anyway? We could all be driving a cheap old Ferd that can pull our trailers every now and then and all we'd have to do is stomach the loss of power. Guess I'm addicted to Cummins?
I'm a big boned guy and just can't bring myself to step out of this truck and into rice burner. So if I drive a truck it might as well be one of these trucks right?
I'll just let the kids whine. They don't make enough allowance to pay for transportation anyway.
But seriously, about the #53 block. I live in the hills of Tx. Spend most of my time on the highway back/forth to work not pulling anything. Don't drive mountains. I pull a 3K boat on some weekends and a 32ft gooseneck travel trailer sometimes. I've had a Rad Cap in the radiator with that sacrificial anode thing being ate away instead of the other metal.
Do you think I need to worry about the 53 block cracking for the long haul on this rig? If that happens I might as well pull her to the nearest junkyard.
BUT who really owns these powerhouses that honestly need them anyway? We could all be driving a cheap old Ferd that can pull our trailers every now and then and all we'd have to do is stomach the loss of power. Guess I'm addicted to Cummins?
I'm a big boned guy and just can't bring myself to step out of this truck and into rice burner. So if I drive a truck it might as well be one of these trucks right?
I'll just let the kids whine. They don't make enough allowance to pay for transportation anyway.
But seriously, about the #53 block. I live in the hills of Tx. Spend most of my time on the highway back/forth to work not pulling anything. Don't drive mountains. I pull a 3K boat on some weekends and a 32ft gooseneck travel trailer sometimes. I've had a Rad Cap in the radiator with that sacrificial anode thing being ate away instead of the other metal.
Do you think I need to worry about the 53 block cracking for the long haul on this rig? If that happens I might as well pull her to the nearest junkyard.
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12-01-2006, 10:43 AM
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Well you already have a 167K on it so its lasted this long.
I would do what copenhagen is doin and just put 2 more doors and there. That would be the ultimate Dodge truck.
I'm assuming the truck is paid for?? You have babied it and its in real good condition. Could be hit or miss with a newer truck, not to mention the payment if you didn't have all of the money to put down on it.
I would do what copenhagen is doin and just put 2 more doors and there. That would be the ultimate Dodge truck.
I'm assuming the truck is paid for?? You have babied it and its in real good condition. Could be hit or miss with a newer truck, not to mention the payment if you didn't have all of the money to put down on it.
12-01-2006, 12:54 PM
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I know what you mean about no room and the kids not getting any smaller. Got rid of wifey's Miata and got a used 01 Volvo XC-70 (4X4 wagon), the new sport family truckster . . .
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