I must ask, what does a kid in college do to make enough money to support those kind of habits? I can not for the life of me fathom spending that much on toys? Especially if I was in college. My farm payment is only a couple more dollars a month than your truck payment. And farms go up in value, trucks just fall. I do have a payment still on one of my tractors, but that brings money back in. I think I'd have a heart attack if I was spending that much money on toys.

 

CTDPower -
Couple things. First, congrats on the truck if/when you get it. Secondly, drive one of the 6 spds before you buy it. I had the 5 spd in my 2001 and liked the way it shifted and drove. I was dead set on getting the 6 spd. I don't tow a lot, just a boat and trailer every now and then. I assume you won't be towing every day. I didn't like the way the 6 spd shifted, though I'm sure it would loosen up after a while. I ended up with the auto and couldn't be happier.

I too would like to know StrokeThisCTD does for work in college?! I worked my tail off in college paying rent, tuition, water, electricity, gas, etc. I worked two jobs, one as a bartender and one at a marina, 40+ hours a week. I don't regret it and I'm not resentful, just very curious.

My first vehicle was a 1986 Nissan Sentra 4 door - no radio, no ac, no power anything except steering - 800.00 cash. My folks never paid for my vehicles, insurance, gas, etc. Worked my way up to a 86 Toyota 4x4 and then a 99 Toyota T-100 4x4, then had to downgrade back to a 87 Toyota 4Runner when I went to college that I ended up owning for 4 years. I worked hard in college, got a very good job and can now afford some nicer things. My dad is 53 and didn't buy his first NEW vehicle till he was 48. I've never met a harder worker than my dad . . . glad that he passed in on to me. Worth ethic and dedication is a lesson that more fathers could pass along to their kids.

Thomas

 

I agree. My family owns two new car dealerships. It would have been very easy for them to give me a nice vehicle. But they didn't. My first vehicle was a 77' Chevy 2wd pick up that was pretty rusty. My senior year I got to upgrade to a 92' Dodge Ram 350 4x4 Cummins that had 170k on it by that time with a utility body on it. I took off the utility body and built a flatbed for it in Ag-shop. I got to pay for them, and I didn't get any down payment help either. I don't understand what the world is coming too these days. Why do people feel their children must have the things at 20 that they didn't have at 40 or 50? Today, I work at my family's business. In fact I manage the Dodge store. But I still drive a 92' Dodge, not the same one, but this one is more tired than the one I used to have! My wife is lucky, she drives a 93' Dodge! I make a good living, and I am not driving a new Dodge with a big chip and exhaust, my poor ol 92' is still stock at 160hp, and i'd say it see's more heavy loaded trailer miles than most of the hopped up trucks? I am getting off topic. Just don't understand what is going on in the world? I guess I am old fasioned or crazy, or just plain out of touch? Heck I don't know? But something about kids this age driving around in new souped up trucks blowing black smoke all about just rubs me wrong?

 

Luke -
Well, this may be where you and I diverge Once I could afford it (well within my means, not above) I wanted my "dream" truck. Of course, I'm not married and don't have kids. That would probably change things for now. However, I will probably be in a place (though no one can predict the future) in 20-25 years that I could buy my son (if I'm lucky enough to have one) a truck . . . but will I? Absolutely not. He work his tail off, buy his vehicles, pay for his insurance, etc. Now, if he's responsible, gets good grades, works hard, etc. then the "old man" (that will be me at that time) might let him take MY truck out to prom, a hot date (as long as he brings her by for me to "approve" ), etc.

Thomas

 

I can't say too much about not buying your own vehicles...because, it just so happens that our business buy's mine! At 18 I got the '95 (which had 203K miles), paid for by the store, which I helped deliver machines, go to sales, manage the store etc. The truck was my daily driver, and the tow rig for the store. As such, the insurrance was/is paid by the store!

I paid for half of the '98 that I've bought at 21 years old, and the store pays for the other half, and also half the insurance, half the parts, etc!! This truck is what I use to drive customers around to show them machines, go on sales calls, deliver ligher machines, general duty hauling, and is now my daily driver/toy

I've paid for EVERY part I've added, broke, or torn up on these trucks...even the old 95 that is strictly a trailer dragging queen now. I also had 2 minor accidents before I got my first Dodge, which I paid for every CENT of damage that was caused, and fixed my own vehicle each time. I didn't let insurance pay for things because then they would have canceled me, causing me effectivly lose my job)!

On top of half my insurance and truck payments, I make $260 a week...whether I work 40 hours, or 80 hours, doesn't matter. I like the situation, so does Dad and I'm happy to be buying my way into the business every year, as well! Now to work on the debt I have with him for college

I don't know why I typed this all, I guess I just felt like since everyone else was, I should
Chris

 

That must have been a dang good paying summer job. So if you get a truck for 34,000 and pay half 17,000. 12 weeks at 1416.00 a week before taxes now thats a good job. I stick by my orginal post that I would not have said my dad is buying me new truck.