My Diesel ownership status is hard to justify

[Greenleaf]

Forrest,



I think it's because they are the first in line of an awsome merge, combined with the classic, time honored body style which has tons of character.



IMHO if you don't want/need 500 to 700 hp then the pump is not an issue. How many of us have to have 500hp, honestly now!???



Three hundred plus is more than sufficient to pass a hot-rod Mustang out on the open road and pull the grain cart/hores trailers.



I think Niel would be happy with a first gen rig and keep a gasser back to drive when he is modding the 1st gen he buys for $6,000



I don't own a reg cab (yet) so can't comment on the leg room. Forrest, try living in a Ford Ranger for nearly twelve years and buy a 1st gen reg cab. Then get back to me on the leg room issue Nor have I had the oportunity to be in a second gen truck. I don't know what thet are like inside. However I have done some under-the-hood-work and can say that they are more of a challenge when compared to the earlier rigs.



Keep in mind that many of the items available to the 1st genner are not advertised. Such as the collumn mount gauge pod and ATS manifold.



IMO, the 93 would be a nice truck for him. A two wheeler is even more economical because he will not have to deal with all the 4X4 problems associated with maint. and repair as well as a higher purchase price/increased insurance/lower fuel ecomomy, etc.



I wish you luck in whatever yuou decide Neil!!! Once diesel gets into your blood it's there to stay.



GL

 

[jersey diesel]

justify?

For myself I can't justify driving a trruck at all. Its my dailly driver. Sure I can make excuses, I need to hall the family dogs to the vet once a year, or as needed, sure I take a couple of trips to the local dump once and a while. Fuel prices are way up and 17 mpg isn't all that great when our fuel is costing more than prem. Hell I don't need a p/u at all. I atrted drining a p/u 25 years ago because they were, believe it or not, cheaper than a comparably equipped car. But I have worked in Emergency rooms for a long time and I do believe in phsyics. I will do better in an mva than some one in a jetta,camary and what ever else you want to name. Yes its expensive and some times aPIA to have these trucks, but what is the cost of saftey when taking a family trip on 1300 mile trip on some of our hwgs. See I knew I could

justify having a beast I can't afford and I was never crazy about the color of this one. Good luck to all in thier own decisions to have or have not.

Steve

 

[Forrest]

Also already found a 97 2500 2WD Auto Regular Cab with low miles. Fix the KDP and I'm off.

As you're already a manual transmission type ... look for a 5 speed if you go to a 12v. Mucho more fuel coming out of those pumps than the auto equipped trucks & bigger injectors. For $200, new fueling plate, you can exceed the clutch & turbo.

 

[Sled Dog]

Life is to short to drink the house wine.

 

[DBoyd]

I gotta agree with all the 12V 2nd generation folks, I have one and I love it. Plenty of power, and excellent fuel economy and I can actually work on it without a dang computer scanner!!!! I'll never sell it if I can help it!! Gotta love that P7100 and the mechanical lift pump!!

 

[Yo Hoot]

My truck is my commuter vehicle, my vacation vehicle, my people hauler, my surf fishing rig, and my hot rod. Only one payment.

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

Had to let mine go. Was tired of paying the bank(and insurance companies) 1000s a month. Im down to a 200 dollar payment for 10 more months and I own everything I have. Including my new daily commuter. A 700 dollar subaru. Im thinking of picking up a cheap 4x4 turbocharged 7. 3 idi f250. I need a truck but dont want to pay for a new one anymore. Why an f250? Those older style fords for some reason drives like their on rails in the snow. Best winter trucks Ive ever seen. Cheap and good in the snow and on fuel. I can probably pick one up for 4 to 6 thousand, cash out of pocket, no more loans, thank you. Im almost free of this self made oppression.

 

[Ncostello]

Well the deal is done as of tomorrow. I'm really sad in a way. But happy in another. I leased a 2005 Ram1500 4x4 4. 7L V8. They knocked $4600 off the sticker and my insurance is only $15 higher each month. Also sold the Ram 2500 for $2000 more than I owed. My lease payment will be comparable (although higher). I take care of my vehicles and don't rack up many miles so I'll be OK in the end. I like not having to pay sales tax right up front from a purchase.



I'm going to take the $2000 from the old 2500 and put that towards a first gen... hopefully a 93. But I'll take any of them. I'll personally be better off now owning a diesel ram purely for the fun, pleasure and enjoyment of it. TDR and associated events are simply too fun not to have one. Some folks have motorcycles and go to bike shows... some own 32 Fords and go to hotrod events. I like going to dyno days and sled pulls

 

[klenger]

Ncostello: I don't mean to be a smart a$$, but I'm trying to figure out where you are saving any money. Your lease payment is higher than your old truck payment, your insurance is $15 higher, the new truck will most likely get worse milage than the CTD, and you won't own anything after the lease expires. On the other hand, you do get to drive a newer truck for a few years and won't have any significant maintenance.

 

[JyRO]

Ncostello: I don't mean to be a smart a$$, but I'm trying to figure out where you are saving any money. Your lease payment is higher than your old truck payment, your insurance is $15 higher, the new truck will most likely get worse milage than the CTD, and you won't own anything after the lease expires. On the other hand, you do get to drive a newer truck for a few years and won't have any significant maintenance.

Klenger - That's exactly what I was thinking. I don't care if everybody disagrees with me on this one, but there is no way in he11 any single person is saving money by leasing a car. I don't care what salesman has convinced you, it is not true. Companies do it to keep their employees in reliable cars with the least amount of hassle (meaning, less breakdowns, less research on the next car, less maintenance, etc). Do those companies who lease vehicles for their employees save money? Not on the vehicles, no they do not.



You'd still be better off buying a new vehicle (versus leasing the same) with a bit higher payment, and selling it X number of years later and getting money in return. This is a comparison with all things being equal (meaning, you don't try to sell a 3 year old car that you haven't taken care of, or has been damaged and not fixed ... same as you wouldn't turn in a lease vehicle that way without a penalty).



I'm not bothering to put a flame suit on. Because, answer me this: Why are dealerships so blame willing to lease vehicles? Answer: Because lease vehicles return a higher net profit than sales of a vehicle. And that is caused by the consumer unwittingly shelling out more over the long run. But not necessarily just one consumer, usually in entails 2 consumers doing it. It includes the person who buys a turned in lease vehicle from the dealership.



Who else does this not make sense too? Sell one vehicle, to get another one that has a higher payment (and will never be worth 1 blame cent to the lessee) to save money. I too am not being a smarta$$, but this seems like spending a dime to save a nickel (and putting up with a donkey instead of a horse). Maybe you think so because the new one will not need to be repaired. Not sure.



As for the LP, I'll spend money on the FASS one time, before I buy 3 or 4 LP's. Not that 3 or 4 LP's are more expensive, but I'd rather have dependability for 3X the cost, than to wind up walking and hanging out in somebody else's town in a hotel room while my LP or LP/VP is being replaced. I believe a FASS is not too far down the road for me because I'm about to become my own warranty station.



- JyRO

 

[DISPATCH]

im still in college work part time and do i really need a deisel? ... . no not really! i am on my 4 lift pump at 180K BUT would i ever sell my truck ... . HELL NO!!! I LOVE MY TRUCK it really ticks off the neibhors comin home at 230am after the bar but i would never sell the truck it has worked hard when i needed it too and it has had its time to rest also. but it has always been reliable. before my 2k ctd i drove a 89 gmc 1500 and i will never go back. as long as can afford my ctd she'll be sittin in the drive way. at 180k things seem to be goin all at once first ball joints then shocks and wheel bearings now rear swaybar links and tires. i guess i will just have to put the girl friend on hold so i can keep my baby on the road!! somtimes you have to do what you have to do and i sincerly hope you can keep your truck cause i feel for ya i would hate to have to sell mine!!

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

i will just have to put the girl friend on hold so i can keep my baby on the road!!

Alternate idea, buy a cowboy hat move to South Dakota and find a dolly like Cowboy Medic's.

 

[y-knot]

Many people find it hard to break the chain of continuous car or truck payments. Many have the mind set of they are always going to have to make a payment, so what difference does it make. Many also let some smooth talk influence what they think of do. Leasing is a nicer word then RENTING, but they are the same, and that is all you are doing, RENTING a car or truck for a certain amount of time. Most LEASE because they want more vehicle then they know they could afford. The only ones that actually have a legitimate reason to LEASE is the business owners. By leasing they can deduct the payment most time in full, from their tax's, this is an advantage that many like to take up on. You, the normal guy, can not deduct anything from your tax's. I know many, many people lease, and I would guesstimate that there are as high as 60% on this site that might lease their Dodge/Cummins trucks, but for most it is not the smart thing to do.

For all those that have that feeling of "you will always have a payment", you will if you do not change your ways and mind set. You do not always need to be saddled down by a high truck payment. The key is to buy something you like , and buy smart. Get something that has a decent record with regard to reliability, and stay with it. Get it paid for then enjoy it. Trust me, their is nothing like the felling of driving around in a vehicle that is bought and paid for, nothing. It is very comforting and peaceful. Unfortunately their are way too many that feel they need to have the newest model, and many of them are one this site. That might be OK for a select few, but for most it is just digging them deeper into debt. Those in that group need to wake-up and see the big picture. Look at the figures and see what all this is going to cost, and then determine if you really want to work everyday for the next twenty years just for that new truck payment. Truth is, America would be much better off it credit wasn't so easy to come by. For most it is the normal way of doing business, buy now and pay latter. But that is not the way it should be. If everyone keeps buying into this ideal that they need too have everything, and right now, they will end up with nothing. Buy smart, you work way too hard for your money to toss it away on lease payments, overdraft charges and interest payments.

 

[Headshot zod]

People in the 1st gen forum may remember why I have a truck... ... . I've been hit so many times by people not paying attention... ...



My 1973 (rest her "A" block soul) got totaled twice and McGeevied once before she gave up the ghost. I had plenty of other accidents that weren't my fault. My current truck was McGreevied a few weeks after I bought it. I would never want a car again. Accept for maybe a 4bta in a 32' Plymouth for Sunday driving...

 

[klenger]

Good comments y-knot. I hope to join you, but I'm still 3-1/2 years away. On a positive note, at least I have a 0% loan for 4 years.

 

[y-knot]

Glade to hear that, 0% it doesn't get much better then that. With these extraordinarily low interest rates many manufacturers are offering their customers, it baffles me why so many are leasing and not taking advantage of these low, low rates. Until recent, I have never had an opportunity to barrow for so little. This trend will not last long, and the interest rates will return to their normal high rates, so it makes even less since to lease, yet they continue to out pace the conventional loan by a 3 to 1 margin?? Not that long ago when I bought my '97, interest rates were over 12% for good credit scores and new vehicles. My first several PAYMENTS WERE $720. 00 a month. They also did not offer any rebates and the trucks were selling for close to sticker. Now they have huge discounts and little or no interest, it's funny a new truck cost less today then my '97 did in '96, the payment is also 150-200 dollars less a month.

People will do what they want, but it is never going to get better then it is right to BUY a vehicle new from the dealer. Those that lease are either very confused or really shouldn't be looking at such an expensive vehicle.

 

[Jefff929]

gotta wonder. I had a gas rig yep, forever out working on the chevy when I wanted to be doing somthing else. So far even with the frequency of service I still haven't spent the time I had on the old chev. Then I got rid of it. Barowed a buddys Ford. Oh help, he will never buy another Ford again. Where to start, he loaned it for me to use not work on.



Can't say these things about the CTD.

 

[Greenleaf]

y-knot,



You made a very good point. Perhaps that is why we are seeing a boat ... ... ... 'er, truck load of people joining us regular like over on the First Gen forum.



Scott

 

[Ncostello]

First I'm not paying any longer on a vehicle that I didn't like... and the truck needed some $$$ to make it right. It wasn't just the lift pump. It had 100K and needed some other items on the chassis and transmission.



I appreciate the ideas on leasing versus buying. Transportation is an expense. Thus I am opting to minimize my expense in that catergory over the next three years. I am not spending money for 5 years on a new vehicle that will be essentially worthless after that period of time. Buying a $30000 truck and trading it in for $10,000 is not exactly what I call an investment in anything. Its going to cost me "X" dollars to use a truck for 3 years and there is no way around that. In the end I wont (and don't want to) own it.



The treasurer (CPA) at my employeer is a very intelligent person. He and I are good friends and we had a nice talk about my vehicle situation. He also leases a vehicle for his wife but owns his own. He and I decided leasing was the best alternative for me and my goals for this vehicle. While my BS in Civil Engineering doesn't make me a banker... I still have always been able to make good financial decisions for myself. I have a very high credit score and can comfortably afford to purchase a new Luxury SUV if I wanted to. Rest assured I'm not leasing a vehicle to "get" more vehicle than I can afford.

 

[ppfd]

Many people find it hard to break the chain of continuous car or truck payments. Many have the mind set of they are always going to have to make a payment, so what difference does it make. Many also let some smooth talk influence what they think of do. Leasing is a nicer word then RENTING, but they are the same, and that is all you are doing, RENTING a car or truck for a certain amount of time. Most LEASE because they want more vehicle then they know they could afford. The only ones that actually have a legitimate reason to LEASE is the business owners. By leasing they can deduct the payment most time in full, from their tax's, this is an advantage that many like to take up on. You, the normal guy, can not deduct anything from your tax's. I know many, many people lease, and I would guesstimate that there are as high as 60% on this site that might lease their Dodge/Cummins trucks, but for most it is not the smart thing to do.

For all those that have that feeling of "you will always have a payment", you will if you do not change your ways and mind set. You do not always need to be saddled down by a high truck payment. The key is to buy something you like , and buy smart. Get something that has a decent record with regard to reliability, and stay with it. Get it paid for then enjoy it. Trust me, their is nothing like the felling of driving around in a vehicle that is bought and paid for, nothing. It is very comforting and peaceful. Unfortunately their are way too many that feel they need to have the newest model, and many of them are one this site. That might be OK for a select few, but for most it is just digging them deeper into debt. Those in that group need to wake-up and see the big picture. Look at the figures and see what all this is going to cost, and then determine if you really want to work everyday for the next twenty years just for that new truck payment. Truth is, America would be much better off it credit wasn't so easy to come by. For most it is the normal way of doing business, buy now and pay latter. But that is not the way it should be. If everyone keeps buying into this ideal that they need too have everything, and right now, they will end up with nothing. Buy smart, you work way too hard for your money to toss it away on lease payments, overdraft charges and interest payments.

You sir, hit the nail square on the head with this! I drive a 1995 Ford F-150 that was odered by me in Dec. of 94. Took it in Jan. of 95 on a 5 year note and paid it off in 3 years. I think my loan was for 25,000. I put 9,000 cash down. Made my loan around 16,000. My friends all looked at me like I was crazy when I told them I made my last payment in 3 years I know many people that buy things they do not need or can afford. Our society has made bankruptcy "cool" I know of at least 5 friends off the top of my head that are "bankrupt" but all have new cars,trucks and Harleys. Everything with the exception of my house is paid for. The house will be mine in 20 years, hopefully sooner. My neighbor bought an f 150 a while back. After a year I noticed it was missing. Thinking it was stolen I asked him, he said "I told the bank to come get it. I can't afford it". I am still not sure on the diesel thing for me but, when you price gassers and even the compact trucks the price is not a big difference. Keep in mind I will buy a Dodge with granddads co. plan.