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stillbrewin · 11-02-2012, 10:16 PM

New breaks, it happens. New break lines all the way around on last break job, 17 years of Minnesota salt and snow it's bound to happen. New radio after factory deck goes down, again 17 years can't say I blame it. New tires for a 17 year old truck costing a minimum 700-900 bucks. Hmm? truck might not be worth that much. Between the new tires and a whole new exhaust system I figure it is gonna be 2 grand into this truck in the next 2 months. Starting to worry that good old red might have to go to pasture soon.

**dkwolf** · 11-03-2012, 02:56 AM

Between tires, shocks, new catalytic converters, exhaust, rear brakes, and a partial transmission rebuild, I dumped just shy of $3,000 in my 2001 Silverado in the 18 months before I traded it off on a 2006 Silverado two years ago. Since then, I've spent around $1,500 on new tires, front brakes, and reworking the exhaust - knowing that in all likelihood, 12-18 months from now I'll be selling this truck to buy my dad's (he just got a 2012 Silverado, and tends to trade his in around 75,000 miles. This one's a heck of a nice truck, so I'm going to try swinging buying it off him and trading mine in instead)

Know your pain, buddy.

**StainlessBrewing** · 11-03-2012, 03:11 AM

Get a diesel. 180k and she's just broken in. Yeah fuel is higher but I also get 18-20 mpg.

**lschiavo** · 11-03-2012, 03:18 AM

Just ordered new tires for my '93. She's red too and has seen plenty of UP roadsalt. I need new treads for plowing though.

**Golddiggie** · 11-03-2012, 03:24 AM

17 years isn't that bad of a run. I have a 2002 truck right now that I need to do a little work to. After getting the rear spring shackles replaced this week (in order to pass inspection). I plan on keeping it another 2-4 years before trading in for a full size truck (got a Ranger now). I've done the tires twice already (original set didn't last long at all), but nothing too big otherwise. Since it's paid for, I'm more inclined to keep it, and keep it running, than get rid of it. At least until I have enough cabbage to make either really low or zero new truck payments.

I changed the stock radio/head unit in the truck many years ago. I recently changed it again since the replacement was malfunctioning. I now have built-in GPS among other things.

6.2" display on it too. I know that's easy to get on NEW trucks, but this is one I installed so it was a lot more affordable.

I tend to keep vehicles around 15 years, or until they need MAJOR work done. Even if I need something significant done, if it's a one time deal, and it will extend the life of the vehicle (and it's in good shape otherwise) I'll do it. I've done enough of those that there's not much left, that's a big cost item.

Besides, my modified Ranger is fun to drive. I got the biggest engine in it when I bought it (4L v6, sure I'd LOVE a v8). I've tweaked it to get more power out of that too. So it more than performs as I wish/demand. IF Ford was still making them, I'd probably get another when it's time. Since they're not, I've not decided (it's too far away to pick now). I do know that there are things I want that rules Ford out. Unless they can provide the features in their trucks at least.

**dkwolf** · 11-03-2012, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StainlessBrewing

Get a diesel. 180k and she's just broken in. Yeah fuel is higher but I also get 18-20 mpg.

Not really a valid argument when most gas engines are now running between 16-20 mpg on the highway. I routinely run 17+ mpg on the highway

You can ask any of my friends, I've said numerous times, if my daily driver ('02 Accord) blew up tomorrow, I'd probably find myself in a Volkswagen TDI. And if I had a boat or camper big enough to need it, I'd have no problem buying a diesel truck. But buying a diesel truck for the mileage....ain't gonna happen.

**Golddiggie** · 11-03-2012, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StainlessBrewing

Get a diesel. 180k and she's just broken in. Yeah fuel is higher but I also get 18-20 mpg.

The engine in my truck can go 200k without breaking a sweat. 300k is rather common (for people that keep them). I also get 20-24mpg when I'm on the highway more. More local traffic [obviously] brings that lower. Plus the way I drive it doesn't help (got a bit of a lead foot). I have a decent sized engine, that sounds good (Flowmaster

) and I like to use/hear it.

**StainlessBrewing** · 11-03-2012, 05:10 AM

I was just stating that you usually get double the mileage out of a diesel engine than a gasser. I don't see any rigs driving around the country haulin loads that are running gas. When I said just breaking the engine in...I meant it. 18-20MPG for a 2001 3/4 ton 7.3L 4 door truck is pretty damn good if you ask me. If you don't want or need one, good deal. Not looking for a valid argument. Just saw the thread and chimed in how much I love my truck. FOMOCO is the only way to go.

**StainlessBrewing** · 11-03-2012, 05:19 AM

One thing I hate about it is oil changes. Ridiculously expensive even if you do it yourself.

**PaintedRat** · 11-03-2012, 07:59 AM

I picked up an 86 truck for a steal a while back and was planning to fix the little things and keep it for some years. Mechanic said how much it would cost to make it pass California emission test. Suddenly it feels less like my old dog I'd do anything to save and more like the neighbors cat that I catch spraying in my garden.