Greene728
Newnan
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So…I have a mint 2016 Chevy 2500 with the stupidly dependable, yet pretty thirsty 6.0 L96. It’s crew cab, 4x4 Z71 and only has 63,628 miles in it. It also has the 6L90 6 speed trans. I mean y’all she is flawless. No leaks, no interior or exterior damage, turns heads and runs smooth as silk.
Here’s what I’m thinking. I’ll retire in about 6 years (give or take 4 to 5 months). I’m head over heels for either the new Chevy or GMC 2500 with the 6.6 and Allison 10 speed. As much as I love my truck and it’s low mileage, it’s about to be 8 years old. But in current condition and mileage, it will still bring a nice amount. I’m thinking about seeing what I could do in trading. My thought process is bite the proverbial bullet on the new one and have it paid off when I retire. I have a company vehicle and mileage would remain low. I’d be surprised at my current driving rate if it’d have 20,000 miles in 6 years. Then I’d have a truck that’s more capable, newer, better equipped, low miles and worth more for whatever I decide to do after retirement.
Im looking for good honest advice here friends. Not a debate or argument. Just thoughts on if you were in my shoes and if I’m thinking logically. These things also ain’t gonna be getting any cheaper. I feel like a have a unicorn now. In the condition, mileage and configuration of my truck, you don’t see many like it at all. And I know the 6.0 L96 is legendary for reliability and ease of repair and maintenance. But man the new 6.6 gas and 10 speed is a great combination. And for anyone that says “look at diesel” the answer is no. Been there done that and have the trophy to prove it. I fully know and admit diesel is a superior towing motor to gas. I just don’t and won’t pull enough weight or drive enough miles to justify it. These new gassers with the 10 speeds are more than capable of everything I need to do without the complexity and potential long term expense and headache of diesel. And I don’t want a Ford. We have had horrendous results with the 7.3 at the Department I work at. 6 ambulances with the 7.3 and Ford is replacing under warranty the 4th engine as we speak. 3 battalion (command units) truck F-250’s and 1 of those replaced under warranty as well. Ram….maybe. I like the looks and body as well as the interior, just not a fan of the cylinder management on the Hemi.
So. What do y’all think?
2011 Crossroads Cruiser 29BHS ( Traded )
2017 Grand Design 303RLS ( Sold )
Currently camperless ( Just taking a break )
2016 Chevy Silverado 2500 4x4 6.0 and 4:10’s
Me and the wife and our two daughters. Life's good!
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4x4ord
Alberta
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Joined: 12/23/2010
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Why not buy a new one now, then sell it when you retire and get another new one? Are you thinking if you buy a new truck now it will last you till you no longer have need of a truck? How many years of truckin have you got left in you?
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wildtoad
Blythewood, SC
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Keep the current truck. Squirrel away money in a new truck account over the next 6 years. When you retire buy the best truck you can for the activity you want to do. Or not.
Tom Wilds
Blythewood, SC
2016 Newmar Baystar Sport 3004
2015 Jeep Wrangler 2dr HT
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Lantley
Ellicott City, Maryland
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wildtoad wrote:Keep the current truck. Squirrel away money in a new truck account over the next 6 years. When you retire buy the best truck you can for the activity you want to do. Or not.
This is not a bad plan if you are a saver. If you don't have the fortitude to save. Than go to your plan and trade your truck.
Ultimately your goal should be to have your truck paid for before retirement. You don't want payments in retirement.
Buy/save now while you are working and have maximum income vs. retirement income.
19'Duramax w/hips,12'Open Range,Titan Disc Brake
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p220sigman
Tallahassee, FL, USA
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I agree with Tom. If you love your current truck, keep it. Calculate the payment you would be making if you got a new one now and start paying yourself. When you retire in six year, take that cash and buy what you want at that time. If you buy now, yes, you will have a low mileage truck in six years, but it will still be a six year old truck.
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nickthehunter
Midwest
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The problem he faces if he squirrels away money now to pay cash later is that inflation will be greater than the ROI on the money he saves and hence, he will be further behind. A very real scenario as witnessed by the last several years. I don’t own any crystal (let alone crystal balls) but I am guessing things are going to get worse before they get better. I would sit tight, there are going to be some super deals coming up. The other side of the coin is your old one will be worth less. But it sounds like it will be on the high side of the bell curve, which is a good position to be in.
The long and short of it, the day to buy new is coming, but it’s not today.
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wowens79
Georgia
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In 2002, with the 6.0, and drove it for 20 years, and 3 weeks, and put 268k miles on it. It only had the 4 speed, but that truck was so dependable!!! I went to a Ford 7.3 in 2022, and I love it, the power difference, and the 10spd vs my old 4spd makes towing so much better!!! I hope I can avoid the lifter cam issues, or that they happen soon.
I'd keep driving the old truck, and keep making the old monthly payment into an S&P500 fund, and pay cash for a new one when you retire. I did that for 16 years after I paid off my 2002. That paid for the new truck, a couple of old jeeps for my teens, and I'll be using it on a new camper in the next month or to.
I think you will continue to see improvements in the gassers over the next few years. I almost bought a new one 5-6 years ago, but I waited for the 6.6, but was disappointed they stayed with a 6spd, so I went to Ford and the 7.3 and 10spd.
I'm about 8 years from retirement, so I know the thoughts on when should we do what.
2022 Ford F-350 7.3l
2002 Chevy Silverado 1500HD 6.0l 268k miles (retired)
2016 Heritage Glen 29BH
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bgum
South Louisiana
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While the trade in will bring a good amount the new truck will cost more also and your insurance will go up. If it was my decision I would drive my current truck to retirement then look at new trucks.
In 6 years you will see a lot of improvements in trucks and could bank a few dollars also.
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ls1mike
Bremerton
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I think I can give you a bit of insight about the trucks.
I had an 2002 2500HD that I picked up used and drove it for 11 years. Was a good truck never needed anything and got the job done. When I traded it in it had 58,000 miles on it.
In 2019 I picked up a 2017 1 Ton gasser, basically your current truck. On August 31st of this year someone pulled out in front of me and the truck was totaled with 47,000 miles on it. I had planned to keep the truck at least 10 more years, I retire in about 12. It was paid for and I am not a truck guy.
I paid 36500 for the 2017 back in 2019. Insurance paid out 46800 on it. I would look and see what kind of money you can make off the current truck. I ended up going with a new 2024 2500HD custom 6.6 gasser with the 10 speed. I ended up financing about $10,000 dollars. Worth every penny. It tows circles around the 17 1 ton I had. It is just a better truck and I loved the 2017.
It tows better than my kids LB7 Duramax.
I plan to keep it for as long as I can at least into retirement and see where I am at that point. Big thing for me is on a heavy year I might put 4000 miles on the truck, but that is rare.
I will say it is the only big bill I really have except for my mortgage. My other 4 vehicles are paid for.
* This post was
edited 11/16/23 07:51am by ls1mike *
Mike
2024 Chevy 2500HD 6.6 gas/Allison
2012 Passport 3220 BHWE
Me, the Wife, two little ones and two dogs.
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Boomerweps
Hills of PA
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Regardless, if buying new, I d buy no later than a a 2025 model. Remote kill switches will be mandatory come 2026.
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