Thinking about a new truck

[chrish]

So I've got a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500. Club Cab, Long Bed, 4X4, V10, 71,000 miles on it.

I purposely got this thing with heavy duty everything. Tranny, Transfer case, Tranny cooler, Oil cooler, camper springs etc... I did this thinking this truck would last me a long time. So far it's been a good truck. No major problems. up until last September where I had to replace the timing chain (or belt?). That along with a 60,000 mile service and rapair od the drivers side electric window motor was about $2000. Now they're telling me the steering is all shot and it will take about $2500 to fix that. Over the course of a year, that's about $500/month. I could buy a new truck for those payments. The thing is, I may be able to put the $2500 into it and probably have another 75,000 to 150,000 miles to go on the engine. Decisions, decisions.

If I were to get a new truck, I'm thinking diesel. Anyone ever have a vehicle with a diesel engine? So far I like the Ford 2500 (or is it 250?) superduty or the Dodge 2500. Not sure if I want to buy a Dodge now that Daimler is in the picture though.

The thing is - damn prices of these things. Somewhere around $50,000 for what I'd want. Dunno that I want to spend that.

Decisions, decisions...

[Haul Asp]

I'm surprised that you have had that much trouble with a truck that is barely broken in (in my book). It could go for many more miles with no trouble, in which case it would be better to keep it (since it's paid for). On the other hand, if it's just going to be one problem after another, it's time to bail now before you spend more money and time.

I never had a diesel before, although I've had friends and family that did. They are made much better than they used to be, and the gas mileage seems to be better also. The trucks still have that freakin clatter, but the cars seems to have improved and make very little engine noise. I don't know about Cali, but diesel is now more expensive than premium here. I'd be concerned about that too.

Good luck.

[chrish]

Yeah - Diesel has always been more expensive, but only by a little. I think the increase in mileage more than makes up for it - bit I'd have to run the numbers to be sure.