DD Thoughts.
 

I figure I'll ask your opinions as far as a DD goes.

I drive a work truck home most days, and only use my personal truck for personal errands, going out with friends, vacation. Otherwise it stays parked at work. Capabiliites needed: 4x4/AWD, 3000 lb or better towing capacity, seats 4, can carry kayaks. Primarily tow jet ski/small utility trailers and a few times a year for a boat.
That's really about it. Gas mileage isn't the biggest concern due to a lack of use, so while diesels are awesome, it's not really a good fit. I'm not against pickups entirely, but feel that an SUV fits my lifestyle/storage needs better. My mom has a Traverse and is one of the vehicles in the running, but I'm not a fan of how it tows - it squats a lot even with just my jet ski. (yes, air bags can be added).
Currently have an 06 Explorer with 165k miles, owned since 16k. Runs great, no issues, and completely rust free thanks to being anal about keeping things clean and detailed. Obviously also have no payments, and maintenance is significantly less than what annual payments would be on a new car, but is slowly creeping up.
What are your thoughts on selling it now vs. waiting, whether to even sell it, and what would you replace it with. I love this truck, and it fits my needs perfectly (Perfect size as well for what I do/where I go). My concern is it's still worth a decent amount now, and not so much if I wait a few more years. I'm having the passion/finance brain battle going on.

I have driven the new Colorado, Silverado, Explorer, and they all ride fine (I like a stiffer ride). I would be getting an NA V6, since I don't want the TT Ford, v8 silverado would be overkill but would be fine if I got a steal.

I would obviously price out used versus new, but would likely lean towards a 2 year old used vehicle to let someone else take the depreciation hit.

Go!

If the current truck fits your needs and is doing well, why even bother getting rid of it? You mentioned cost of maintenance is going up so I assume you mean it's had a few "older vehicle" issues.

In any event, why not grab a lightly used quad cab 1500 pickup? Might be overkill but that's not a bad thing especially since you likely plan on keeping it a while.

Gmc Canyon with baby durty! Or any gm truck.....

Yeah, like new radiator, etc. While everything is working great, I feel like it's time to make the decision in the next few months to run it into the ground, or replace it while it's worth something.

A pickup would work, but an SUV suits my needs better with leaving camping or boatercycle gear in a vehicle when I'm not there, etc. I like having the added security without a bedcover, and to fit kayaks I'm not sure a bedcover would work, which would mean a cap, and down the slippery slope it goes. Like I said, not the worst thing, but I already have a pickup so the traditional benefits of a pickup aren't there.

The new Duramax is awesome and I've driven it, but I have no need for a diesel or the added cost of the diesel OR the fancy packages that you need to order with it. But yeah, if I got a pickup it would be a GM midsize or fullsize.

I'm basically just looking for objective feedback haha.

Get a clean TBSS to suit your needs. Just as old but hey, it will be more fun.

The cost of baby durty is offset by fuel mileage! You can def lace it out with a cap or cover and racks for your kayak and camping needs! But a used 1500 with a gen 4 8 cylinder is a great combo and so easy to work on....

I don't want another old car to sit around 5-6 days a week :lol: I have my fun toys, just looking for a dependable DD.

It's really just a matter of when to do it - in the next 6 months or when this truck dies.

Takes a while at under 10k a year to recoup, and I wouldn't be buying a 2017 anything regardless.

What's your budget?

I still think fixing a car is cheaper than buying a new car. While it may suck sometimes, your wallet will thank you. No car payments!

If replacing I'd want to be under 35k, ideally like 30k since I'd looking 1-2 years old with 20-30k miles. I wouldn't be getting anything unusually optioned (between base and mid-level but with tow package) regardless of type so I think it's realistic. I can go higher if need be.

When the only times you drive your vehicle is on long weekends or trips, fixing your car at all doesn't sound very appealing :nick:

Hey Nick, I'd stick with what ya have if it's still getting the job done. You know it's history and have taken care of it so it will probably take care of you for a long time. But good luck in what ever your decision is.

Nick, have you considered a used Grand Cherokee? My wife has a 2015 Limited with the V6 and its a great cruiser and absolute beast in the snow. They seem to plummet in value the first two years too.

Only things you might not like is the suspension is soft and floaty, and the reliability isn't so great according to initial reports. Nonetheless, we are very happy with ours.

Actual DD, or just a occasional weekend usage? You have put forth a conflicting answer to that so far.

The newer Colorado is a solid truck. When I was at GM every customer that bought a new one absolutely loved it.

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:D :D :D

Ive had many different trucks SUVs over the last few years. My Silverado was the best truck I've ever owned and I kick myself weekly for selling it. If you can find a clean Silverado you will not be disappointed. I have a work van and I looked forward to the days I got to drive the Silverado. Get a bed cover and you can fit more stuff and same number of people as your current truck. Also very easy to dress up. 20" OEM take offs can be found for fairly cheap.

I can't believe I didn't suggest a wrangler......so here I am suggesting a wrangler. No arguing, its you bro.

Personally, the explorer resale is squat at this point due to mileage and b/c Ford. Maybe a few G's. Your truck is has higher opportunity value than it would sell so I would keep it and add a few bucks to it being it is in good cosmetic condition. Crossed this same bridge with the shop truck this year. I felt it was worth putting some effort and $ into it as its replacement would far exceed those cost. The added time I would yeild from fixing the truck would easily offset the efforts put forth.

My vote is if you like it and are OK with keeping it for a few more years, do so. You know its history for very early on which when buying something else used can be a concern.

You could get the new F2/350 mega cab w/ diesel pushing 925 ft-lbs!! Ultimate pavement cruiser with added Alcoas with stretched pretty boy tires.

my buddy is selling one:bertstare:

wait a few more years with what you have, then grab a off-lease Bronco.

Yes. Too small, and not a good reliability record.

I have a work truck I drive between home to work. So the Explorer is technically my not-so-DD that I only use for personal duty such as going out with friends, going down the shore, vacations, etc. Still 10k per year, but usually only on "weekends" or the occasional night during the week.

When I drove my friend's 2015? 2 door it wasn't very peppy, even with a stick. I can only imagine while towing, even if it is rated for 3500 pounds. I can revisit it though.

I have a Silverado I drive every day, I know their reliability and virtues ;-)

I can still get 5500-6500 for it as it sits, possibly a little more for the right buyer. Not a huge chunk of change, but not too bad and would be a nice downpayment.

I'd be looking at 30,000 miles and under used, so it wouldn't be too bad.

The 3.6 is much better then the 3.8 so what year you drove matters. 4 doors are awesome for who you are and what you want. Its not always about the destination, sometimes its about the trip to there ;-) + vert 4x4!!!!!

Ahhh, good to know. What year was the switchover? I have always wanted a Wrangler but figured it had to be a toy. Still leery of mopar reliability though. How is the 3.6?

2012 but the initial release did have coolant loss/misfire/head issues :rofl: They did repair under warranty though.

Yea nevermind. Wife's car didn't start this morning.

Curious to know once you find out. Going to test drive the Unlimited 6 spd this week to see if I like driving it, look at the space, etc.

Explorer is listed for sale.