Thinking about a new or used vehicle

[Dogman]

My old truck has seen better days, 1999 dodge ram 1500, the tranny is going out, and other age (?) related problems are popping up. Been driveing a truck of some sort or other for over 30 years and I have not payed any attention to any other vehicles than what I was driving at the time.

I have always bought used/near new, now I need to move on and am looking at what is out there for abt $20,000 or less, and looking for the best bang for the buck.

My dodge got 15-17 mpg going downhill with a tailwind, and it is time to move on to something better. This time it will be ether a car or something like a suv. I do like to have some kind of cargo space, seeing that I rarely hauled anything in the bed of my other trucks, I have a trailer that can do that kind of stuff now.

What say you all ? Would like to buy usa made but I am sure looking at the jap brands hard or even German.

This probably will be the last set of wheels that I will ever buy and looking for something I can depend to get me there and back and trust. (never happen)

[General of Darkness]

2004.5 - 2006 dodge diesel.

[midnight rambler]

My old truck has seen better days, 1999 dodge ram 1500, the tranny is going out, and other age (?) related problems are popping up. Been driveing a truck of some sort or other for over 30 years and I have not payed any attention to any other vehicles than what I was driving at the time.

I have always bought used/near new, now I need to move on and am looking at what is out there for abt $20,000 or less, and looking for the best bang for the buck.

My dodge got 15-17 mpg going downhill with a tailwind, and it is time to move on to something better. This time it will be ether a car or something like a suv. I do like to have some kind of cargo space, seeing that I rarely hauled anything in the bed of my other trucks, I have a trailer that can do that kind of stuff now.

What say you all ? Would like to buy usa made but I am sure looking at the jap brands hard or even German.

This probably will be the last set of wheels that I will ever buy and looking for something I can depend to get me there and back and trust. (never happen)

Buying new will get you nothing but a load of electronic trouble, including those fucking black boxes.

As a 'use it forever' sort of automobile I'm going to drop a Cummins 6BT (12 valve) with an inline P pump (utilizing a 47RH tranny) in a project or two. NO electronics and bombproof. Projects I'm considering: Ford SD crew cab, late '90s Suburban or Tahoe, or maybe even a rat rod.

Really doesn't matter what one gets, new or used, one is still going to be 'making payments' on it.

[Dogman]

2004.5 - 2006 dodge diesel.


Buying new will get you nothing but a load of electronic trouble, including those fucking black boxes.

As a 'use it forever' sort of automobile I'm going to drop a Cummins 6BT (12 valve) with an inline P pump (utilizing a 47RH tranny) in a project or two. NO electronics and bombproof. Projects I'm considering: Ford SD crew cab, late '90s Suburban or Tahoe, or maybe even a rat rod.

Really doesn't matter what one gets, new or used, one is still going to be 'making payments' on it.

The 20,000 is my top dollar and also I probably will pay at least 15,000 down and if needed finance the rest. I would like to go diesel but not really wanting to do any projects. Getting long in the tooth as said this probably will be my last one seeing that I usually hang on to my drivers for at least 10 years. Hell the truck I had before this dodge I drove for almost 20 years.

I understand about the electronics and hate them, but building up something is out of the question at this time, so what is on the market now is what it is.

[midnight rambler]

I probably will pay at least 15,000 down

I'm having someone else put the project together and the budget target is definitely below 15k.

You couldn't give me a new car - unless of course it was a Panamera S or Turbo S.

[Libertytree]

Keep your eyes open and look for a used truck you like for 10k cash, fuck the banks and save yourself the grief. If you want to make improvements do it with what you saved.

[ArgenteumTelum]

I'm on my second Toyota 4Runner, a 98 with 201,000 miles and zero body rust in a state with major snow and salt on the road. The first one I owned, I sold at 150,000 miles, 13 years old. Rock solid reliable. Yes, I've had a couple "major" repairs, nothing out of the ordinary and within the expected as related to age.

AT

[milehi]

I'm on my second Toyota 4Runner, a 98 with 201,000 miles and zero body rust in a state with major snow and salt on the road. The first one I owned, I sold at 150,000 miles, 13 years old. Rock solid reliable. Yes, I've had a couple "major" repairs, nothing out of the ordinary and within the expected as related to age.

AT

I have a '98 4Runner in the motor pool. 130K on the clock and it's rock solid. It's the last generation with a frame and several times a month, there's a note under a wiper asking, "If you ever think of selling..." I don't think I'd want to be hit from the side as the doors are flimsy though.

I had a '89 before this one that finally crapped out at 340K miles. I rebuilt the motor and sold it for 5K. That was 10 years ago and I still see it around town.

I have a 05 Tacoma four door long bed 4X4 too. I'd like to pick another up but they're rarer than rocking horse shit.

[zap]

We have had quite a few vehicles, I bet agnut could stear you in the right direction !
For me gas mileage and total cost are the big ones, I have have super good luck with Nissian, I parked a nissian with 240,000 miles on it a Stanza, I paid 9999 for it, then when we thought we were bigshots we bought a $40,000 Toyota hybrid its got 145000 on it right now it better go 200,000 without any more work, remember last year it broke down the inverter went out, but was on a recall right now I have 2 ford diesels, 2 nissian trucks, a gmc and a toyota highlander. I will buy a Nissan for my next car I like the Nisan Rogue, 22,000 out the door and 26 miles a gal. and yes pay cash for it I wont finance anything , If I cant buy cash I wont but nothing.

[Dogman]

My truck needs work, just to get it inspected. Abs brake idiot light that seems to come and go and the transmission is for sure shot, sounds like a blender, and I really do not want to dump any money into it. It has been a good truck for the last 10 years, but!

What I need is something NOW, thinking something with a jap name, made here in the states..Good gas mileage. is the biggest thing, and be able to tow a small trailer, 1000 lb gwr.

I have never owned a new anything motorized, and methinks I would like to at least once. Tho if I can find a hell of a deal, used will be the way to go.

Have not owned a car in the last 30 years or so give or take a few only trucks and motorcycles.

Tho now I may look at one.

Thanks for the responses so far guys. (and gal)

[Serpo]

Well I brought a VW Caddy ,long wheel base ,5 doors, diesel ,40,000 kilometers for 18,000$ and it was valued at 23,000$ by insurance co.This was brought looking at everything for sale on net.
A business was selling it.

Love it and love diesel.

[Dogman]

Well I brought a VW Caddy ,long wheel base ,5 doors, diesel ,40,000 kilometers for 18,000$ and it was valued at 23,000$ by insurance co.This was brought looking at everything for sale on net.
A business was selling it.

Love it and love diesel.

Got a kite out on a vw diesel and probably will hear from the dealer tomorrow. I have heard they have or had electrical problems?

Just looking at the possibility's on the web and tomorrow or so will contact all of the dealers in my area and then the real fun begins.

I am just trying to figure out just exactly what in the hell I want so far as car/truck/suv but as I posted not more than maybe 21,000 grand total out of pocket.

[Serpo]

The web is where you can get the best price but you need to know exactly what you are after then target that.

[Dogman]

The web is where you can get the best price but you need to know exactly what you are after then target that.

That is the primary reason for this thread, so I maybe can get a clue on what has a good rep so far as being good vehicles. Been surfing the web looking to the point my eyeballs are wanting to fall out...Grin.. To figure out what I may like.

Trying to find the best bang for the buck.

[milehi]

Got a kite out on a vw diesel and probably will hear from the dealer tomorrow. I have heard they have or had electrical problems?

Just looking at the possibility's on the web and tomorrow or so will contact all of the dealers in my area and then the real fun begins.

I am just trying to figure out just exactly what in the hell I want so far as car/truck/suv but as I posted not more than maybe 21,000 grand total out of pocket.

My kid had a new TDI ('12) Jetta and a TDI ('12) Golf, also new. Both gernaded on road trips. One was a blown turbo, the other was a fuel filter that catatrophically failed.

[EE_]

What about a 2010/11 Nissan Xterra, 2008/09 Grand Cherokee, or 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser? Should be in your price range with low miles.
Sounds like you need a V6 if you ever plan to tow anything.
You sound stuck between a truck and a car. If in doubt, I'd probably error in favor of a full size truck over a car.

[old steel]

Bought a used 2006 GMC Duramax diesel back in 2009 and have put over 40,000 miles on her she came with 45,000 and not a hiccup.

If you drive it hard it will burn the fuel but driving it reasonably will get you good mileage.

I use a diesel fuel additive made out of Canola oil which should make the injectors last for another 40,000 i am told.

Lots of power for towing if you are into that sort of thing.

[vacuum]

I'm not sure exactly what the towing needs are, but one option is to get a smaller fuel efficient car for the 95% of driving, then get a cheap $1500 old gas guzzling truck or suburban to do the occasional towing when you need it. That's what I'd do if the towing requirements are short range and not too frequent.

[Dogman]

I'm not sure exactly what the towing needs are, but one option is to get a smaller fuel efficient car for the 95% of driving, then get a cheap $1500 old gas guzzling truck or suburban to do the occasional towing when you need it. That's what I'd do if the towing requirements are short range and not too frequent. Yea, I am thinking of hanging on to my dodge for that reason, I do not think it has any or very much trade in value. But I probably will get rid of it because because the repairs it needs are probably more than its worth. Do as you say and find a beater truck that can be used as needed. And use the new one (whatever it will be) as the main driver.

[tater]

I've got a 96 Dodge Dakota 4x4 V8 that I couldn't part with but I found myself torn between another truck and a car. I finally decided on a Jeep, kind of in between and I can still pull a small trailer with it. These things hold their value too and they're loads of fun too, bug out anyone? I got the hard shell (removable) and it cuts way down on the road noise. Anyway something to consider as I was somewhere between a truck and a car as well. Good luck with your search!

[TheNocturnalEgyptian]

Honestly you can get some really good stuff at police auctions, well maintained cars there, just a lot of miles on them. You could be driving on cop shocks, cop brakes.

[Dogman]

Honestly you can get some really good stuff at police auctions, well maintained cars there, just a lot of miles on them. You could be driving on cop shocks, cop brakes.


I monitor the local cop radio traffic, and the local/county doughnut chasers run the holly hell out of them. I think they finally sell there cars when the duct tape and super glue patches start failing.

Also I for sure want to avoid anything high mileage, especially used cop/pig cars, there is no way in hell to get the cop stink out of them.

Thanks for the thought tho, I had a friend that had a highway patrol car that ran like a bat out of hell, but he had to basically rebuild it from the ground up to get that one right.

[vacuum]

Yea, I am thinking of hanging on to my dodge for that reason, I do not think it has any or very much trade in value. But I probably will get rid of it because because the repairs it needs are probably more than its worth. Do as you say and find a beater truck that can be used as needed. And use the new one (whatever it will be) as the main driver.

A quick search on craigslist of "truck" with prices between $1000 and $1500 should find plenty of those kinds of trucks. Usually late 80's vehicles.

[Dogman]

Thanks for all of the thoughts guys/gal.

Done deal.

Went with new and a gas sipper.

Mazda3 I grand touring hatchback.

Yea I know, but I am going to take the gamble that things hold together for a while more.
Already I have seen 39 mpg and that was off the lot driving home.

[Libertytree]

Congrats on the new ride! You smoked in it..yet? lol j/k :) Enjoy!

[zap]

Good for you ! Glad you got a new one!

[Dogman]

I can say I am the first to fart in the seat,

that has to count for something..



hit 130 mph playing.

I can not get over that no key is used..amongst other things...

loveing it..

my dam old truck had a trade in of a tad over 750 witch susprised the hell out of me..

Good times,

first new one dam near forever and probly my last one..

there are more functions ..never mind....

Feeling good..

[vacuum]

Sweet

[Neuro]

May you fart that seat to pieces!

[Dogman]

May you fart that seat to pieces!

You guys have no ideal, just got both of my tablets (android) joined to the sound system (Bluetooth)

The only down side is my dog, she likes to stand on my lap and get her nose into the wind, and the finish on the door is sorta slick, she tries to get a grip so she can be stable to get that nose into the wind.

I am also trying to get used to sitting inches from the ground again, I am used to stepping down, not up.

Any one know of a sorta sticky material that could give dogs paws a grip and will hold in place but can be pealed off and leave no residue?

[Dogman]

One thing that is slowly dying on this forum because of some jack boots, (Do what I say because I can think for you) ;D is the personal contact and experience of members. One thing that I normally do not do is hang my life out on the web, (sober) but for sure not so much day to day.

Took my new wheels out and about , looking for parts for my trimmer (yard) and just because I can, I finally could cruse to areas that got burnt out during the major fires that had most here shitting bricks. And thank god most of it was out in the country.. Total burn in most areas..

One thing about this forum, tho it pisses off some here is the human touch that some members here show and that makes this forum stronger and more like (sorta) family.


Any hoo (whoo) this new car is amazing! I had a RX-7 Mazda and some Muscle cars in my time, this dam thing handles better than any car that I have owned in the past, it begs for twisty roads. This dam thing knows how to use 155 hp and its torque.

I have not had as much fun driving in more years than I care to count.

And the dam gas mileage is unbelievable my first fill up and all of a tad over 500 miles and I got change back for less than $ 50. It averages 38mpg and I have seen 46mpg to dam near 52mpg and better. But the average is abt 44mpg of a combo of city and country roads.

I made my intro to this post abt some members (1), that would rather think for us, and not let this forum be more Human and personal between members.

There are real people and life then there are ......;D

GoD I am thinking you maybe an ok person! ....Gasp!