Should I hang onto a 1985 Chevy truck that sucks gas? I love it... but am I delusional?

Question

It runs pretty great, has like 127,000 mi. I've had it ten years, and have never neglected any problems that arose. Changed oil, filters etc. religiously. But I'm starting to get nervous as its my only vehicle, I've deliberately quit a stressful corporate job and now making very little $$. In my current job I'm having to put a lot of stop and go miles on it, which distresses me.
This truck is a longbed, I use it to haul mulch, dogfood and the like, (not that often) but I wish it were a little smaller. Don't think I could afford any monthly payment on a new car. I feel loyalty to this Silverado. WHAT WOULD YOU DO?? Sorry for the lengthy question on what seems like a trivial matter....

Answer 1

Fact: the cheapest car you can operate is the one you already own. The old Chevy trucks seem to last forever and with only 127,000 miles yours has a long way to go. Think about how much gas you can buy for $400.00 a month, (the average car payment in the US). If it were me, I would keep on top of repairs and maintenance and drive it for another decade.

Answer 2

I just bought a 74 Chevy that's giving me a ton of headaches, but I bought it as a project truck. Fuel mileage is a concern for me too, being in San Diego it's really expensive for gas. One of the things I'm planning on doing to it is getting the motor/tranny/rear end out of a late model Silverado (5.3 or 6.0) and swapping it out with what I have. I'll have the good looks of the 73-87 Chevy and the fuel mileage of a new truck. I'm also pretty mechanically inclined, so if you aren't, this may not be a good option...but if you are, it might be a lower cost alternative to buying something else.

Answer 3

It's not trivial. My dad also has an 85 Chevy truck taht he won't get rid of. He could afford a lot more, but loves his truck. But in the long run, you will probably spend more on this truck in gas and repairs then you would on a new car. It is getting kind of high in mileage, so things will start to go wrong. Maybe you could trade it in while it is still worth something. Or you could keep it and drive it until it dies. Good luck.

Answer 4

That mileage isn't very much, really. And I've found that even the worst, most maintenance demanding junker I ever owned cost less than monthly payments on a used car. As the Silverado is paid for, I suggest you just save up a bit so you'll have cash set aside in case it needs repair, keep driving it, and not worry too much.

Answer 5

i would keep it if you are mechanical inclined i drive a 1978 f 150 300 i6 its3 different colors. I can beat and bang on it and it doesn't matter i don't have anyone i am trying to impress. what else would it do i don't know maybe another junker for a back up and fix the silverado up a little looks wise if its getting bad

Answer 6

if you were making payments on this vehicle i might suggest that you sell it and buy something cheaper to operate. if this vehicle has been well maintained then i see no reason why you cant drive it for another 100k. i routinely get 200k out of my vehicles. i currently have one with 262k and still running stong. its real nice to not have to make car payments, but then again i am a fairly frugal person and ostentation is not my forte'!!

Answer 7

It's a stinkin hunk of steel MOVE ON to something that suites your lifestyle and BUDGET a lot better like a 35 mpg metro or a 30 mpg diesel mini pickup.....

Answer 8

I would defiently keep it old trucks are the best I have a 1988,1991,1998 chevy s-10 I rather drive the old one of course they all had there share of work ..

Answer 9

I'd keep it........ just like my 1980 caprice.... I can't part ways with it even though it needs more repairs then what its worth (and beleive me, I'll keep fixing it..... needs a new trans, thats it)

You can always put it in storage, change the oil, use stabilizer in the gas, etc..... till you need it and just buy a good used car thats good on gas.