How long will a new truck last?

[Boondocker]

I will be buying a tow vehicle for the 68 Airstream when it comes out of restoration this coming winter. Although I could get by with a 1/2 ton, I am leaning toward a 3/4 to gain comfort zone towing. That said, I am not 100% set on that. Also, I am waffling over diesel vs gas. Diesel get an edge for towing range but that is offset by expense.My plan was to buy a used (up to 10 years) vehicle, use it five years or so, and then buy a new one ahead of retirement.

ALL THAT SAID, I went to the car lots in town yesterday and discovered you can't buy a used 3/4 in this town for under $50K and they are loaded with features I don't want. Visiting a couple websites, I found I could build a NEW vehicle with the features I want for about that same amount.

This got me thinking, how long are the trucks coming off the line today expected to last? I have driven plenty of trucks out past 20 years of age. If a new truck would last that long, that would take me to 75 years old... I never thought I would say this, but does buying new make sense now?

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Boondocker

I will be buying a tow vehicle for the 68 Airstream when it comes out of restoration this coming winter. Although I could get by with a 1/2 ton, I am leaning toward a 3/4 to gain comfort zone towing. That said, I am not 100% set on that. Also, I am waffling over diesel vs gas. Diesel get an edge for towing range but that is offset by expense.My plan was to buy a used (up to 10 years) vehicle, use it five years or so, and then buy a new one ahead of retirement.

ALL THAT SAID, I went to the car lots in town yesterday and discovered you can't buy a used 3/4 in this town for under $50K and they are loaded with features I don't want. Visiting a couple websites, I found I could build a NEW vehicle with the features I want for about that same amount.

This got me thinking, how long are the trucks coming off the line today expected to last? I have driven plenty of trucks out past 20 years of age. If a new truck would last that long, that would take me to 75 years old... I never thought I would say this, but does buying new make sense now?

"Well Billy, sit down and lets discuss that question. First, you know that if you take real good care of it, keep it clean, change the oil every 5k miles, maintain the proper tire pressure, and stay within the actual limits on the door jamb sticker, it may well out last you!"

Actually, where you drive and how you drive has a lot to do with how well your vehicle will last. Several folks on this Forum have 200k+ on their TV's and are still going strong...important to maintain and stay within it's limits, IMHO. The diesels go and go...Cummins or Ford have great reputations...the new gas engines including Echoboost and GM are also getting good reviews with the 10speed trany's...I had an early Echoboost 1/2T and put 140K miles in 4 years with no issues, but my payload sucked. I have 114K now on my 2017 6.7L, F250, decent payload, and very comfortable to tow my 28'. They keep saying, "it's just broken in; and will go 500K miles+"! I would love to get a new model, but can't justify it. (to the wife) Let us know what you get!

[Vantair]

That’s a very similar experience to ours when recently initially looking to buy a 2-3 yr old 3/4 diesel.

We we informed by multiple unrelated technical sources familiar to the diesel builds the new Duramax and its Isuzu commercial roots technology can go to 1,000,000 miles.

Finding used with 30-40k miles hopefully gently used (or abused) was only a difference of 5k at the time to a 70-80k sticker on the Spankin new, 10 speed Alison, high tech towing gadgets, multiple cams and crazy almost 1 ton specs for a 3/4 GMC or Chevy variant.

For us that made it an easy decision to buy a new 3/4 GMC (at the end of the model year) and enjoy the “new” which has not always been best investment strategy in past.

Last looking on line, our recent 2020 years and builds are going for 5-10k more with 30k miles than we ended up paying at the dealer (less taxes). Go figure !!

Not to mention you’ll get a lot back when/if you ever
want to sell having the diesel.

[CBWELL]

My 2012 GMC Duramax has 325,000 KM (over 200,000 miles) and is still in very good condition. It is directly related to the care and maintenance of a vehicle, as to their lifespan. I have seen identical vehicles with 1/2 the miles of mine in deplorable shape because of lack of maintenance. I always buy "Good Used" rather than "Well Used" vehicles. One of my brother-in-law's has over 1 million KM on his 2008 Duramax, that is well maintained. Gas VS Diesel will always be a hot topic on this forum. My preference is diesel, and have owned diesel pickups for over 30 years. Buy what you feel comfortable with and can afford.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Boondocker

. . .
. . . how long are the trucks coming off the line today expected to last?
. . .

Anywhere from a couple of hours to a few decades, plus or minus, IMO.

[n2916s]

Might want to consider the Nissan Titan XD. Think of it as a 5/8 ton. They no longer offer a diesel but the gas version has a very robust 5.6liter gas V8. Because it was designed to have a diesel, it offers excellent cabin soundproofing, a strong suspension system, fully boxed frame and excellent tow and payload ratings.

Nissan really, really want this truck to succeed so they often offer very generous financing terms and you can dicker on price successfully.

Mine is a 2016 (diesel). It has never been back to the dealer. I do the simple (oil and fuel filter changes) and my regular mechanic does the more complicated (i.e. transmission fluid changes). It is a quiet, comfortable truck.

My first full-size Nissan pickup, a 2004 Titan, went 216,000 miles (80,000+ towing) and, when I traded it in 12 years later, everything worked but the CD player. Only major expense (~ $1000) was replacing the exhaust manifolds.

[Bill M.]

Buying a new truck now certainly makes sense. Hopeing you get a good used one at todays prices makes less sense to me. If you can afford the up front costs. I think the new truck will be cheaper over its life. Now if you really could get a good used truck at less than market value....but I sure have not found one lately.

[John&Vicki]

I've been towing my 1990 25' Excella with a 2006 Mercedes ML500 for eight years now with no issues. Currently at 140,000 miles.


Cheers,
John

[jcl]

A new truck, diesel or gas, is IMO more likely to be eventually scrapped due to not being economical to repair, most likely due to electrical issues, than to wear out of the engine or power train

[Peter417]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

"Well Billy, sit down and lets discuss that question. First, you know that if you take real good care of it, keep it clean, change the oil every 5k miles, maintain the proper tire pressure, and stay within the actual limits on the door jamb sticker, it may well out last you!"

Actually, where you drive and how you drive has a lot to do with how well your vehicle will last. Several folks on this Forum have 200k+ on their TV's and are still going strong...important to maintain and stay within it's limits, IMHO. The diesels go and go...Cummins or Ford have great reputations...the new gas engines including Echoboost and GM are also getting good reviews with the 10speed trany's...I had an early Echoboost 1/2T and put 140K miles in 4 years with no issues, but my payload sucked. I have 114K now on my 2017 6.7L, F250, decent payload, and very comfortable to tow my 28'. They keep saying, "it's just broken in; and will go 500K miles+"! I would love to get a new model, but can't justify it. (to the wife) Let us know what you get!

Wasn't it the Ford diesels that required a $10k repair bill to keep them on the road? They last forever at what cost?

[uraljohn]

It will last as long as you want it to last. Providing you religiously maintain it and take care of the body (no rust) 400k or 500k is possible. Good friend has a 2004 Tundra that just turned 300k and it runs, drives, looks like new. He takes care of it. JCL said it correctly that a new truck today will go to the boneyard looking great but you won't be able to get the electronic chip you need to replace 15 years from now. Off it goes to the scraper with 150k on it.

Diesel.....Look for the best one you can find that does not require DEF. I think that would be around a 2010 or 2011 model or older.

Gasser....look for the lowest mileage example that fits the bill for you. Pay up for the best. You will be glad down the road that you did.

Buy more truck than you think you will need. Think you can squeak by with a 150? Get the 250 and be done with it. It will handle that bigger load in the future.

Do your homework, Be aware of how the truck is equipped. Not every truck is set up correctly to tow. Get the Factory Tow Pkg., proper axle ratio, etc.

Our tow vehicle is a 2013 Ford E150 XLT Premuim van. It has the high GVW Package (8600 LBS), Factory Tow Pkg, etc. It is about as new as I want. I do not want or need a bunch of the electronic gadgets that come on the latest and greatest trucks. Good luck in your search for that ideal Tow Vehicle.

[Peter417]

Originally Posted by uraljohn

It will last as long as you want it to last. Providing you religiously maintain it and take care of the body (no rust) 400k or 500k is possible. Good friend has a 2004 Tundra that just turned 300k and it runs, drives, looks like new. He takes care of it. JCL said it correctly that a new truck today will go to the boneyard looking great but you won't be able to get the electronic chip you need to replace 15 years from now. Off it goes to the scraper with 150k on it.

Diesel.....Look for the best one you can find that does not require DEF. I think that would be around a 2010 or 2011 model or older.

Gasser....look for the lowest mileage example that fits the bill for you. Pay up for the best. You will be glad down the road that you did.

Buy more truck than you think you will need. Think you can squeak by with a 150? Get the 250 and be done with it. It will handle that bigger load in the future.

Do your homework, Be aware of how the truck is equipped. Not every truck is set up correctly to tow. Get the Factory Tow Pkg., proper axle ratio, etc.

Our tow vehicle is a 2013 Ford E150 XLT Premuim van. It has the high GVW Package (8600 LBS), Factory Tow Pkg, etc. It is about as new as I want. I do not want or need a bunch of the electronic gadgets that come on the latest and greatest trucks. Good luck in your search for that ideal Tow Vehicle.

Here is another first generation 4.7 tundra. I talked to him. He has never changed the transmission fluid. He calls it his work truck and treats it like one.


Oh and the most famous 4.7 Tundra of all https://www.toyotatoday.com/news/dis...ile-tundra.htm

Originally Posted by Boondocker

I will be buying a tow vehicle for the 68 Airstream when it comes out of restoration this coming winter. Although I could get by with a 1/2 ton, I am leaning toward a 3/4 to gain comfort zone towing. That said, I am not 100% set on that. Also, I am waffling over diesel vs gas. Diesel get an edge for towing range but that is offset by expense.My plan was to buy a used (up to 10 years) vehicle, use it five years or so, and then buy a new one ahead of retirement.

ALL THAT SAID, I went to the car lots in town yesterday and discovered you can't buy a used 3/4 in this town for under $50K and they are loaded with features I don't want. Visiting a couple websites, I found I could build a NEW vehicle with the features I want for about that same amount.

This got me thinking, how long are the trucks coming off the line today expected to last? I have driven plenty of trucks out past 20 years of age. If a new truck would last that long, that would take me to 75 years old... I never thought I would say this, but does buying new make sense now?

What do you predict your final weight will be? In the real world it seems modern 25ft Airstreams are towed pretty evenly split between half ton and 3/4 ton tow vehicles. Your 68 is much smaller and lighter. Unless you plan to haul motorized toys in the bed Most half tons should be within your limits. A 3/4 diesel is going to cost you more anyway you slice it.

[pmclemore]

Rodney, I bought my 2004 Duramax new and loved it for 235k miles before I sold it last year. Since that was before I retired it was easier to shell out that kind of dough. I was lucky to replace it with a 2011 GMC that was set up pretty much like the original. 53k miles, beautiful condition, and I expect it may last me as long as I want it to. I'm 72 now so that may work out perfectly.

BTW - I bought the truck using this site's classifieds. My advice is to look around and be prepared to jump with little notice.

Pat

[Boondocker]

I have never bought new and know nothing about the process. So bear with me on the stupid question: Are truck manufactures offering discounts on orders that will be delayed because of the chip shortage? I'm thinking if you are willing to order now and wait until Jan for them to catch up. Or are they just toughing it out since all their competition is in the same boat as well?

[RVDreamer]

Originally Posted by Boondocker

I have never bought new and know nothing about the process. So bear with me on the stupid question: Are truck manufactures offering discounts on orders that will be delayed because of the chip shortage? I'm thinking if you are willing to order now and wait until Jan for them to catch up. Or are they just toughing it out since all their competition is in the same boat as well?

Right now is a weird time as demand is through the roof and supply is short. Used and New vehicle prices are sky rocketing. Some dealers are actually charging more than MSRP.

Waiting might be wise if you can do it but most people don't want to wait. Besides you already are going to have to wait at least 3 months now just to get a new order processed, manufactured and shipped.

I am one of those people that buy new about every 2 to 3 years. Usually I would buy a Ford F-250 and trade it before I had 50,000 miles. That is usually the cut-off point to get a good resale value. Doing that I would trade for new with less than a $5000 difference every 2 to 3 years. That would work out to about $130 a month. Everything would be under warranty, usually very dependable with no down time, and I would get the latest in safety and tech.

But all bets are off this year. I went to the dealer and could not get any more than $500 off MSRP due to shortages, even though I am an excellent repeat customer who they love to see come through the door.

[richard5933]

It seems to me that you might need to travel outside your town to find what you need/want, or possibly look beyond the 10-year-old mark.

I flew to North Carolina recently to pick up a new-to-me truck and then drove to pick up a new-to-me Airstream. The truck is a 1999 Suburban 2500 3/4-ton. It's rust free and had less than 50,000 miles on it when I got in the driver's seat. Former Red Cross truck which was well cared for. I expect it will last longer than I'll be driving if maintained, and it easily pulls our 25-foot Excella.

Cost for the 1999 Suburban was $25,000 which I thought was high, but once I researched and saw the high cost of nearly all 3/4-ton vehicles not really.

I did find a place in Chicago that sells retired law enforcement vehicles they buy from around the country, mainly in the south (rust free). They regularly stock 3/4-ton SUVs which were used as command vehicles, and the ones I looked at were not too bad for the money - about 10 years old and about $15,000. They'd all be quite capable of towing your trailer, and if the 1999 I bought didn't work out they were my B plan.

[Dave001]

Originally Posted by Boondocker

...If a new truck would last that long, that would take me to 75 years old... I never thought I would say this, but does buying new make sense now?

Well, I'm 11 years older than you, and I bought a new truck in 2020. If you have figured out a way to "take it with you", let me know. If not, and you can afford it without detriment to your lifestyle, and you want/need it, then WTF?

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Boondocker

I have never bought new and know nothing about the process. So bear with me on the stupid question: Are truck manufactures offering discounts on orders that will be delayed because of the chip shortage? I'm thinking if you are willing to order now and wait until Jan for them to catch up. Or are they just toughing it out since all their competition is in the same boat as well?

Hi

Yes, you can get an ordered truck for "invoice" these days. That's not a whole lot of money on a typical 350 / 3500 sized truck.

Our order went in end of March. The F350 should be delivered next week. Trade-in on the old truck was insanely high ( on top of the knock down to "invoice")

On a new truck, the dealer gets the markup from invoice to MSRP. He also gets various "kickbacks" for this and that. They most certainly are *not* loosing any money selling at invoice. They also aren't making a ton either. Even with the high trade in valuations, they make their money selling the used vehicles.

Longevity wise, how much maintenance do you do yourself? Is an engine rebuild a fun weekend project? Do you live and drive where they put 8.9 billion tons of salt on the roads every week for 6 months out of the year? Is 60 MHP "real fast" if you are driving down the road? How many paint jobs and interior re-upholster passes do you typically do? All of that ( and a whole lot more ) matters.

Every other weekend all summer long, I can go a couple miles down the road and look at *tons* of 40 or 50 year old vehicles still on the road. This stuff doesn't just matter with trucks. You can keep a car on the road for a very long time as well.

Bob

[RVDreamer]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Yes, you can get an ordered truck for "invoice" these days. That's not a whole lot of money on a typical 350 / 3500 sized truck.

Our order went in end of March. The F350 should be delivered next week. Trade-in on the old truck was insanely high ( on top of the knock down to "invoice")


Bob

This was true in March but not today. Ford stopped taking orders for 2021 trucks and are only taking 2022 orders. New 2022 trucks are only being built as pre-sold orders. Dealers can't order without a confirmed buyer. The buyer must now fill out a form including a copy of current drivers license and dealer purchase order before a 2022 Super Duty is even built. No trucks are being sold less than MSRP except a few rare exceptions. All of this is due to extremely high demand and shortage of parts for new vehicles. Shipping costs have gone up and Ford can't get new parts at reasonable cost.

All of this may change in a few months but today this is the reality. I've never seen anything like it and I have been buying new Super Duty diesels since late 1990s when Ford came out with the first 7.3 power stroke diesels.

[Bobbo]

I have never bought used, but I drive them till they die. I probably average 15 years. My current F150 is only 4 years old, but the truck I traded on it was 15 years old. I only traded it because it didn't have a tow package and was limited to a tow rating of 5,000#. When I traded from a MH to a TT, I needed more. If I had kept the MH, I would have kept the first truck another 10 years at the very least. (My wife's car is currently 13 years old and going strong.)

On gas vs diesel, the Ford Ecoboost has as much, or nearly as much, low end torque as their diesel. If you can stand to live with only about half of the engine braking of a diesel, you can get the power without the extra weight, front end cost, or the excessive cost of maintenance and repair.

On 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton, my personal view is that a TT with a GVWR of up to 6,000#, the 1/2 ton is fine. If the TT has over a 6,000# GVWR, then 3/4 ton is the choice.

On 3/4 ton vs 1 ton, check to see what the price difference is. If small enough, go 1 ton merely because on eventual resale it will be worth more. Also, if you want all of the bling, like moonroof, go with the 1 ton. That extra stuff adds weight and can cut into the payload of the 3/4 ton.