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Ralph Bauer 04-01-2012 14:00:03 75.104.123.7 Report to Moderator

Gosh, so many things for you to consider, Dean. For once, is it payed for? Would you buy outright or have note on the replacement? What's the difference in insurance premiums, mileage it will get. What does consumer report say about the 2006 and current model year; your significant other? What other debts do you have, at what rates? How secure is your job? What discounts/incentives does the new truck come with? Will you trade it in or sell it privately? How does that affect your new truck purchase price? What big maintenance issues will come up in the next 50K miles: brakes, tires, injectors, shocks, etc...? How many miles per year do you drive? Since you use it "mostly as personal transportation" can you get another car/small truck to do just that and hence only use the truck for big hauls, like your tractor? Therefore possibly keeping it longer compared to using it on a daily bases...? Can you work on the 06 and do the same things also on the 11/12 model if it were to come up down the road?? What will the parts availability be if you were to need used/rebuilt/new parts for either one? Price difference of them new vs. old? You don't say that you can depreciate it off your taxes, so that may not be an issue for you then. How significant is the price drop between now and one with 175-200K miles? What depreciation, loss in value would most likely occur for the new one in that same time period? Is body rust an issue in your part of the country?What amount of peer pressure is on you to upgrade/ or keep the old one? Will it keep the peace in the home or does it not matter? What will your towing/hauling needs be in the future vs. now? Is there a middle ground: sell around 160-165K miles and buy next year (in cash)? I am sure other will chime in. Hope this helps to make a decision. Just my humble thoughts that I would have in a similar situation. Ralph in Oklahoma. [Reply]   [No Email]