I took my truck in for the annual inspection on Monday knowing that of course it would need some work, especially since the muffler fell off 2 weeks ago and it needs front struts. My mechanic called and said it was done and 2300 bucks. I just about had a heart attack, until he told me it needs 2300 bucks to pass inspection, nothing was done yet. He meant done as in basically dead. Needs exhaust manifold, and whole system back. 2 struts, 2 shocks, control arms, and rear brakes and rotors. It has been a money pit for the past 3 years, averaging 1000 bucks a year. There is a bunch of other stuff going bad too. Air conditioning compressor rattles, 4WD does not work, tailgate is rigged, back windows only work sometimes. It's only a matter of time until the engine or transmission goes. The wife has been saying I need a new truck, and now I believe it is time to bite the bullet. I am just overwhelmed with doing research on what would be the best for me. I want to stay below 20k, but not sure what to get. Leaning towards chevy 1500, but the search goes on. I will miss the old girl, she has been good to me, hauled alot of wood, about 20 cords worth in the past 3 years, never left me on the side of the road, and made alot of memories. I feel as though I am losing a good friend. I am hoping to get at least 1500 bucks for her selling as a mechanic special.
That’s a lot of trailer for the tow vehicle. I’d get a V8 half ton or 3/4 ton pu with a full size bed
Agreed. If your gonna be pulling that much trailer buy a truck designed for it. Otherwise you’ll be buying another one soon.
We had the same vehicle. I really beat the pee out of that thing. Trans was the final nail in the coffin. 265k miles. Got $1,000 on a trade-in
Always sad to see an old friend go. Three years ago my 2001 F150 (bought new) died in my driveway. Needed a lot of work. Bought my current 2008 used for $3900. No 4WD as i dont need it. Turns out it was an old fleet vehicle so well maintained. The cost for a new base model F150 almost made me faint. A good used half ton will work perfect if youre used to hauling smaller amounts of wood. EDIT: didnt realize you are pulling a trailer so 3/4 ton better idea.
That's a shame. I'm not a Chevy guy. But those trailblazers in that style are great rigs. The base 4.2 inline 6 are really good engines. Those SUV's had a real frame, as well as probably the best paint that any mainstream gm product has ever received. You don't see rusty ones. How big is that trailer? Towing a heavy trailer is easier on the rig than loading up the bed of a truck.
I only used that trailer loaded like that a handful of times. I would prefer only loading and unloading a truck, especially since it's easier to get a single rig into my property and unloaded.
Trailer is 6' x12'. I got a good deal on it, and it is useful sometimes. I prefer to only load and unload a truck full of wood now.
