1- No warranty - right, so if the alternator goes out, you pay $100 and take 30 minutes and replace it. with a new one, its going to sit in the shop parking lot a minimum of 1 day before it even goes in. why do they even have warranty? because new stuff breaks too. at least on an older truck, most issues are sorted out long ago.
2- Already 16+ years old -you can't legally touch a woman until she's 18, so whats your point? see #1, #4 and #5
3- If you look at a new or newer truck they are actually CHEAPER to run then an older truck.... -sometimes yes, sometimes no. lets call this one even, ok?
4- Not going to last much longer- says who? even throwing on a new set of fenders and doors and a paint job, and go thru the driveline, he's still much cheaper than a new truck. heck a new motor can be had (with a warranty) for the cost of a payment, 2 or 3 at the most. you're still 57 payments ahead at 60 months. not counting insurance costs of a new model.
5- I doubt its dependability- I don't. older trucks were built right and heavier duty, and built simpler. they actually last forever with a little maintence. I'd like to know why you automatically assume that an older vehicle is junk, or waiting to break down. Lots of early 80s chippers still grinding brush while 06 vermeers are sitting in the shop. there are things called parts stores, and a thing called maintence. you do the same to a new truck as you do an older one. see #6
6- I don't like running anything older then 6 years old- thats your personal choice. sounds like you just drive them until they fall apart so then yes, you will need a new one every 5-6 years. like your saw, maintain it and it will last a lifetime. try doing a little maintence on it and you will likely find that after its paid off, you still have a great truck without the big payment and actually make money. then you can take care of the other commitments you enter into instead of stringing them along and finally blowing them off.
7- Eye appeal..what do people think when they see that truck??- around here? they say COOL! check out that old truck! man, that thing runs sweet! boy, they sure don't make them like they used to!! no one cares what you are driving, and if they actually do, you probably dont want to work for them anyway. Most only care that your equipment looks good and functions good, and you get the job done. I have a few clients that have a million in just an extra lot they bought to keep neighbors away. funny that they keep an older truck around too, they tell me they hate to get rid of it because its never let them down, its still a good old truck. but hey, keep staying in debt for a new model if you want to. finance companies love guys like you.
-Ralph
