Need Advice On Truck Deal!

[iamhistory]

I've stressed over this b/c I haven't had a payment in years and hate the fact that I'll have one now. Having said that.....my '97 Z71 is getting long in the tooth. She's a great truck that I'm keeping for farm work, but I need an upgrade. I currently have 142,000 on it, regular cab, 5.7 liter, 4spd auto, cassette, pwr locks/window and ac.....not much else. Lately I've put in two fuel pumps, alternator, pitman arm, wheel bearings, wiper motor, the door lock motor broke off inside the passenger door and now doesn't work the door locks, I open the driver door with a coat hanger, and when I give it some pedal the rpm's go up but the truck bogs down. She's been in the shop about 3 times in the last 6 months and my very long-time/trusted mechanic said even though the motor is solid in it, at some point it doesn't pay to keep bringing them in.

 

All fixable things and even though it sounds like she is neglected, I am persistent and careful on the maintenance. I bought my '97 used with 49,700 miles on it and I've had it for over 8 years. I drive it everyday about 50 miles round trip to work and I use the hell out of it on my property for firewood, stones, coal, stuck tractors, etc. along with my hunting and fishing adventures. I need more space now having a soon to be 6yr old son joining me on outdoor adventures and my wife is concerned about breaking down and safety. We are really cramped for space and I just don't have the confidence the old rig will do what I need it to anymore and if it's just me it's no big deal.......but with my boy, I can't have that.

 

So, I drove several trucks from the big three over the last few months and I keep going back to the Chevy. I found a truck I like and made a deal on it. Should pick it up tomorrow and all that's left is to sign the final papers. I wanted to run it by you guys to see what you think. Here it is:

 

MSRP: 39,160

2010 Taupe Metallic Gray, crew cab, light titantium/ebony interior

Z71, 5.3, 6spd auto, flex-fuel

3.42 rear end, auto locking differential

auto fuel mngmt

power everything (mirrors, seats, doors, windows and whatever else can be power)

tinted windows

rear window defogger

fog lamps

17" aluminum wheels (had originally an 18" wheel package but dealer ended up refusing that deal)

towing package w/ dealer installed trailer brake as part of deal

dual climate control

remote starter

interior package w/ bluetooth, usb port, steering wheel controls and all that

40/20/40 cloth front seat, 60/40 rear

and a few more odds/ends that I probably didn't mention I'm sure but you guys know the drill

$1,500 trade on 99 chevy blazer w/ 140k miles and mediocre in condition (was actually overheating on way to dealer)

$5,000 GM rebate plus negotiations with dealer

the final deal before tax/tags: $29,888

I have excellent credit and got 72 months at 3.84%.........a payment of $496 down from almost $600 when we first started the deal. I ended up telling the sales team thanks but I'll pass at $527 and of course we talked a bit more and came up with the final numbers.

 

How did I do? I have a huge voice in my head screaming "DON'T GET THIS PAYMENT!!" but after A TON of homework and truck shopping, the logical part of me says it's the best decision. Do any of you guys see a big problem with my deal?

[iamhistory]

I forgot to mention that I will probably purchase this truck under a business account and will qualify for the GM business package where they give you some free truck accessories or a $500 Lowe's gift card.

 

I chose a $1,600 Adrian Steel aluminum truck box/GM bed liner package. I thought that was a nice freebie.

 

Overall I'm happy with where the deal is...............I just can't get the financial obligation to sit well in the pit of my stomach.

[pm26]

The answer is simple. if you do not like payments, keep driving your old truck for another two years, save up enough money to pay cash for the new truck. There will always be deals out there. I did something like this about 10 years ago. I kept driving my vehicles for about 10 years, saved up enough money so I do not need a car/truck loan ever again (I hope). I am amazed at those who buy fully loaded trucks costing well over $ 40k while barely being able to put down 10%.

[cerbomark]

you can t take the money with you when you go, so if you can handle it with out putting yourself in trouble then enjoy it. If the money is tight, then drive the old one and have peace in knowing you don t owe a monthly payment. Sounds like a nice truck and a nice deal. Goodluck.

[iamhistory]

I thought of both of those things and both have valid, sensible points. I can make the payment, I just hate the thought of it. And on the other hand, life is short and what the hell do I go to work for everyday to put up with a beater, current inconvenience and inevitable future breakdowns?

 

Ugh, decisions, decisions.

 

I've never had a new truck.

[iamhistory]

So far the dealer has called me twice today to tell me they are going to the other dealer to pick the truck up but "there have been a few changes.................."

 

Now the truck doesn't have some of the options they agreed to and the interior isn't the color they have listed on the invoice I was given.

 

Not big things overall, but a little frustrating to have multiple changes to a truck they told me was EXACTLY what I picked out and was ready to go.

[gnet158]

WALK AWAY, tell them you want the original deal with everything you agreed upon! I'd go for the 3.73 gears at least, the 3.43 are a bit small. I didn't see a locking diff (maybe I missed it) but that's important too. The price is good, 10k off is great!

[iamhistory]

dealer just called me back. the truck i agreed on was sold and now they have another truck at a different dealer in another state that has same options but different interior. i can't see the truck since it's four hours away and the only way they are going to get it is if i buy it and they are picking it up for delivery.

 

i told them no. of course they tried talking me into it and how this interior is nicer. i said i'll wait...........they want to keep looking.

 

i think i got a good deal but all these changes are a bit much, especially when i was supposed to go tomorrow morning and pick up my new truck.

[music]

dealer just called me back. the truck i agreed on was sold and now they have another truck at a different dealer in another state that has same options but different interior. i can't see the truck since it's four hours away and the only way they are going to get it is if i buy it and they are picking it up for delivery.

 

The answer was simple after-all.

[apierce918]

dealer just called me back. the truck i agreed on was sold and now they have another truck at a different dealer in another state that has same options but different interior. i can't see the truck since it's four hours away and the only way they are going to get it is if i buy it and they are picking it up for delivery.

 

The answer was simple after-all.

 

i dont mind throwing money at it.. it sucks, but its only 5 or 6 years

[xc80002]

sounds ok, but I would not go with light int, on the farm you have

[nitrohorse]

I forgot to mention that I will probably purchase this truck under a business account and will qualify for the GM business package where they give you some free truck accessories or a $500 Lowe's gift card.

 

I chose a $1,600 Adrian Steel aluminum truck box/GM bed liner package. I thought that was a nice freebie.

 

Overall I'm happy with where the deal is...............I just can't get the financial obligation to sit well in the pit of my stomach.

 

I bought my 2010 on 6/4. I know exactly how you're feeling. Prior to buying the truck, all I had was a mortgage payment. No credit card bills, loans, etc. As much as I was thrilled with the truck, I had buyers remorse over the payments. I had the same feeling with every new vehicle I bought. It does pass...until the next new vehicle purchase. I'm at the point where I owe 5.5 years on my mortgage and the home is mine. It's more important to me at this stage of the game to drive slightly less of a truck and pay the home off than it is to have all the bling on a truck that devalues thousands of dollars as soon as you drive it off the lot...just my humble opinion though.

[QUIKAG]

Don't buy it. Is the $10k off including your $1500 trade-in? If that is the case, it's not that great of a deal. It's a good deal, but not a great deal. Meaning, wait until you find EXACTLY what you want and then work on getting a good and/or great deal. Don't let the dealership force you into a vehicle that isn't exactly what you want.

 

I've been able to pay cash for my vehicles and I'll have a hard time stomaching a payment in the future. It's nice to drive a car long enough and save enough to pay cash and then keep that cycle going.

[[email protected]]

Just my personal opinion - but you did ask.

1. In todays world - don't count on having your job or any good one for the next 72 months. We are entering an economic phase where CASH is king and all debt should be avoided like the plaque.

 

2. If you haven't saved $500.00 per month for yourself, during the past 6 years - that you drove your old truck - why for goodness sake would you want to owe someone else that amount each month for the next 6 YEARS ?

 

3. For you - driving your old truck - - all most any 3 to 5 year old Silverado - would seem like a dream. No need to pay 30 Grand - for a truck that you would love - find a very low mileage, extremely well cared for 2005/2006 example for $15K... Then put at least $5K down on that..

 

Get in the habit of making vehicle payments to yourself - if you can do that for 5 years without missing a payment - - you can pay cash for new vehicles from then on - and never have a payment to someone else hanging over your head.