Tough Decision ( Kinda Long )

[KG4LHQ]

Hello All,

 

With the recent gas prices of hitting over $3.00 and driving 30 miles to work one way I think I'm needing to sell my truck or trade it in towards a more economical car...

 

My truck has 61,200 miles on it all highway, it has been involved in one light accident and repaired by a qualified body shop. I have taken it to a few dealers and they've offered me anywhere from $10,000 to $11,000 for the vehicle on a trade in... This truck is a plain jane base model ( roll up windows, no power, no onstar, no nothing but 4.8L V8 )

 

The particular dealer where I've cound this Monte Carlo offered $11,500.

 

This Monte Carlo I've found is a 2004 Monte Carlo SS ( loaded power everything, heated seats, onstar, sunroof, DIC etc ) It has 52,000 miles w/ a clean carfax and I was able to talk down from 17,000 plus tax title transfer to 16,000 on the road.

 

My pay off is $15,962.00 on my truck thru the bank... I know the bank would have no problems of course me doing this.

 

My insurance would drop $115.00 a year ( pay it in full every year ) and if I was to take this car out as a 4 year loan I would be paying $488 or at 5 year $415 <---Less than I pay now! ( $422 right now )

 

I owe 3 1/2 more years on my current vehicle.

 

I'm looking for advice here what ya'll think.

[Ape0r]

Trade it in on something less ugly than a monte =). I wouldn't mind a Camaro, personally.

[jjrobo]

Keep your truck and move closer. Just kidding.

 

I drive 35 miles each way to work, and I wouldn't trade my truck in to save $30 -50/ week in gas. There is no way I'd be happy without it. Besides, every car I've owned pretty much fell apart around 130k miles and my trucks are still running strong when I ditch them around 200k miles.

 

Tough decision.

 

Jeff

[willys]

The monteSS may not get that much better mileage than your truck and the truck is much more versatile if you need it to be. I tossed the idea around about getting a car instead of my truck and everytime I put something big, dirty, etc. in the back end I tell myself I am glad I bought the truck. It comes down to what you need to get by with. If you feel the car suits your needs then go with it, if you have doubts then I would stick with the truck. Just my thoughts.

 

neil.

[95Sierra2500]

The monteSS may not get that much better mileage than your truck and the truck is much more versatile if you need it to be.  I tossed the idea around about getting a car instead of my truck and everytime I put something big, dirty, etc. in the back end I tell myself I am glad I bought the truck.  It comes down to what you need to get by with.  If you feel the car suits your needs then go with it, if you have doubts then I would stick with the truck.  Just my thoughts.

 

neil.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

A 2004 Monte SS has the 3800 s/c and 2.93 final drive ratio. I have a '98 Grand Prix with the same setup, 125,000 miles, in perfect shape and pulling right around 30 mpg highway/22 mpg city. It requires premium unleaded though, or you'll pop pistons. It's up to you, though, if you want the truck or a car. I'd recommend a Grand Prix myself, being an owner of one, if you are just commuting and never do any heavy hauling. They look better and get amazing gas mileage for a supercharged V6.

[Shoot2Thrill]

Wow, I didn't know anybody else had the same dilemma... Silverado or Monte Carlo. I was financed for anything on the lot, and my dealer had a new black Monte Carlo SS with supercharged V8 in it. It was exactly what I wanted in a Monte. I wouldn't sit in it or test drive it, though. Had I did, I am sure I would have bought something that wasn't practical. I only have one vehicle, so I have to be able to use it for everything. I do hauling of various items in the bed of my truck all the time, something I couldn't, nor would want to, in a Monte Carlo SS. I would eventually like to buy the SS after I get my truck paid off. It would be nice on the weekends to drive. However, my truck is the most practical out of the two, was cheaper, and lets face it, no woman yet refuses to get in my truck. Go with what will take care of your needs the best. -Shoot2Thrill

[95Sierra2500]

Wow, I didn't know anybody else had the same dilemma... Silverado or Monte Carlo. I was financed for anything on the lot, and my dealer had a new black Monte Carlo SS with supercharged V8 in it. It was exactly what I wanted in a Monte. I wouldn't sit in it or test drive it, though. Had I did, I am sure I would have bought something that wasn't practical. I only have one vehicle, so I have to be able to use it for everything. I do hauling of various items in the bed of my truck all the time, something I couldn't, nor would want to, in a Monte Carlo SS. I would eventually like to buy the SS after I get my truck paid off. It would be nice on the weekends to drive. However, my truck is the most practical out of the two, was cheaper, and lets face it, no woman yet refuses to get in my truck.    Go with what will take care of your needs the best. -Shoot2Thrill

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

The dealer lied to you, there is no such thing as a supercharged V8 in a Monte SS unless it's aftermarket...it's either supercharged V6 (that went out in IIRC 2005?) or a DOD V8 (starting w/the 2006 model year).

[KG4LHQ]

Well ended up trading it in got a good deal on it too

 

2004 Monte Carlo SS w/ 48K w/ the SS package and all that stuff for $15,000 on the road.

 

Question - I have became a fan of Mobil 1 Synthetic oil... Would I still be able to make the change over just in case it doesn't have synthetic oil in it already.

[mmmikkke]

I've done that in the past with 1-yr old car and had no problems.

[redvett]

My wifes car is a 2004 SS Monti Carlo Supercharged and 29-30 is tha average HWY and has never had any gas better than mid grade gas. Runs great and will spin the tires at 40mph on dry pavment.

I run Mobil 1 in it and everything i own including my tractor and mower. Does not make a difference what mileage you put it in.

[automaticj5]

If you dont mind borrowing someones truck everytime you goto get mulch, or buy a tv, or move something, or if family needs the help...

 

My advice, keep the truck, I do sales... I had an 03 f150 and I traded it in because gas prices were above 3.50 a gallon... Car did a LOT better on gas, and since the day I traded it, prolly a week later and on, I regretted it.. bottom line is, if YOU LIKE your truck, I would keep it... I had to go back to getting a truck, leaving my 03 Cad CTS for a brand new sierra...