Downsize Worth It Or No?

martincraig · July 13, 2008

We'll i got my avg fuel bill is getting to be pretty intense lately so i've been looking into the canyon or colorado's the results seems to be quite a bit better than any dakota or s10, now my biggest question is it worth it to downsize from my 05 Sierra with 180KM to a 07 or 08 canyon or colorado, or should i just get a new fullsize? im getting 13-15 in the city and about 17 hwy. Are these small size trucks worth the downsize? htnaks guys

merlin5577 · July 13, 2008

05 Sierra,

That is a decision only you can make. But my suggestion is to read this article along with doing the normal research that comes with buying a new vehicle. Good luck.

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.asp...cumentid=510971

Gray Ghost · July 13, 2008

We'll i got my avg fuel bill is getting to be pretty intense lately so i've been looking into the canyon or colorado's the results seems to be quite a bit better than any dakota or s10, now my biggest question is it worth it to downsize from my 05 Sierra with 180KM to a 07 or 08 canyon or colorado, or should i just get a new fullsize? im getting 13-15 in the city and about 17 hwy. Are these small size trucks worth the downsize? htnaks guys

Well, when I was selling my '06 GTO I started looking for something smaller to down size to, mainly engine size. After pondering for awhile I found my '07 Sierra and fell in love with the great looking truck dressed out in the stealth metallic gray and changed my mind. I dont drive it everyday either So far after owning it for almost a month now my average mpg is 16.2. Thats not highway..just cruising around and an occassional over the Delaware memorial Bridge trip to home depot. I get picked up for work most of the time..

Those smaller trucks are nice, but I would have to look at their rated MPG and weigh it against that and what you get with a full size truck ex. size, room. I know some of those smaller trucks are close in price to a full size because i looked at getting one in 2005 when i bought my silverado. Come fall the fuel price will drop some again, but not where it use to be...

It is a tough decision, i know...I let my baby('06goat) go for more room(two small kids), less insurance, using regular fuel, cheaper monthly payments. The fuel situation is the same now, because I just purchased the superchips programmer and ill be putting in 91 octane vs regular. In the goat i used Sunoco 93 because it recommended premium fuel in stock condition.

Do your research before you pull the trigger on this. If your not upside down in your payment on the '05 oweing less than what its worth, you may get a great deal on a new full size with a decent payment. Or try selling the '05 on autotrader and go into a dealership with no baggage and end up paying less on a new truck than what you are paying now making up for the fuel bill.

Good luck, sorry for ranting on an on...

martincraig · July 13, 2008

I won't buy new i will pvt sell my truck and see if i can find an 08 or 07 with a few miles on it, i always thought that was a way better way to go, unless you have a company and lease a vehicle out. Im 20 no kids but im sure they are on the way, so room is getting to be a big thing and i got a wicked deal when i bought my truck and i can wasily sell it for a k more than i bought it for. thanks for some input

slimjim2525 · July 14, 2008

The cheapest vehicle you could have is the one you already own.

pennzoil29 · July 14, 2008

The cheapest vehicle you could have is the one you already own.

+1.

merlin5577 · July 14, 2008

The cheapest vehicle you could have is the one you already own.

+1.

+2.

Zembonez · July 14, 2008

The cheapest vehicle you could have is the one you already own.

+1.

+2.

...at an extra 3 or 4 MPG, it will only take you 30 or 40 years to break even. I say go for it!

pacodiablo · July 14, 2008

Is your truck paid off? If it is, forget about trading it for another truck. At least don't do it for fuel economy. If you work the numbers, it will probably be cheapest to keep your current truck.

If you are making payments, it might be worth it to consider a used I4 Colorado or other small truck, but I highly doubt it. Again, you have to work the numbers.

Just keep in mind, the money you spend on switching trucks is money that could buy fuel. Odds are you will be better off with your current truck. If you current truck is paid off, just forget about switching. You won't get a good price for your truck...right now is a bad time to try to sell anything full size.

If you really want to save money, ease off the gas some, pay more attention to traffic lights, slow down, keep the tires aired up, undo modifications that hurt economy, etc. Even regearing the truck would probably be cheaper than trading.

martincraig · July 18, 2008

Is your truck paid off?

No it;s not had it about 7 or 8 months now and would regearing it be worth it for an extra 1 or 2MPG?

pacodiablo · July 18, 2008

Is your truck paid off?

would regearing it be worth it for an extra 1 or 2MPG?

Not really, but trading it isn't either.

Draenor · July 18, 2008

I bet they give you $7-8K for a trade in. Just stick with what you have, but its your decision. Start crunching the numbers.

FYI, for giggles, I own a '04 2500, loaded wih only 32K on the clock. The avg trade in quotes here is $8K. Hell I'm looking at getting an '06 4x4, LBZ loaded with 50K on the clock for $21K out the door.

J-man67 · August 11, 2008

My Colorado got 18 city and 22-24 highway. It was an 04 with the 3.5L 5 cyl. I thought it was pretty good, although the Sierra is pretty close. I would keep your present truck since you still owe on it. It will take years to make up the difference. Gas prices are starting to come down too. They have dropped well over $.50 here in DE.

retired2001 · August 11, 2008

I had contemplated doing the same thing, but then when you still owe money on your current truck it isn't very cost effective. I need a "lighter" truck due to towing behind my motor home, but with "trade in" values what they are right now there is no way to make a change. My motor home doesn't have a problem with hauling my '04 Crew Cab, but I'm sure it would get better mileage with the lighter truck, plus I'm right at my rated towing weight. Oh well, I'm sure glad I like my '04 so well.