Why I Haven't Upgraded or Added to the Fleet

[kstruckcountry]

I realize I haven't been super active lately, been a busy guy with projects like a zero-turn engine swap and house.

 

I get asked by friends all the time why I still drive my 2006 and haven't spent the money to get a newer pickup. To give some background, I bought the 2006 because it was American made, a very common platform (GMT800 might actually still be the most common), and I knew it would be reliable. Now with 215k on it, I was right. The electronics on the 4x4 are the only major issue I've had, parts have been easy to find and cheap, and I still love driving it. The seats, which are insanely comforable, are original with no tears. Yes, it is rusty, and that is now its name. It is still on the original front end, water pump, and power steering. None of the other accessories failed, they were done premptively.

 

If I had to replace it tomorrow, I honestly don't know what I'd do. Obviously, no manufacturer currently shares the bodies and parts between all the trucks and SUVs, which is a bummer. I looked at Tundras, mainly due to the 38 gallon fuel tank and supposed reliability. The low sales volume of them is worrisome, though. I also like the thought of an F250 7.3L 10-speed, but absolutely do not need the capacity.

 

In 2020, the Tundra is really the only truck that comes close to meeting the same criteria my 2006 did, though. It is American made and is a VERY proven platform.

 

Anyway, sorry for the word vomit, just trying to plan for the day Rusty needs to be retired.

 

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[cheyenne383]

I have a 2006 GMC Sierra with 284k on it, luckily it's in the lower 48 in an area that doesn't rust. I doubt I'll ever sell it, it does everything I need it to and I can find parts and fix anything that could break. It got rearended a couple of years ago and I was lucky it didn't total, it would be impossible to replace for what I would be paid for it.

 

I wonder how long my 2017 will last, I'd like to think just as long but I have my doubts... certainly not as cheap to fix if/when something breaks.

[kstruckcountry]

I have a 2006 GMC Sierra with 284k on it, luckily it's in the lower 48 in an area that doesn't rust. I doubt I'll ever sell it, it does everything I need it to and I can find parts and fix anything that could break. It got rearended a couple of years ago and I was lucky it didn't total, it would be impossible to replace for what I would be paid for it.
 
I wonder how long my 2017 will last, I'd like to think just as long but I have my doubts... certainly not as cheap to fix if/when something breaks.

Congrats on 284k, that is good mileage. Still original engine and trans?

I wish I could wave a magic wand and make the rust go away.

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[Black02Silverado]

I hear ya.  I still use my 2002 Silverado everyday.  Kind of hate to get rid of it.  At 197k miles it is still running great with no issues and the only major thing, if you can call it that is I had to rebuild the alternator at 150k.  One thing just started acting up on it.  I'm getting the, thump thump thump sound from the lower right HVAC.  Which from what I can tell it is the inside/outside blend door actuator.  Not the temp door one that I thought is was and took it out and it was fine.  So until it goes completely out I'm not diving into that mess.

Edited April 20, 2020 by Black02Silverado

[cheyenne383]

3 hours ago, kstruckcountry said:

Congrats on 284k, that is good mileage. Still original engine and trans?

I wish I could wave a magic wand and make the rust go away.

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I'm not sure of the total history of the truck, I bought it fall of 2016 with a bad 4.8 engine for a steal. I took a weekend and replaced it with a $800 used 5.3 from a Tahoe and have had no issues since then. Parts are super cheap and they are incredibly easy to work on... the 99-06 is a great platform.

[kstruckcountry]

Interesting point as far as repairs. Off the top of my head:

Wheel bearings (twice, submerged quite a bit)
Blower motor resistor
Rear end rebuild at 144k (bad carrier bearing on ring side, preemptive based on bearing noise)
4x4 transfer case motor (3 times)
O2 sensors and a bad wire (once)
Knock sensors (once)
Alternator at 193k (once, preemptive due to bearing noise in cold)
AC compressor (bearing noise again)
Belts and idlers once or twice (preemptive)
Fuel pump at 215k (preemptive)

Upcoming is power steering pump and water pump, preemptive. Purchase price and repairs ONLY, assuming no scrap value, it has cost me about 15 cents a mile, which I think is very good.


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[kstruckcountry]

Ran some numbers last night. If I bought a new Tundra, tomorrow at $40,000, I would need 267,000 miles out of it (with no repairs) to hit 15 cents a mile.

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[Cpl_Punishment]

If reliability is key, the Tundra is hard to beat. I got a great deal on mine back in November but prices on GMs seem to drop through the model year so they would be more comparable now than they were when I bought. If I had bought a $65k CAD Sierra Elevation in November, I would have had to average 10L/100 km (24 mpg) over 25 years to come out ahead of a $45k CAD Tundra getting 18L/100 km (13 mpg).

 

I'm definitely not advocating that you buy one but I believe Ford and Ram are available with 36 or 38 gallon tanks if that's a priority. It's hard to say either one would be more reliable than a T1, though.

 

What fuel economy are you assuming on a Tundra? 

 

As to why there are fewer Tundras on the road, there could be a few different reasons: 

1. Fuel economy is worse than most other half-tons (excluding the Titan and Ram Classic). However, no matter how good they are unloaded, all gas trucks get 9 mpg towing. 

2. Payload can be lower, depending on the trim level and options of the truck you're comparing it to. 

3. Towing capacity is perceived to be lower, though realistically you can't tow more than about 8000 lbs with any halfton. The Tundra will do this with no issues as long as you watch your payload capacity. In fact, most folks with experience with multiple brands prefer the Tundra for towing because of its 4.30 rear end. 

4. No locking rear differential - could be a concern if you plan to off road. 

5. No true luxury model with the fancy features certain folks want in their trucks. The 1794 is priced like a low end SLT/LTZ or a Lariat with features to match (for the most part).

6. Some people just will not buy a truck that's not made by the Big 3, even though the Tundra is designed and built in Texas, rather than Mexico or China like some of the competitors.

 

Edited April 23, 2020 by Cpl_Punishment

[kstruckcountry]

If reliability is key, the Tundra is hard to beat. I got a great deal on mine back in November but prices on GMs seem to drop through the model year so they would be more comparable now than they were when I bought. If I had bought a $65k CAD Sierra Elevation in November, I would have had to average 10L/100 km (24 mpg) over 25 years to come out ahead of a $45k CAD Tundra getting 18L/100 km (13 mpg).
 
I'm definitely not advocating that you buy one but I believe Ford and Ram are available with 36 or 38 gallon tanks if that's a priority. It's hard to say either one would be more reliable than a T1, though.
 
What fuel economy are you assuming on a Tundra? 
 
As to why there are fewer Tundras on the road, there could be a few different reasons: 
1. Fuel economy is worse than most other half-tons (excluding the Titan and Ram Classic). However, no matter how good they are unloaded, all gas trucks get 9 mpg towing. 
2. Payload can be lower, depending on the trim level and options of the truck you're comparing it to. 
3. Towing capacity is perceived to be lower, though realistically you can't tow more than about 8000 lbs with any halfton. The Tundra will do this with no issues as long as you watch your payload capacity. In fact, most folks with experience with multiple brands prefer the Tundra for towing because of its 4.30 rear end. 
4. No locking rear differential - could be a concern if you plan to off road. 
5. No true luxury model with the fancy features certain folks want in their trucks. The 1794 is priced like a low end SLT/LTZ or a Lariat with features to match (for the most part).
6. Some people just will not buy a truck that's not made by the Big 3, even though the Tundra is designed and built in Texas, rather than Mexico or China like some of the competitors.
 

I think those are all good points. Most people I know with Tundras pull down about 16 highway, which isn't far from my 2006. And with the big fuel tank, trying to eke out 20 mpg to pull down more range isn't as much of a concern. I currently get about 13 mpg with the boat hooked up, but I am not sure a newer pickup would even notice it back there.

As far as towing and hauling, I would be getting a doublecab, so payload sits around 1700 I think, which is comparable to my 2006. I have maxed out my 2006 towing once, and most times when I tow it is under 5k. I would definitely go after an HD if I was hauling heavier regularly.

I did have the locker in my truck and switched it for an LSD. For me, the TruTrac is much more useful (and smoother). I do have reservations about Toyota's open diff with the brake based traction control, I really like the mechanical differential I have now (with no traction control).

Another gripe is lack of auto HVAC on non highend trims. My 2006 has it, I use it always and really like never having to touch it while I'm driving.

As far as being American made, I know that the Tundra is US made when many of the "domestic" trucks aren't.

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[Silverado4x4]

On 4/23/2020 at 8:56 AM, Cpl_Punishment said:

If reliability is key, the Tundra is hard to beat. I got a great deal on mine back in November but prices on GMs seem to drop through the model year so they would be more comparable now than they were when I bought. If I had bought a $65k CAD Sierra Elevation in November, I would have had to average 10L/100 km (24 mpg) over 25 years to come out ahead of a $45k CAD Tundra getting 18L/100 km (13 mpg).

 

I'm definitely not advocating that you buy one but I believe Ford and Ram are available with 36 or 38 gallon tanks if that's a priority. It's hard to say either one would be more reliable than a T1, though.

 

What fuel economy are you assuming on a Tundra? 

 

As to why there are fewer Tundras on the road, there could be a few different reasons: 

1. Fuel economy is worse than most other half-tons (excluding the Titan and Ram Classic). However, no matter how good they are unloaded, all gas trucks get 9 mpg towing. 

2. Payload can be lower, depending on the trim level and options of the truck you're comparing it to. 

3. Towing capacity is perceived to be lower, though realistically you can't tow more than about 8000 lbs with any halfton. The Tundra will do this with no issues as long as you watch your payload capacity. In fact, most folks with experience with multiple brands prefer the Tundra for towing because of its 4.30 rear end. 

4. No locking rear differential - could be a concern if you plan to off road. 

5. No true luxury model with the fancy features certain folks want in their trucks. The 1794 is priced like a low end SLT/LTZ or a Lariat with features to match (for the most part).

6. Some people just will not buy a truck that's not made by the Big 3, even though the Tundra is designed and built in Texas, rather than Mexico or China like some of the competitors.

 

True its built here but to money goes back to Japan or the country its from.

 

Me, I would never buy a foreign vehicle because it would make me feel like iam frowning again my country and feel un-American. But that's me.

Edited April 26, 2020 by Silverado4x4

[Cpl_Punishment]

22 minutes ago, kstruckcountry said:

 

 

I think those are all good points. Most people I know with Tundras pull down about 16 highway, which isn't far from my 2006. And with the big fuel tank, trying to eke out 20 mpg to pull down more range isn't as much of a concern. I currently get about 13 mpg with the boat hooked up, but I am not sure a newer pickup would even notice it back there.

As far as towing and hauling, I would be getting a doublecab, so payload sits around 1700 I think, which is comparable to my 2006. I have maxed out my 2006 towing once, and most times when I tow it is under 5k. I would definitely go after an HD if I was hauling heavier regularly.

I did have the locker in my truck and switched it for an LSD. For me, the TruTrac is much more useful (and smoother). I do have reservations about Toyota's open diff with the brake based traction control, I really like the mechanical differential I have now (with no traction control).

Another gripe is lack of auto HVAC on non highend trims. My 2006 has it, I use it always and really like never having to touch it while I'm driving.

As far as being American made, I know that the Tundra is US made when many of the "domestic" trucks aren't.

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I wouldn't mind having an automatic locking rear differential like the GMs have but I don't do any off roading so it's not strictly required. I also read a good article about how the Tundra's auto LSD works and it sounds like it could get you out of a pinch if you use it right. 

 

I'm not sure if it was not working correctly or what but I hated the automatic climate control in my last car. Any time I accidentally hit the button, it would switch to the floor vents, regardless of the ambient temperature or how I had it set. 

[Cpl_Punishment]

5 minutes ago, Silverado4x4 said:

True its built here but to money goes back to Japan or the country its from.

 

Me, I would never buy a foreign vehicle because it would make me feel like iam frowning again my country and feel un-American. But that's me.

There are still American workers on the line, if that's important to you.

[Colossus]

On 4/17/2020 at 8:23 AM, kstruckcountry said:

 

I get asked by friends all the time why I still drive my 2006 and haven't spent the money to get a newer pickup.

 

 

 

Simple.  Tell them it's nice being out of debt and not having a truck payment.  Then laugh at them. 

[KARNUT]

I had a new truck every 2-3 years up to my last new truck 2014 GMC. Mostly due to lots of mileage yearly and the right off. I retired in 2015. I appreciated the ride, wind noise improvements and horsepower of the 14. Messing with the 5.3 with cylinder deactivation was a deal killer for me. Just too much tec. I found a cherry 02 Avalanche. The early 2000s were my favorite body styles . The only tec l miss is blue tooth. That was easily fixed with a blue tooth speaker. Not to mention the 5500$ cost for the truck.


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[kstruckcountry]

True its built here but to money goes back to Japan or the country its from.
 
Me, I would never buy a foreign vehicle because it would make me feel like iam frowning again my country and feel un-American. But that's me.

I don't really care about the name. Ultimately folks build it, and I'd rather support USA workers. I think the Tundra has a higher domestic parts content as well.

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