[lizardlady]

Not too long ago the check engine light came on in my truck. Off to the shop for diagnostics. It seems either the cam shaft or the drive shaft need work.

Over the last year I've been half-heartedly looking on line for a "new" truck. Time to get serious about looking. I had major sticker shock, but am adjusting. I had an age range and price range in mind. Reality is that I'm not going to find low mileage and reasonably new. So, I'm willing to go a bit higher on price. I'm s diehard believer in a particular brand. I won't compromise on that. This brand is like the Energizer bunny, it just keeps going. My current truck has over 260,000 miles on it. That's typical for the brand. This is my fifth truck of this brand. The only one that less mileage was one some dumb female dog broadside at 50-something miles an hour. Poor truck gave it's life to save mine.

Anyway, I thought I'd post about the hunt and what I end up buying. I have a friend who works for the brand's company. He is helping me by pulling background info on what I find. Sent him info on two. I may go check them out this weekend.

[Nammu]

Well wow the major hurdles for me are brands that’s one thing you’ve aced already! And having an insider for info, way to go. Hope you find a match.

[unaluna]

I think we dont laud high mileage women drivers enough. At all, really. Its a hard-won skill. I want a plaque!

[Travelinglady]

A friend of mine brought a new Chevy SUV after her first one had over 200, 000 miles on it. She really got her money's worth out of the first one.

I'd have a hard time deciding about trucks, if I were to get one. I just read that some Ford trucks even have generators on them, and some Texans used them to get power after the recent snow storm. I thought that was interesting.

I can't believe how fancy some trucks are now--and how much they cost! And how many choices are out there! Yes, do let us know what you get.

[lizardlady]

Trav, the brand I'm looking at is definitely NOT Ford (aka Fix Or Repair Daily )

Oh yeah, prices and available features are insane. Some of the loaded brand new ones cost more than my house!

My friend gave me thumbs up on the ones I sent him to check out. I'm working on setting up a time to go look at a couple on Sunday.

[downandlonely]

I've never driven a big truck. They kind of scare me. I suck at parking my Corolla, lol

[unaluna]

I rented a big truck - a big ol dodge ram - from Enterprise one week while my car was in the shop. It was cheaper than a regular car! Nobody messes with you! They literally steer clear of you! So. Much. Fun. Put it on your bucket list!

[downandlonely]

I was renting once and they tried to upgrade to an SUV. I requested a smaller car.

[Travelinglady]

Liz, I've driven Fords for years with few problems. But to each her own.

[lizardlady]

Originally Posted by Travelinglady

Liz, I've driven Fords for years with few problems. But to each her own.

Didn't mean to insult you. I've had nothing but bad luck with Fords. On the other hand I have a friend with a 90-something Ranger that's still going.

[*Beth*]

Good luck tomorrow, liz!

[eskielover]

I love my truck....crew cab is a must for me. There are times I get extra horse feed & keep it in the back seat until my containers are empty. Have also loaded bales of hay into the back seat when I was hauling a huge load & lost a couple of bales. Easier to throw them inside than restack on the side of the highway. Having a huge horse & huge horse trailer I needed a V-8 for power & obviously 4x4 for snow. I was lucky back in 2007 to find a 2 year old truck with only 30,000 miles. It only has just over 125,000 now. My good looking truck now has rusted out wheelwells & really looks like the farm truck it is.....but love the way it handles. I drove a friend's almost new GM truck & the steering was sloppy compared to mine. I drive really windy roads through the Ky River palasaides so steering is critical too. I keep thinking about getting a newer truck. Probably won't until this one completely dies.

Hope you find a good replacement. The cost if new does give sticker shock.

Lol....I nailed a parallel parking on the first try on our town's main street with cars waiting behind me. Lol....I should have taken a bow when I got out of my truck after parking it Trucks are so easy to drive though I get comments about driving such a big truck when I am just over 5 ft tall.....but NO ONE messes with me even on the road. I have had sports cars but honestly my truck is my favorite vehicle especially when I have a steep driveway to the barn & we just had 3 inches of ice with 3 inches of snow on top. Lol....even the tractor couldn't make it up the driveway & my truck could.