You can only do so much

The insanity continues...

Driving to the office today the check battery light came on. Then it went out. Back on. Off. On... etc. I drove straight to the shop hoping it didn't die on me before I got there. Dropped it at the shop and asked them to figure out the problem. Also asked them to find out why the check engine light was on.

The electrical problem was the alternator. Had to replace the belts too. The check engine light is the cam or drive shaft. Time to get serious about getting a new truck. *sigh*

I've been online shopping for another truck. Oh my gawd! Prices are insane.

Oh I know, it’s just awful. Even low mile used recent models are very expensive.

Wow!

That is way too much to have on your plate all at once @lizardlady ...



Don't know what to say but sending hearts & hugs your way!

Liz what about keeping your truck for your farm needs and buying an inexpensive small car for work and other needs?

OE, I can't afford two vehicles. I already planned on getting another truck after I sell my mom's house. Given the mechanical problems my truck has I'm having to rethink my plans.

Liz would you consider leasing or not realistic? I drive far to work so I had to buy extended mileage lease, I can’t manage with 12k miles a year. But even then it’s still cheaper than financing. Plus in 3 years I just get a new car again? If your credit is good it might be a good deal? I get it if it’s not realistic. I was just so tired from buying cars and then waiting when they go old and break and how I am going to get stuck in ice and snow and who knows how far away from everything. Gives me piece of mind. I never leased before, this is my first one and i think I might lease again. Less stress

Divine, I'm not keen on leasing. To me I spend all that money and have nothing in the end. I'm trying hard to not have to finance at all. I'm hoping to buy outright or only have to finance a small amount.
I really, really hope to retire in June. Can't afford my mortgage, monthly maintenance fees on mom's place and a car payment on the pittance I will get from social security. I have a retirement plan through work, but don't want to have to burn through it.

Bless my truck. It's a Toyota. They last close to forever, but forever is just around the bend for this one. It's 15 years old and has almost 265,000 miles on it. It served me well. At my age, I figure my next one will be my last one.

I'll figure out a way to make this work. Because it will work out. Just need to sort out how. I kinda slipped into panic mode when the shop told me what's wrong with it.

Buying cars makes me weak at the knees and I go cross eyed trying to sort and compare! To me there’s not much more stressful than buying cars and trucks. I like consumer reports for getting the low down on what’s reliable.

Makes me weak kneed too Nammu. I really hate haggling over price. I found a dealer that advertises no haggling pricing. Listed price is what you pay. They have a truck I might be interested it. We'll see. The dealer I bought my current truck from also has a couple that look interesting.

That makes sense Liz. Oh wow big plans with retiring and I am glad you have retirement plan. I didn’t know you plan to retire. Big change. No I’d not be leasing when I retire. I get it. I think I might eventually switch to Toyota or Honda too. I have weird brand loyalty and only drive GM. I have panic attack thinking of switching brands. Silly.

Wow 265k it really lasted!!!!

((Hugs LL)) I hope things turn in your favor soon.

I agree that Toyotas are definitely good trucks, they last a long time too. We had three different ones, one we bought new and it lasted for years. Then we got two different used ones and what tends to happen or did when we had them is body rot even though the truck still runs good.