Hi Ken, enjoyed your video, as a 62 year old carpenter who is been self employed for 30 plus years . I can relate to small jobs like that. Never charged what i should, but the word always got out a lead to bigger more profitable jobs. God takes care of us always.
Enjoy your channel ! I have a 2000 chev suburban, so similar to your truck, it has 316800 miles, still runs good, most of the miles on dirt roads, locations, so has had a hard life, I know a guy in Norman, Ok that has a 99 suburban, put 620000 miles before the engine blew, he has put a crate new engine and trans in it, so your truck still has lots of life, best of luck to you !
That was a nice thing to do. Kinda like what they did to get your truck figured out and back on the road. I'm glad you're getting out and giving the knee a good workout. I enjoy the medical updates personally. Take care and stay warm!
You take care of the folks that take care of you. Always served me well in business and life. The good feeling you get from helping someone is ample compensation at times. The timing of a truck's life is always tricky. It's always a matter of biting the bullet at some point. Good to see you out in the wild. I know the banter in the Tire Shop would have given us some chuckles (and insight). Thanks Ken.
Ken, Not everyone does it but, I always buy used vehicles. 2 to 4 years old and they are typically 30% to 50% less than a new one. That equates to tens of thousands of dollars these days. Has worked well for me over many years. Good luck with your search! Or repairs! Ha ha.
As a life long mechanic and handyman, I saw fleet trucks that were turned in on various formulas. The local utility had a policy of 10 years or 100k miles, whichever came first. When I was doing fleet work I noticed there was a flurry of "normal repairs" (still expensive) in the 70k mile range, which is easy to swallow on a 5 year old truck. My suggestion to the boss was turning that vehicle before hitting the next go-round. IOW, who wants to pop for an injection pump or transmission on a 10 year old truck with 135k? (which is probably getting rusty) He got the message. Back into your world.... we have a local eatery that's been talking about moving to a new building for a couple of years but they are still in an older place. The front door doesn't close right and if you are sitting in the bar there's a constant draft from the 3/4" gap. The owner said he wasn't spending money on the place so I (we regulars) offered a fix. Brought in a few of those 4" construction screws and put them in place of the hinge screws... then sucked the door frame up to the 2x4 on one side. Been that way for 18 months now and the door still closes pretty good.
Can confirm the flooding up there. I bought property about 20 min south of Barre in August of 2023. Just a week after the flooding. Half the roads were washed out or covered with debris. I drove by a picket fence 4' above normal water height and the grass was laid flat with large drift wood inside the fence!!! Bridges just missing. It was bad. Some "temporary " bridge replacements are still in place.
Hi Ken ,I am from the UK but look at lots RUclips videos regarding the USA auto industry. From what I have seen the truck market is absolutely shot. The cost of trucks is through the roof and the quality has plummeted since covid .Brand new trucks having fuel pump control modules going faulty in the first week whilst others having so many recalls for so many different problems . Looking after the truck you own now is the best way forward for now is the best thing to do. Re another retired Ken in Lincolnshire UK
I learned from my friend dad to flip the door from left hand to right hand or vice versa put the hinges on the other side and get fresh wood for the screws to bite for the catch and hinges
Hi Ken, Brad and Deb Gebbie's Pennsylvania cousin here. I grew up in the automotive service industry and still work in it. In our shop, we told our customers that if the body, frame, and interior were in decent condition, a vehicle was usually worth repairing. For folks that would purchase a vehicle with typical financing, a payment these days is anywhere from $350 to $700 per month (with outliers of course). At the low end, that's $4,200 in one year. $4,200 covers MANY repairs on a vehicle. Some engines or transmissions may be more, but equating a repair to payments is usually the eye opener that helps people decide. 176K miles is high, but not excessively high. But when you look at what newer pickup trucks cost these days, 176K isn't so bad!
You my friend , are a great christian man. To use your skills for people in need and not expect monetary reimbursement for your time and efforts is, I can't think of the word right now but thank you Jesus for this man
Our electric cooperative made a financial analysis of "when to trade/replace a vehicle for best long-term economics and the number was 60,000 miles. My wife and I, as a financially conservative couple, have looked at repairs to our paid-off family vehicles in terms of how many "new car payments" it equals. We find it reduces the pain and disappointment of the repair cost somewhat. Blessings to you and yours!
Ok, Dicks Tire reminds me of Aunt Shirley ( Dicks grandmother) taking me out to that same building to gather eggs. She had me stick my hand under the laying chickens to gather the eggs..was a scary moment as a child. But her donuts were outstanding…like your Mom’s…little trip down memory lane…glad it was a simple fix..you are the best!
Good to see you out and about Ken. You are back in your element. Gotta keep moving!!! Get those knees fixed, and heal up. Then get back to it. Get a crew back together. Make your son the foreman. Limit your activities doing estimates and dealing with customers, being a gofer, and drone operator. Stay on the ground!!! No power trowel, stay out of the crete!!! Pay your crew well, keep only what you need. Pick and choose your jobs. It doesn't seem you have had trouble getting work, ever. 71 is not old. With your Faith, Honesty, Personality and work ethic, all things are possible. (My opinion only as a viewer with great respect for you and yours. I think I've said enough.) Truck: Rust is the deciding factor.
Good morning Ken. It is good to see you out and about. As a retired GM mechanic that question comes up more than you know. When is it time to consider replace the vehicle or make the repairs. Mechanic's refer to them as bottomless money pits. Todays vehicles will go more miles than the older models. I have a 1990 Chevrolet 1/2 in the driveway that I purchased new. I have replaced the engine one time and made many repairs to it since. My tags and tax is very low and it has been paid for many years. It is my "go to the lumber yard" vehicle and does not get driven much. Because it is not driven much required repairs are very little. Is the cost of repairs {monthly} exceeding the cost of new truck payments? If not you might consider keeping the truck. Things wear out and need replacement like knees. Have a Blessed day. Don DAT's Don's Automotive Tips.
Good morning Ken, cute little story about a man's boat motor that wouldn't start, he had four different mechanics look at it none of them seemed to be able to fix it. So finally found an old man came in looked the engine over took out a hammer hit it three or four times motor started up ran like a top. The guy charged him $2,000 to fix it. And the guy cried about the bill he says how can you charge me so much and only took you 10 minutes to figure it out and then you hit it with a hammer and it ran. He says well I only charged you $2 for hitting it with the hammer. The rest was for all the experience I gained over the last 50 years of knowing way to hit the motor. Knowledge is power😊
If you are still carrying full insurance coverage on your truck the comprehensive should cover the windshield at little or no cost to you. Brakes are just something you need to do now and then. If the frame/body is sound and not rusted out and the engine is OK, keeping the truck is the best way to go. Another question is, as a retiree, do you still need a truck? If so go price a new truck. I think that will make the decision for you.
Sheldon Brook looks like those cozy little streams in North Carolina and one never knows. I always bought property back away from the water. My brother has a nice house on the beach at Melbourne Beach, Florida. His house insurance is insane. I'm in nice sunny Texas. Nice video to see some sights.
I had Safelite come out and do my windshield and they seemed to do a fine job. The hack, which probably isn’t a hack, is that I got an estimate online and sat on it for a few days. After a couple days they sent me another quote for 50 dollars off. So, for $350 I got a new windshield. I might have been able to get a better deal elsewhere, but $350 seemed reasonable enough for somebody to come to the house and make my problems not my problems anymore. *Edit* I love your channel. I came here for the builds initially, but I’m honestly enjoying your new content just as well.
Greetings from Western Nebraska , Ken ! Your description of the door problem before you showed it on your camera didn't quite fit with what I thought I saw even though you didn't show it up close. I am 2 years older than you and been in the carpentry business for many years and worked on many doors both wood and steel. I perceive that there was a gap on the upper right corner of the frame thus resulting in settling on the hinge side creating the problem of the misalignment on the strike and latches. To me it's very logical with the flooding that took place that that's exactly what happened and why it wouldn't latch correctly. Oh and it's also been many years since that installation. The law of entropy at work. Yes and I know all those ezzzzzzzzy, quick repairs. 😊
I know what you're talking about. My 2013 F150 is a true beast, but after moving up here to the northern border region of Upstate NY, the winters are taking a toll on mine. I just recently had to replace the wiring harness on the rear passenger door to stop a Door Ajar warning and battery drain issue (on the plus side, that video is getting a lot of views on here). I've now got to replace the Vacuum boost pump on it this spring once the weather warms up a little. I've always tried to do as much of my own work as possible on my vehicles, but this truck is a computer on wheels. I got too good a deal on the thing 3 years ago to trade it in on anything newer.
Wow! I went out to start my truck yesterday, since it was 8° and it was covered in 4" of ice, with 2" of snow on top. Tried each door, but only the front passenger opened, with a lot of effort. Got in to stick the key in, and noticed that same crack going roughly 3 feet across the bottom of the windshield. 😠 Great video, Ken! I like it when you take us with you, even though you drop us sometimes. 🤣👍 Stay warm!
OK! That really startled and scared me.... one minute you were talking and then you jerked forward in the truck, and this guy said that we could stop smoking.... confused me for a second and I realized a commercial came on at that moment.😜!
Ken, I had to laugh at 8:07 when you talked about a remodeling job only taking 5 minutes. 😳😮Been there and experienced that. Better to start new whenever possible to save valuable Time and dollars. Thanks for todays field trip👍
How did your knee do the work with the bending or kneeling? great to see the neighborhood. Also you have to look at what payments are on a new truck verse what a major repair might be.
Your truck has been good and reliable! It's normal to have to repair brakes occasionally and thankfully you have someone like Barre Tire to get it repaired! Glad to give them the business as they continue to recover from the flooding! You definitely need to do something about that camera holder!!! 😂
You're in VT so what does the truck body look like? If it has a lot of rust probably time to move on. Have a compresson check on the engine also, that will tell you if the truck is worth keeping. You can do a lot of repairs for the price of a new truck.
I love your show. There is a cost benefit analysis you would do in weather to keep you truck, mew trucks can be pricey. I basically look at the NADA blue book value and the cost of the repair. If it becomes more than 1/2 the cost of the trucks value, I consider replacing. I sent you an email on truck discounts.
@ the email I found for Ken’s Karpentry did not go thru I will try to resend it, I need to find an email to contact you on the friends and family discount
Newer the vehicle the more expensive. I think it depends on your life style now, and how often you drive. Costs are factored in when doing biusness vs. current driving. Older vehicles with low milage and fewer electronic features is my go to.
Hi Ken, The cost of new trucks and used trucks are very expensive, then add in the 6% state sales tax in VT, and the increase in your automobile insurance costs for a new(er) vehicle. Let's assume you are looking at a $2,000 repair bill on your current truck and the monthly payment for a new truck will be $500 / mo. for the next 60 months after a substantial down payment. Please do the math, if you fix up your current truck and even if it only lasts you another 6 months, which I think it will, you will be way ahead in terms of out-of-pocket costs. I suggest fixing up your current truck up and driving it until the wheels fall off of it, as 176,000 miles is not super high milage. My 2008 Toyota Highlander has 298,000 miles on the odometer.
Did you try a spare key on the ignition switch before you replaced it? I just had that happen to my truck and come to find out the everyday key I used was just worn so bad that it wouldn’t hardly turn at times. I got my spare key that I never used and tried it and worked perfectly. I just had a locksmith duplicate a new key from my good key. I put the duplicated key on my everyday key ring and put my original spare back up for safe keeping for future keys to be made from. I really enjoy your channel! Have a wonderful day!
My goodness, Ken, you dropped me on my head twice! Maybe next time when you take me for a ride into town you can buckle me into the middle seat or something. No real problem, I guess. I don't use my head that much anyway.
My advice on vehicle repairs is how much are the repairs vs a new vehicle. I know you had to replace the transmission a while back, so how many miles will the truck go before you have to get another one? The same goes for the ignition switch is, I see you in 176,000 miles for another one. Don't know how much you are exposed to salt roads and if so how much damage the undercarriage has. I had a Ford F150 with 142,000 miles and decided to get a new truck that could get better fuel mileage, as the ethanol was bumped up to 10% and my fuel mileage flew out the window @ $4.30 a gallon back in 2013. To me a truck is a truck and a new one isn't going to do anything different than the old one, so just fix it till the wheels go square. Hope this helps.
I would check your insurance on towing and windshield replacement. The crack in the windshield does not block your line of site. So I would think it will pass inspection if you have state inspections there. Good luck on your decision on whether to buy a new truck.
I replaced my son's 2001 Subaru Forester windshield for $380 and it had a special heating element on it. I hope you can get a new windshield for it cheaper than the $500. Someone had taken a bat to that windshield at the guy's farm it was parked at. I had to get a new one. It's the nickel and dime stuff that gets you! The new Chevy Silverado engines break early because of the way they have the engine shift between economy mode and loaded mode. Too much goes wrong with the new stuff!
Most likely the batteries in the TPMS valves died. I bet you'll be getting one more TPMS valve soon. Kind of like headlights, one goes and the other will follow, might as well replace both at the same time. "It will only take ..." Yep. I recently replaced a regular outlet with one that has 2 USB ports. Easy and fast, right? Nope, new outlet doesn't fit in the old metal box, wider than a regular outlet. Of course I didn't figure this out until I had connected the wires to the new outlet. Needed to cut out some of the baseboard the outlet is in for the bigger box. Can't use a "winged box", they aren't designed to be installed through 3/4" baseboard over lath and plaster walls. Had to screw through the new plastic box into the baseboard. 20 minute job took over 2 hours.
Fix the old truck the new ones have more expensive problems than the old ones. for example the turn signal in the head lamp module in a 2020 gmc can cost you 2000 bucks to replace because there are no servicable parts and it is all part of the headlamp module.
Money Pit? Love the no "kneed" to! I often say "ag-a-knee." Sounds like the "Brake" sensor didn't work. So sorry you couldn't start your truck. The $488 really hurts! Windshield replacement, ouch! Tire pressure not working. I've heard that they lose connection to the dash so they have problems that way. New brakes! I know how to change brake pads. It's not hard to do but I do have problems getting up and down off the ground now! Dan should know what to do about the brakes. I feel for you Ken. I've had to chisel my own door a couple times to get the door to stay shut! I've seen what they have for used cars/trucks and how incredibly expensive they are! I just keep fixing my car but I can usually do the work. When you don't have a knee that goes away! I know this sounds crazy. If you have somewhere to stay out west, hunt for a non-rusted truck out there since they don't use salt and maybe it'll work for you? Less cost and hopefully well maintained and you'd have a different money pit? I have a 1990 Chevy Truck, 5.1 liter, works good! It was from out west. No rust! I can work on it because much less computer stuff to break!
that was actually a fun video......im 65 and do the same thing fixing stuff.......i dont touch electricity because i just cant wrap my head around it......i fixed a door yesterday that cold air was squeaking through......i bought some weather strip and went around the outside edge and no more light showing through the door seams and the cold isnt coming into the house......what would you charge for a job like that you just did? i would of charged 60 - 80 bucks
My 2000 Tacoma has 260K miles. Been a great truck. Got rid of our 2015 Town and country and bought a Chrysler Pacifica. The prices are insane but needed a reliable car. I am retired so the truck doesn't move much....................Jay
270,000 on my '06... regular car washes w under body flushes and spraying and lanolin in frame keeps it pretty solid. Its going in for $3,500 timing job that its due for. First real money in it for a couple years, as I do most stuff myself, and 3,000 mile oil/filters. I think I read most vehicle payments are $500+/ mo. Thats alot of repairs over a years time.. or 2 years time. New truck with same stuff - $60,000...🤷♂️
Ken I have an 02 Chevy with 240000.On it . 6 lieter engine. Rust is the bigger problem expense wise. Windshield is usually covered by insurance no deductible. Best wishes.
The cost of new vehicles is just the start, insurance is higher and repair is beyond be leaf. I have heard replacing items like a headlight or tail light costing $400. To $500.
What year is your truck? Now that you are "retired", my guess is that you won't be putting as many miles on the truck as when you were actively building. Not sure if you have another vehicle, but I too am retired and have a 2011 Silverado with 180,000 miles. I use it primarily to pick up things I might need that require a truck bed, which now isn't very often. My primary transportation is my 2015 Cruze. I just did a complete overhaul of the front suspension as well as a brake job on the truck. In the past 6 years I've averaged less than 3000 miles a year on the truck, so my intent would be to keep it until the wheels fall off as long as it passes my states yearly safety inspection without too much trouble or expense.
Hey Ken, Funny Im kinda experiencing same like conundrum. Contractor with multiple vehicles but close to retiring/part time at least. I used to run American vehicles that would work 12-18 hour days 6 days a week. I used to care for them like my third child re preventative maintenance. Used to get 275,000 miles then things I couldn’t take care of efficiently would start to happen so that’s when I sold them. Today the same issues or more (electronic stuff) is happening at 150,000 miles. I am selling them immediately for a descent price cause exterior wise they look good but I know issues are coming. Im looking for a new pick up. They ain’t cheap even at a 35% discount off now MSRP (cause they went up 50%). Im looking for simple contractor pick up with NO bells and whistle as I have learned that the marketing of “comforts, safety and needs” i supposedly now require are BS just to make others rich while taking my hard earned money.
There are a couple of ways to look at that. Less than 10% of the public wants a strip down vehicle in the USA so that will narrow your audience when it's time to sell. Back when I worked for a dealer one salesman said, ya know, for another few bucks a month you can have the world and enjoy things like nice seats, AC, and a fancy stereo... and that translates to a higher resale when it's time to do it again. I guess you need to pick your battles here.
Well good morning Ken. I'm in the same pickle with my 2011 F150. Trade, Sell, or Keep. Dealers suggested they'd give me $4000 for the vehicle. I think I could get 7, maybe 8 if I sold outright. That's some headaches as you probably know trying to sell that trailer among other things. Here is my formula. Set a price you want for the truck...a fair price in your mind...then knock off $1000 and ask yourself if your truck was on the side of the road for that price would you lock up the rear end and hit reverse just to go have a look at it? If you'd just drive by...then it's time to trade it in or sell it (if that opportunity comes along easy).
Ken i have a "99 Chevy Silverado LT with 124,000 miles i just did a brake job on it myself from the power booster to the rear end everything new and i spent over $800 bucks just for the parts and i'm 73 lol
Hang on to that “99. I had a company truck 99 Silverado 2500 that I put over 300,000 miles on it. The company thought it had too many miles and replaced it with a 2013. The 99 was a great truck, I hope to buy another one.
@@hardtimes1132 I have that many too but only three of them run! Still need to fix the 1979 Chevy Malibu and the 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix. The Grand Prix runs but it has a coolant leak I can't find but it's not going into the oil. I've had to put 3 radiators in it because they get pin hole leaks. I did a sniff test on it and it didn't find combustion gases. I'm stumped. I just keep filling the coolant tank. I don't want to sell it to anyone with this problem. I don't think they would want to buy it with this problem!
I buy used vehicles, generally from Carmax. Their prices are more than fair, and the vehicles are inspected and clean. In 2013, I needed a new truck. I wanted diesel, long bed, etc. They had a 2012 F350 diesel dually with 9000 miles on it. I paid 25000$ less than the original sticker price. At 77 years old now, it will be my last truck.
It still must have been pretty pricey! I hope it works well for you. My husband bought a car for our son and he just found out it's on it's second engine at 96K miles. It's a 2016. I think your 2012 is a keeper. They just don't have long mile cars/trucks anymore.
I can’t get away with not having a big honkin F550 for my tow pig. So matter what that thing needs it’s $3k of service a year. But as for the threshold for selling or trading in on a daily driver; is anything over $3k single bill. And I’m at that now. I’ve got an older Lexus SUV that has got a coolant leak, needs a water pump, tires and ball joints. I’m taking it to CarMax very very soon. Just gonna sell it and drive the dumptruck till spring. It’s just me and doggo, there ain’t a woman to complain that it’s loud or ugly. Surgeries are a pain but you feel oh so good after a few weeks. I had my back fixed 3mo ago. Best decision ever!
People I worked with were told that if they only had 1 knee surgery they'd not have the 2nd. Ken, wasn't it just over a year ago that you were the guy shingleing a cape style by yourself (the other guys were doing other things)
I officially retired and sold my 2006 Ram1500. I ordered a Ford Maverick AWD($25k) and hope this will last me the rest of my life since It's now 23 months old and 11,500 miles or until the kids take my keys away...
I’m retired and drive a 15 year Toyota truck that still works fine. My rule of thumb is as long as I can keep it going for $2k/yr (maintenance/repairs/inspection), not including tires when needed, I’ll keep it going. So far, so good.
01 Tundra driver here. I plan on dropping about $1000 to $2000 per year on repairs and maintenance. Still many times below the annual cost of financing a new vehicle. One big issue is access to alternative transportation. If your spouse has a good reliable ride and you can get around and make appointments and fetch groceries then you can afford to be without your “beater” for a few days while it gets fixed. As far as your current issues go… TPMS? Bah you’ve got a good eye and enough cash to afford a $10 tire gauge. Got Around for years without ever replacing a TPMS. Brakes … they wear out on new cars too. Ignition lock … an annoying but sadly common problem. Learn how to swap (not that hard) or get used to it because the replacement parts aren’t too reliable. Good luck luck with the truck!
You are still a contractor. You contract your model train your Ken Village your own home and your vehicles and help friends and family. It never goes away and you’re good at it. With the price of trucks today I guess you have to pay the piper until it rots out and the frame breaks. $60k+ for a new truck like yours now. You’re a good man. Hang in there. Prayers help. You’ve got mine
I drive a 1998 one ton regular cab Cheyanne with a utility cap i call "the blue beast" That i paid $800 for 12 years ago. I changed the intake gaskets and fuel injection spider myself to fix the issue it came so cheap from. I had been boasting all these years about how frugal i was and how well the blue beast treated me. This December The BILL FINALLY CAME DUE! with a $6200 transmission. I had it back in three days with a Jasper rebuild. I had little choice as the way the truck is outfitted it would have taken weeks to dispose of the truck. Remove the heavy utility cap. Buy a one ton truck. And reinforce the bed to carry a utility cap. So at 218k miles its back on the road. even though in 2024 i had a brake booster replacement, a ball joint replacement. At almost 70 I'm getting a little old for this. You would probably get more selling your truck with its issues than trading it in.
Brakes and even rotors i do myself.......if you saw how easy it is you would do it too and save yourself a few hundred bucks......but with a bad knee and a healing one id wait
Keep the truck!! Look into Crown oil coating. On old vehicles rusted out fuel and brake lines are $$$ to replace. The oil can stop rusting! Maintain it like any mechanic on utube would!! DI and cylinder deactivation is killing long term ownership!!
Even if you spend $4,000-5,000, this is nothing compared to the depreciation of a new vehicle per year, not taking into account the monthly payment for a new truck.
I have a feeling that after an afternoon of truck shopping, your repair bills won't seem too bad. Good luck!
True a new Chevy decked out will set him back $75 to $80 K
Hahahaha I agree
Exactly right!
Hi Ken, enjoyed your video, as a 62 year old carpenter who is been self employed for 30 plus years . I can relate to small jobs like that. Never charged what i should, but the word always got out a lead to bigger more profitable jobs. God takes care of us always.
Amen. That’s a good way to operate
He sure does ✝️🙂❤️
Ken I hope your knee starts doing better for you! Thanks for taking us along - a day in the life!
Thanks I appreciate it
Ken you are just as honest as the day is long! Stay blessed in 2025 my friend.
Haha thanks you too
Enjoy your channel ! I have a 2000 chev suburban, so similar to your truck, it has 316800 miles, still runs good, most of the miles on dirt roads, locations, so has had a hard life, I know a guy in Norman, Ok that has a 99 suburban, put 620000 miles before the engine blew, he has put a crate new engine and trans in it, so your truck still has lots of life, best of luck to you !
That's great news, thanks for sharing!
Awesome job , thanks for sharing !!!!! 🙏👍😊❤️
Thanks for watching!
Ken,for a little while I thought you might be on a roller coaster with the camera but you did a great 👍 favor for fixing the door 🚪 problem 😮😊❤
Haha thanks
That was a nice thing to do. Kinda like what they did to get your truck figured out and back on the road. I'm glad you're getting out and giving the knee a good workout. I enjoy the medical updates personally. Take care and stay warm!
Thanks yes good to get out
U should have tried it in when they had sell going on all trucks in your area
Thanks
You take care of the folks that take care of you. Always served me well in business and life. The good feeling you get from helping someone is ample compensation at times. The timing of a truck's life is always tricky. It's always a matter of biting the bullet at some point. Good to see you out in the wild. I know the banter in the Tire Shop would have given us some chuckles (and insight). Thanks Ken.
Haha
Ken, Not everyone does it but, I always buy used vehicles. 2 to 4 years old and they are typically 30% to 50% less than a new one. That equates to tens of thousands of dollars these days. Has worked well for me over many years. Good luck with your search! Or repairs! Ha ha.
Good advice, I’ll keep that in mind.
That truck is a keeper, you have an old school back up camera system worth MILLIONS, Irreplaceable.
Haha thanks
That’s how families and friends do things. Help one another. I had both my knees replaced and they work great now. No pain anymore
That’s great to hear
As a life long mechanic and handyman, I saw fleet trucks that were turned in on various formulas. The local utility had a policy of 10 years or 100k miles, whichever came first. When I was doing fleet work I noticed there was a flurry of "normal repairs" (still expensive) in the 70k mile range, which is easy to swallow on a 5 year old truck. My suggestion to the boss was turning that vehicle before hitting the next go-round. IOW, who wants to pop for an injection pump or transmission on a 10 year old truck with 135k? (which is probably getting rusty) He got the message. Back into your world.... we have a local eatery that's been talking about moving to a new building for a couple of years but they are still in an older place. The front door doesn't close right and if you are sitting in the bar there's a constant draft from the 3/4" gap. The owner said he wasn't spending money on the place so I (we regulars) offered a fix. Brought in a few of those 4" construction screws and put them in place of the hinge screws... then sucked the door frame up to the 2x4 on one side. Been that way for 18 months now and the door still closes pretty good.
Great input thanks
Glad to hear Berry Tire is back open💕.
Yes. I think they’re full speed ahead
Can confirm the flooding up there. I bought property about 20 min south of Barre in August of 2023. Just a week after the flooding. Half the roads were washed out or covered with debris. I drove by a picket fence 4' above normal water height and the grass was laid flat with large drift wood inside the fence!!! Bridges just missing. It was bad. Some "temporary " bridge replacements are still in place.
Wow. Williamstown
Hi Ken ,I am from the UK but look at lots RUclips videos regarding the USA auto industry. From what I have seen the truck market is absolutely shot. The cost of trucks is through the roof and the quality has plummeted since covid .Brand new trucks having fuel pump control modules going faulty in the first week whilst others having so many recalls for so many different problems . Looking after the truck you own now is the best way forward for now is the best thing to do. Re another retired Ken in Lincolnshire UK
Good advice Ken. I’m pretty sure I’m keeping it
It’s good to see you still have it. God bless.
Haha yes
I learned from my friend dad to flip the door from left hand to right hand or vice versa put the hinges on the other side and get fresh wood for the screws to bite for the catch and hinges
Good advice! Thanks
Hi Ken, Brad and Deb Gebbie's Pennsylvania cousin here. I grew up in the automotive service industry and still work in it. In our shop, we told our customers that if the body, frame, and interior were in decent condition, a vehicle was usually worth repairing. For folks that would purchase a vehicle with typical financing, a payment these days is anywhere from $350 to $700 per month (with outliers of course). At the low end, that's $4,200 in one year. $4,200 covers MANY repairs on a vehicle. Some engines or transmissions may be more, but equating a repair to payments is usually the eye opener that helps people decide.
176K miles is high, but not excessively high. But when you look at what newer pickup trucks cost these days, 176K isn't so bad!
Thanks for the great advice! Brad and Deb…great folks
You my friend , are a great christian man. To use your skills for people in need and not expect monetary reimbursement for your time and efforts is, I can't think of the word right now but thank you Jesus for this man
Thank you, I appreciate your kind words.
Our electric cooperative made a financial analysis of "when to trade/replace a vehicle for best long-term economics and the number was 60,000 miles. My wife and I, as a financially conservative couple, have looked at repairs to our paid-off family vehicles in terms of how many "new car payments" it equals. We find it reduces the pain and disappointment of the repair cost somewhat. Blessings to you and yours!
Thanks very wise
Ok, Dicks Tire reminds me of Aunt Shirley ( Dicks grandmother) taking me out to that same building to gather eggs. She had me stick my hand under the laying chickens to gather the eggs..was a scary moment as a child. But her donuts were outstanding…like your Mom’s…little trip down memory lane…glad it was a simple fix..you are the best!
Yes Aunt Shirley and Uncle Maurice. That’s a fun story from the past. Hey I’m laying on the quilt you made for us icing my knee
Good to see you out and about Ken. You are back in your element. Gotta keep moving!!! Get those knees fixed, and heal up. Then get back to it. Get a crew back together. Make your son the foreman. Limit your activities doing estimates and dealing with customers, being a gofer, and drone operator. Stay on the ground!!! No power trowel, stay out of the crete!!! Pay your crew well, keep only what you need. Pick and choose your jobs. It doesn't seem you have had trouble getting work, ever. 71 is not old. With your Faith, Honesty, Personality and work ethic, all things are possible. (My opinion only as a viewer with great respect for you and yours. I think I've said enough.)
Truck: Rust is the deciding factor.
Thanks Gary. Good words!
Good morning Ken. It is good to see you out and about. As a retired GM mechanic that question comes up more than you know. When is it time to consider replace the vehicle or make the repairs. Mechanic's refer to them as bottomless money pits. Todays vehicles will go more miles than the older models. I have a 1990 Chevrolet 1/2 in the driveway that I purchased new. I have replaced the engine one time and made many repairs to it since. My tags and tax is very low and it has been paid for many years. It is my "go to the lumber yard" vehicle and does not get driven much. Because it is not driven much required repairs are very little. Is the cost of repairs {monthly} exceeding the cost of new truck payments? If not you might consider keeping the truck. Things wear out and need replacement like knees. Have a Blessed day. Don DAT's Don's Automotive Tips.
Good advice. I’m pretty sure I’ll just hang onto it
Thank you for sharing your day. One wonders when you should trade or fix up your used truck.
I think I’ll keep investing in it for awhile
Thanks for bringing us along for the trip.... it's warmer there than in the Midwest. We just got pelted with a winter storm ....-5 with the windchill.
You bet. Turn up the heat!
Good morning Ken, cute little story about a man's boat motor that wouldn't start, he had four different mechanics look at it none of them seemed to be able to fix it. So finally found an old man came in looked the engine over took out a hammer hit it three or four times motor started up ran like a top. The guy charged him $2,000 to fix it. And the guy cried about the bill he says how can you charge me so much and only took you 10 minutes to figure it out and then you hit it with a hammer and it ran. He says well I only charged you $2 for hitting it with the hammer. The rest was for all the experience I gained over the last 50 years of knowing way to hit the motor. Knowledge is power😊
That's a great story.
My experience has proven to fix normal wear and tear items as long as the engine and transmission and body are in good condition.
Cool thanks
If you are still carrying full insurance coverage on your truck the comprehensive should cover the windshield at little or no cost to you. Brakes are just something you need to do now and then. If the frame/body is sound and not rusted out and the engine is OK, keeping the truck is the best way to go. Another question is, as a retiree, do you still need a truck? If so go price a new truck. I think that will make the decision for you.
Sheldon Brook looks like those cozy little streams in North Carolina and one never knows. I always bought property back away from the water. My brother has a nice house on the beach at Melbourne Beach, Florida. His house insurance is insane. I'm in nice sunny Texas. Nice video to see some sights.
Thanks
I had Safelite come out and do my windshield and they seemed to do a fine job. The hack, which probably isn’t a hack, is that I got an estimate online and sat on it for a few days. After a couple days they sent me another quote for 50 dollars off. So, for $350 I got a new windshield.
I might have been able to get a better deal elsewhere, but $350 seemed reasonable enough for somebody to come to the house and make my problems not my problems anymore.
*Edit* I love your channel. I came here for the builds initially, but I’m honestly enjoying your new content just as well.
Thanks for the input. Glad you’re still watching
Greetings from Western Nebraska , Ken !
Your description of the door problem before you showed it on your camera didn't quite fit with what I thought I saw even though you didn't show it up close.
I am 2 years older than you and been in the carpentry business for many years and worked on many doors both wood and steel.
I perceive that there was a gap on the upper right corner of the frame thus resulting in settling on the hinge side creating the problem of the misalignment on the strike and latches.
To me it's very logical with the flooding that took place that that's exactly what happened and why it wouldn't latch correctly. Oh and it's also been many years since that installation.
The law of entropy at work.
Yes and I know all those ezzzzzzzzy, quick repairs. 😊
Thanks for the observation
Perfect, thank you for the video Ken, I have a 2008 chevey silverado that has been good to me since new. I think it needs a new , ball joint😅
Haha cool
I know what you're talking about. My 2013 F150 is a true beast, but after moving up here to the northern border region of Upstate NY, the winters are taking a toll on mine. I just recently had to replace the wiring harness on the rear passenger door to stop a Door Ajar warning and battery drain issue (on the plus side, that video is getting a lot of views on here). I've now got to replace the Vacuum boost pump on it this spring once the weather warms up a little. I've always tried to do as much of my own work as possible on my vehicles, but this truck is a computer on wheels. I got too good a deal on the thing 3 years ago to trade it in on anything newer.
I feel your pain!
Wow! I went out to start my truck yesterday, since it was 8° and it was covered in 4" of ice, with 2" of snow on top.
Tried each door, but only the front passenger opened, with a lot of effort. Got in to stick the key in, and noticed that same crack going roughly 3 feet across the bottom of the windshield. 😠
Great video, Ken! I like it when you take us with you, even though you drop us sometimes. 🤣👍
Stay warm!
Sounds like you're having a rough time of it! Haha. Thanks for watching
@kenskarpentry Nah, your winters trump mine, but I get a few weeks of "harsh". 😊
OK! That really startled and scared me.... one minute you were talking and then you jerked forward in the truck, and this guy said that we could stop smoking.... confused me for a second and I realized a commercial came on at that moment.😜!
Hahahaha that’s funny
Happy new year Ken!
Happy New Year to you too!
Ken, I had to laugh at 8:07 when you talked about a remodeling job only taking 5 minutes. 😳😮Been there and experienced that. Better to start new whenever possible to save valuable Time and dollars. Thanks for todays field trip👍
So true. Thanks for watching
How did your knee do the work with the bending or kneeling? great to see the neighborhood. Also you have to look at what payments are on a new truck verse what a major repair might be.
It’s going well
Your truck has been good and reliable! It's normal to have to repair brakes occasionally and thankfully you have someone like Barre Tire to get it repaired! Glad to give them the business as they continue to recover from the flooding! You definitely need to do something about that camera holder!!! 😂
Haha. My birthday is coming up
@@kenskarpentry Happy Birthday in advance Ken! 🥳🎂🎉
You're in VT so what does the truck body look like? If it has a lot of rust probably time to move on. Have a compresson check on the engine also, that will tell you if the truck is worth keeping. You can do a lot of repairs for the price of a new truck.
The body is all good
@@kenskarpentry Good to know! I think keep it going a bit longer?
I love your show. There is a cost benefit analysis you would do in weather to keep you truck, mew trucks can be pricey. I basically look at the NADA blue book value and the cost of the repair. If it becomes more than 1/2 the cost of the trucks value, I consider replacing. I sent you an email on truck discounts.
Thanks I’ll check it out
@ the email I found for Ken’s Karpentry did not go thru
I will try to resend it, I need to find an email to contact you on the friends and family discount
Thank you and take good care
You too!
Newer the vehicle the more expensive. I think it depends on your life style now, and how often you drive. Costs are factored in when doing biusness vs. current driving. Older vehicles with low milage and fewer electronic features is my go to.
Very good thanks
Miss your build videos Ken,,,but life goes on
Thanks me too
Great video and great job❤️🙏🙂
Thank you 🤗
Hi Ken,
The cost of new trucks and used trucks are very expensive, then add in the 6% state sales tax in VT, and the increase in your automobile insurance costs for a new(er) vehicle.
Let's assume you are looking at a $2,000 repair bill on your current truck and the monthly payment for a new truck will be $500 / mo. for the next 60 months after a substantial down payment. Please do the math, if you fix up your current truck and even if it only lasts you another 6 months, which I think it will, you will be way ahead in terms of out-of-pocket costs.
I suggest fixing up your current truck up and driving it until the wheels fall off of it, as 176,000 miles is not super high milage. My 2008 Toyota Highlander has 298,000 miles on the odometer.
You're right, thanks for the perspective.
Did you try a spare key on the ignition switch before you replaced it? I just had that happen to my truck and come to find out the everyday key I used was just worn so bad that it wouldn’t hardly turn at times. I got my spare key that I never used and tried it and worked perfectly. I just had a locksmith duplicate a new key from my good key. I put the duplicated key on my everyday key ring and put my original spare back up for safe keeping for future keys to be made from. I really enjoy your channel! Have a wonderful day!
Yes, I have a spare key that’s brand new and it didn’t work
My goodness, Ken, you dropped me on my head twice! Maybe next time when you take me for a ride into town you can buckle me into the middle seat or something. No real problem, I guess. I don't use my head that much anyway.
Hahaha! I’ll make sure to keep you safe in the future.
My advice on vehicle repairs is how much are the repairs vs a new vehicle. I know you had to replace the transmission a while back, so how many miles will the truck go before you have to get another one? The same goes for the ignition switch is, I see you in 176,000 miles for another one. Don't know how much you are exposed to salt roads and if so how much damage the undercarriage has. I had a Ford F150 with 142,000 miles and decided to get a new truck that could get better fuel mileage, as the ethanol was bumped up to 10% and my fuel mileage flew out the window @ $4.30 a gallon back in 2013. To me a truck is a truck and a new one isn't going to do anything different than the old one, so just fix it till the wheels go square. Hope this helps.
Thanks good thoughts
I would check your insurance on towing and windshield replacement. The crack in the windshield does not block your line of site. So I would think it will pass inspection if you have state inspections there. Good luck on your decision on whether to buy a new truck.
Thanks Berry tire said the windshield wouldn’t pass inspection unfortunately
Ken, if you have comprehensive on your auto insurance, that should cover your windshield. I've had mine replaced before. Stay safe & be careful!!!
Thanks. They said I have a $500 deductible
Most insurance companies don’t replace windshields as a safety issue anymore. Also i just replaced mine on a 2016 and it was $400 at Bell Tire.
I replaced my son's 2001 Subaru Forester windshield for $380 and it had a special heating element on it. I hope you can get a new windshield for it cheaper than the $500. Someone had taken a bat to that windshield at the guy's farm it was parked at. I had to get a new one. It's the nickel and dime stuff that gets you! The new Chevy Silverado engines break early because of the way they have the engine shift between economy mode and loaded mode. Too much goes wrong with the new stuff!
My 10 years old KIA needs new brakes every year to year and a half. I think parts are cheaper made now. Barre tire sounds great!
Very nice. They are great folks
Vehicles are a money pit for sure. Thanks Ken
They sure are. Fortunately I’m not driving as much now
Most likely the batteries in the TPMS valves died. I bet you'll be getting one more TPMS valve soon. Kind of like headlights, one goes and the other will follow, might as well replace both at the same time. "It will only take ..." Yep. I recently replaced a regular outlet with one that has 2 USB ports. Easy and fast, right? Nope, new outlet doesn't fit in the old metal box, wider than a regular outlet. Of course I didn't figure this out until I had connected the wires to the new outlet. Needed to cut out some of the baseboard the outlet is in for the bigger box. Can't use a "winged box", they aren't designed to be installed through 3/4" baseboard over lath and plaster walls. Had to screw through the new plastic box into the baseboard. 20 minute job took over 2 hours.
Haha that sums up remodeling
Ken, On the windsheild if you have comprehension on your insurance it should cover a replacement.
Unfortunately I have a $500 deductible
TY Ken Prayers
Thanks
Fix the old truck the new ones have more expensive problems than the old ones. for example the turn signal in the head lamp module in a 2020 gmc can cost you 2000 bucks to replace because there are no servicable parts and it is all part of the headlamp module.
I agree
Money Pit? Love the no "kneed" to! I often say "ag-a-knee." Sounds like the "Brake" sensor didn't work. So sorry you couldn't start your truck. The $488 really hurts! Windshield replacement, ouch! Tire pressure not working. I've heard that they lose connection to the dash so they have problems that way. New brakes! I know how to change brake pads. It's not hard to do but I do have problems getting up and down off the ground now! Dan should know what to do about the brakes. I feel for you Ken. I've had to chisel my own door a couple times to get the door to stay shut! I've seen what they have for used cars/trucks and how incredibly expensive they are! I just keep fixing my car but I can usually do the work. When you don't have a knee that goes away! I know this sounds crazy. If you have somewhere to stay out west, hunt for a non-rusted truck out there since they don't use salt and maybe it'll work for you? Less cost and hopefully well maintained and you'd have a different money pit? I have a 1990 Chevy Truck, 5.1 liter, works good! It was from out west. No rust! I can work on it because much less computer stuff to break!
The older vehicles were definitely easier to work on
Working outside in a northern vermont winter is exactly why I am no longer up there. Love the North country, but it's no picnic in the winter.
So true!
Here in Kentucky if you have comprehensive or full coverage auto insurance all glass is no charge to replace. 🤷🏼♂️
Nice unfortunately my insurance agent said I have a $500 deductible
@ bummer 👎
that was actually a fun video......im 65 and do the same thing fixing stuff.......i dont touch electricity because i just cant wrap my head around it......i fixed a door yesterday that cold air was squeaking through......i bought some weather strip and went around the outside edge and no more light showing through the door seams and the cold isnt coming into the house......what would you charge for a job like that you just did? i would of charged 60 - 80 bucks
Thanks that’s probably what I would’ve charged
Ken when the cost of your recent repairs exceeds the current value of your truck then it’s time to look for a new vehicle
I think that’s the way I typically look at it
Call Safelite glass for your winsheild and say no insurance. Should be around 300.
Oh. Thanks
Gooooooood morning, Ken!
Good morning Tim
My 2000 Tacoma has 260K miles. Been a great truck. Got rid of our 2015 Town and country and bought a Chrysler Pacifica. The prices are insane but needed a reliable car. I am retired so the truck doesn't move much....................Jay
Very nice
270,000 on my '06... regular car washes w under body flushes and spraying and lanolin in frame keeps it pretty solid. Its going in for $3,500 timing job that its due for. First real money in it for a couple years, as I do most stuff myself, and 3,000 mile oil/filters. I think I read most vehicle payments are $500+/ mo. Thats alot of repairs over a years time.. or 2 years time. New truck with same stuff - $60,000...🤷♂️
I just put a timing chain in a 350 chevy motor wasn't that bad
Nice. Thanks
if kept up that truck should go at least 350 thousand miles, but being vermont the frame might rust out before hand?
You are probably right about the frame
Ken I have an 02 Chevy with 240000.On it . 6 lieter engine. Rust is the bigger problem expense wise. Windshield is usually covered by insurance no deductible. Best wishes.
Rust is definitely a pain
Another Great video Ken
Thanks
@@kenskarpentry You're welcome
The cost of new vehicles is just the start, insurance is higher and repair is beyond be leaf. I have heard replacing items like a headlight or tail light costing $400. To $500.
I agree
When the camera fell off, I thought, "Oh no, he went off the road. 😂
Hahahaha
In my experience, i would trade it in if you can afford it. When the little things start going you are looking at the bigger things down the road. 😢
Thanks
What year is your truck? Now that you are "retired", my guess is that you won't be putting as many miles on the truck as when you were actively building. Not sure if you have another vehicle, but I too am retired and have a 2011 Silverado with 180,000 miles. I use it primarily to pick up things I might need that require a truck bed, which now isn't very often. My primary transportation is my 2015 Cruze. I just did a complete overhaul of the front suspension as well as a brake job on the truck. In the past 6 years I've averaged less than 3000 miles a year on the truck, so my intent would be to keep it until the wheels fall off as long as it passes my states yearly safety inspection without too much trouble or expense.
Mine is a 2019. I think I’ll keep it
Nothing like going for a ride...to the cab floor. ha ha
Haha so true
Hey Ken, Funny Im kinda experiencing same like conundrum. Contractor with multiple vehicles but close to retiring/part time at least. I used to run American vehicles that would work 12-18 hour days 6 days a week. I used to care for them like my third child re preventative maintenance. Used to get 275,000 miles then things I couldn’t take care of efficiently would start to happen so that’s when I sold them. Today the same issues or more (electronic stuff) is happening at 150,000 miles. I am selling them immediately for a descent price cause exterior wise they look good but I know issues are coming. Im looking for a new pick up. They ain’t cheap even at a 35% discount off now MSRP (cause they went up 50%). Im looking for simple contractor pick up with NO bells and whistle as I have learned that the marketing of “comforts, safety and needs” i supposedly now require are BS just to make others rich while taking my hard earned money.
A lot of the safety stuff is not optional now.
Thanks for the input
There are a couple of ways to look at that. Less than 10% of the public wants a strip down vehicle in the USA so that will narrow your audience when it's time to sell. Back when I worked for a dealer one salesman said, ya know, for another few bucks a month you can have the world and enjoy things like nice seats, AC, and a fancy stereo... and that translates to a higher resale when it's time to do it again. I guess you need to pick your battles here.
Well good morning Ken. I'm in the same pickle with my 2011 F150. Trade, Sell, or Keep. Dealers suggested they'd give me $4000 for the vehicle. I think I could get 7, maybe 8 if I sold outright. That's some headaches as you probably know trying to sell that trailer among other things. Here is my formula. Set a price you want for the truck...a fair price in your mind...then knock off $1000 and ask yourself if your truck was on the side of the road for that price would you lock up the rear end and hit reverse just to go have a look at it? If you'd just drive by...then it's time to trade it in or sell it (if that opportunity comes along easy).
Thanks. That’s a good strategy
Ken i have a "99 Chevy Silverado LT with 124,000 miles i just did a brake job on it myself from the power booster to the rear end everything new and i spent over $800 bucks just for the parts and i'm 73 lol
Wow. Very nice
Hang on to that “99. I had a company truck 99 Silverado 2500 that I put over 300,000 miles on it. The company thought it had too many miles and replaced it with a 2013. The 99 was a great truck, I hope to buy another one.
@@pjment4826 I also have a 2002 chevy pickup i bought new my father-in-law got the 99 new and gave it to my wife back last spring
all together i have 5 vehicles lol
@@hardtimes1132 I have that many too but only three of them run! Still need to fix the 1979 Chevy Malibu and the 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix. The Grand Prix runs but it has a coolant leak I can't find but it's not going into the oil. I've had to put 3 radiators in it because they get pin hole leaks. I did a sniff test on it and it didn't find combustion gases. I'm stumped. I just keep filling the coolant tank. I don't want to sell it to anyone with this problem. I don't think they would want to buy it with this problem!
G`morning K.K.
Hey, how`s the Knee?
.
Good morning. Coming along slow but sure
I buy used vehicles, generally from Carmax. Their prices are more than fair, and the vehicles are inspected and clean. In 2013, I needed a new truck. I wanted diesel, long bed, etc. They had a 2012 F350 diesel dually with 9000 miles on it. I paid 25000$ less than the original sticker price. At 77 years old now, it will be my last truck.
It still must have been pretty pricey! I hope it works well for you. My husband bought a car for our son and he just found out it's on it's second engine at 96K miles. It's a 2016. I think your 2012 is a keeper. They just don't have long mile cars/trucks anymore.
Thanks for the insight!
I can’t get away with not having a big honkin F550 for my tow pig. So matter what that thing needs it’s $3k of service a year. But as for the threshold for selling or trading in on a daily driver; is anything over $3k single bill. And I’m at that now. I’ve got an older Lexus SUV that has got a coolant leak, needs a water pump, tires and ball joints. I’m taking it to CarMax very very soon. Just gonna sell it and drive the dumptruck till spring. It’s just me and doggo, there ain’t a woman to complain that it’s loud or ugly.
Surgeries are a pain but you feel oh so good after a few weeks. I had my back fixed 3mo ago. Best decision ever!
Thanks. Good input
People I worked with were told that if they only had 1 knee surgery they'd not have the 2nd. Ken, wasn't it just over a year ago that you were the guy shingleing a cape style by yourself (the other guys were doing other things)
Yes and I loved every minute of it
Ken to the rescue .
Hahahaha
Great job
Thanks
A charge for a job like that isn't just for the 15 minutes it took to complete the job. It is for your skill and knowledge
Right
Always nice to suffer a fall (or several) and not get injured. LOL A new camera mount might be the next purchase.
Haha right
windshield replacement should be free if you have that on your insurance, i always have it on my policys
They said I have $500 deductible
@@kenskarpentry .....i think out of pocket would be cheaper then, maybe around 250
I officially retired and sold my 2006 Ram1500. I ordered a Ford Maverick AWD($25k) and hope this will last me the rest of my life since It's now 23 months old and 11,500 miles or until the kids take my keys away...
Nice.
How are you doing today
Very good thanks
I’m retired and drive a 15 year Toyota truck that still works fine. My rule of thumb is as long as I can keep it going for $2k/yr (maintenance/repairs/inspection), not including tires when needed, I’ll keep it going. So far, so good.
Sounds like a good plan.
Similar to mine, or if the wife says its junk.
@ everyone has a boss in life
Totally agree. I drive a 2003 Toyota, looks bad but perfect mechanical shape. Keeping it!!
01 Tundra driver here. I plan on dropping about $1000 to $2000 per year on repairs and maintenance. Still many times below the annual cost of financing a new vehicle. One big issue is access to alternative transportation. If your spouse has a good reliable ride and you can get around and make appointments and fetch groceries then you can afford to be without your “beater” for a few days while it gets fixed.
As far as your current issues go… TPMS? Bah you’ve got a good eye and enough cash to afford a $10 tire gauge. Got Around for years without ever replacing a TPMS. Brakes … they wear out on new cars too. Ignition lock … an annoying but sadly common problem. Learn how to swap (not that hard) or get used to it because the replacement parts aren’t too reliable. Good luck luck with the truck!
You are still a contractor. You contract your model train your Ken Village your own home and your vehicles and help friends and family. It never goes away and you’re good at it. With the price of trucks today I guess you have to pay the piper until it rots out and the frame breaks. $60k+ for a new truck like yours now. You’re a good man. Hang in there. Prayers help. You’ve got mine
Thanks. I appreciate it
I drive a 1998 one ton regular cab Cheyanne with a utility cap i call "the blue beast" That i paid $800 for 12 years ago. I changed the intake gaskets and fuel injection spider myself to fix the issue it came so cheap from. I had been boasting all these years about how frugal i was and how well the blue beast treated me. This December The BILL FINALLY CAME DUE! with a $6200 transmission. I had it back in three days with a Jasper rebuild. I had little choice as the way the truck is outfitted it would have taken weeks to dispose of the truck. Remove the heavy utility cap. Buy a one ton truck. And reinforce the bed to carry a utility cap. So at 218k miles its back on the road. even though in 2024 i had a brake booster replacement, a ball joint replacement. At almost 70 I'm getting a little old for this. You would probably get more selling your truck with its issues than trading it in.
That's a lot of work for one truck!
Brakes and even rotors i do myself.......if you saw how easy it is you would do it too and save yourself a few hundred bucks......but with a bad knee and a healing one id wait
Thanks. Yes now is definitely the time for me to tackle it
Good day to all.
Good day!
@kenskarpentry Yep.
Time for a new truck Ken. Don't throw any more good money after bad. Dump it. You will find another one soon enough.
Thanks
Ken I have owned several new trucks and today’s trucks have the crappiest quality no matter what brand you buy.
WoW bummer
Keep the truck!! Look into Crown oil coating. On old vehicles rusted out fuel and brake lines are $$$ to replace. The oil can stop rusting! Maintain it like any mechanic on utube would!! DI and cylinder deactivation is killing long term ownership!!
Cool thanks
Even if you spend $4,000-5,000, this is nothing compared to the depreciation of a new vehicle per year, not taking into account the monthly payment for a new truck.
I agree
Ride a HARLEY.
You're BLESSED to have your family help 🙏
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏PRAYING WITH YOU FOR YOUR KNEES.
9° SE MICHIGAN 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Haha put a little trailer on the back