What would you do?

johnr · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 5:05 pm Post subject: What would you do?

I have a 1989 Chevy 3/4 ton truck that I use for towing my c-dory locally. It has 189,000 miles on it. I paid $1500 for it. The head gasket just failed and it's a $1500 fix. My daily driver is a 2011 Honda Element, which I like, but I cannot tow my c-dory with it. I am considering one of two options:

1. Fix the Chevy and keep the Element.

2. Scrap the Chevy, sell the Element, and buy a brand new (or very late model, low milage) daily driver that can also tow.

Some added bits: 1) I'm not too concerned about gas milage, I drive my element less than 8000 miles per year. 2) I have a family of four.

I'm torn. Of course another option is to buy another beater truck and drive that until it fails, but I don't think I'm going to do that. Other than the head gasket, the 89 Chevy is in ok shape. It doesn't burn oil, brakes and tires are good. No rust. It wired for trailer brakes. It's the devil I know.

C-Dawg · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 5:07 pm Post subject:

I'd fix the truck.

AK Angler · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 5:24 pm Post subject:

I'm cheap. I'd just fix the truck. Any other option will cost way more than $1500.

(Of course, I'd just do it myself. Total cost would be about $100-150 for gaskets and fluids. Well, that, plus a weekend of my time...)

johnr · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 5:27 pm Post subject:

breausaw · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 5:36 pm Post subject:

Put over loaders on the Element and supercharge it. Very Happy

Or just fix the truck.

sillawydna · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 6:13 pm Post subject:

For beginning and end of season put in/take out and the occasional winter trip I would recommend just borrowing your buddy Andy's truck, that's of course when Minnie Swann isn't attached to the hitch.

Aurelia · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 6:25 pm Post subject:

If you don't need to tow often, maybe borrowing is an option.

If you are thinking of replacing the Element anyway, dump the truck and get a ridgeline or pilot.

Do you use that truck for anything else?

johnr · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 6:26 pm Post subject:

sillawydna · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 6:50 pm Post subject:

sillawydna spelled backwards is...

thataway · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 7:39 pm Post subject:

Keep the truck and fix it. Although some of the smaller SUV's will tow the 22, a truck is better. Plus everyone one needs a truck!

Dan McNally · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 9:12 pm Post subject:

Fix the truck my newest is a 1995.

gulfcoast john · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 9:21 pm Post subject:

Agree with Thataway, as usual.
With a 3/4 ton diesel truck you can go to Lowes when you need to buy some light bulbs or whatever.
My truck will hold a lot of them.
cheers!
John

jkidd · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 10:09 pm Post subject:

Buy my 2004 Tahoe Laughing

williwaw · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 11:02 pm Post subject:

If I may be a bit contrarian, driving is by far the most dangerous thing we do on a regular basis. Buy a late model truck and rest easy your family is protected by the latest safety features. My 2009 Tacoma is mid-sized, seats four comfortably, has airbags all over the place and will tow 6500 lbs. I'd mention the good mileage but you said you didn't care about that 😊

Barry Rietz · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 11:20 pm Post subject: What would you do?

Johnr, Before you make a decision purchase a couple of bottles of a product called "Bars Leak". Its an "old school" blown head gasket and cracked engine block sealer that has worked for me many times. As long as you are towing locally and are not tempted to go long haul, it just might do the job. Its a cheap gamble and worth the time to give it a try. Let us know how things go.