Well... I'm doing it again. Shopping for new service trucks. If I got it figured right I can trade in for three new trucks, and actually have a lower total monthly payment than I have now. Woo! Hoo! Plus I can take the tax break again this year. I had hoped to do the deal right on 12/31-1/1 so I could take one for 2007 and one for 2008, but the sales manager(s) got sticky on the numbers and killed most of the advantage of the deal. Almost like they figured if I could get a tax break and saved some money I should give it all to them. Screw that.
I really miss the S-10 pickup. That was the perfect service truck for 95% of what we do when paired with a nice work cap. I hate the Colorado that replaced it. Its an OK truck I guess, but I just don't like the fly by wire computer in it. When I stop turning the key I expect the starter to stop turning, and I'ld like to be able to take advantage of the HP in that I-5 when passing instead of having a forced acceleration rate by the stupid computer.
Anyway, Dodge Dakota costs too much, and the dealer wouldn't budge even when buying three trucks. Ford Ranger looked good, but I never got a response from the local dealer when I was quote shopping. Finally I went back to Chevy since the local dealership treats me pretty good, and they have sold me my last four trucks. The shop is even fair on warranty work. I got a call yesterday that they have located the trucks I want. Now if we can just make the numbers right. I know they would give me a smoking price on 3/4 tons, but I just don't have a lot of use for a truck that heavy anymore. Between a few extra thousand and the 9MPG when paired with a nice utility bed I wasn't ready to spend that much.
Figured 1500 extended cabs 1/2 tons should be more than adequate so the
1500s look like the ticket. 2 4.8 L 2wd work trucks, and a 5.3L 4wd. Yes we need 1 4x4. I have had to rescue trucks from a jobsite before, and I know better than to let a young tech take a 4x4 of his own. I might have to go rescue it in some strange places.Wish me luck.
I'll miss the power of the 6.0L in my 3/4, but realistically its more power than I needed for anything I do routinely.