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View Full Version : Car choices, what to do?



kevcol74
08-30-2009, 12:54 AM
Okay, many of you saw a post from me about my recently purchased Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS sedan. I'll spill the beans on my dilemna.
The father in law is giving me his truck to do with as I please, as long as I make money on it. I'm currently not working, but hope to be soon.Where, i don't know. The catch with his truck is that he was told by a mechanic that the engine is toast, not worth fixing. He doesn't want to deal with it anymore,although he really did love his truck. He bought a ne vehicle, and I am to take his truck tomorrow. Its a 97 GMC Sierra Ext Cab stepside with a Vortex 350 (loaded). Has 280,000kms, but looking at it you'd never know it. The body is mint, not a spek of rust anywhere, and I crawled under it today! Engine, may need replacement, may not. But does need repairs. Worst case I replace the engine for $500 plus misc parts. I get the truck for $500 including snow tires. Al slew of parts have been replaced on this truck, including the tranny being rebuilt, new master cylinder, brakes, brake lines, etc... So, on the road, likely $1500 MAX (put it in the wifes name as a giftfrom dad,no tax), and I'll recoup costs selling the cap (I hate caps). Or sell it for $3000?
So you are thinking, why would I want a gas guzzling truck? Well, its in great shape, it has some sentimental value to the father in law, and its cheap.
The Subaru.... well, its great.... AWD, plenty of power and 130K.... But I can get $6500-$7000 for it. Do the math, I'd be $5000 ahead selling the Subaru.
Economically, yes the Subaru makes more sense if I'm driving alot. But, $5000 in my account to keep us afloat and keeping from going anymore in the red is appealing.
Anyone have insight for me? Its nice to have unbiased opinions to help me step back and look at the situation more clearly....

KenYork
08-30-2009, 01:52 AM
Sell the car, Keep the truck. $$ is king, and there is no rush to fix the truck to get it on the road. You can fix it when you get your cash flowing again. Life is better living with a little $$ flowing.

+kids grow fast(I have two).

Zaku_4
08-30-2009, 01:48 PM
how is a new engine only 500 bucks?

dentinger
08-30-2009, 06:07 PM
it'll be a used engine most likely. usually around 100k or so.

i'd say keep the subie, only cuz i love those older RS's, but you might as well keep the truck, sell the car, and take the money.
as posted above, money rules all.
if you want later on in life, buy another RS when you have the available cash.

fatsock
08-30-2009, 06:21 PM
If your only deciding factor is money, and not vehicle satisfaction, then choose the more economical option.

aris
08-30-2009, 08:50 PM
IF you got no job then why bother keeping them both of them...

Malcolm991
08-30-2009, 09:19 PM
Keep the car, at 280km something else has to go on the truck! The job market is picking up so it's only a matter of time!

kevcol74
08-31-2009, 12:40 PM
Adding a visual... keep the comments and opinions coming!
Cheers

http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq238/kevcol74/1997%20GMC%20Sierra/1997GMCSierra001.jpg

Yes, the cap, running boards and graphics would have to go!
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq238/kevcol74/1997%20GMC%20Sierra/1997GMCSierra002.jpg

http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq238/kevcol74/2000%20Impreza%2025RS/2000Impreza25RS001.jpg

Iceman_F1
08-31-2009, 02:11 PM
Adding a visual... keep the comments and opinions coming!
Cheers

Yes, the cap, running boards and graphics would have to go!
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq238/kevcol74/1997%20GMC%20Sierra/1997GMCSierra002.jpg

Forgive if this is a stupid question as I know pretty much nothing about trucks...but cap is the thing above the bed in the back? To make it an enclosed space instead of a usual cargo area?

If so, I assume you'd sell that and possible $$ in the running boards to help with the engine repair?

I'd say go for truck and the minor repairs as needed in that case if it will give you a bit of quick cash flow.

The subaru is a nice car and looks in good condition...but being out of work, needing 2 cars probably isn't a huge issue and having the truck as a basic one until you get the stable job would work fine.

JMAK74
09-04-2009, 12:01 AM
Sell the car, Keep the truck. $$ is king, and there is no rush to fix the truck to get it on the road. You can fix it when you get your cash flowing again. Life is better living with a little $$ flowing.

+kids grow fast(I have two).

I agree with KenYork on top of the truck is more practial if you got a family/house

One thing I dont' like about my M3 now (I have the sedan and perhaps that's part of the problem) is that I can't really carry that much - i.e. when i built my deck - had to borrow a truck/rent one to get the wood in and when traveling with my son (he's 7 months now) - the M3 just doesn't seem to have enough room with all his stuff.

Zaku_4
09-08-2009, 12:31 PM
a 2 door gc is pretty rare.

is it manual as well? how many km are on it now?

kevcol74
09-08-2009, 12:37 PM
Its manual and 130K... And the 4 door GC is even more rare than the 2 door, they only made them in 2000 and 2001 in the RS

Scottobot
09-08-2009, 01:05 PM
I know Subies aren't great for mileage, but wouldn't the truck be much, much worse?
Also what's the insurance for each? I'd say sell the one that's more expensive to keep running.

philipfreire
09-09-2009, 04:56 PM
Keep the truck man!!!!

kevcol74
09-09-2009, 05:25 PM
^ I think you should buy it! :chuckle

DruidB
09-19-2009, 12:52 PM
Spend 500-1000 on a rebuild or new short block and drive the truck another 280 000kms.. your subaru wont last that long

kevcol74
09-19-2009, 11:22 PM
^lol You think the Subaru with 130K won't outlive the GMS with 278K?? Subarus are known for high mileage and longevity, or haven't you looked that one up?
Anyways, forgot about this thread, Truck is sold and gone, got a job in Mississauga and will be keeping the Suby!
Thanksfor all the opinions! Mods can lock this one up!