Truck

So do I succumb to the pleasures of a new car/truck or do I keep what I have and run it into the ground – so to speak? My 1997 Ford Ranger with Cap is now over ten years old (I got it in June of 1997) and it has just a smidgen over 60,000 miles on it. Also the rear lift gate is beginning to rust, I’m sure there is more rust on it, but nothing that is noticeable.

So far this year I’ve spent on repairs and oil changes etc:

February – Axle Repairs - $1,591.33
Labor: $776.85
Parts: $696.60
Taxes: $117.88

June – Inspection/Brakes (Front Pads & Rotors) - $599.35
Labor:$207.40
Parts: $349.11
Taxes: $42.84

September – Winterize/Brakes (Rear Drums) - $357.72
Labor: $150.35
Parts: $180.87
Taxes: $26.50

For a total of: $2,548.40

Considering the miles on the truck and it’s condition and the investment I’ve made I suppose the smart thing to do would be to drive it one more winter at least, especially considering that when the axle repairs were made the 4 wheel drive system was checked as well. The only drawback(s) – depreciation, it won’t be worth much if I decide to trade it in and probably isn’t worth much now, and convenience – i.e. ability of people to get in and out of it, which means Thelma of course. The step stool isn’t going to cut it much longer so perhaps I should make or fashion some sort of ramp that would be relatively light and easy to handle....hmmm.

Of course to but a new car/truck would cost at least $25,000 and where will I get that kind of cash etc? Sell some investments but then there will be tax consequences and the impact on future earnings, after all living on our income and investments without a job until we begin to draw the Pension (2 years away) or Social Security (12 years away) has to be considered. Once that happens – Pension – things will be easier.

So I guess for now I keep it and drive it – at least for the immediate future.

* ~ * ~ *

After months of waiting and gradually coming to the realization that it wasn’t going to happen...a voice from the past re-emerged. So now the old thoughts and feelings have been re-kindled and things we thought were resolved or we had resolved ourselves to have been stirred up once again. Perhaps though the future will hold a bit more stability, maybe not in 2007, but maybe in 2008 if things go as planned and we can get a sense of who we are and what we want and what we need.