value, mileage, depreciation

[7echo]

I am looking for a truck that I will drive for about 3 years. At that point my son will get his learners permit and begin driving. Eventually the truck will be his.
I am sorta debating getting an older truck, something that we can tinker with so he can learn how vehicles work, vs a newer truck. The older trucks won't have as advanced safety features but are going to be easier to work on, more mechanical and less electronic/electrical.
If I opt for a newer vehicle which year(s), brands, and models are a good value? I have no prejudice as to brand and I think most modern vehicles are pretty well built. And while I prefer a truck, an SUV would be OK as well.
Fuel mileage, maintenance cost, picky little not so expensive issues(can do a lot of maintenance work if necessary). Large costs(transmission, motor, etc issues) can be planned for if there are known issues.
Haven't really considered budget but lets say less than 15k to start.
Comments, questions, and opinions are appreciated.

 

[4x4x4doors]

One other consideration you may wish to address is insurance costs. Young drivers can have a real impact.
When my daughter started driving, we were planning to put her in the car with the airbags and antilock brakes (long enough ago that not all had them) but the insurance was noticeably lower with her driving the big V8 without those things of the same model year.

 

[Buliwyf]

15k is a darn fine budget. Wish I could drop that when I was a kid (or now).
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There's a ton of fleet trade ins arriving around now. High mileage newer trucks. F350, 250, 150 mostly. 5.4L, 6.8L, 4.6L mostly. Some GM 2500's, 6.0L, for good measure. I avoid half tons, and prefer Fords, but some of the Fleet GM2500's I've seen were a decent buy. We trade our vans in at 150k mileage, trucks at 200k. The Fords will be by far the best trucks, but the GM's will have by far the best engines, 6.0L, of all the fleet trade ins. Still my favorite engine is the 6.8L V10.
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With a newer fleet vehicle with higher mileage, you'll get better safety than a really old school truck. And far better potential for handleing and braking You'll have tp replace all the tires, brakes, SHOCKS, OH DEAR G$$ FLEET VEHICLES EAT SHOCKS, maybe some lights, mirrors, carpet, and seats. A good fixer upper that usually is very mechanicly sound and regularly serviced for DOT requirements. Keep enough money on hand to rebuild the transmission at any time and you're all set.
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So far, on my Fleet tradin F250 EC LB 4x4 I've replaced:
Engine, shortblock, but I negotiated a really low price for the truck as it sat on the lot with a blown engine.
Fan Clutch
AC refrigerant. The temp guage seems to falsely ping HET alarm if I use regular AC too long, but if I use Max AC, all is well. Hmmm?
Brakes, and I didn't do so well, will try EBC next spring.
Headlights, upgraded to the XLT factory lights.
Steering wheel. Nothing makes a truck interior feel new again like a fresh steering wheel.
Foglights, added factory fogs wired to my lowbeams.
Carpet and seatcover, got rid of that rubber .
Roll on Monstaliner Bed Liner
Mirrors, replaced cracked 2001 style mirrors with 2010 style towing mirrors. I also have a brand new set of Expy mirrors for light duty trips.
Tires and lift are coming next fall maybe, have to stay on budget. Carli Leveling kit and Cooper STT's!
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Oddly my joints are all perfect, either they were recently done before I bought it, or they're they best ball joints ever on a contractor truck. 130k!

 

[Buliwyf]

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...000&listingId=351333437&listingIndex=14&Log=0
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I have almost the same truck. I love it:
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...000&listingId=351635440&listingIndex=20&Log=0
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Anyways, you get the idea what I'm thinking about.

 

[7echo]

One other consideration you may wish to address is insurance costs. Young drivers can have a real impact.
When my daughter started driving, we were planning to put her in the car with the airbags and antilock brakes (long enough ago that not all had them) but the insurance was noticeably lower with her driving the big V8 without those things of the same model year.

The insurance will for sure be a factor, thanks for reminding me. I will have to check but I think truck insurance will be less than a car.

 

[7echo]

@Bulywif
"15k is a darn fine budget. Wish I could drop that when I was a kid (or now)."

This will be a shared family vehicle for 4 or 5 years, then become his when he earns it. Thats the plan for now. 15K is more than my current two vehicles are worth combined, lol.

Thanks for the comments and links. I hadn't really thought about fleet trade-ins specifically.
It has to be either 4 door or at least an extended/space cab.

 

[Clutch]

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There's a ton of fleet trade ins arriving around now.

I wouldn't even touch a used fleet vehicle...those things are usually beat, because the people who drive them do not care about
them since it isn't theirs. Plus the companies maintain them just barely enough until they trade in for new vehicles.

 

[Troyadventures]

Sounds like a truck that is a few years old would be a food option.

Family use, still reliable after 5 more years and safe.


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