Some Advice for an Accident victim, please

[HotRodZilla]

Backwards??? Hell, if you don't need a truck, don't buy one. They suck gas, tires are expensive and your (my) ******* friends all want help moving. If we didn't need a full sized 4x4 truck and the Expedition, we would drive something else.

What I was trying to say is the end of October is when most of the new year's models come out. Dealers want the 2013s gone. So go on the last Saturday of the month, and don't pay more than the dealer's invoice. If there are rebates on the vehicle, pay invoice minus the rebate. The factory reimburses the dealer the rebate money.

It sucks, but it could have happened at a worse time. Good luck.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I am NOT a Ford guy but... That F-150 is the best selling vehicle in America for a reason. Lots of reasons in fact. I drove one recently and found it to be a wonderful ride. I cannot say enough good things about those trucks. The chassis, the engine, the SPACE in the back seat all impressed me greatly.

Like Zilla says, if you don't need a truck, don't buy one. However, you might just WANT the truck. With a truck as nice as that one (was) I could see how you might not want to downsize. On the other hand, if you do not need the bigger cab or do not need the 4wd part, save yourself some $$$. You did not say which engine you had but Ford offers several good ones now and they are very competitively efficient.

Another consideration would be how safe you feel in that truck compared to a smaller vehicle. It is probably foolish but I cannot help but feel "protected" in any of the full-size trucks compared to a smaller car.

You cannot know how painful it is for me, a dedicated GMC owner to say nice things about that Ford. Ford is making a fantastic truck right now though.

 

[Checkswrecks]

The truck was taken to the repair shop I chose, no questions asked. And also moot. The shop man- known him for yrs, used him once but the wife several times- estimates about $17k. Then got the call this morning- total loss.
But I damn near dropped the phone at the guy's offer. Remember my research? $24k-ish? He says "we give you $23,869.39". I guess I was expecting much worse so I nearly **** right there in my own kitchen. Discussed it with the wife, we're good with it. He's calling back tomorrow, I'll tell him ok. Why not? It's fair and reasonable.

Well, that sucks, but was expected. Seriously, RIGHT NOW is the time to buy a new still on the lot 2013. The Internet is your friend, and do not pay more than invoice.

True dat but.....

I spent 25+ yrs to slowly and surely work up to that level of traveling comfort, always mindful of the budget and the importance of other things when compared to a luxury vehicle. And I'm blessed just enough to have a wife who in situations like this does not become emotional and who can prod for thoughts and feelings without anyone (me) becoming defensive. She's really, really good at that. Believe it o' not I'm not by nature a touchy/feely sort of guy so we sometimes have some energetic or one-sided conversations but in the end it's all good.

In our discussions I've come to realize that the times they have a'changed for us. I'm not 4 wheeling much anymore, I'm not hauling crap every day. So smaller yet comfortable to fit our needs better, including financially, is the smart way to go. I know it may seem like going backwards in life but ya know sometimes you get handed lemons. I can sit at home and whine about it or I can get on with it. I choose the latter. Especially since I still have one- the wreck could have just as easily snuffed it.

Sounds like you are thinking, communicating with your other half, she is on board (you are a lucky man!), and you two are realistic in several ways. I'm really glad that you are satisfied with how this is coming along.

It sure isn't the desirable way to change vehicles if that is what you want to do and I'm really glad that nobody was injured. While there ARE people who have problems, this system actually does work the way it's supposed to more often than not.

 

[rbentnail]

And of course the saga continues but in surprisingly good ways. Ford Motor Credit (where I financed) calls just to say "Hi" and "Sorry for your loss" and to let me know the insurance co. has contacted them and how it works and what I should expect to see when and and how much and I get a refund on some stuff and please, please, please call us if there's anything we can do. Cool, that was nice.

Later in the morn I get a call from the GM at my local Ford dealer (where I purchased my last 2- 2001 & 2010) to say "Hi Russ" and "Sorry" and "when ya gonna come see me?" . We chatted, she invited me over for coffee, etc. etc. I think I hurt her feelings when I told her we had decided for financial and other reasons not to go full sized this time and chastised her for not making the Ranger anymore. She said the offer for a cuppajoe was still good, come by anyway. That was nice too.

So things are progressing, just more waiting for paperwork to sign to release my claim on the title, etc. etc. I went by the body shop and cleaned out the rest of my stuff, got my toolbox, dropped off the spare key & rear seat headrests and said my last goodbyes. I gave her a pat on the *** for saving my life and a kick in the *** for being in the wrong place at exactly the wrong time. Time to move on...

And the shopping in earnest began. Drove a Toyota Tacoma 4x4 4 door. What a POS! The folding pattern of the rear seats renders that area useless for even rainy day luggage or golf clubs. I asked the guy if this brand spanking new truck had been wrecked or what. He assured me it had not (emphatically!!) so I asked him why the front end and steering wheel shimmies. Total miles of test drive? About 1. Nope, ain't gonna buy it.

Drove a Nissan Frontier 4x4 4door. Nice truck, good ergos, decently equipped. Think I might buy it but working real hard not to jump the gun, I gots time.

Thanks again everyone for the comments and advice.

 

[HotRodZilla]

By the time you buy a Nissan or Toyota, you could have yourself a NICE 5.0 litre F150. You really should go.look before you write them off.

 

[rushes]

By the time you buy a Nissan or Toyota, you could have yourself a NICE 5.0 litre F150. You really should go.look before you write them off.

+1

They have a sporty looking basic model called STX that's reasonably priced.

And I love the 5.0 engine.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

By the time you buy a Nissan or Toyota, you could have yourself a NICE 5.0 litre F150. You really should go.look before you write them off.

+100!

My Father-in-law has the 4 dr, 4wd Tacoma and he loves it. I don't like it. While it has its advantages, I find it waaaay over priced and over rated. Fuel mileage is not impressive. It honestly rides worse than my 2500HD 4WD diesel. Honestly. I found the brakes mushy. It has some good points but nothing that would make me buy it before I bought the F-150. Ford still prices these trucks pretty competitively and they work very very well.

I cannot address the Nissan, I have never driven one. I would look very carefully at MPG figures for all the players involved as well as actual off the lot prices. It pains me to say it but that full sized Ford is probably the best value out there right now.

And they come with tow hooks on the front so the GMs can tow them home! (Sorry, I could not help it.)

 

[HotRodZilla]

Crap...And all this time I thought the tow hooks were so the Fords could pull the GM trucks out of the gutter.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

Crap...And all this time I thought the tow hooks were so the Fords could pull the GM trucks out of the gutter.

Now Zilla, you know thinking is NOT your strong point...

I had the F-150 for a rental while my GMC was in the body shop. That 5.0 got excellent fuel mileage and sounded really good doing it.

 

[rbentnail]

By the time you buy a Nissan or Toyota, you could have yourself a NICE 5.0 litre F150. You really should go.look before you write them off.

+1

They have a sporty looking basic model called STX that's reasonably priced.

And I love the 5.0 engine.

Uh, no. I've been looking/shopping since last Thursday. Around here the only ones with an extended cab and 4x4 (necessities) start at $35k regardless of plain, stx or xlt. Too much. I can get a much more practical vehicle for my needs, bottom line 29.8K. Now, if yoose guys would like to chip in a few bucks to help out......

And don't even think about mentioning "well, the dealer can find something...". No frikkin way. I got screwed one time that way, never again. If it ain't on the lot so I can see exactly what I'm getting then I ain't buying it.

And really fellas, have you forgotten what I crashed? 2010 Ford F150, extended cab, 4x4, 5.0L V8, loaded to the hilt. And before that I had a 2001 F150, extended cab, 4x4, 5pointwhateverthefuck V8, not as well loaded but good enough to keep for 10 yrs & 211,000 miles. So gimme a break, eh? I'm familiar with them. Intimately. You don't need to try to sell me one.

 

[rbentnail]

And not only did my 2010 have front tow hooks, my 2010 had CHROME front tow hooks. That , boys, is class

.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

Uh, no. I've been looking/shopping since last Thursday. Around here the only ones with an extended cab and 4x4 (necessities) start at $35k regardless of plain, stx or xlt. Too much. I can get a much more practical vehicle for my needs, bottom line 29.8K. Now, if yoose guys would like to chip in a few bucks to help out......

And really fellas, have you forgotten what I crashed? 2010 Ford F150, extended cab, 4x4, 5.0L V8, loaded to the hilt. And before that I had a 2001 F150, extended cab, 4x4, 5pointwhateverthefuck V8, not as well loaded but good enough to keep for 10 yrs & 211,000 miles. So gimme a break, eh? I'm familiar with them. Intimately. You don't need to try to sell me one.

So much for trying to be nice. You asked for advice. We gave it. For me there is way more than $5200 difference between any of the full size pick-ups and the Tacoma. Enjoy whatever you decide to spend your money on.

Oh, as for "Intimately Familiar" that 5pointblahblahblah tells me just how familiar you are. Ford offered a 4.2 V-6, a 4.6 V-8 and a 5.4 V-8 for '01.

 

[08FJR4ME]

The last time I checked my F350 dropped less than 3K from when I purchased it. Not bad for a 4 year old truck. Fords hold there value obviously since you got such a sweet deal on the insurence payment. Something to consider.

Dave

 

[rbentnail]

So much for trying to be nice. You asked for advice. We gave it. For me there is way more than $5200 difference between any of the full size pick-ups and the Tacoma. Enjoy whatever you decide to spend your money on.

Oh, as for "Intimately Familiar" that 5pointblahblahblah tells me just how familiar you are. Ford offered a 4.2 V-6, a 4.6 V-8 and a 5.4 V-8 for '01.

It's not a matter of not being appreciative, I am. But :

A) I'm not sitting here hoping someone will make my decision for me. I'm shopping, weighing in all factors, etc. and have already investigated Fords (the 1st place I went without hesitation), Nissans, Toyotas, Chevys, Dodges & GMCs.

2) Being "let go" from my job summer last yr didn't help a bit. It's just now that things are beginning to stabilize then whammo! More lemons. $5200 is not just a big difference, it's an unrealistic & insurmountable difference right now. I know what I can spend and I will stick to it because

c) for us that don't have cash flowing readily from a fountain, we know it's a balance in life. Give a little here to get a little extra there. I'd like the scales to tip one way but everything needs checks (money). There ain't much of that right now. Sure, a nicer vehicle up front with bigger payments is doable but what's the point if I have to struggle to afford an el-cheapo overnight getaway or even do without. Nah, we'd rather spread the good fortunes we do have over a broader spectrum than focus on one color.

I hope this all makes sense. I guess I should have included a smiley or two, that's the spirit in which I typed.

 

[rbentnail]

The last time I checked my F350 dropped less than 3K from when I purchased it. Not bad for a 4 year old truck. Fords hold there value obviously since you got such a sweet deal on the insurence payment. Something to consider.
Dave

Trust me, it is being considered. You're absolutely right- my now-dead 2010, b/c of deep discounts including Ford Tier-1 Supplier, was financed at 0% for 60 months for $27-ish. That just over $9k in price reduction. 3 yrs, 44K miles and it's worth $23.8K. Don't think for an instant that it's not being considered.....

But those discounts don't exist anymore. Prices have sky-rocket and I don't have that job.

 

[gixxerjasen]

You chastised her for them not making the Ranger? Ranger is a good budget truck, a good wheeling truck, and a good fleet truck. A Ranger is NOT the truck you've grown accustomed to. I got talked into a Ranger because at the time I couldn't afford an F150. After three miserable years I traded up and got the F150 I wanted and never looked back. Small things like ride smoothness and comfort are huge between the two. Gas mileage...meh, a couple mpg, which should have been more. I never figured out how people got 30mpg out of the four banger Ranger, clearly they never got over 55 mph.

I can't tell if you are shopping new or used. Why not look for a used truck about the same age and miles as the one you lost? Clearly, if the insurance company paid you market value then you should be able to find one for market value and then be back in the truck you were happy with before all this happened.

 

[rbentnail]

I did something kinda unusual for me today: I STFU and listened

. Not just the casual conversation listening. I went back to the beginning of the thread and re-read it from the point of view of someone needing help and actively seeking help from those who probably BTDT and want to help instead of from the point of emotion breakdown. This is the part I meant when I mentioned my wife a few posts back- I'm really lucky to have her. What she says is making sense today, it didn't yesterday or the day before, even tho she's been calmly saying the same things for a week. Not to say I'm slow sometimes. It's just that I'm slow sometimes.

Yep, it's been a week since the crash- the bruises and cobwebs are fading. As is the overwhelming feeling of loss. Loss of beloved truck, loss of money, loss of......whatever.

So I went to see about a Ford, taking up the offer for a chat and a cuppajoe from the other day. I go in thinking used one prolly, maybe see a decent '08-'10 at a decent price.

Here it comes, the really hard part. The part where I say, as painful as it is, yoose were right. It's by no means a done deal, I flatly refused the 1st 2 vehicles/prices/payments the search/finance guy brought up as "viable". I think I finally got thru when I curtly but politely asked, "what part of what I'm saying doesn't make sense to you? This maximum...." to the guy. Then "The Boss Lady" quietly slips away and a little while later voila! something we both can live with. A little stretch but not too much, juussst barely within the borders of that difference between what I told them and the real life maximum we set for ourselves, the little cushion for unexpected somethings that pop up now and again.

So maybe a new 2012. Or 2013. Not the XLT comfort but much of it in the STX. At least I wouldn't have to buy a new toolbox......

On a lighter note, insurance man called. Check will be ready for pickup tomorrow. And if needed I can keep the rental for another 10 days, no problem he says.

Big boy panties in place. Check. Pride swallowed. Check. Go for it

.......

 

[TomInPA]

Not sure of the settlement details, but it should include taxes and expenses of purchasing a replacement as well as compensation for the loss (rental). I think your insurance company is treating you okay, but be sure to look after the details of the settlement.

 

[Chuck35]

I agree the Tacoma is overpriced. Did you happen to look at any Tundras?

 

[Redfish Hunter]

Okay then. Honestly, truthfully, and seriously. I don't care what you buy, As long as YOU are happy. I feel your pain over the loss of a truck that you know is too nice to be replaced. I have been there. I left the finest truck I could ever hope to own on a dealer's lot with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes one time. I knew that I would never again be able to own one that nice. I still miss that truck. I was so afraid the one I am driving now was totaled this past winter that I had trouble eating and sleeping. How would I replace it? What would I replace it with? A new 4WD Diesel Crew Cab might run well over $60,000. I am not in a situation to make that payment right now. I don't know if/when I will be able to swing that much, if ever.

I (we) responded in as supportive a way as we knew how. Most of us have been through something similar and felt the pain of a "friend" we will probably never meet in person. Your frustration, confusion, and sense of helplessness came through loud and clear in your posts and we all wanted to "be there for you". Perhaps we were too pushy.

Don't sink yourself more than you can comfortably handle. Save a bit. Think about this next year when EOM rolls around. We might be worth your time after all.

Best of luck. Take your wife out to dinner.