California folks, should I buy a truck now or wait until gas is $8?

[cantdrv55]

I’m hoping this doesn’t end up in PARF. I have to replace my 2006 V8 Nissan Titan this year. I need a 4WD crew cab that can tow at least 8000 lb and have a payload of at least 1500 lb. I’m trying to future proof this purchase. I’m 62 now so this will probably be my last truck purchase.

Question - should I wait to purchase a truck when gas in CA goes to $8/gal? That’s what experts are predicting because of the situation the state is in. I’m thinking gas guzzlers like what I’m looking for will drop in price then so I can get a better deal. What do you think?

[look 171]

when you turn 67? Gas will go up more by the year, but when will it reach 8 bucks? Get the truck now and enjoy the time you have with it. How many miles do you have in the old Nissan? How often will you use it to tow your boat?

[cantdrv55]

I have 135k miles on my Nissan which low but the truck isn’t aging gracefully. It needs electrical work, windshield and window seals need replacing and HVAC is intermittent. I don’t know if I should sink a couple of grand or more into it or bite the bullet now and buy a newer truck. I tow our camper with it every month, just about.

[Evans, Marv]

I don't think the $8/gal. price is anywhere near set in stone, & I don't see prices of anything dropping significantly. I'm sure all companies, corporations, & businesses will do whatever thay can to maintain and increase them. I'd consider the "aging" of your truck to be an indication of what's going to continue to happen, plus you're going to have to replace it sometime anyway. I'd strongly consider biting the bullet.

[varmint]

How much of a discount are you expecting?

I know some refineries are closing and a few other bad decisions are about to impact. But I wouldn’t wait a year for dream bargain.

Wasn’t there some sort of EV mandate? When does that hit?

[911boost]

I would replace it now and not sink any $ into the Nissan as it sounds like that could be a snowballing situation of pain.

Are you thinking another 1/2 ton?

[RANDY P]

Wait until $10. $8? LOL when have they ever been modest? Your independent operators will make sure to make hay while the sun is shining.

rjp

[thingmon]

Is biodiesel still a thing? Have heard the word in a while. Maybe go diesel?

[lindbhr]

There maybe hope for CA gasoline prices. Kinder Morgan and Phillips 66 are trying to build a pipeline from west Texas to an existing AZ pipeline that could feed CA with gasoline. Phillips Borger, TX refinery could feed that pipeline adding supply to CA. Time will tell....

[cantdrv55]

I’m thinking 3/4 ton and maybe diesel but I’m not sure.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by thingmon

Is biodiesel still a thing? Have heard the word in a while. Maybe go diesel?

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

I’m thinking 3/4 ton and maybe diesel but I’m not sure.

Used diesel PU's sell for big bucks. IDK about new prices.

Here's my thought, waiting for fuel to get expensive to maybe save on the cost of a truck is not straight thinking because the cost of trucks is going to rise as well. That is unless you buy something that needs work.

Good low mileage CA trucks sell at a premium. Now with used vehicles being advertised on many platforms that are seen all over the country, prices are reflected for rust free AZ and CA cars.

I'm with those that say don't wait, but take your time. Even if you have to look for months, the right truck will appear. Sudden decisions always cost more unless it's you super lucky day.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by lindbhr

There maybe hope for CA gasoline prices. Kinder Morgan and Phillips 66 are trying to build a pipeline from west Texas to an existing AZ pipeline that could feed CA with gasoline. Phillips Borger, TX refinery could feed that pipeline adding supply to CA. Time will tell....

Not sure if that will do much. Those in charge will tax the hell out of them to make it 8 buck per gallon.

[look 171]

I hear from a few owners that the later year gas 3/4 ton trucks have some issues so do your due diligence. The diesel trucks are a bit better but the repair cost is high with some needed the cab to be removed to get at a certain parts. What happened to the simple trucks for truck things?

I have heard nothing but good things from folks who own large Toyota trucks

These are the people, my sub contractors, who use them as trucks as well as daily transport.

[Brian 162]

FWIW I was watching Motor Week yesterday and they were testing a Chevy Suburban with the duramax engine.
The duramax option was $5,000.
If you buy a diesel vehicle it will add to your budget.

[look 171]

Diesel is no longer the cheap fuel it once was when I learned how to drive. When I had my first diesel, a Cummins, fuel station was far and few in between in the city. Now, almost everyone sells diesel. Its a 140-150 bucks at every fuel up. Not cheap but I don't have to deal with much smog BS that chock them to death. No need to add piss water. not modern but not super tech. Its an 06 and I don't drive it all that much.

[onewhippedpuppy]

The used car market is a national one. If gas gets stupid expensive in CA, the gas guzzlers will be shipped to states that have cheap gas. So I doubt expensive gas in CA impacts prices if it’s still cheap elsewhere. Buy what you want, enjoy.

[wilnj]

My understanding is that diesels aren’t the efficient choice anymore, especially since you’re not putting a lot of miles on.

The premium for the truck, premium for fuel costs and the fact that maintenance is no longer simple means gas is your best option.

[speeder]

If you listen to people in other states on social media, gas is already $7 in CA. I paid $3.89 for regular today in my neighborhood and I know where it’s cheaper still.

[look 171]

Dennis, that's far and few in between. I got gas at 4.09 today and that's cheap. Most stations are still at 4.35-4.40. and diesel is over 5 bucks still.

Cpstco is the cheapest, under 4.00

[wdfifteen]

I would not put $$$ into a 20 year old truck unless it was a Ford, Chevy, or Tundra. 135k in 20 years isn’t much. You ought to go with a gas engine. Any fuel savings you get with a diesel will be offset by the depreciation while it’s just sitting. Plus, diesels don’t like to sit.
If you are going 3/4 ton, get a Ford, Chevy, or GMC. If you go with 1/2 ton, get a Tundra.
Just my humble opinion.