GMT800 Dilemma

INW-Iron-Steel

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Guys, I am seeking a little input from those who have been around the block a few more times than I have. My grandfather is in his 80s, and is not in the greatest health. He has a SWEET dodge that he has been telling me for the better part of 15 years that he is going to gift to me when he is gone. That is quite thoughtful of him, but I have just never quite trusted this. My extended family is sketchy. And he makes decisions on a whim, spends money frivolously, and is always trying to "keep up with the Jones's." So recently, he is telling me he doesn't much like driving his dodge anymore, and was thinking about maybe looking at a newer 1500. I tell him that is an absolutely terrible idea. The truck is a 2005 Ram 3500 SRW quad cab short box 4x4 with a 5.9 pre-emissions Cummins. It has maybe 150K miles on it. I am not over exaggerating, this would be an absolute travesty. So I get to thinking, and I eventually asked him what he thought about my 04. I knew he liked it, but he lets me know he absolutely loves it (I've let him drive it a few times over the years) and has often thought about it. He just never wanted to ask me about it.

So, I proposed transferring the Dodge to me, and then offered to supply him with either licensed/registered vehicle in good condition until he no longer wanted to drive. In other terms, he could chose between whichever vehicle he wanted to drive, and that could change, but I would physically own both. I figured he might want to switch back, and I thought he would think this was kind. Registration in WA and OR is not cheap, but I don't really mind eating that cost. I know it is much harder for him on a fixed income. My intent was simply to make sure I would retain both in the long term, not to pull one over on him. But, I think I offended him in a way. He got pretty stern and was almost adamant that if he had the Sierra in his possession, he wanted the title in his name.

So, here is the real dilemma. I would love the Dodge, but not at the cost of losing my 04. No way. The dodge is worth more now, but who knows in the future? I would never be able to find a clean base model RCSB 4x4 GMT800 again. And honestly, likewise for the dodge. I do not trust my family, and that is why I would like to own both before the inevitable. I just know someone will come out of the woodwork looking for a buck. Even if he leaves the Dodge to me, someone will slither their way through and then *poof* bye-bye dodge. I also don't really trust my GPA to not sell the 04 in the next 5 years. It does have 270K plus miles on it. What happens when he wants something shiny and new? Bye-bye gmt800.

I feel like I am at a crossroads here where I have to choose Cummins Dodge or RCSB GMT800, and I don't want to. Any advise on protecting my GMT800 if I go through with this? Could we be listed as co-owners or something like that? The Dodge makes financial sense, but the 04 has my heart. I would really love to have it back in 5-10 years, God willing.
 
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INW-Iron-Steel

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Nah, I wouldn't risk it if it's tittled under his name...to many uknowns.

You can't find another beater truck or even a car for him? I bet he hardly drives much, right?
I appreciate the input, I was thinking the same. I don't like the unknowns in this situation.

Probably not, he has extremely high standards. I am not sure he has ever purchased a used vehicle. Growing up I remember him buying a new pickup every 2-3 years until he retired and kept the dodge. The only reason this would work is because my 270K mile rig arguably drives better than his dodge. I think he likes to have a car for himself in case of emergency, other than that he almost never drives.
 

ORVietVet

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I don't know where, in the Willamette Valley, you are but there are plenty of no rust GMT800 1500 4x4's in the area that maybe the GPA would like. Less miles too. They are all over CL and FB.
 

INW-Iron-Steel

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Okay, you guys really have me thinking now. @ORVietVet you are absolutely correct, there are tons of clean GMT800s around here. I am not sure he would be interested in buying a 20 year old vehicle with unknowns. I am sure he is interested in mine as a "known commodity" as I have ironed it out over a decade of ownership.

BUT, that doesn't mean I wouldn't be interested in a 20 year old blank canvas. I have been thinking about this wrong. If I spent a little more than "beater" money I could probably score a clean Tahoe/Yukon. Honestly, a cammed 4x4 tahoe on drop spindles sounds right up my alley. I might need to go see if I can talk the wife into this one. She loves GMT800s as much as I do; this shouldn't be hard. Best scenario, I end up with all three eventually. Worst case, I still have a GMT800 in my life.
 

ORVietVet

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Here you go: The first one is interesting.





 

stutaeng

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In my experience the SUVs are always much better kept and serviced than the pickups in general.

A lot of pickups wind up getting used hauling stuff, or work trucks.

SUVs are normally family haulers so folks stay more on top of maintenance.

Pickups (especially the 1500 short bed) are also higher priced because the demand is higher.
 

ORVietVet

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In my experience the SUVs are always much better kept and serviced than the pickups in general.

A lot of pickups wind up getting used hauling stuff, or work trucks.

SUVs are normally family haulers so folks stay more on top of maintenance.

Pickups (especially the 1500 short bed) are also higher priced because the demand is higher.

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****************I tried to just reply but again, something is wrong with the site. These on again off again problems are a PITA!*********************


Anyway, I agree about the SUV's over the pickup truck. At this point in my life, the Tahoe I own does all I need it to. If we need a pickup, I can use the 2004 K2500HD that I sold to my landlord's son. If not available, I would just rent a pickup or a trailer. I meant what I said about the 1st link that I posted. Looks to be in decent shape and would be rust free and low mileage.
 

INW-Iron-Steel

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Anyway, I agree about the SUV's over the pickup truck. At this point in my life, the Tahoe I own does all I need it to. If we need a pickup, I can use the 2004 K2500HD that I sold to my landlord's son. If not available, I would just rent a pickup or a trailer. I meant what I said about the 1st link that I posted. Looks to be in decent shape and would be rust free and low mileage.
Thanks for all those links! That first one is definitely clean. And not many miles!

I agree with the above sentiments, SUVs generally live an easy life, while the pickups are put to work. I think it is kind of strange that pickups hold their value so much better than the SUVs. Anyway, I think I'm on the hunt for another GMT800!
 

ORVietVet

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Gotta admit. It is a looker. I personally always want to see a complete CarFax or paperwork for the maintenance and repairs over it's life.
 

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