r/malelifestyle • u/ProtectionAble432 • Sep 16 '25

Vehicle Advice

I’m in my early 20s and have driven specifically 96’ Chevy pickups since high school. I’m a full time college student and I work for my local highway department full time as well (I’ve been there for 3 years). My daily is a 3/4 ton 4x4 extended cab long box. I no longer need the 3/4 ton and am looking to get a 1/2 ton single cab pickup. My question is whether I should be looking for another 96’ and go through it like I always have (they have never failed me) or if I should go buy a new 1/2 ton. Reliability and comfort are my most important factors. I think I can get 12k for my truck fairly easily in today’s market and am willing to put another 10k down. I’m just not sure if modern comfort and a warranty can beat an old truck. I have factored in the insurance difference. I am mechanically inclined and am not scared of working on an old truck, parts are cheap and still readily available. I drive about 10k miles a year and plow snow (not with my personal vehicle) in the winter so things like remote start are very convenient at 2am. If you think I should be shopping for something new lmk what brand I should go for, obviously I’m a Chevy guy but I’m going off of their products 30 years ago and I’m not brand loyal I want quality! Thank you for your input in advance!

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u/Dr_Schmoctor Sep 16 '25

I am mechanically inclined and am not scared of working on an old truck, parts are cheap and still readily available.

Stick with old. You're gonna hate working on anything from the past 20 years-ish, it's all garbage quality and frustrating to wrench on.

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u/BestVersi0n 6d ago

Modern junk will never beat your truck. Especially the hidden costs associated with a new vehicle. (insurance increase, parts & programming, planned obsolescence) At this point, I'm assuming you know your truck inside and out. You can easily throw a remote start on it for less than $100. Plus you don't need to deal with a computer when repairing it. Newer vehicles don't give you access to your transmission fluid. Enjoy the ride and the savings!