Need to trade in gas guzzler for more economic vehicle.?

Question

I've got a 98 Dodge Ram that I have poured money into but can't afford the gas. I support me, my wife and my gas in it. It isn't horrible by any means but it could be better so I want a more economical truck but don't know what to do. I owe $8 grand on it so I need some advice.

Answer 1

changing the spark plugs and wires can give you better gas mileage,if they have never been changed the can lower the gas mileage you get.We were geting 12 gallons per mile on our 2000 pontiac grand prix and when we changed the plugs and wire we now get 25 mpg.You could try it,or find a nice 10,000 dollar car.Unless you can wait till next income tax and may most of your truck off so you wont be so much upside down on the payment of you next car.

Answer 2

Well, we need more info on the truck, cab size, 2wd or 4wd, 5.2L or 5.9L, 1500, 2500, 3500, mileage, condition, & location. All of that makes a diff in determining it's value. What you need to do is simply come up with the $8K. However, if you find a vehicle that has great incentives, you can use that to get the negetive equity lower. Example: The Dodge Caliber has a $1K rebate, now you need only $7K. Sometimes if the dealer is willing, the markup in a car can also be used. Say there is $1.5K in a car, now you need $5.5K as a down payment. These are rough figures mind you, but it's soemthing that can be done. I just checked the Dodge web site & the 08 Ram 1500 reg cab has a $5K rebate on it. Get the V6 w/ manual trans & you more than 1/2 way there. The Dakota has $2.5K rebate on it, so that helps. G'luck.

Answer 3

Your problem will be getting out of the Dodge without losing money.  

But you have to do the math.  And trading in a gas guzzler for a new fuel efficient car rarely works in your favor when you look at the numbers.

Your truck is $8000.  If you trade that truck in for a $20K Civic you can buy a heck of lot of gas with that $12,000.00. It will take you years of driving to come anywhere close to coming out even.

Answer 4

Out here in CA, most dealers won't give you squat for a gas hog...Its hitting $5 a gal.

Keep the truck, like the other said.

My lil Escort probably went up in value LOL

Answer 5

I know how fristrating it is to have a gas guzzler. I found a site that gave me tips to cut down my gas usage by 25% (a quarter of a tank more before fill up)

http://www.gomestic.com/Consumer-Informa...

I hope it helps. good luck. As for trade in values or selling your guzzler, I don't have any idea. I'm sorry.