It’s not just about saving lives. If you live in a flood zone, not being able to leave can leave you without food, work, etc.
And how many times did that happen? I’m just asking, no need to get defensive.
Tough situation, sorry to hear that. I wouldn’t commute 1.5 hours each way either, but good for you for crunching the numbers and making an informed choice.
It makes financial sense to sell the truck and get a cheap commuter. But I get that your hobbies need the truck. If you’re okay with spending a bit more to keep enjoying your weekends, that’s your call. You seem to have a good grasp of your finances, so I think it’s fine if you decide to keep both.
Yeah, we use the truck for weekend trips, offroading, and camping. And with the floods in our area, it’s helped us out a lot. So I’m keeping it.
Did you factor in the extra wear and tear from commuting 20k miles a year? Your truck might need repairs sooner, and those could add up.
My 2004 Subaru has saved me a ton compared to my Tundra. It’s paid for itself in a year.
How much is your truck worth? Maybe sell it and get something like a Ford Maverick hybrid. You wouldn’t have to pay insurance on two cars.
Could you consider an electric vehicle? The savings on gas and maintenance are huge, and you might qualify for a tax break if you’re in the US. Used electric cars are cheap right now since Tesla lowered prices. Charging can be a concern, but if your commute isn’t too long, it could be worth it.
Why not sell the truck privately for full value and then buy a used Prius for commuting and a cheaper truck for your hobbies?
I’m in a similar spot. I have a truck for farm work but can’t justify the cost of a second car just for commuting. Feel you, man!
Drive the truck and save for a backup emergency vehicle fund.
Do you have off-road tires on your truck? Maybe consider swapping them out when needed.
Kudos to you for doing the math and considering maintenance costs. Respect.
Maybe look for jobs that pay less but are closer. A remote job with a pay cut might still be better than driving over an hour and paying so much for gas and maintenance.
Or… just sell the truck and get something like a hybrid that suits your needs.
How about a motorcycle or an e-bike if you’re set on keeping the truck?
Stop being picky and just get a cheap car to drive around. Insurance usually offers multi-car discounts, so it shouldn’t be that bad. Or just stick with your truck and deal with the gas costs.
Another way to look at it is that you could take a lower-paying job closer to home and still come out ahead after saving on gas and wear and tear.
Thinking of buying a second home? Make sure the numbers work before you jump in!