Keep current TV or go older

[Fiori1010]

Just looking for some opinions: my current vehicle is a 2019 Ram 1500 Quad can Classic with the pentastar v6 which tows my 2019 X23B very respectfully. It averages 11mpg towing which is not too bad, going up hills it does need to rev to climb because that’s where this motor makes its power but the 8 spd transmission makes the motor very capable. My question is the lease is going to end about a year from now, my wife says I should buy it out because it has very low mileage (11k), I know it’s history and I keep my cars in very good condition. Since it’s her turn for a new vehicle, once the Ram is paid off she can get her new vehicle and once that is paid for then I can get a new truck of my choice. Btw... the pay off on the Ram is 22k. Should I buy out the Ram or look for a used F250 (2012-2015) or used Ram 2500 (2012-2015). We do plan on upgrading our camper in the future, around 7-8 years from now.

[2edgesword]

A 2012 F-250 with low miles (under 50K) is going to cost more than $22k and you don't know how it was driven or maintained. Of course newer can easily get you into the $30K+ price range. If your current TV is handling the RV without issues I'd lean toward the buy out UNLESS you're seriously thinking about a larger/heavier rig in the near future. Also keep in mind you may have to get commercial plates depending on the weight of the F-250. My 2012 F-250 (2 wheel drive, regular cab) just made it under the NYS limit for passenger vehicle plates and the ability to drive on the parkways (Northern State, Southern State, Sagtikos, etc.). If you're using the truck to commute that will be a consideration. Any extended cab or crew cab is very likely going to put you over the limit.

[Fiori1010]

The commercial plates on the 2500 always runs through my mind and if I really want to deal with the restrictions as it would be my daily driver on Long Island. The wife and I both agreed in 7-8 years we would go for a bigger fully enclosed unit.

[jbrnigan]

Since the new and larger RV is 7-8 years out, stay the course. Buy the Ram at lease end. Get your wife the new vehicle. During that time, plan for your next lease/purchase. What will be your next RV, and what will you need to safely tow it. Use the next 6 or so years to plan financially, for your next RV / truck upgrade.

[Jagiven]

Hard one to answer! Your current TV, should have no issues with that 23B. As you said you know how it was maintained and treated.

How long do you tend to keep vehicles? Average life of a registered vehicle in the USA is surprisingly short, a few years ago it was about 5 years, this past summer I heard it had jumped to about 7 years (beginning of another recession). Not sure what happens to good vehicles that are sold and are older? I would think a kid would buy them, drive them, so they would stay registered. But maybe they are crushed, or send outside the US????

If you tend to keep vehicles for a long time, then maybe a different larger TV. But if you do not see having it in 7 years, then maybe buying out what you have is right. You know the maintenance and how it was treated. I suspect you have plenty of capacity for the 23B.

[Fiori1010]

I usually keep my vehicles for 10-12 years and I keep very good condition of all my vehicles. My wife’s vehicle a 2011 Grand Cherokee was purchased new and only has 49k, garage kept, I detail my own vehicles and perform my oil changes with quality oil. As of now we are leaning towards buying the lease out next year, get her another Grand Cherokee and then look for my forever truck and upgrade our camper.

[Midnightmoon]

That is a really good looking combo. As far as buying out the lease on the Ram is concerned, I would go for it. I did the same when my F150 lease ended earlier this summer. With what has happened with used car values over the last few months, it is most likely from a pure financial perspective to buy out that lease, even if you don't end up keeping it long term.