My dad recently passed, and among many other things I'm deciding whether to sell his truck or mine. Both are paid off. Both have newish tires. I live under 2 miles from a Park and Ride garage when I was commuting downtown (pre COVID) and now just WFH. Primary miles are driving to fishing locations under 2 hrs each way and pulling bay boat about 5k pounds (which I'll likely do a lot less now without him, but still). I do hunt, but have a UTV so no real need for 4wd. Currently have a 5 week old (our first child and only one for awhile), so newer version seems like a plus since interior seems larger.

Mine is a 2013 F150 4wd, Lariat package, with almost 110k miles. No real issues, although I believe I may have a loose hub on the front left (not the first time, last was probably 40k miles ago but no surprise given 4wd and the IWE issues.

His is a 2015 F150 2wd, XLT, with just under 60k miles. No significant issues, but does have check engine light and he got quoted to fix that from dealership for ~$600 so I'll shop around to get that fixed soon.

His interior is also little less nice and bit more worn, but the lower mileage is pushing me that way so that I could drive it longer. I had no intention of replacing mine anytime soon and would likely have driven it until it was headed out, especially since interior was already nice, etc.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on engines, etc and which was I should lean. It's about a $6k difference on trade in value (his more valuable than mine) from a quick KBB scan. I'm located in Cypress/NW Houston.

Sorry for your loss. As someone who also lost his father... I'd take his truck and keep it for a longgggg time.

I don't have any input on which one to keep but I am interested in the one you decide to sell. My brother in law is looking at used F-150s right now.

Sorry for your loss.

Mjriemer7@yahoo.com

Sell yours, keep his

I'd hate to get rid of a 4wd for a 2wd if I have to launch a boat. That's one reason to keep yours, may not outweigh the reasons to keep his..

From the emotional standpoint, I can see myself regretting getting rid of his. It also has less miles and has one less thing to worry about (4wd).

Seems like biggest drivers to keep mine are 4wd for the just in case on a slick boat ramp and it's a cleaner inside.

Just looking for other opinions or things I haven't considered. I really appreciate all the feedback so far.

So I'll give you a different take on this. Either sell both now and get yourself something new, or sell his now and keep yours for a while.

If you keep his for emotional reasons now there's no turning back. You will always feel compelled to keep it going and may pour more money into it then you should for repairs due to the sentimental value. This will lead you to start subconsciously resenting the truck especially if it doesn't meet your needs (i.e. - 2wd). But you'll feel like you're stuck with it.

I'd probably just take the second option, especially if you think you'd feel guilty using his to immediately get yourself something new.

Keep in mind things aren't people, and vehicles aren't meant to last forever. There are likely more durable and meaningful keepsakes unless that particular truck had done great significance in the relationship. Sounds like you have a tough choice between sentiment and practicality, and those aren't easy.

Sorry for your loss. That's a quandary between the 4wd with 50k more miles and the 2wd with less but Dad's. I'm not sure which way I would go. I've only ever had 2wd trucks, but looking to move to a 4wd now as there are a handful of times a year when I need it. I'm in the market for a truck also, so when you get ready to sell, I'd be interested to know what you choose to do and what you get for it. Also, please add me to the list if it is available?

tlh3842 said:

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From the emotional standpoint, I can see myself regretting getting rid of his. It also has less miles and has one less thing to worry about (4wd).

Seems like biggest drivers to keep mine are 4wd for the just in case on a slick boat ramp and it's a cleaner inside.

Just looking for other opinions or things I haven't considered. I really appreciate all the feedback so far.

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Does your 2013 Lariat have 4-auto? My 2015 does and I really like it in bad weather with cold, slick roads. Maybe another point to consider as the 2wd won't have this feature.

The cleanliness may be a deal breaker though. If I inherited my Dad's truck it would take about a week's worth of work to just clean the interior. Drives me nuts.

Sorry for your loss.

MouthBQ98 said:

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Keep in mind things aren't people, and vehicles aren't meant to last forever. There are likely more durable and meaningful keepsakes unless that particular truck had done great significance in the relationship. Sounds like you have a tough choice between sentiment and practicality, and those aren't easy.

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Sorry for your loss.

I will second this post. Made me think of Andrew Mellon (organizational author/coach) talking about keepsakes from loved ones. He doesn't say to get rid of everything but he used the analogy of keeping grandma's favorite vase/pitcher/whatever and then what happens when it breaks or becomes unusable if you have it as your centerpiece "memory of her". It just becomes an unreasonable burden you bring on yourself that will then pass on to your kids or other younger relatives as they will feel obliged to not lose the physical object as well. No right answer but just throwing that out.

I'd either keep the 4x4 or trade both in on a new truck.

My mom lost her brother and kept his truck for a few months. She didn't need it but loved driving it and smelling his cologne and seeing his items that he had left behind. I loved driving it for the same reason and almost bought it from her. She ended up selling the truck and splitting the money with her other 2 brothers. She cried a bit, but got over it.

My mother-in-law lost her dad. She took his 96 North Star caddy and drove it all of one time, from his house to hers. It has sat in the driveway now for 12 years and is an eyesore piece of junk. It's now worthless and she would still never consider selling it, even if someone were dumb enough to pay her for it.

I'm tempted to go along with what the one guy said above. Sell both, get something new, be appreciative that dad helped you buy one last nice new thing.

Really sorry for you loss.

Neither truck will last forever. I would sell dad's truck, and use some of the proceeds to buy a nice watch that could be passed to your kids or grandkids and that you could wear every day, and some to do something memorable that your family could enjoy.

Sorry for your loss man...