Yes, all of the Northstars were oil burners. That, among other reasons, were why they were 8 quart engines.  The other reason was they could run without coolant in limp home mode, but needed the extra oil reserve to do so. 

Is anything else on your radar @balthazar? It does seem like you're steering towards the lower end of the budget for this one... an $8999 Cruze?  You're almost better off getting one of those $99 down $99 a month 36 month leases for a brand new one. Even if he did go over the mileage by 21k miles (so, 51k miles in 3 years), you'd still be under the $8999 total cost. 

You know; I'm old school (duh) and never quite saw the logic in leasing. I mean, I spent wholesale (paid cash) to buy my 2500HD when it was 2 years old. I've been driving it 11 years now, put 127K miles on it. In my case, I HAVE to be ahead financially... but I understand most people don't keep vehicles that long/ many miles.

Was talking to a buddy I only see a few times a year- he's in a brand new Sierra EC/SB 4X4 and he started telling me why he leases- I think this was his 3rd in a row. I don't remember everything he said (he's not the best communicator) but for the first time I saw the potential. He keeps his vehicle immaculate in & out and goes with the same dealer- they 'treat him good' WRT the numbers because they know what they're getting back from him.

If it makes financial sense, I'm down with it. Never looked into it before, still not sure how it all works.

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Got clarified info from my son today; he doesn't NEED a car until May... so the pressure is off right now. I think we are going to still try and shop pre-emptively and pick something up sometime in the spring (unless something amazing shows up).

In your case @balthazar it might be a fairly substantial tax deduction for you to lease, depending on how your business is structured. I'm not an accountant, but you may want to talk to one.

Will look @ it. Already deduct mileage on the 2500HD, not sure I can justify the business owning a 2nd vehicle with no employees. Maybe swap them...

Oh, no. I meant for you to lease a new truck. You couldn't deduct a Cruze lease for your son legally.

B-but the 2500HD is just barely broken in! Replace it already??
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For fun, I built an '18 Silverado 1500 CC/SB - MSRP was $50565. 3-yr lease would be about $260/mn w/ trade-in. That's about where I'd want to be...

Edited October 6, 20178 yr by balthazar