Trading trucks

Enroute to the race in Washington, our truck overheated on the freeway and we discovered we were low on coolant.  Unfortunately, the problem didn't subside with additional coolant, and by the time we reached our destination the truck was intermittently spitting white smoke.  By that evening, after several more miles driven around the city, smoke was boiling out the exhaust pipe and we were certain the truck wouldn't start in the morning.

Frustration and concern set in as we debated how to solve the problem.

Should we try to limp it home?  Probably not a wise option since the truck was hauling a very heavy, very long, and very loaded racing trailer plus five kids and a wife.  Being stranded in the middle of the eastern Washington wheat and windmill fields didn't sound like something we wanted to face.

Should we have the truck and trailer towed home so we could fix the truck at the shop?  An expensive option, but conceivable since we have the capabilities to fix it on our own with little overhead.  But how to get the whole family home?

Should we trade it in and purchase something brand new?  A brand new vehicle offers no worries, no problems, a new warranty, and low financing.  But it also offers a nice fat purchase price. 

Should we trade it in and purchase something used?  Buying something used could present it's own problems, if the truck doesn't live up to what is promised by the dealership.  But, if the price is right, this option could be the least painful.

After a pow-wow with the other people in our party over dinner, some quick research on smart phones, and a few calls to local dealerships, by morning we had a plan.  While the other guys got started racing at the track, Jason spent the morning test driving a used truck brought over by a dealership.  When all was said and done, they offered a reasonable trade-in value for our damaged truck, towed it away, and took our money for the new one.  So, we said good-bye to one white truck and hello to another.

A sigh of relief was breathed by all and we were able to focus on the real reason we came to Spokane--to race!