Do trucks make sense economically anymore?

High prices are the new norm, unfortunately. Taking me some time to adjust mentally, too. I purchased my 2020 TRD OR DCLB during COVID (APR 2020) for $35,200 after TTT. Feel like that (along with my home refi at 2.25% APR) were winning the lottery compared to today. Toyed with the idea of going PHEV for fuel savings, as mine is 85% grocery getter, but it's not worth it. It'll be paid off later this year anyway.

 

I recently had a chance to look at a "restored" '65 Ford contractors truck (panels beat out and fresh paint). It wasn't air conditioned and had seat cover and a new(er) rubber floor cover. Three speed stick with a 9" rear (standard equip). Nothing on it that I can't fix out of my own toolbox. In AZ, they don't rust away. Had real steel bumpers painted white. Should have bought it.

 

Not to mention today’s “mid-sized” pickups are the equivalent of full-size in the 90s.

 

The 4g taco has a higher tow rating than my dad’s old v8 f-250 high boy

 

Yes, if you ignore improvements in capability, tech, efficiency and comfort while also ignoring inflation, it can seem that way. Like it or not, the market spoke. But you can still get an SR for the same inflation adjusted price as your truck.

 

It is. 'well over 6 figures'. Entirely someone who wants to subconsciously stoke their ego.

 

In 1985 I bought this truck. Drove it off the lot for $10,700. It was a basic truck with the 4.9L I6 engine, 4 speed, roll up windows, and rubber floor mats. The only option was AC.



In 2024 a $45,000 truck is a much better value, even at $60K you get more for your money. For one thing I'm making a lot more than 4.5X as much money. This truck was pretty well used up by 150,000 miles. A new truck will last twice that long, have a much better automatic transmission and have a crew cab that will seat 4-6.

This "85 was rated to tow 2500 lbs. Most new 1/2 tons will tow at least 8000, some 10,000+. Even with more power a new truck will cost you less on fuel and maintenance.

 

Clowns to the left of me
Jokers to the right
Here I am stuck in the middle with you

to Stealers Wheel, 1973

 

My first car was a '68 c10 stepside 6cyl 4x2, cost me $459 and had 43000 mi on it. I guess you could still work all summer and get a car like I did(cash) but the new ones are crazy for a P/U. Vans were cheap too until the van thing caught on in the "70's with the shag carpet and mirrors and stuff. lol

 

I was talking to a friend, who is a business owner and fleet buyer and he says that the lifestyle market has killed the consumer pick up market.

For now he has switched over to buying Ford and Mercedes vans, which haven’t been hit by the price gouging… yet, but he’s worried if the Van Life morons start driving up the prices of those too. Most appear to be unemployed and smelly, so that doesn’t seem to be a concern for now.

 

Ask any Canadian if they would trade in their health insurance for the system we have here in the states... Go ahead, I'll wait.
I can save you the time. 99 of 100 would look at you like you were insane. Yeah, you may have a two month wait for a well visit (I just made a well visit for our daughter with a one month wait, and we have top notch insurance), and a 6 month wait for elective surgery, but get a broken leg and have to go to ER in an ambulance, and your bill will be about lunch for two in a decent restaurant.
*every* country with public health care pays less for insurance overall than Americans so, they have better health overall, better mental health, dental, visual, the works, then we do, for less total cost. And, if they lose their job because of a recession? Healthcare covered. Bad turn of luck in life? Healthcare covered.
Yeah, give me Canada any day.

 

Nice. Very nice.

 

here’s the thing. I run a finance dept. for a plant outside of Sacramento CA. Rural area.


Our drivers get 30/hr. The line workers get from 17/hr to 27/hr. The operating manager gets 100k.

mid size trucks were originally for people in this demographic, right? The individuals who have jobs like this.

who the hell can afford a mid size truck making 30/hr? That’s nearly 100% of the individuals annual income.

 

You’re supposed to take a 90 month car mortgage at 14% APR.

I live in a neighborhood where people constantly illegally park at the narrow entrance street and block access for delivery trucks and city vehicles and the tow company we use to move the cars out of the way says they’re too busy repossessing shit to come out for service calls in less than an hour.

 

If you have a 5 foot bed, you don't need a truck. There, I said what needs to be said.

If you drive with yellow lights on a clear day, you're a posing asshole. There I said what needs to be said again.

 

Im in for the fall. The car market is poised for shock. You can already see huge discounts on many makes and models. I'm seeing 8k off on Tundras in some areas seemingly because they cant move them. Shit has gotten too expensive and average Joe is thinking to himself, "yeah, i dont need a new vehicle that bad". Crazy worker pay deals, regulation, and inflation will continue to drive up prices, but I think they're finding that people will only pay so much for transportation.

 

Ground clearance and 4x4 to handle the snow that is a fact of life 3-6 months of the year. Similar snow capability as the 4Runner at a lower price. The ability to move furniture. The option to tow if I choose to. The ability to mount my RTT lower to the ground for little to no impact on MPGs.

Those are the practical ones. For the impractical/preferential stuff; Looks and colors that I like. Huge aftermarket support to customize it should I choose to do so.

 

No one is forcing anyone to buy these trucks. Manufacturers know these are all the rage and have provided people with what they think they want. Sales speak for themselves.

 

Been a nurse in IL and now AL in a govt role, I make as much as my NP wife as I’m salaried and significantly more than region average. And certainly higher than many. I have OR nurse friends in CA, no one is making $300k.