Do trucks make sense economically anymore?

If I was needing a truck now, I'd be more apt to just build online or order from my local dealer and go this route.

 

Just following up, found my original window sticker...

Just following up, found my original window sticker ...

 

And what’s that work out to in today’s dollars?

 

And there you go!

 

And I bet when he bought that truck everyone on the internet complained it was soooo much. (Insert sarcasm)

 

Yep, and by the way, the internet was in it's infancy stage back in the early 2000's. Don't recall anyone biaching (no feedback) except the Mrs.

 

Especially for what you get for the money!

 

I had a 2003 SUV with the same size engine (3.2L/V6) before buying my new truck.

Kids are adults and married now.

I bought a DCSB, TRD Sport because I do more street riding than Off-Road.

I also prefer an Automatic Transmission with an OTT Tune vs a manual.

Can’t believe in just 3 years the astronomical prices for 4th Gen.

It’s all about timing and 2021 was the year to do it!

 

I'm conflicted because on one hand, I see how trucks have not really changed much in the last 10 years aside from infotainment and some slight fuel economy increases, but on the other hand I eat up a lot of the automotive advertising gimmicks that are presented with stuff like new styling and creature comforts. The new TRD pro especially rings true with this because of their seats and good looking design. Trucks have just gotten so good now that one from 2014 has only gotten slight incremental updates throughout the years now. I would argue that a 2014 Tacoma would still give a good fight against a 2024 TRD Pro, if that 2014 Tacoma was outfitted with $3k of FOX suspension upgrades. Though it would probably need a supercharger to get close to the 2024's 320hp numbers.

I think if one was to try to to be economically minded with making a truck purchase nowadays, they would ultimately end up buying preowned to avoid the outrageous prices and the depreciation. Then they'd invest a couple thousand, of that money they're saving, on a modern stereo upgrade and new fluids/suspension components. (what I just did lol)

Otherwise, those that are comfortably able to, are living a nice life with their new 2024 Tacoma or F150 Raptor or whatever . Let's just hope more of us are able to get to that place in the coming years.

 

It seems having a truck is about conveying an image of how they wish to be percieved/see themselves for most people. And if they wanna spend the money then whos to stop them?

But no, for lots of people it doesnt really make economic sense when they pay people to do most of their household work, or could rent a truck cheaper the few times they actually have the need.

 

Well I picked up my truck today. And after putting about 400km driving it home. The manual is smoothe. I really like the seating position. Guage cluster takes a bit to set it the way you want it. The response is better than my 18 Pro mind you I have been very easy on it. Overall seems like a better truck only time will tell. But happy so far in the 400km I drove it.

 

For me, the image thing is “mute.”

It’s about what I want.

A rediculously large truck was not in my prevue.

 

You absolutely speak the truth here. It’s disgusting how many guys associate their truck with their masculinity. I own my truck because it’s a fun off road toy that lets me camp in cool places and has a side benefit of being able to move couches and stuff from time to time. It’s otherwise objectively a profoundly bad vehicle in many ways compared to others on the market.

For the vast majority of truck owners, a Maverick, Ridgeline, or Transit van would be a better vehicle. My primary vehicle is a CX-30 Turbo and it does everything else far better than the truck.

 

Same.

I mean I still looked/ researched. The Titan seemed like the most feasible ( for me), but a midsize will suit majority of my needs. T

 

Top of my skull, backup cameras are one big thing. Certainly not a huge cost per se but one thing that's been mandated in the past 10 yrs.

Re economics, either that or buy a totally stripped one (even that's going to be money of course). I myself would ideally have no sound system in something I buy, as I already have my own system to install.

I myself would probably go preowned, ideally low miles. Were it that I needed something now I'd really try to find another single cab 2WD but insure the appropriate frame stuff through Toyota had been done prior..otherwise, I'm not opposed to a 3G access cab either.

 

I'd drive a MBZ Sprinter 2500 AWD two seater with a bulkhead patrician and nothing else, but those are more expensive than a truck.

 

2014 has a backup cam. I think the first ones that were outfitted with one, were some 2009 Tacoma trims. I actually put one on my 2007 Tacoma recently (a $100 tailgate handle cam combo + a stereo headunit).

But I agree with your opinion on personally trying to keep costs down by buying a base-model or preowned.

 

Sr5 was the luxury package back then eh ?

 

I wish they would stop trying to make trucks look tough. Whenever it rains while I'm driving, I watch all the dead spots on the hood where water pools.

 

I sure as hell am not going to spend $50 on a new truck of any make. If and when I retire my 06 Tacoma I'm looking at a new 4Runner base model at low $40k. I don't need a lot of trick
bells and whistles that are going to break with age.