New $10,000 Toyota pickup

[WinterDeere]

pfffffffft. Real Men® don't use heated steering wheels... Gotten kind of spoiled by power windows & automatic transmission.

See, we're all different. I am not exaggerating when I say I'd pay an extra $5k to "downgrade" back to a manual transmission. If there's one thing I despise more than all others, it is an automatic transmission. I kept my prior truck longer than I should have, simply because it was the last of the manual transmissions.

But I sure do appreciate a heated steering wheel on a cold morning in January.

 

[Rockbadchild]

As for me I agree with a lot that have been said... I like to have a key you have to put in the switch and turn, I like power window, power mirror and power steering and a back up camera although I can live without them... and ho real knobs that you can feel and turn, none of these touch screen BS ... no electric power steering or gas pedal or break pedal ether I want too feel what the wheels are doing. The rest I don't care, like cruise, power seat, heated stuff even stereo and 360 cameras, voice assist self this and that I've never owned and hop will never own.

If you want safe roads none of this sh!% is required just make all vehicle standard and the roads would be a lot safer...

 

[jyoutz]

See, we're all different. I am not exaggerating when I say I'd pay an extra $5k to "downgrade" back to a manual transmission. If there's one thing I despise more than all others, it is an automatic transmission. I kept my prior truck longer than I should have, simply because it was the last of the manual transmissions.

Fuel economy standards killed manual transmissions. The newer 6-10 speed automatic transmissions are much more fuel efficient than a 4 or 5 speed manual.

 

[WinterDeere]

Fuel economy standards killed manual transmissions. The newer 6-10 speed automatic transmissions are much more fuel efficient than a 4 or 5 speed manual.

I believe that was part of it, but maybe not the greatest part. I think it was actually the cost of testing manual transmissions to new efficiency and safety standards, that was the biggest nail in that coffin. Not only did it require duplicate testing, but I think the cost of testing a manual is actually higher. Combine that with lower demand, and it becomes an unattractive option for manufacturers.

 

[CliffordK]

Now I wish it had the power-folding trailer tow mirrors for those times when the road is narrow and I don’t want to smash a trailer towing mirror lol

For the most part I'm happy enough towing with the stock RAM mirrors, although I'm mostly towing a flatbed, 7' wide bed, 8'6" wheels.

I did try towing my nephew's travel trailer recently. My stock mirrors are just barely wide enough to peek around it, but it was annoying to back up by mirror. The thing is much different to tow than the flatbed!!!

RAM has a fold up, fold out mirror that appear to work well. I may try putting some on my 1500 for the next time I have to tow the nephew's travel trailer. It shouldn't be too hard to swap out, I would hope.

 

[jyoutz]

Around 2000, one could still buy a new Ford Ranger for $9,995, I think. Then Ford decided to stop making the pickup.

There have been smaller pickups from time to time. The VW Caddy, Chevy Luv, Ford Courier, Subaru Brat, etc. However, most of those have been gone since the mid 1980's in the USA, but many have endured very long production lives in other places around the world.

My old Ford Ranger was pretty basic. I don't remember the exact year. Maybe 89. I bought it used in the around 2000. Little 4 cylinder engine, 4 or 5 speed manual transmission, vinyl floor, no AC. I think it even had window cranks. Yet, it was quite a little work horse. It was OK with no AC in Oregon, except I promptly drove it to the Midwest.

I still like to roll down the windows a bit while driving. However, the modern electronic world makes talking on the phone much more difficult with the windows down. And, the old Ranger got sweltering hot with the windows up while trying to talk on the phone.

AC is also nice for dirt road driving. The positive pressure keeps dust out of the cab.

 

[Rockbadchild]

I believe that was part of it, but maybe not the greatest part. I think it was actually the cost of testing manual transmissions to new efficiency and safety standards, that was the biggest nail in that coffin. Not only did it require duplicate testing, but I think the cost of testing a manual is actually higher. Combine that with lower demand, and it becomes an unattractive option for manufacturers.

It is probably true but you go in Europe (relatively same strict safety testing) and most models are available in standard, even if you go at a dealer and ask them to get one from Europe for you they can't probably because like you said it wasn't tested but you can order one and do it by yourself for a arm and a leg... at some point manual transmission simply stop selling, if that wouldn't be the case they would still be available dealers stop ordering some because they stay with them, after many years of no interests they stop providing it for North America, but only cross the border to Mexico and its all standard.

 

[jyoutz]

They were about 3-4K less than a comparable Chevy S10 or Ranger!

In 1983 I bought my first vehicle as a teenager, a brand new Toyota longbed, 2WD 5 spd "deluxe" pickup for $5500, The Ranger and S10 were both around 9500 at multiple dealers.

A few months later, I took it back to the dealer and had A/C installed for $600.00 (None came factory with A/C the were only dealer installed).

That Toyota managed 28-30mpg on average on country roads and highway. On a long highway drive it got 33mpg.
My Dad ended up driving it more and I drove the 4/4 ton to feed cattle.

The big cult appeal of those older Toyota 4x4 trucks was their solid front axles. Terrible for ride quality, but good for off road rock climbing. The people who like those things made them a cult classic (along with the older Jeep Cherokees).

 

[Bearsixty7]

The big cult appeal of those older Toyota 4x4 trucks was their solid front axles. Terrible for ride quality, but good for off road rock climbing. The people who like those things made them a cult classic (along with the older Jeep Cherokees).

Same goes for the fullsize trucks today, Many people avoid GM and their independent front axle while Ford and Ram still have solid front axles.
I'm in that camp as well, The GM axles just don't hold up to larger, aggressive tires and agriculture/construction use.

 

[jjeff]

Imo using a cell phone when driving a stick killed the desirability of manual transmissions for mine and younger generations. When the time comes I hope to teach my kids learn to drive a 5 speed. Despite objections of those close to me. As long as it runs pretty good, stops safely and has airbags.