Fancy Trucks

[Jagmandave]

I think Gene has it, people don't just use their trucks for work anymore, they often are the main vehicle instead of a car, and when you're driving it every day, well people like their creature comforts. As long as it doesn't detract from the usefulness of the truck, what's the harm?

There is a place for both the "work" truck and the "luxury" truck in the greater scheme of things, I think. This is mine....

 

[deerefan]

I knew my fellow TBNers would have good answers. I find it interesting sometimes to see how people think when it comes to "wants" over "needs." Trust me, I WANT an F250 Fx4 decked out, but the simple side of me knows I dont need it. Like a previous poster said, "Enjoy life....never saw a hearse w/ a trailer hitch..." I do agree with that. Definitely live life to the fullest b/c not one second is guaranteed. Please keep the replies coming. Again, I am not looking to stir anything up here, just looking for some good opinions and discussion. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif By the way, the pics here of the trucks shown were nice, especially the stretch limo ford.

 

[Highbeam]

I still drive my half ton chevy with 138000 miles on it and it has depreciated down into the 4 digits. The only things that I think are a really important options are power locks and windows. When I was buying, I bought used of course, the optioned out trucks were not much more than the basic ones and a whole lot more pleasurable to drive. High bang for buck.

 

[ronjhall]

I still like the fancy truck stuff. Bought a new truck every 2 years. Each one with more options than the last. But now that I'm retired I have decided to buy someone else's stuff. Last buy was a 2003 van with as many feature as they put on it.
Heated seats has got to be one of the best fancy extras that they started putting on vehicles other than a Cadillac. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Bird]

Until I moved back to town 3 years ago, I had an '81 F250 that I had bought about 5 years earlier for $2,800 because I occasionally needed something to pull a trailer, and I needed something to drive in pastures and fields. It had power windows, automatic transmission, and air-conditioning and they all worked. It also had cruise control that didn't work and I never figured out why. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif But for most of our running around, we had a Ford Escort that got good gas mileage. When we moved back to town, my wife wanted something bigger than the Escort for when we take our daughters, grandson, etc. with us and because she felt safer in traffic. OK, I traded the Escort for a used 2001 Windstar SE Sport minivan. A year ago, I bought myself a used 2001 Ford Ranger 'cause a fellow needs a pickup occasionally to haul something. And what happens? My wife hasn't driven the Windstar in the past year; she always takes the Ranger (better visibility), so I drive the Windstar. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[froggy]

Check out this one: international

 

[ScottAR]

My philosophy is simple, if one wants a fancy truck, get one...

I drive an XL series Ford as I get fairly dirty fairly often in our rental business. I rather like I can clean the inside easily without drama.

My only gripe is that it's hard to find a used truck without so many options. I have found it's easier to find them in the commerical truck trader as opposed to the "regular" truck trader.

 

[George2615]

After reading the various replies I realized something. 35 years ago you could buy a brand spankin new loaded pickup for about $4500 compared to $40-45K today. WOW! Thats over 800% increase. I must have gotten lost or fell asleep along the way since I don't recall my pay increasing with the same proportion. Oh wait, I'm not a big CEO so I didn't deserve an 800% pay increase. I chose the wrong occupational field. IMHO I think this is what is leading to the upcoming truck plant closures. A little off the topic but its my .02 cents worth of venting.

 

[Bird]

I'd say you're not far off with that $4,500 for a truck 35 years ago. I bought a brand new 1971 3/4 ton Chevy, power brakes & steering, air-conditioned, 350 4bbl V-8 (but only an AM radio, no power windows, power mirrors, or door locks) with a 10.5' slide-in over cab self-contained camper for $5,700. They figured $3,800 for the truck and $1,900 for the camper at the time.

 

[George2615]

I worked for a few different dealers back then as a mechanic. That's the prices they were. $4000-4500 fully loaded. And that price was about a third of my annual salary. I don't know how the younger generation can afford a vehicle at todays prices. Even cars cost more than most kids make in 2 years. But I also remember when a family only needed a single wage earner to survive. Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack this thread. Just hate to see the economy going the way it is. I'll save the rest for another thread.