pickup truck size

[check]

Good for you, oosik! Just bought the wife a brand new Toyota 4runner for the same reason. We ain’t gettin’ any younger, so we are starting the splurge on things a bit.

For me, its a 2016 F150 XLT Supercrew with the 302a XTR package and the 5.0 V8, but only a 5.5 bed. Why the Supercrew? For the dog crate! (See the window sticker below - didn't pay anywhere near that much for it. Leased it for 2 years and then bought out the lease for $31k CDN, or about $23,000 US. And I could sell it for more than that today.) I do use it a lot as a truck. But I love the ride! And being able to call and answer the phone with just my voice and using the truck speakers is an amazing feature and much safer!

And BTW, next time it will be the Lariat!

 

[Cub 7275]

I would never be so arrogant as to tell anyone what truck they should or shouldn't have. If it's a good fit for you, then great.
I can say that today's trucks are more dependable, safer and so on but the emphasis on the cargo bed has disappeared and been replaced with more interior room and options.
They are simply not the same "trucks" from the 70's and 80's. Today's pickup trucks are an entirely different vehicle and therefore used in different ways.

And there is the rub. Imaging going in to a hardware store for a basic, inexpensive framing hammer, but all there is on the shelf are shock absorbing hammers or ones with ergonomically curved titanium handles or power hammers. The store owner says its because the successful yuppies are willing to pay big bucks for a fancy hammer, even if they wind up using it only once a year to hang a picture and the rest of the time its used as a fancy paperweight. The store owner loves it for the high profit margins, as do the hammer manufacturers. The guy who wants a basic framing hammer is the loser. That is what’s happened to pickups over the decades. So it’s a bit understandable that those who remember the days when vehicles were spartan (and affordable), and who actually use pickups for their original purpose, will lament about those who don’t, but drive the prices up for everyone else with their lust for over the top luxury and their willingness to pay astronomical prices to get it.

Occasionally I get a ride in some of these brand new behemoths which are destined for the crusher. On one hand the waste is discouraging, on the other hand it is a fitting end to these rolling computer network abominations on wheels. Every crushed truck adds to the development costs, which get passed on us consumers. More gee wiz crap means higher testing and development costs. And the TCO keeps climbing higher because simple things, like alignments and windshield replacements, now skyrocket in price due to sensors and calibration labor. Thats progress I guess.

Hey you kids, get off my lawn!

 

[Number15]

I think this thread needs more cheese.

 

[ArlyA]

We love our mid sized 2019 Ranger, in fact, we like it so much we'll look at other F products when our Honda needs replacement. Its review and chat about the new rangers is here.

 

[goeduck]

I think this thread needs more cheese.

My dog just cut the cheese. Or are you talking about the dairy product?

 

[3930dave]

And there is the rub. Imaging going in to a hardware store for a basic, inexpensive framing hammer,

Hey you kids, get off my lawn!

Hammer analogy.

Nailed it.

Rgds, D.

 

[jjeff]

Was it a Toyota 4Runner?

Honda pilot

 

[Gee Ray]

Look at a Jeep. How many jeeps made with a solid front end, leaf springs, 4 wheel disc brakes, and the ability to turn a hose on the inside to clean it out could you sell.

No you must buy $50000 plus for IFS, a/c, and enough electronics to drive an engineer crazy.

If this was street legal here: Mahindra Roxor. Cheaper simple to work on and looks like fun to me.

 

[goeduck]

Yugo first.

 

[shepardkubota]

I've often wondered in recent years how is it that American (& foreign) full size pick up trucks have become so large, luxury laden, and overwhelmingly expensive almost requiring a 2nd mortgage to purchase. (i'm not talking about those who make a living from their pickups, just everyday owners who cruise the country, malls, & trips to Lowes...)

What is your take? this is observation only, we all have our preferences. I'm talking sheer size & price. I travel narrow dirt roads almost daily, & drive very defensively around blind curves knowing most current pickups almost aggressively consume 2/3 or more of the road while insulated with power & luxury. That's ok, but puts me at risk. Most of the time i just pull off to the side...

So has it been the result of 1) modern owners actually needing all if it? 2) or is it Americans love affair with bigger, better, & more technology laden? I also note that the size of the payload bed continues to shrink all the while. (some 4 full size door models can't even carry a sheet of ply)
Personally i feel both are true: we now use pickups for in a wider range of activities, & want having it packed into one large size. But dang, the price & size
Hey, just as a simple metaphor to compare: look at the vat sized drink tumblers now served @ fast foods. do we really need it?

On the flip side, i've also noticed that especially since '08 crash, Detroit has done an outstanding job of producing more fuel efficient & modest sized passenger vehicles...strange. So tell me about the big pickup truck size craze. Again, not dumping, just observing.
Apologize in advance if this seems like an inane post, but i'm blown away every day of what the full size pickup has now become. best regards

You need to view cars as an asset class similar to homes.. You have basic homes and mansions. Not everyone wants or can afford a mansion. There are a finite number of both and that drives the value and the rate of depreciation.. Now with online car stores one can compare if it is worth going to Florida to pick up a vehicle in Florida and save $2k? For some it is. For others,, not so much.. The rapid decline of the sedan that was replaced by SUV's are trends and the desire for big trucks is just an outgrowth from SUV popularity. And if u look further,, there are work trucks and then there are sport trucks.. Each with its own options.