Just can't get a good basic truck, like the old days!

[Torvy]

I wonder how much these numbers are affected by the very thing we're gauging, car prices. You've probably noticed that most inflation calculators want to know the amount to which they're applying the inflation, and that they do not inflate all amounts by the same percentage.

If that is what they are doing, they aren't really inflation calculators.

Inflation is officially measured by using the Consumer Price Index. The CPI uses a "market basket" of various goods and compares their prices over time.

There are many flaws in the system, one being that it doesn't account for improvements in quality or technology. Illustration: say in year 1 there is a GE clock radio for $10. In year 2, the clock radio is $11. 10% "inflation", right? Well, the year 2 radio added snooze, a sleep function and digital rather than 'flip' digits. The newer product is more valuable because it is better, not just because of inflation. Unfortunately, there isn't really a good way to quantify how much better the newer products have become. We all also know of cases where the older product is arguably better than the newer (2014 vs 2013 tractors?). Some changes really are in the eye of the beholder.

Short story long, if they are really inflation calculators, they are simply applying the cumulative CPI change over the range of time. The amount doesn't matter, thus $100 with 10% over time gets to $110. $1000 over the same time yields $1100.

 

[paulsharvey]

Often official numbers deduct energy and food, as they are volatile commodities, but thats 25-50% of normal folks budget.

Kinda curious on this K truck new import stuff. Dont know much about it, but the absolute base Suzuki Carry is $7500, but often optioned up to $12.5k. Honestly, as attractive as $7.5k is; id still buy up AC, automatic, 4x4, and possibly dump bed. Looks like 62 mph (100 kph) or 75 mph (120 kph) top speed depending on config. Honestly, even the 62mph is fine. Never would want it as a primary, daily, but at even $12.5k,


Edit: As im was typing, and ran payments on 12,500 at 7.5% for 36 months; I kinda realized, $388/month, plus atleast another $150 in added insurance; in reality, i would not be a customer

 

[ultrarunner]

$39,000 in 2004 has the same buying power as approximately $66,900 to $67,000 in today's (late 2025) dollars, due to inflation

Soon we will all be millionaires…

 

[WinterDeere]

If that is what they are doing, they aren't really inflation calculators.

Inflation is officially measured by using the Consumer Price Index. The CPI uses a "market basket" of various goods and compares their prices over time.

CPI is not how "inflation is officially measured". The CPI is just one of several indexes usually used in a weighted system that also includes PCEPI, PPI, and ECI, when calculating inflation by most conventions. I think the GDP deflation index even comes into play, in some calculations for inflation.

But that's aside from my point, which is that CPI includes automobile pricing among other things, and so it still creates a circular loop when using it to look at how a car at today's price compares to the past. You would really want to look at some ratio of CPI vs. ECI, to have any valid comparison.

Short story long, if they are really inflation calculators, they are simply applying the cumulative CPI change over the range of time. The amount doesn't matter, thus $100 with 10% over time gets to $110. $1000 over the same time yields $1100.

I'm sure some do this, and call it "inflation". But unless someone specifically states the index they're citing, e.g. "CPI", you can assume that most respectable sources are using a weighted average of the indexes I named above.

 

[Torvy]

I'll believe you about engineering, if you believe me about economics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the official arbiter of inflation and they use CPI. That's why I specifically said official.

Do I think CPI is the best way? No. However, wishes and dreams don't change that reality.

 

[Torvy]

CPI Inflation Calculator

 

[Oaktree]

There are many flaws in the system, one being that it doesn't account for improvements in quality or technology. Illustration: say in year 1 there is a GE clock radio for $10. In year 2, the clock radio is $11. 10% "inflation", right? Well, the year 2 radio added snooze, a sleep function and digital rather than 'flip' digits. The newer product is more valuable because it is better, not just because of inflation. Unfortunately, there isn't really a good way to quantify how much better the newer products have become.

Nowhere is that more true than with electronics. You can get a modern 42" flatscreen tv for about the same dollar amount that would buy a 17" CRT tv 40 years ago, and that's without even taking inflation into account. Yes, serviceability was lost along the way...there was a chance the 13" tv could be repaired, the modern tv probably not (even if you could get the proprietary parts). But you get a much better (and larger) picture with the modern tv, and it will probably last just as long and use less electricity.

$39,000 in 2004 has the same buying power as approximately $66,900 to $67,000 in today's (late 2025) dollars, due to inflation

I have no experience with diesel heavy duty trucks, and how new vs old compare but when you take inflation into account, there's less of a price difference than it looks on the surface.
I don't know that vehicle reliability has changed all that much either way in the past 20 or so years, despite the increased complication. More bells and whistles to be sure, and harder for the owner to repair too.

 

[3930dave]

Often official numbers deduct energy and food, as they are volatile commodities, but thats 25-50% of normal folks budget.

I always liked that ^ one .

To quote a Bay Street analyst "Ex-Food and Energy ? Who does that matter to, other than an anorexic pedestrian ?".

Rgds, D.

 

[Hay Dude]

I have no experience with diesel heavy duty trucks, and how new vs old compare but when you take inflation into account, there's less of a price difference than it looks on the surface.
I don't know that vehicle reliability has changed all that much either way in the past 20 or so years, despite the increased complication. More bells and whistles to be sure, and harder for the owner to repair too.

Yeah and let’s also be fair and recognize that warranties are longer now, too. My Ram came with a 5 year 100K mile warranty on the entire powertrain, not just the engine.
Now Ram has a 10 year 100K mile warranty on the entire powertrain.

I would also add that HP/TQ numbers usually increase along with fuel milage and amenities.

Some things do actually get better

 

[Sawyer Rob]

My neighbor just bought a NEW half ton Silverado WT, (work truck) single cab, 8' box.

It has just enough options to be comfortable to drive, but not loaded up with options, just like mine,

Have I mentioned how much I love my air bags??

SR