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

   / Just can't get a good basic truck, like the old days! #211  
Maybe some of you who like simple stripped trucks might like the Mahinda Roxor
 
   / Just can't get a good basic truck, like the old days! #212  
At this point - who cares? Theyre saving us from,,, what?
I don’t want my vehicle impounded or worse…

My state has made it clear nothing is changing…

Even Jay Leno’s common sense bill in Sacramento received no traction…
 
   / Just can't get a good basic truck, like the old days! #213  
Maybe some of you who like simple stripped trucks might like the Mahinda Roxor
They're generally not street registerable. They are licensed thru Jeep, and registered as a side-by-side in most of the US.

Might as well get a base model Jeep
 
   / Just can't get a good basic truck, like the old days! #214  
So, I break this "demand" for a stripped down, below base vehicles into a couple categories
1) people who "remember" how awesome/bullet proof their 318 D150/4.9L Ford/whatever was; this is Almost entirely a myth. They were less powerful, less reliable, and less "bulletproof" than memories retell it; kinda like the 8 point, er 10 point, 14 point, that you shot at 1300 yards... or that 18 lbs bass, that grows everytime the story is told. Drive a Ford 358 F250 with a service body, and tell me how that engine was So powerful and efficient again....
2) Cost; ok fair point; but really, play with the build tools, and you will see you get More for Less than the inflation numbers from your 1986 GMC
3) Actually want less intrusive BS; I Somewhat feel that, but most of that is gov regulated, and you are stuck with it. Many of the "luxary" features are things we really do want; AC, cruise control, FM radio,
4) Repairs; even oil changes most people hire done; let alone repairs; You "think" a clutch job is a $250 repair, and are dumb founded to get a $1500 bill. Yes, a window regulator is going to cost $250; $80 in parts and an hour of labor, thats life. O2 Sensor, yep, thats $400; It's not that the new vehicles repairs are Worse, its that our minds are stuck in 1995 USD. It's Not that most repairs can't still be done on a driveway, its that 95% dont Want too.
 
   / Just can't get a good basic truck, like the old days! #215  
   / Just can't get a good basic truck, like the old days! #216  
This truck was $34,500 in 1999 per the door sticker still in the glovebox. And it was sold as a cab and chassis with the flatbed cost not included. I bet adjusted for inflation you could still buy a lower trim package dually for that price. I know you could if you took out the government mandated emissions equipment.
IMG_6406.JPG
 
   / Just can't get a good basic truck, like the old days! #217  
1986 F150, 4.9L, was 115hp, and 230 ft/lbs; who all is really signing up for a single vinyl bench, no AC, AM radio, stick, crank windows, ect; at $25,000 in 2025 USD? New, in 1986, thats $8,800.

Add to that, who's replacing fuel filters at 15,000 miles, retorquing transmission bands; servicing tranny at 30k; full tune up at 60k.

All that, with a max of 16 mpg highway; 13 in town?

Some high points; that truck is Below entry point of any F150 now; and did have good tow numbers at 7100 lbs.

Let's say we magically bring this truck out today; you're likely dropping a $2500 PM service every 2nd year; spending roughly $3,333/year on fuel. So, did we save anything, or gain anything?
Screenshot_20250902_211218_Google.jpg
 
   / Just can't get a good basic truck, like the old days! #218  
This truck was $34,500 in 1999 per the door sticker still in the glovebox. And it was sold as a cab and chassis with the flatbed cost not included. I bet adjusted for inflation you could still buy a lower trim package dually for that price. I know you could if you took out the government mandated emissions equipment. View attachment 4014553
Without knowing your trucks specs; Ford build tools, 2025; powerstroke, 4x4, crew cab, no bed delete; im at $67k. We have an automatic, power windows, radio, AC, ect

So, 34.5k in 1999 is $62,755 in 2025 USD.
 
   / Just can't get a good basic truck, like the old days! #219  
Without knowing your trucks specs; Ford build tools, 2025; powerstroke, 4x4, crew cab, no bed delete; im at $67k. We have an automatic, power windows, radio, AC, ect

So, 34.5k in 1999 is $62,755 in 2025 USD.

You’re pretty close to the specs. That truck has power windows and power locks but that’s about the only luxury features. It’s a stick shift, vinyl flooring, powerstroke. And I think those online inflation calculators typically undervalue inflation. The vast majority of anything cost way more than inflation would suggest since 1999. I think 67k for a more complicated, more powerful version of the same truck that was 34,500 in 1999 is a pretty good deal.
 
   / Just can't get a good basic truck, like the old days! #220  
I don’t want my vehicle impounded or worse…

My state has made it clear nothing is changing…

Even Jay Leno’s common sense bill in Sacramento received no traction…
I wasn't aware that these "inspections" were still a thing. You have my sympathy for your states misguided priorities
 

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