Uber expensive pickups...how much of a trend ?

4x4ord wrote:

Fordlover wrote:

the bear II wrote:
Pickups are getting scary expensive...

In 1973 I ordered a 1974 model Dodge 1500 4X4 from the factory. I ordered the base model no radio, rubber floor mats, no A/C it was as stripped as possible. The cost out the door was $3800. It wouldn't surprise me if a 2018 equivalent would be over $25,000.

Using an online inflation calculator and inputting your info:

$3,800 in 1973 equals $21,586.86 in 2017.

Considering the advancement of modern vehicles over that 1973 truck, I think 25000 for a new work truck isn't too bad. Of course that new work truck might be closer to 30,000.

Probably a fully loaded 1 ton dually from 1973 wouldn't be as capable or anywhere near as nice to drive as a base model present day 1/2 ton.

I second that. We know that it did not have antilock brakes, airbags, was noisy and rough riding, pretty much a farm truck that gave horrible fuel economy while not producing much power. While there are still some old ones around in general they didn't go much further than 100,000 miles before rusting out and generally falling apart. The new trucks are a much better value. Competition is great for consumers.

Fordlover wrote:

the bear II wrote:
Pickups are getting scary expensive...

In 1973 I ordered a 1974 model Dodge 1500 4X4 from the factory. I ordered the base model no radio, rubber floor mats, no A/C it was as stripped as possible. The cost out the door was $3800. It wouldn't surprise me if a 2018 equivalent would be over $25,000.

Using an online inflation calculator and inputting your info:

$3,800 in 1973 equals $21,586.86 in 2017.

Considering the advancement of modern vehicles over that 1973 truck, I think 25000 for a new work truck isn't too bad. Of course that new work truck might be closer to 30,000.

Probably a fully loaded 1 ton dually from 1973 wouldn't be as capable or anywhere near as nice to drive as a base model present day 1/2 ton.

the bear II wrote:
Pickups are getting scary expensive...

In 1973 I ordered a 1974 model Dodge 1500 4X4 from the factory. I ordered the base model no radio, rubber floor mats, no A/C it was as stripped as possible. The cost out the door was $3800. It wouldn't surprise me if a 2018 equivalent would be over $25,000.

Using an online inflation calculator and inputting your info:

$3,800 in 1973 equals $21,586.86 in 2017.

Considering the advancement of modern vehicles over that 1973 truck, I think 25000 for a new work truck isn't too bad. Of course that new work truck might be closer to 30,000.

In my case, I like to pay cash for stuff that turns into junk such as cars, trucks and RVs. I am fortunate enough to be in a position where I can borrow money to buy "stuff" that is more likely to appreciate in value such as land.

4x4ord wrote:

JAC1982 wrote:


We traded that in for the dually when we decided to upgrade the trailer and they gave us more than what we owed on it even though we only had it a year. In our area at least, trucks hold their value relatively well.

By the sounds of where you're at in life I fully believe that you can afford to drive nice vehicles. However, I remember years ago my BIL telling me what his 2 year old truck was worth...then with a hint of pride he told me that was a little more than what he owed on it. I remember thinking "so you're telling me you have nothing. What's the big deal?" At that time I couldn't believe that someone would borrow money to buy a vehicle. These days it seems many people are borrowing money to buy cars, trucks, RV's, motorcycles....boats, TVs, furniture, appliances...

With interest rates at practically zero, why wouldn't you finance them and then invest your cash in something that will give an actual return?

I tried to build a base model pick-up and it was still way too much money.
The top line is only about double the base model + tow packages.
About the same as it has been the last two decades...

I like to read posts where people say.....you don't need this or that, just get plastic seats and rubber floor.


well just think about the rest of the stuff you own....do you really " need " it....no

you don't need a TV, do you own a TV, how big is it, is it a flat screen.


you can live in a cave or sticks and tin hut, many people all over the world do.

you don't need a camper.

you done need a big truck, or a car at all for that matter.

all you really need is water every couple days and food every 6-7 days.



people buy what makes them happy if they can, why does it matter what other people do or buy so much, live your life and let others live there life.


holy cow people.

It used to be, back in the old days that a customer could factory order a vehicle with individual options, rather than always having to select a 'package' . You want the 325 hp/396 ? It comes with the 3 on the tree manual transmission...or order either the THM 400 transmission or 4 speed Muncie manual trans...the last two, optional at extra cost.

You could keep the cost down...then... and not have to take (at extra cost) automatic exhaust valve rotaters which...nowadays... would be a mandatory option with the 396 engine package. :)

Now, oft times a package has a number of options bundled together and within the bundle of the package are often items that the purchaser doesn't want and doesn't want to pay for.

I understand that packaging bundles are easier for the manufacturers' assembly lines and also need I add...more profitable.

Nowadays...if you want cruise control, than sir you'll need to select our super deluxe # 2 package...which includes arctic floor mats, twin am/fm radio antennas that have a particular flair and reverse slant that many of our customers wish, embossed first owner's initials on the dash (dealer installed) and brushed titanium curb feelers/ automatic curb side, parking mirrors. Cruise control is only available in the Super Deluxe # 2 package and can't be ordered separately.

So we end up with % 90,000 pickups. Yeah...yeah...I understand that some want 90 grand pickup trucks...and that's fine. But wouldn't you rather have the choice about what options you can choose separately rather than having to take a bunch of 'packages' that have options you both want and some you don't want ?

I do understand that in... some... cases packages are ok...ie; towing package comes with a receiver/hitch ball...but also mandatory bigger cooling system, heavy duty suspension, electrical pre wired for towing, etc...which makes sense when towing.

transamz9 wrote:

Wild Card wrote:
The difference between XLT and
Platinum can be $10-15k

I like leather but don't need 10 cameras, a.c. seats, power mirrors, auto lights, auto brake etc. So I buy mid level and have an upholstery shop put good leather heated seats.

That's the great thing about America, freedom of choice. I didn't think I needed the cooling seats either but after having them they are the cats meow. Power mirrors are a must if towing and backing much. I'm going to say that auto dimming mirrors should be a requirement by law. If you have traction control on your Ram you have auto brakes you just don't know it. The brakes is what the truck uses to control traction. ;)

I think by Auto Brake, he was referring to the collision avoidance systems, rather than the now standard (possibly required by law) ABS systems

Wild Card wrote:

4x4ord wrote:
I'm one that wants leather seats. Most leather seats are vinyl. The highest trim levels in the Ford actually nice leather. Once I'm set on a KR or Platinum I want the rest of it too. I don't think there is much difference in price between a plain Jane XLT 4x4 crewcab diesel and a loaded Platinum.

The difference between XLT and
Platinum can be $10-15k

I like leather but don't need 10 cameras, a.c. seats, power mirrors, auto lights, auto brake etc. So I buy mid level and have an upholstery shop put good leather heated seats.

That's the great thing about America, freedom of choice. I didn't think I needed the cooling seats either but after having them they are the cats meow. Power mirrors are a must if towing and backing much. I'm going to say that auto dimming mirrors should be a requirement by law. If you have traction control on your Ram you have auto brakes you just don't know it. The brakes is what the truck uses to control traction. ;)