Buy Old or New Truck?

[Bossharp]

I decided to replace my 2015 Honda Fit with a new Ford Regular cab short bed with the 5.0 right before Christmas last year. So the first thing I found in research was sticker shock! New trucks cost way way more than I remembered. The second thing was how dependent on technology they were like over the air updates, battery charging display screens and most importantly basic function.. Starting driving braking running. The third was the incredible number of different problems folks had with newer trucks and the tech they have. And how difficult at times it was to get Ford and the dealerships to address these issues. Even under warranty. Now I know most have few if ANY problems with a new truck. The forums are where a lot go to complain..but there's many common issues. Bad/weak battery's are just one that cause a lot of grief..and there is many others..
I look at the market for what I call 'Classic' trucks..From about the early 60's to the late 80's especially regular cabs. And that market is HOT! Five to ten years ago you could buy a basic running truck for well under $10,000.00..Many for less than that. Not Resto mods with built motors big 4×4 lifts fantastic paint or custom interiors. They always cost more but a basic serviceable running truck that might need tires or brakes lolol! Simple and very reliable. Air conditioning running or not was always a big plus. They are rapidly increasing in value today!
Find one that doesn't have bad rust issues and you can make it what you want it to be. Add air power windows or a more comfortable interior? No big deal or expense. Motor or tranny problem? Reliable rebuilt small block costs LESS than a taillight assembly for a newer truck. Replacement parts of all kinds especially high tech electronics screens brains computers are dealer ONLY and of course installed by them.
All of these factors make older trucks more and more desirable. And if built right very reliable. Sure they will use more gas and not have built in navigation.. But they start and run tow and carry loads with no update needed..

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[Calson]

When I was shopping for a diesel pickup in 2010 all the used ones had 35,000 miles or more on them and were priced at $35,000 and out of warranty. I found a new one that cost me $43,000.

Newer trucks have airbags and I consider this important in terms of surviving a crash. I wanted a truck with a large gas tank as this is no longer something that can be done with an aftermarket truck with a gas engine.

The best way to save money is to keep the truck as long as possible. Most of my trucks had 170,000 miles on the odometer when I sold them. Each year I paid less for insurance and less in DMV fees.

 

[Buyer2021]

Maybe it doesn't matter to you, but if you carry loved ones, crash protection for occupants is one aspect of 'classics' that is seriously lacking compared to later vehicles. Much of what contributes to that are 'passive' features (better crush-characteristics, better structural integrity like door-beams, better interior designs), but the 'complication' of better 'active' seat-belt / restraint and airbag systems are sure beneficial, IMO.

It doesn't need to be your fault or carelessness for it to happen.

 

[Bossharp]

I'm glad you bought up that point..I had not seriously thought about airbags..And that's something not easily or cheaply added. Just the sensors are complex..

 

[Bryan Simon]

I ordered mine long before they even started building them.
seeing that your intention is a short regular cab, you should have fewer issues than the XLT high and those higher trim levels.

I ordered an XLT 301a SuperCab 8’ box 4x4 (mid XLT at the time) without the fluffy lighting, seat coolers, cameras, moon roof, etc

Bucket seats, locking rear, 18” wheels, large gas tank.

my issues were directly related to the battery and had the first one replaced at 18 months, and at 3 yrs, I went and bought a larger battery.

wipers, wiper blades were recalled for some reason.
one tire pressure monitor failed under warrantee

Auto stop/start failed a few times (battery charging protocol issues) and finally annoyed me enough to get ForScan and shut that crap off permanently (not sure you can do that with the new ones.

Other than that, the truck has been just fine. Avg 20mpg, uses no oil between changes, rides nice, and is very quiet in the cabin. It’s a Coyote truck.

This one is my first truck with an automatic transmission and power windows.
So I can’t really comment on the trans. I just let it do what it wants to do.

Less fluff in the truck, less crap to fail.
If you are getting an XL, you probably have less fluff than my XLT

 

[bfastr]

finding a good used older truck that hasnt been worked hard, or had a lot of hard working men in it is a challenge. either its old enuf to be a “classic” or its newer and then its still the cost of an XL or XLT. and the new truck smells like a new truck.. not like a locker room. just saying.

 

[jasonkosi]

I love old trucks too, used to have a ‘72 F250 Camper Special with a 390 4 speed. Wasn’t ever my daily driver, just something that was fun/cool to bomb around in.
Even with modern complexities and technology based features I still prefer a newer truck for my daily uses. I spend a lot of my free time travelling to various places hiking, camping etc, I’ve put 20,000km on my new truck in the 5 months I’ve had it. I don’t think I’d be able to do the same in an older truck with all the extra noise, heat, rattles and gas odour from the fuel tank mounted behind the seat lol. Plus I’ve had good luck with newer vehicles, my 2018 F150, 2021 Bronco and now my 2024 RCSB have all been problem free aside from a few minor recalls on the latter 2.

 

[Bossharp]

Newer trucks ARE definitely nicer more comfortable and safer..But expensive. Both to buy and repair. My point is a lot of folks are now looking for less tech more privacy lower costs and I think more 'Value' and are turning to simpler classic trucks to find it. They obviously are not for everyone as the 2 posters who mentioned airbags did..
So many folks who seek the older trucks out are looking to avoid dealership repair and part costs. On many newer ones , especially with complex electrical/technology basically only the dealer can do it. Or even test it. And if you build or buy a older truck you will not see the huge depreciation or in fact have it totalled by a minor collision because dealer labor and parts cost are so high..

 

[franksfords]

Some good points here. I bought a base XL trim first of April. Wanted a truck. Looked for at least a year at a lot of different year models. Finally thought I'd buy a late model. Prices were crazy and the mileage generally higher. Decided I just wanted a basic truck without a bunch of bells and whistles. Just more to possibly give trouble. Got my XL new for less than a used XLT. Retirement is near. it will do what I need a truck to do.

 

[jhelrey]

I'd buy a 2021 or 2022. The prices on them are not terrible.

 

[Buyer2021]

The best way to save money is to keep the truck as long as possible.

In only 5 more years my one-owner 2005 XLT (see signature block description) will qualify as a "classic" for license purposes in TX

With only 130k miles, a fair amount of that towing small RV's including the 5th-wheel in my signature block and utility trailers, it's still in excellent condition, now relegated to backup transportation duties, I live alone on rural property so always must have that because stuff happens.

It gets a monthly hot-drive but mainly lives on the battery maintainer. It does have power-windows and airbags but of course lacks 99% of the computers and electronics of my 2022 Lariat.

In spite of the 5.4L Triton with a bad rep, mine has been largely trouble-free and remains reliable. Along with diligent scheduled maintenance it's had the expected DIY replacement of some wear items, water pump, ball-joints, power-window mechanisms, etc but I've not been into any major mechanical repairs (haven't touched those cam phasers!).

In 2012 I was mildly rear-ended by a Ford dealer parts delivery van (pushed into me by the dump truck behind him!), That dealership jumped in and did an excellent job of repair, no questions asked, never even notified my insurance company, never any visible after-effects.

Originally tan cloth, I gave it (and me) a 'gift' of Clazzio leather seat covers a few years before I bought the '22, here's a recent interior pic.

Bought it with 0% APR Ford financing, looong ago paid-off, now I only carry liability insurance on it. The window sticker says $30285 MSRP at the bottom line, I honestly don't remember what I paid (there was a clean '93 Mustang convertible trade involved) but it was well-under that. The life-cycle economics have been great.

Nope, no intention of selling, didn't even consider trading when I got the '22. For me it's a 'keeper'.

Yep, I love those Oxford White SuperCabs!

 

[Bossharp]

I'm 70 now but since my 40's I preached cost per mile. Taking into effect ALL expenses. Many times gas mileage will be way down the list. A lot depends on your individual needs. Some value reliability above all some safety or comfort and the list goes on. Older trucks make a lot of sense for some simply because of costs. Many of us on the forum here drive and buy F-150's worth forty fifty sixty seventy grand or more. But when my granddaughter went looking for her first a few months ago her limit was 12 K..We all sometimes make bad vehicle desions. Back in 1985 I passed on a 1970 Challenger RT-SE big block running and nice with 4 miss matched tires for $750.00...Because the Mopar green did not go well with the plastic wood grain of the SE package..

 

[Highway 11]

Used trucks make a lot of sense when they're in an environment conducive to their survival.

My coworker has a 2010 Silverado he bought from his first job in construction. No options, just the basics. The engine and transmission are good - the frame and body, not so much. Road salt has taken its toll and slowly eaten away at the truck.

I plan on keeping my F150 until it dies. Easily available parts and upgrades plus Forscan will let me keep this thing running well past the last payment. Plus the aluminum body and yearly rustproofing of the underside should fight my country's love for road salt.

Edit: Another thing, the price of these trucks is astronomical. Yes, there's technology and new features and advances in tech, but how is the working man supposed to afford a truck? Said coworker wanted a base truck and the closest he got was 45k CAD for a Ram 1500 Classic. When did the XLT become a luxury model?

 

[STM]

Newer trucks ARE definitely nicer more comfortable and safer..But expensive. Both to buy and repair. My point is a lot of folks are now looking for less tech more privacy lower costs and I think more 'Value' and are turning to simpler classic trucks to find it. They obviously are not for everyone as the 2 posters who mentioned airbags did..
So many folks who seek the older trucks out are looking to avoid dealership repair and part costs. On many newer ones , especially with complex electrical/technology basically only the dealer can do it. Or even test it. And if you build or buy a older truck you will not see the huge depreciation or in fact have it totalled by a minor collision because dealer labor and parts cost are so high..

You make really good points on the benefits of owning a classic truck.. No questions there at all..
However, automobiles have come a long way in terms of safety in the recent years. It's not just the air bags in the steering wheel. Now most trucks have knee and side air bags.
Beyond the airbags, new automobiles, including trucks have highly advanced crumple zones that absorb energy in a crash so that the human occupants don't have as much trauma. This is important in preventing severe neck and back injuries in a crash.
I think this is what differentiates new trucks more than anything else from older classic trucks..

 

[Bryan Simon]

..We all sometimes make bad vehicle desions. Back in 1985 I passed on a 1970 Challenger RT-SE big block running and nice with 4 miss matched tires for $750.00...Because the Mopar green did not go well with the plastic wood grain of the SE package..

1982. was driving a 67 Chrysler 300 with a 4spd.
Passed on the opportunity to buy 2 1970 Superbirds for about 3k
Still kicking myself for that dumbass decision

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