For Those Lamenting "Rising Truck Prices"

[Lead Foot PowerBoost]

I love these "From The Archive" reviews on caranddriver.com. Really puts things in perspective I think. Here's a review of a 2002 Ram Quad Cab (supercab equivalent). 235hp V8, 8.8sec 0-60, pretty much no tech. All for the low low sticker price of $28,775. BUT when you convert to 2025 dollars that's $51,952!

The sticker price for a new F-150 XLT Supercab with 5.0L V8 is a little less than that at $50,325. So for roughly the same money today you get a truck with all of today's safety features and a far superior powertrain and driving dynamics. That's progress!

Tested: 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab Is Ahead of Its Time

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[mkinttrim]

Yeah, I'll take an late 60s or early 70s truck any day of the week.

 

[Davexxxx]

Yeah, I'll take an late 60s or early 70s truck any day of the week.

You could have had one.

 

[mkinttrim]

When i was a teen trucks weren't on top of my list but did have a f100. 4 speed, easy to work on, simple no computer crap

 

[Davexxxx]

Just for grins, decided to look up a bit of F series history. Specifically, the late 60s, early 70s.

All wheels had drum brakes, until 1973.

1973 also introduced dbl. wall bed construction and increased use of galvanized steel but they were still rust buckets and the tailgates rattled from new.

F150 didn't even come out until 1975. Before that was the F100. If you've never driven one, talk about a land yacht. That thing was mushy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_F-Series

 

[tspangle]

Yeah, I'll take an late 60s or early 70s truck any day of the week.

As a cool old classic for cruising or to show? Sure. As a daily driver or something I need to rely on to do work with? Heck no. Modern trucks are so much better in every way it's not even close.

 

[Graygoose2021]

ahhh, the good old days.

 

[Davexxxx]

ahhh, the good old days.

I don't miss the whistling they did.

 

[Davexxxx]

Another thing that should be considered in any then vs now value equation, is that as recently as when I ordered my 1990 XLT, rear bumpers and spare tires, were options.

Its a line my Wife still uses on occasion. Salesman to us, during the ordering process, "You want a bumper on that truck?"

 

[Dakar09]

I have an original 1950 F-1 pickup....real simple, easy to fix and keep running...as a daily? Heck no.

Also have a more resto-modded 1965 Galaxie (modernized chassis and suspension, brand new built 390 and 4 speed). Easier to drive than the old pickup. Great reliable cruiser. As a daily? Heck no

These modern vehicles have their faults (too computerized, too many wires, complicated transmissions, can't really be "fixed" in the driveway or even quickly)...but the convenience they offer as daily drivers is MILES ahead of a vintage automobile...especially if you need good AC

 

[DT444T]

Yeah, I'll take an late 60s or early 70s truck any day of the week.

Says the guy with a Lariat F150. You would hate a 60s or 70s truck. Take that BS and get outta here.

 

[Graygoose2021]

I don't miss the whistling they did.

My wifes brand new $55k VW Atlas SEL Premium whistles more than my 1970 C10 did, with wing windows LOL

 

[mkinttrim]

Says the guy with a Lariat F150. You would hate a 60s or 70s truck. Take that BS and get outta here.

Not bullshit, I kept my 05 until 21. My F100 was a great truck. Something happenned to it , go to parts store and its fixed instead sitting at the dealer for weeks. Could rebuild the engine for $550. Yeah I got a lariat, I'm old and live where its cold, but I would rather have the quality and toughness of days passed.

 

[Dakar09]

Not bullshit, I kept my 05 until 21. My F100 was a great truck. Something happenned to it , go to parts store and its fixed instead sitting at the dealer for weeks. Could rebuild the engine for $550. Yeah I got a lariat, I'm old and live where its cold, but I would rather have the quality and toughness of days passed.

While I agree with being easy to fix in the parts store parking lot (or it used to be, because they don't "stock" parts for old cars any longer), rebuilding an engine for $550 is a pipe dream nowadays, lol. You're gonna have to trust me on that one.

 

[DT444T]

I'm old and live where its cold

You would HATE a 60/70s truck

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