For Those Lamenting "Rising Truck Prices"

[Goldeneye36]

On the original topic: Comparing my '24 XLT PB to the last new truck In bought, a 2011 XLT EB, the sticker price is about $14k higher adjusted for inflation. The new truck does have a lot more tech and options compared to that one being a super crew, 4wd, hybrid plus all the bells and whistles that come standard now vs 13 years prior. It's a nice chunk of change but feels reasonable considering.

Another comparison: my 1994 Cobra had a sticker price of just under $24k, which translates to just over $48k in 2022, the last year a GT500 was available. Those cars started at over $76k but they also have a LOT more upgrades over a GT than mine, lol.

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[Pelican]

I agree that financial literacy should be taught in HS. I haven't read either of your books but read all of Peter Lynch's and every word Warren Buffett ever wrote. When the B shares opened up, in 96, we bought some and still have, most of them. Have been a student of economies and markets and market participant, since 83, often making a whole extra annual income. It gave us a life we wouldn't otherwise have.

Real estate taxes are out of control here in Ohio. In a landmark OH supreme court case between DeRolph vs State of Ohio back in 1997, the court found that the state's school funding system violated the Ohio Constitution's requirement for a "thorough and efficient" system of public education. In 2025, there has been a citizen led movement to get an issue on the ballot in 2026 that would abolish all real estate taxes, which would force the legislature to fund public education another way (sales tax, lorry, etc) and eleimate some wasteful spending. I have heard, we have the signatures. No more pushing geezers out of their homes due to unaffordable real estate taxes.

I have only purchased literally a handful of cars in my 48 years. No doubt they seem a lot more expensive than wjen I started driving. Around then, my dad purchased a 95 Ford Ranger XLT Ext Cab w/ the 4L, 4x4, w/3.73 rear end and no air or cruise for abput $24k The new Rangers are much more, but an xlt today gerts ypu a lot more standard equipment.

I'm not perfect (substantiated by me having to correct spelling errors in this post), but I try to avoid looking backboards because back then I was making a lot less and I only had about $100 a month left over after paying for groceries, utilities and my house payment. I don't know about anyone else, but I don't want to go back to no air, no tilt stearing, no cruise and no heated seats.

 

[5thranger]

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

I have a 1968 F100 and pretty much everything you said is true. Especially mushy part.

 

[JExpedition07]

I think housing is the MAJOR one that has gone haywire in regard to earning per year versus cost, which squeezes everyone on everything else, and creates an illusion that other things cost more. Housing, Food, Health Insurance that is. Cars, appliances, phones, gas, boats have all tracked rather steady, but the other three squeeze everyone harder every passing year.


This thread also ignores the sharp increase in optional equipment and some other segments. A mid-upper grade (Lariat/KR) F-350 diesel is $88,000-92,000 these days. Methinks that outpaces the inflation used in this example trim for trim.

I bought a 2025 Transit service van this year for the company, $59,000 (with X-plan) for a stripped down cargo van with shelving. That stung write-off or not.

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