Luxury Car Owners Switching to Pickup Trucks
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I went from a Lexus LS460 to a 2018 Chevy Silverado, don't regret it for a second.
I always saw all these people commuting in these $50,000 pickups and I thought it was a waste...thought they were wasting their money...keeping up with The Jones's. And then I started to think...ok I have a beater pickup for "pickup stuff". Wouldn't it be better if I could own one vehicle, pay insurance on one vehicle, and yet not lose too much in comfort and fuel mileage in a pickup? And that's exactly what happened.
The people saying negative things about the modern pickups haven't spent a lot of time in them. I'm averaging 24.5 mpg over the 28,000 miles I put on this thing in the last year. The thing is comfortable, quiet, and smooth. It's great in the snow, it's got power...can't be happier with it. I love commuting in it, it's great on the highway, you sit high, you can see the road, it's easy to get in and out of.
Although I don't use it as a work truck, I do use the thing. I mountain bike - it's so much easier to throw the bike in the back rather than set it up on a rack. I probably use it a few times a month for "pickup things", nothin major but stuff I couldn't use my car for.
When I test drive the thing the sales man asked me...so how does it compare to your Lexus and I was like, how? He says, the ride, how does it compare. And I was like...you serious?? But honestly it does drive refined and quiet, not luxury flagship stuff but sure better than most cars I've owned throughout the years.
I always saw all these people commuting in these $50,000 pickups and I thought it was a waste...thought they were wasting their money...keeping up with The Jones's. And then I started to think...ok I have a beater pickup for "pickup stuff". Wouldn't it be better if I could own one vehicle, pay insurance on one vehicle, and yet not lose too much in comfort and fuel mileage in a pickup? And that's exactly what happened.
The people saying negative things about the modern pickups haven't spent a lot of time in them. I'm averaging 24.5 mpg over the 28,000 miles I put on this thing in the last year. The thing is comfortable, quiet, and smooth. It's great in the snow, it's got power...can't be happier with it. I love commuting in it, it's great on the highway, you sit high, you can see the road, it's easy to get in and out of.
Although I don't use it as a work truck, I do use the thing. I mountain bike - it's so much easier to throw the bike in the back rather than set it up on a rack. I probably use it a few times a month for "pickup things", nothin major but stuff I couldn't use my car for.
When I test drive the thing the sales man asked me...so how does it compare to your Lexus and I was like, how? He says, the ride, how does it compare. And I was like...you serious?? But honestly it does drive refined and quiet, not luxury flagship stuff but sure better than most cars I've owned throughout the years.
There are recent massive tax advantages for a business in purchasing and writing depreciation of a pickup, heavy suv or van. The tax advantage is significantly less for a passenger car.
I believe this is a massive catalyst in catapulting pickups over passenger cars.
I believe this is a massive catalyst in catapulting pickups over passenger cars.
I bought my first truck in 1993 and have had one ever since. I grew up in the country and my parents had a truck as well as a car and everyone else I knew had a truck so I learned to really like them.
I wouldn't be without one, especially now that I live on a farm.
I wouldn't be without one, especially now that I live on a farm.
^Just saying, I live in the heart of truck country. I grew up around them, and am still surrounded by family members who have them. Yes, my family has a farm where a 4x4 truck is 100% a necessity. But it's a farm truck. It rarely leaves the farm other than to get fuel, haul cattle, someone borrows it, or the very occasional 'stretch it's legs' highway ride. Their daily driver is a fuel efficient car, as are mine now. I'm giving up the gas pigs, and I'm a very firm believer in GM LS and Ford Modular engines. Why am I giving them up? They're a literal waste of money, and a truck is a phone call away. Don't have family or friends with a truck? If you need a truck (for actual truck usage) even as frequently as twice a month, you're far better off renting one from Lowe's or U-Haul for $20 each time. You'll easily spend an extra $40 a month in fuel, not to mention upkeep and the initial higher cost of a truck if daily driven.
Why did I decide a truck isn't for me? Why did I decide my V8 SS car isn't for me? Because I finally sat down with an unbiased opinion and did basic math. If I wanted to keep my SS for an additional 100k miles (which was the plan, if not until the wheels fell off), it would have cost me $19,550.98 at the then current price of $2.979/gal for premium E-0. That price has since gone up. That figure factors just the fuel, oil changes at my cost, two sets of cheap tires (45K is one of the longest lifespans for it's tire size), and the one repair it needs this second. It doesn't count any what-ifs, only guarantees. The cost can only go higher. My Civic, when factoring in the same guaranteed necessary upkeep for the next 100k miles, costs a measly $7,766.82. That was figured at an estimated 35mpg. It's been averaging 38 so far, so that cost appears to be over-estimated so far.
So it saves me $11,784.16, which is a lot more than I paid for the car. It will literally pay for itself. Not to mention a 2013 Civic with 149k miles will be worth far more than a Chevy Impala with 235k miles...
So coming from someone who knows the true value/necessity of a 4x4 truck, I think I've done far more homework than most, and I think I reserve my right to say daily driven grocery-getter Raptor owners need to have some sense slapped into them.
Why did I decide a truck isn't for me? Why did I decide my V8 SS car isn't for me? Because I finally sat down with an unbiased opinion and did basic math. If I wanted to keep my SS for an additional 100k miles (which was the plan, if not until the wheels fell off), it would have cost me $19,550.98 at the then current price of $2.979/gal for premium E-0. That price has since gone up. That figure factors just the fuel, oil changes at my cost, two sets of cheap tires (45K is one of the longest lifespans for it's tire size), and the one repair it needs this second. It doesn't count any what-ifs, only guarantees. The cost can only go higher. My Civic, when factoring in the same guaranteed necessary upkeep for the next 100k miles, costs a measly $7,766.82. That was figured at an estimated 35mpg. It's been averaging 38 so far, so that cost appears to be over-estimated so far.
So it saves me $11,784.16, which is a lot more than I paid for the car. It will literally pay for itself. Not to mention a 2013 Civic with 149k miles will be worth far more than a Chevy Impala with 235k miles...
So coming from someone who knows the true value/necessity of a 4x4 truck, I think I've done far more homework than most, and I think I reserve my right to say daily driven grocery-getter Raptor owners need to have some sense slapped into them.
Originally Posted by tony1679
^Just saying, I live in the heart of truck country. I grew up around them, and am still surrounded by family members who have them. Yes, my family has a farm where a 4x4 truck is 100% a necessity. But it's a farm truck. It rarely leaves the farm other than to get fuel, haul cattle, someone borrows it, or the very occasional 'stretch it's legs' highway ride. Their daily driver is a fuel efficient car, as are mine now. I'm giving up the gas pigs, and I'm a very firm believer in GM LS and Ford Modular engines. Why am I giving them up? They're a literal waste of money, and a truck is a phone call away. Don't have family or friends with a truck? If you need a truck (for actual truck usage) even as frequently as twice a month, you're far better off renting one from Lowe's or U-Haul for $20 each time. You'll easily spend an extra $40 a month in fuel, not to mention upkeep and the initial higher cost of a truck if daily driven.
Why did I decide a truck isn't for me? Why did I decide my V8 SS car isn't for me? Because I finally sat down with an unbiased opinion and did basic math. If I wanted to keep my SS for an additional 100k miles (which was the plan, if not until the wheels fell off), it would have cost me $19,550.98 at the then current price of $2.979/gal for premium E-0. That price has since gone up. That figure factors just the fuel, oil changes at my cost, two sets of cheap tires (45K is one of the longest lifespans for it's tire size), and the one repair it needs this second. It doesn't count any what-ifs, only guarantees. The cost can only go higher. My Civic, when factoring in the same guaranteed necessary upkeep for the next 100k miles, costs a measly $7,766.82. That was figured at an estimated 35mpg. It's been averaging 38 so far, so that cost appears to be over-estimated so far.
So it saves me $11,784.16, which is a lot more than I paid for the car. It will literally pay for itself. Not to mention a 2013 Civic with 149k miles will be worth far more than a Chevy Impala with 235k miles...
So coming from someone who knows the true value/necessity of a 4x4 truck, I think I've done far more homework than most, and I think I reserve my right to say daily driven grocery-getter Raptor owners need to have some sense slapped into them.
You could save even more money by riding a bicycle. Of course that has limitations just like the Civic would have over a truck.
^Just saying, I live in the heart of truck country. I grew up around them, and am still surrounded by family members who have them. Yes, my family has a farm where a 4x4 truck is 100% a necessity. But it's a farm truck. It rarely leaves the farm other than to get fuel, haul cattle, someone borrows it, or the very occasional 'stretch it's legs' highway ride. Their daily driver is a fuel efficient car, as are mine now. I'm giving up the gas pigs, and I'm a very firm believer in GM LS and Ford Modular engines. Why am I giving them up? They're a literal waste of money, and a truck is a phone call away. Don't have family or friends with a truck? If you need a truck (for actual truck usage) even as frequently as twice a month, you're far better off renting one from Lowe's or U-Haul for $20 each time. You'll easily spend an extra $40 a month in fuel, not to mention upkeep and the initial higher cost of a truck if daily driven.
Why did I decide a truck isn't for me? Why did I decide my V8 SS car isn't for me? Because I finally sat down with an unbiased opinion and did basic math. If I wanted to keep my SS for an additional 100k miles (which was the plan, if not until the wheels fell off), it would have cost me $19,550.98 at the then current price of $2.979/gal for premium E-0. That price has since gone up. That figure factors just the fuel, oil changes at my cost, two sets of cheap tires (45K is one of the longest lifespans for it's tire size), and the one repair it needs this second. It doesn't count any what-ifs, only guarantees. The cost can only go higher. My Civic, when factoring in the same guaranteed necessary upkeep for the next 100k miles, costs a measly $7,766.82. That was figured at an estimated 35mpg. It's been averaging 38 so far, so that cost appears to be over-estimated so far.
So it saves me $11,784.16, which is a lot more than I paid for the car. It will literally pay for itself. Not to mention a 2013 Civic with 149k miles will be worth far more than a Chevy Impala with 235k miles...
So coming from someone who knows the true value/necessity of a 4x4 truck, I think I've done far more homework than most, and I think I reserve my right to say daily driven grocery-getter Raptor owners need to have some sense slapped into them.
You could save even more money by riding a bicycle. Of course that has limitations just like the Civic would have over a truck.
I believe one other reason is domestic car makers threw in the towel in passenger car vehicles long ago. Pickups are highly competitive and profitable so ton of resource to make better go that way.
Originally Posted by Wolf359
You could save even more money by riding a bicycle. Of course that has limitations just like the Civic would have over a truck.
And what limitations do you speak of? Please be specific. Unless you live in the rural parts of Montana/Colorado/Utah, what limitations will the Civic impose that renting a truck once or twice a month can't relieve? Name a reason a truck HAS TO BE a daily driver in normal everyday keeping up with the Jones family America. Let's do some math.
You could save even more money by riding a bicycle. Of course that has limitations just like the Civic would have over a truck.
And what limitations do you speak of? Please be specific. Unless you live in the rural parts of Montana/Colorado/Utah, what limitations will the Civic impose that renting a truck once or twice a month can't relieve? Name a reason a truck HAS TO BE a daily driver in normal everyday keeping up with the Jones family America. Let's do some math.
Originally Posted by tony1679
Originally Posted by Wolf359
You could save even more money by riding a bicycle. Of course that has limitations just like the Civic would have over a truck.
And what limitations do you speak of? Please be specific. Unless you live in the rural parts of Montana/Colorado/Utah, what limitations will the Civic impose that renting a truck once or twice a month can't relieve? Name a reason a truck HAS TO BE a daily driver in normal everyday keeping up with the Jones family America. Let's do some math.
Sounds like you could use a Suzuki MultiCab.
Why do you worry about what other people drive or purchase? Maybe you favor a system which would require approval of a vehicle before the purchase?
Originally Posted by Wolf359
You could save even more money by riding a bicycle. Of course that has limitations just like the Civic would have over a truck.
And what limitations do you speak of? Please be specific. Unless you live in the rural parts of Montana/Colorado/Utah, what limitations will the Civic impose that renting a truck once or twice a month can't relieve? Name a reason a truck HAS TO BE a daily driver in normal everyday keeping up with the Jones family America. Let's do some math.
Sounds like you could use a Suzuki MultiCab.
Why do you worry about what other people drive or purchase? Maybe you favor a system which would require approval of a vehicle before the purchase?
4WD
$50 site donor 2025
Well the cow in car is interesting … but being I have seen a casket carried on a 90cc motorcycle in the mud … still doubt I will be doing either …
Originally Posted by PimTac
Why do you worry about what other people drive or purchase? Maybe you favor a system which would require approval of a vehicle before the purchase?
Absolutely not. I'm 100% against government overreach. I don't want to turn this political. I care because I'm tired of countless people whining about being in debt, yet countless people get groceries in their brand new raptor because it's cool.
Just like the housing market. I'm tired of rich [censored] buying umpteen hundred houses and either:
1. Dumping $5 into them and turning around to sell them for a $50k profit because they watched a show on HGTV
Or
2. Renting all of them out for entirely too much per month and turning the housing market into what it is today. Completely unaffordable and nearly impossible to find anything worthwhile.
Not to mention the countless cookie-cutter subdivisions that are poorly built and are selling for $200-300k per home. Nobody needs a house like that. Where are the NEW small codes or because oh no, what ever will Tom Cruise do if I built a very nice, quality, visually appealing $50,000 1 bedroom home on my own property adjacent to his $5B mansion? God forbid I de-value his home to $4.99B. Where is ANY new 1 bedroom home? I sure haven't seen one. Where is the home builder that focuses on building a quality small home on a budget? Doesn't exist because they're all too busy competing at $500k+ worried about who has the bigger hot tub, who has the more expensive countertops, crown moulding, & cabinet hardware, and making sure Alexa is installed on your toilet. Nobody knows how to be simple, modest, and smart with their money anymore. It's too far engraved into our heads that hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt on a house is a-ok.
Btw, notice how nobody wanted to talk numbers with me or offer a legitimate reason? Perhaps because I'm right
Why do you worry about what other people drive or purchase? Maybe you favor a system which would require approval of a vehicle before the purchase?
Absolutely not. I'm 100% against government overreach. I don't want to turn this political. I care because I'm tired of countless people whining about being in debt, yet countless people get groceries in their brand new raptor because it's cool.
Just like the housing market. I'm tired of rich [censored] buying umpteen hundred houses and either:
1. Dumping $5 into them and turning around to sell them for a $50k profit because they watched a show on HGTV
Or
2. Renting all of them out for entirely too much per month and turning the housing market into what it is today. Completely unaffordable and nearly impossible to find anything worthwhile.
Not to mention the countless cookie-cutter subdivisions that are poorly built and are selling for $200-300k per home. Nobody needs a house like that. Where are the NEW small codes or because oh no, what ever will Tom Cruise do if I built a very nice, quality, visually appealing $50,000 1 bedroom home on my own property adjacent to his $5B mansion? God forbid I de-value his home to $4.99B. Where is ANY new 1 bedroom home? I sure haven't seen one. Where is the home builder that focuses on building a quality small home on a budget? Doesn't exist because they're all too busy competing at $500k+ worried about who has the bigger hot tub, who has the more expensive countertops, crown moulding, & cabinet hardware, and making sure Alexa is installed on your toilet. Nobody knows how to be simple, modest, and smart with their money anymore. It's too far engraved into our heads that hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt on a house is a-ok.
Btw, notice how nobody wanted to talk numbers with me or offer a legitimate reason? Perhaps because I'm right
Originally Posted by tony1679
Originally Posted by PimTac
Why do you worry about what other people drive or purchase? Maybe you favor a system which would require approval of a vehicle before the purchase?
Absolutely not. I'm 100% against government overreach. I don't want to turn this political. I care because I'm tired of countless people whining about being in debt, yet countless people get groceries in their brand new raptor because it's cool.
Just like the housing market. I'm tired of rich [censored] buying umpteen hundred houses and either:
1. Dumping $5 into them and turning around to sell them for a $50k profit because they watched a show on HGTV
Or
2. Renting all of them out for entirely too much per month and turning the housing market into what it is today. Completely unaffordable and nearly impossible to find anything worthwhile.
Not to mention the countless cookie-cutter subdivisions that are poorly built and are selling for $200-300k per home. Nobody needs a house like that. Where are the NEW small codes or because oh no, what ever will Tom Cruise do if I built a very nice, quality, visually appealing $50,000 1 bedroom home on my own property adjacent to his $5B mansion? God forbid I de-value his home to $4.99B. Where is ANY new 1 bedroom home? I sure haven't seen one. Where is the home builder that focuses on building a quality small home on a budget? Doesn't exist because they're all too busy competing at $500k+ worried about who has the bigger hot tub, who has the more expensive countertops, crown moulding, & cabinet hardware, and making sure Alexa is installed on your toilet. Nobody knows how to be simple, modest, and smart with their money anymore. It's too far engraved into our heads that hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt on a house is a-ok.
Btw, notice how nobody wanted to talk numbers with me or offer a legitimate reason? Perhaps because I'm right
Needs and wants are 2 very separate things. Not everyone is happy living on the "modest, simple" end of the spectrum. Yeah, some people get in over their heads and will complain but they have no one to blame but themselves for that (been there done that learned my lesson). But to condemn everyone who doesn't lead the lifestyle you want or think they should is asinine.
Originally Posted by PimTac
Why do you worry about what other people drive or purchase? Maybe you favor a system which would require approval of a vehicle before the purchase?
Absolutely not. I'm 100% against government overreach. I don't want to turn this political. I care because I'm tired of countless people whining about being in debt, yet countless people get groceries in their brand new raptor because it's cool.
Just like the housing market. I'm tired of rich [censored] buying umpteen hundred houses and either:
1. Dumping $5 into them and turning around to sell them for a $50k profit because they watched a show on HGTV
Or
2. Renting all of them out for entirely too much per month and turning the housing market into what it is today. Completely unaffordable and nearly impossible to find anything worthwhile.
Not to mention the countless cookie-cutter subdivisions that are poorly built and are selling for $200-300k per home. Nobody needs a house like that. Where are the NEW small codes or because oh no, what ever will Tom Cruise do if I built a very nice, quality, visually appealing $50,000 1 bedroom home on my own property adjacent to his $5B mansion? God forbid I de-value his home to $4.99B. Where is ANY new 1 bedroom home? I sure haven't seen one. Where is the home builder that focuses on building a quality small home on a budget? Doesn't exist because they're all too busy competing at $500k+ worried about who has the bigger hot tub, who has the more expensive countertops, crown moulding, & cabinet hardware, and making sure Alexa is installed on your toilet. Nobody knows how to be simple, modest, and smart with their money anymore. It's too far engraved into our heads that hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt on a house is a-ok.
Btw, notice how nobody wanted to talk numbers with me or offer a legitimate reason? Perhaps because I'm right
Needs and wants are 2 very separate things. Not everyone is happy living on the "modest, simple" end of the spectrum. Yeah, some people get in over their heads and will complain but they have no one to blame but themselves for that (been there done that learned my lesson). But to condemn everyone who doesn't lead the lifestyle you want or think they should is asinine.
Originally Posted by tony1679
Originally Posted by Wolf359
You could save even more money by riding a bicycle. Of course that has limitations just like the Civic would have over a truck.
And what limitations do you speak of? Please be specific. Unless you live in the rural parts of Montana/Colorado/Utah, what limitations will the Civic impose that renting a truck once or twice a month can't relieve? Name a reason a truck HAS TO BE a daily driver in normal everyday keeping up with the Jones family America. Let's do some math.
Yes let's do the math. You mention supplementing the need for the truck by simply renting one a day or two a month - then you throw out a figure of $20. Twenty dollars is a ninety minute rental, enough to get you to and from the place you rent it from. A full day rental is $100. A two hour rental is $45...not including taxes, fees, gas, or the inconvenience of having someone drop you off and pick you up to get the truck (what do you pay them?). So for arguments sake, let's settle on $150 a month...not $20, not $40, not $250.
$150 a month for a two days a month truck rental.
Now let's talk about gas mileage. I have the same engine in my 2018 Silverado as your 2008 LS engine with displacement on demand. Now you probably realize the differences in the two engines...it's now direct injected, different heads, different oil pump...different? Yes, but not dramatically different. Mine takes regular fuel. Plain old regular. The compression ratio doesn't require super, the head design doesn't demand it, the aspiration doesn't call for it. It's regular.
Now that's the 5.3 liter engine that's in all of the these half ton trucks driving around on the roads today. I have AVERAGED 24 mpg during the life of the vehicle...on regular with prices between $2.20-$2.65 a gallon during that time. I don't see why you mention Super gasoline, unless your Monte Carlo SS requires it (which GM truck, and that's what we're discussing, doesn't).
So if I commute in a Civic and it averages 38 mpg using regular. And my truck averages 24 mpg using regular. Depending on the actual miles I drive PER YEAR....let's say 15,000 miles (about average)...at $2.20 a gallon... I will pay out an additional $506.58 dollars a year in fuel costs. If I bump the gas pricing up to $2.50 a gallon, I will spend an additional $575.66
So let's say I spend an additional $600 a year on fuel. Now let's factor in the truck rental. Let's go $150 a month for 12 months------$1,800 dollars.
Now let's factor in the truck rental MINUS the extra fuel costs------ that's a difference of $1,224.34. You'd ACTUALLY LOSE $1,224.34 DOLLARS on the year by driving a civic and renting a truck 2 days a month.
Now let's say you change my formula around. Let's say you take away the actual fuel economy I'm getting in my truck and drop it to 20mpg. And let's say you take away half of the truck rental costs...you're still not ahead of the game. But then I'd argue...well if I hadn't had to drive my truck in cold weather 4 months out of the year I'd average better than 24mpg! I would. Right now the weather has finally gone up into the 50's where I am, I'm now averaging 25.7 during my weekly 500 mile commute. You said your Civic averaged 38, but the manufacturer specifies 35. GM states the 2018 5.3 Silverado averages 24, so my intitial estimates were actually more realistic than what your averages predicted.
Now let's also consider the clientele we are talking about - the people trading in luxury sendans for pickup trucks - which is what the thread was titled. If I commute in a Civic, is that going to be my only vehicle? Is that going to be the car I meet friends out for dinner in? That going to be the car you pull up in to meet clients or drop your kid off (and his friends) at the movies in? Or do you need to buy another car for that? Because that will obviously add to the cost. Greatly. In this discussion.
Bottom line is this, even if people spend an extra $500 a year on fuel, one of these newer nice trucks can be very versatile and useful machines, worth the extra fuel costs. And if you drive these things conservatively, you can easily reach fuel economy levels never before seen possible in a full size truck...all while in comfort (with some luxury thrown in). I have spent my years driving around in economy cars...I have spent my years driving around in luxury cars. They all serve a purpose, but I've yet to experience the versatility of these newer trucks. There's a reason why they're the best selling vehicles in America (BY FAR). It's because they're pretty good. The F150 is number one, Silverado number 2, Ram number 4?? Can't remember. But the top 20 is dominated by truck sales, with SUV sales right behind. Car sales have dropped so much that manufacturers have literally stopped making them, and until that changes - until cars can equal the versatility of these other vehicles - cars are dead. Sad but true.
Originally Posted by Wolf359
You could save even more money by riding a bicycle. Of course that has limitations just like the Civic would have over a truck.
And what limitations do you speak of? Please be specific. Unless you live in the rural parts of Montana/Colorado/Utah, what limitations will the Civic impose that renting a truck once or twice a month can't relieve? Name a reason a truck HAS TO BE a daily driver in normal everyday keeping up with the Jones family America. Let's do some math.
Yes let's do the math. You mention supplementing the need for the truck by simply renting one a day or two a month - then you throw out a figure of $20. Twenty dollars is a ninety minute rental, enough to get you to and from the place you rent it from. A full day rental is $100. A two hour rental is $45...not including taxes, fees, gas, or the inconvenience of having someone drop you off and pick you up to get the truck (what do you pay them?). So for arguments sake, let's settle on $150 a month...not $20, not $40, not $250.
$150 a month for a two days a month truck rental.
Now let's talk about gas mileage. I have the same engine in my 2018 Silverado as your 2008 LS engine with displacement on demand. Now you probably realize the differences in the two engines...it's now direct injected, different heads, different oil pump...different? Yes, but not dramatically different. Mine takes regular fuel. Plain old regular. The compression ratio doesn't require super, the head design doesn't demand it, the aspiration doesn't call for it. It's regular.
Now that's the 5.3 liter engine that's in all of the these half ton trucks driving around on the roads today. I have AVERAGED 24 mpg during the life of the vehicle...on regular with prices between $2.20-$2.65 a gallon during that time. I don't see why you mention Super gasoline, unless your Monte Carlo SS requires it (which GM truck, and that's what we're discussing, doesn't).
So if I commute in a Civic and it averages 38 mpg using regular. And my truck averages 24 mpg using regular. Depending on the actual miles I drive PER YEAR....let's say 15,000 miles (about average)...at $2.20 a gallon... I will pay out an additional $506.58 dollars a year in fuel costs. If I bump the gas pricing up to $2.50 a gallon, I will spend an additional $575.66
So let's say I spend an additional $600 a year on fuel. Now let's factor in the truck rental. Let's go $150 a month for 12 months------$1,800 dollars.
Now let's factor in the truck rental MINUS the extra fuel costs------ that's a difference of $1,224.34. You'd ACTUALLY LOSE $1,224.34 DOLLARS on the year by driving a civic and renting a truck 2 days a month.
Now let's say you change my formula around. Let's say you take away the actual fuel economy I'm getting in my truck and drop it to 20mpg. And let's say you take away half of the truck rental costs...you're still not ahead of the game. But then I'd argue...well if I hadn't had to drive my truck in cold weather 4 months out of the year I'd average better than 24mpg! I would. Right now the weather has finally gone up into the 50's where I am, I'm now averaging 25.7 during my weekly 500 mile commute. You said your Civic averaged 38, but the manufacturer specifies 35. GM states the 2018 5.3 Silverado averages 24, so my intitial estimates were actually more realistic than what your averages predicted.
Now let's also consider the clientele we are talking about - the people trading in luxury sendans for pickup trucks - which is what the thread was titled. If I commute in a Civic, is that going to be my only vehicle? Is that going to be the car I meet friends out for dinner in? That going to be the car you pull up in to meet clients or drop your kid off (and his friends) at the movies in? Or do you need to buy another car for that? Because that will obviously add to the cost. Greatly. In this discussion.
Bottom line is this, even if people spend an extra $500 a year on fuel, one of these newer nice trucks can be very versatile and useful machines, worth the extra fuel costs. And if you drive these things conservatively, you can easily reach fuel economy levels never before seen possible in a full size truck...all while in comfort (with some luxury thrown in). I have spent my years driving around in economy cars...I have spent my years driving around in luxury cars. They all serve a purpose, but I've yet to experience the versatility of these newer trucks. There's a reason why they're the best selling vehicles in America (BY FAR). It's because they're pretty good. The F150 is number one, Silverado number 2, Ram number 4?? Can't remember. But the top 20 is dominated by truck sales, with SUV sales right behind. Car sales have dropped so much that manufacturers have literally stopped making them, and until that changes - until cars can equal the versatility of these other vehicles - cars are dead. Sad but true.
Originally Posted by tony1679
^Just saying, I live in the heart of truck country. I grew up around them, and am still surrounded by family members who have them. Yes, my family has a farm where a 4x4 truck is 100% a necessity. But it's a farm truck. It rarely leaves the farm other than to get fuel, haul cattle, someone borrows it, or the very occasional 'stretch it's legs' highway ride. Their daily driver is a fuel efficient car, as are mine now. I'm giving up the gas pigs, and I'm a very firm believer in GM LS and Ford Modular engines. Why am I giving them up? They're a literal waste of money, and a truck is a phone call away. Don't have family or friends with a truck? If you need a truck (for actual truck usage) even as frequently as twice a month, you're far better off renting one from Lowe's or U-Haul for $20 each time. You'll easily spend an extra $40 a month in fuel, not to mention upkeep and the initial higher cost of a truck if daily driven.
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Back in the day we had a "farm truck" for hauling brush and such. It was a 1977 Chevy Silvarado with body panels which were held together with duct tape. When we lost the muffler my mother had glasspacks and new pipe installed. I occasionally drove the thing to school when I knew that there was enough gas (the gas gauge would drop to empty once you passed 1/2 tanks). The vinyl bench seat was great because you could just wipe off the dirt.
^Just saying, I live in the heart of truck country. I grew up around them, and am still surrounded by family members who have them. Yes, my family has a farm where a 4x4 truck is 100% a necessity. But it's a farm truck. It rarely leaves the farm other than to get fuel, haul cattle, someone borrows it, or the very occasional 'stretch it's legs' highway ride. Their daily driver is a fuel efficient car, as are mine now. I'm giving up the gas pigs, and I'm a very firm believer in GM LS and Ford Modular engines. Why am I giving them up? They're a literal waste of money, and a truck is a phone call away. Don't have family or friends with a truck? If you need a truck (for actual truck usage) even as frequently as twice a month, you're far better off renting one from Lowe's or U-Haul for $20 each time. You'll easily spend an extra $40 a month in fuel, not to mention upkeep and the initial higher cost of a truck if daily driven.
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Back in the day we had a "farm truck" for hauling brush and such. It was a 1977 Chevy Silvarado with body panels which were held together with duct tape. When we lost the muffler my mother had glasspacks and new pipe installed. I occasionally drove the thing to school when I knew that there was enough gas (the gas gauge would drop to empty once you passed 1/2 tanks). The vinyl bench seat was great because you could just wipe off the dirt.
Originally Posted by Skippy722
Needs and wants are 2 very separate things. Not everyone is happy living on the "modest, simple" end of the spectrum. Yeah, some people get in over their heads and will complain but they have no one to blame but themselves for that (been there done that learned my lesson). But to condemn everyone who doesn't lead the lifestyle you want or think they should is asinine.
This is the best response in this entire thread. I guarantee the same people in this thread that say pickups are "unnecessary", "excessive", or "just to impress" have similar objects in their lives. Fancy clothes, a big tv, a nice house, an expensive bike, fancy food, expensive liquor, etc... are all unnecessary but if they make someone happy then it's none of my business.
Needs and wants are 2 very separate things. Not everyone is happy living on the "modest, simple" end of the spectrum. Yeah, some people get in over their heads and will complain but they have no one to blame but themselves for that (been there done that learned my lesson). But to condemn everyone who doesn't lead the lifestyle you want or think they should is asinine.
This is the best response in this entire thread. I guarantee the same people in this thread that say pickups are "unnecessary", "excessive", or "just to impress" have similar objects in their lives. Fancy clothes, a big tv, a nice house, an expensive bike, fancy food, expensive liquor, etc... are all unnecessary but if they make someone happy then it's none of my business.
There's affluent folks that are very educated and make a lot of money.
There's even a BITOG member that has a Lamborghini, Ferrari and Bentley.
Many people see that guy driving and think he's a jerk cause he owns a very fancy vehicle.
There's even a BITOG member that has a Lamborghini, Ferrari and Bentley.
Many people see that guy driving and think he's a jerk cause he owns a very fancy vehicle.
Originally Posted by tony1679
If you need a truck (for actual truck usage) even as frequently as twice a month, you're far better off renting one from Lowe's or U-Haul for $20 each time. You'll easily spend an extra $40 a month in fuel, not to mention upkeep and the initial higher cost of a truck if daily driven.
Let's see, it's about 30 miles each way to Lowe's for me. So that is what, 3 gallons of gas in just getting the truck and returning it? That's not too bad I guess.
I put snow tires onto my truck as it's absolutely horrible in snow otherwise. But then I run all seasons on my car. If the forecast says snow, I take the truck (or stay home). If the roads are bare I take the car. When the car is broken I drive the truck. Family trips are usually in our car but big trips tend to be in the truck as it simply has a larger trunk.
If you need a truck (for actual truck usage) even as frequently as twice a month, you're far better off renting one from Lowe's or U-Haul for $20 each time. You'll easily spend an extra $40 a month in fuel, not to mention upkeep and the initial higher cost of a truck if daily driven.
Let's see, it's about 30 miles each way to Lowe's for me. So that is what, 3 gallons of gas in just getting the truck and returning it? That's not too bad I guess.
I put snow tires onto my truck as it's absolutely horrible in snow otherwise. But then I run all seasons on my car. If the forecast says snow, I take the truck (or stay home). If the roads are bare I take the car. When the car is broken I drive the truck. Family trips are usually in our car but big trips tend to be in the truck as it simply has a larger trunk.
I like to drive a vehicle that has good driving dynamics which rules out pickups, 4x4, school buses etc. Good driving dynamics make a vehicle enjoyable to drive briskly. I live in an suburban area and have no need for a overly large pickup to massage my ego.If I need the use of a vehicle to transport large stuff, I rent a truck from Lowe's for $20/hr. That way I am not burdened with the other 52 weeks a year. That comment was nasty-sorry. done with this post. Ed
Originally Posted by Eddie
I like to drive a vehicle that has good driving dynamics which rules out pickups, 4x4, school buses etc. Good driving dynamics make a vehicle enjoyable to drive briskly. I live in an suburban area and have no need for a overly large pickup to massage my ego.If I need the use of a vehicle to transport large stuff, I rent a truck from Lowe's for $20/hr. That way I am not burdened with the other 52 weeks a year. That comment was nasty-sorry. done with this post. Ed
And that's your prerogative. And understandable. You drive a car because it's what you like to drive, you like the handling.
Not sure where you're going with "massaging your ego", it's trucks we're talking about, not Ferrari's. And I'm simply amazed that people are able to rent a truck for an hour whenever they need them - so clean and easily - when I rented a truck it was $20 for an hour and half...I spent an hour to and from Home Depot, an hour loading the thing, an hour transporting the stuff and putting gas beach into it. And that was rushing around like a moron.
I like to drive a vehicle that has good driving dynamics which rules out pickups, 4x4, school buses etc. Good driving dynamics make a vehicle enjoyable to drive briskly. I live in an suburban area and have no need for a overly large pickup to massage my ego.If I need the use of a vehicle to transport large stuff, I rent a truck from Lowe's for $20/hr. That way I am not burdened with the other 52 weeks a year. That comment was nasty-sorry. done with this post. Ed
And that's your prerogative. And understandable. You drive a car because it's what you like to drive, you like the handling.
Not sure where you're going with "massaging your ego", it's trucks we're talking about, not Ferrari's. And I'm simply amazed that people are able to rent a truck for an hour whenever they need them - so clean and easily - when I rented a truck it was $20 for an hour and half...I spent an hour to and from Home Depot, an hour loading the thing, an hour transporting the stuff and putting gas beach into it. And that was rushing around like a moron.
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