Why I'd Rather Buy a Loaded Truck Over a Luxury Sedan

"Van Man, rocks the Man Van" (jacoboconnell) 10/20/2015 at 15:09 • Filed to: Trucks

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Here are some quick stats:

A rear-drive, no option BMW 535i starts at $56,845.

A fully loaded Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 costs $57,130.

That’s a difference of $285 between the BMW and the truck. I know which I’d rather have, and it ain’t the Bimmer.

For one, there’s the question of interior space. I’m 6’7” so fitting is kind of difficult for me. I can sit decently in the BMW, but the truck just absolutely takes the cake. I can get comfortable in the Ford without putting the seat all the way back or all the way down. And don’t even get me started on the rear seats.

Now, let’s talk features, and you get a lot more for your money with the F-150. The 535’s standard features include 18-inch wheels, 10-way power leather seats, a 10-speaker sound system, and a navigation system. The pickup comes with all of that, of course, as well as front and rear heated seats, satellite radio, power adjustable pedals, 20-inch wheels, 4 wheel drive, and cooled front seats. That $285 difference seems a little insignificant now, doesn’t it? If you were to option up a 535i to the F-150 Platinum’s level of equipment, it would cost at least $5,000 more. So much for spending extra to get a luxury car with “luxury” features.

Then we come to issue of practicality. Namely, the fact that the Ford is a full-size pickup with a 5.5’ box over the rear wheels and will hold just about anything. Whereas the BMW, well, can’t. So there’s that, and the fact that the Ford can tow over 10,000 pounds easily.

I know what you’re thinking as you read this: “Well, the BMW is obviously sportier and more fun to drive.” Not necessarily. The current gen 5-series has been criticized as not being anywhere near as good to drive as its predecessors or competitors. And driving a truck can be fun in its own right. But it’s faster, no? Only by a little bit. According to Car and Driver, the 3.5L V6-powered truck hits 60 in 5.6 seconds vs. the 300-horsepower sedan at 5.3. Not a big gap considering the weight difference.

I can’t speak for anyone else, but if I’m spending close to 60 grand on a new vehicle, I’m getting the one that’s more luxurious while simultaneously more useful. Why would you get the BMW when the F-150 is better equipped, more practical, just as fast, and had more space?

Simply put, I’ll have the pickup, please.

bob and john > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:12

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BMW is easier to park and is by FAR and away cheaper to run.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > bob and john 10/20/2015 at 15:15

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Not if you buy the F-150’s optional 360 degree parking camera.

I can't say anything about running costs because I just don't know what they are.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:16

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But then you have to drive a truck.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:16

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If I’m spending 60k on a truck, I’m rethinking my life choices.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:16

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They’re not cars I’d really compare. The truck still drives like... well a truck. Even a softer beemer 5 series is going to drive better than a truck. I bet the 5 is more comfortable too.

Party-vi > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:18

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You’re one of those people. The ones that buy a pickup truck just to buy a pickup truck.

William Byrd > bob and john 10/20/2015 at 15:20

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I parked an F-150 press vehicle this morning in (2) different garages. That part I agree with. But cheaper to run? In what way? MPG? Maintenance costs? Not saying I disagree (but I might. :))

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 10/20/2015 at 15:21

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Which is fun in it's own right.

HammerheadFistpunch > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:21

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The truth is that the platinum and king ranch grades were invented specifically for people like you who want premium import luxury while still being able to drive a truck. The bonus (for Ford anyway) comes in being able to convince people that because a truck costs a lot its worth a lot, or rather that it actually cost Ford a lot to make.

I’m not saying you are making the wrong choice or that you don’t have great points or that its not a great truck...I don’t think that at all...but I do think that what Ford calls a $57,000 truck isn’t what I’d call a value.

BloodlessWeevil > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:22

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Possibly relevant:

http://uppermidwest.kinja.com/why-are-trucks…

BigBlock440 > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:23

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A rear-drive, no option BMW 535i starts at $56,845.

Holy shit, cars have gotten expensive.

bob and john > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:24

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okay, let me rephrase that... it easier to find a parking spot in the city in a BMW then a F150.

then comes the issue of storing it at home...

running costs: you paying to move 5500 pounds of truck with the aerodynamics of a brick shithouse. sure, the BMW aint no feather weight, but aero is a HUGE factor.

fun to drive also doesnt mean fast. sure, you can beat the BMW to 60. whoot! now, what about turns....or stopping.

and lets bring up another cost: consumables. aside from gas, the oil changes, the TIRES and so on. I want to mention insurance too, but i get the feeling those might be similar.

also, a fully loaded F150 is better then a base 5 series? no shit sherlock! a fully loaded kia is better then a base 5 series. (and cheaper too...but at the end of the day, your driving a KIA)

and then we come to build quality. i’ve yet to get into a german car (and i’ve been in plenty of them) that didnt feel like they were made from vault pieces. american trucks? sure, they have the fancy-shamcy leath and nav and can tweet for you. but it all felt...flimsy? IDK what the word is. the dash crack and the gaps were surprisingly large. and there was ALWAYS something that gave away the fact that you started from a work truck and just added leather and nav, VS a car that was build from the ground up to be a luxury machine.


yes, your physical size is an issue. which is something i can totally agree with. i’m an average guy (5’10”) so to me, a truck just feels like waster space (frankly, so does a car...this coming from me riding motorcycles for 5 years now)

also, what hammer and party said. these ‘high end’ trucks were made for guys who just want a pick up for the sake of having a pick up, but still want luxury. be honest, how often would you actually use the bed?

bob and john > William Byrd 10/20/2015 at 15:24

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refer to the second comment i made.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:24

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Now you’re brave for posting this here lol.

I agree though.

Dasupersprint - base trim is enough > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:25

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If we have a third kid , we would buy a full size pickup instead of a minivan

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:26

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Giving I like trucks, I’m with you on this comparison.

Though I think I’d be cross shopping with a CTS before going right over to Truck, I don’t have your size issues though giving I’m only 5’7”.

Also, i’m not sure what fuel the BMW uses, but all 4 available F-150 engines run on Regular. If that Bimmer is running Super, that may catch up in those running costs, as well as most likely higher maintenance costs.

dogisbadob > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:27

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With all these luxury pickups, I’m surprised there aren’t anymore Chrysler, Lincoln, Infiniti, Lexus, and Cadillac pickups. The BMW name has more luxury and prestige to impress your friends.

I heard that the 5-series is just as difficult to park as a full-size truck :p

dogisbadob > bob and john 10/20/2015 at 15:28

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Oh yeah, if BMW’s are so easy to park, then why are they always parked incorrectly? hahahahahaha sorry, I had to

Milky > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:28

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K. Have fun in your F150.

bob and john > dogisbadob 10/20/2015 at 15:29

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XD LOL

that was a cheap but funny shot

but i’ve seen more trucks parked like idiots then anything else.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:30

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How about just getting a van instead? You’re not going to need all of that towing capacity, they’re roomier, more comfortable, generally cheaper while more loaded, drive more like a car, and you can still tow things with them.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Party-vi 10/20/2015 at 15:31

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Bro, he needs it. Can’t you tell by how shiny all of the chrome is?

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > HammerheadFistpunch 10/20/2015 at 15:32

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I’m sure that way more of that $60k goes into the build of the Bimmer than the truck. The truck is still just a truck with some trim.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > bob and john 10/20/2015 at 15:34

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No, insurance wounldn't be similar. At least not in Ontario, which I know is relevant to you. Pickups are far cheaper to insure.

RazoE > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:35

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Why not just buy an SUV?

bob and john > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 10/20/2015 at 15:36

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a cheap base work truck maybe. but IDK about a 60k fully loaded machine. (actually, i’ll check that...kinda curious now)

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > bob and john 10/20/2015 at 15:37

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Depends on whether you want to buy the Bimmer or lease it.

Textured Soy Protein > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:40

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You know what else has 300-ish horsepower, awd, and more room and toys than a BMW 535i while costing about the same?

A fully-loaded Acura MDX with everything including way more options than either the F-150 or the 535i costs $57,080.

It weighs 4268 lbs instead of 4890 lbs for the F-150 Super Crew with the 3.5 EcoBoost and 5.5 ft bed. It’s barely heavier than the 535i xDrive which is 4156 lbs .

Compared to the F-150, the MDX handles better, it’s more comfy, and has a nicer interior. It has a third row of seats which can be folded down for plenty of cargo capacity. Its SH-AWD system can vector torque across the rear axle to power through turns and improve snow traction.

Since you are apparently interested in bench racing a pickup truck and a luxury sedan, the MDX does 0-60 in a “slow” 6.4 seconds but is still totally fine enough for a comfy cruiser.

And then there’s mileage. Even with the F-150 taking regular unleaded and both the 535i xDrive and MDX taking premium, the F-150 is more expensive to fuel .

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > bob and john 10/20/2015 at 15:41

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american trucks? sure, they have the fancy-shamcy leath and nav and can tweet for you. but it all felt...flimsy? IDK what the word is. the dash crack and the gaps were surprisingly large. and there was ALWAYS something that gave away the fact that you started from a work truck

And that’s whe way it should be. If I’m buying a truck, I’m buying a truck to do truck things. I want a solid frame and a low-stress engine that will run forever. It seems like the big two and a half figured out that they can make more money off of selling the idea of a truck than they can building a damn good solid truck. I remember a friend of mine buying an F150 in 2002 or so with a vinyl bench seat, no AC, and a manual, but it still had a full size bed, had enough torque to pull things, and cost something like $14000. 250k miles on, he’s still driving it. Those trucks just don’t seem to exist anymore.

duurtlang > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:41

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To each their own. I’m not a fan of modern BMWs, but I’d take one over a truck any day of the week. Even when the truck is way cheaper.

Also, when comparing luxury vehicle you don’t start with a BMW as the benchmark. A BMW has, traditionally, been a sports sedan/wagon. A Mercedes, Audi or even a Lexus would be a better pick if you’re looking for luxury. And, when defining luxury as having features rather than build quality/material quality/chassis/handling, you could be looking at Buicks, Chryslers and historically Cadillacs instead.

Klaus Schmoll > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:42

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Have you ever driven any new-ish BMW non-SUV on a twisty b-road?

bob and john > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/20/2015 at 15:42

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for a 14k work truck yes. if your dropping 65+k on a luxury truck, that shouldnt be there ANYWHERE

HammerheadFistpunch > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/20/2015 at 15:43

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Thats the gist of it, yeah. Its like optioning up a cayenne to 200 grand...no its not suddenly a Cayenne worth 200 grand.

TheOnelectronic > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:43

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I found myself having to daily drive a mid-size truck for a while.

The 5-series is better, even if it’s the worst 5-series ever made. It’s better to drive. My first vehicle was a truck. Drove it for years. Would not go back.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:44

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One of those men’s magazines (Esquire, maybe) said a few years ago how the full size pickup is the New American Luxury sedan. They ain’t wrong.

My only concern is I just feel unstable in a pickup in bad weather, even with 4x4. I wish they could put an extra differential in there or something just to ease my mind (too many years of unladen RWD pickup driving, I feel).

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > bob and john 10/20/2015 at 15:44

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True, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about how they’ve figured out how to sell these pieces of shit to the public. No one really buys a $60k truck. They’re buying a $30k truck and $30k worth of penis compensation.

bob and john > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 10/20/2015 at 15:46

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getting back to you. i took a 535xi and a king ranch (no options on either.

BMW was 6k. truck was 5.4k.

600$ a year difference. whcih you will more then spend on fuel

bob and john > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/20/2015 at 15:48

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i know. I totally agree with you. OP is basically saying i’m buying a pick up because I can. (granted, being 6’7” has something to do with it, but still)

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > bob and john 10/20/2015 at 15:49

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Trust me, it is. That was the original reason I bought a truck. Now, though, I’d buy a truck again because I like driving my truck. I would probably stay in the mid-size range though.

As far as running costs go...fuel for last year cost me less than half what my insurance did. This year I'd put them just about equal (more driving, cheaper insurance). Non-issue as far as I'm concerned.

PS9 > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:49

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I see a lot of naysayers piling on you already, and that’s to be expected. The forum title isn’t ‘oppositetruck’ after all. But instead of rejecting the possibility outright, consider the following as food for thought, my fellow oppos;

$60k is too much for a truck. Right? I mean...you can get a BMW for that. Yeah sure, but a BMW is not a truck. This is what someone says when they have no intention of buying a truck at all, and that’s fine. Different strokes, different folks, etc. However, if you have no intention of considering anything in this market segment no matter the cost, then on what basis can you render this judgement? How much is a high-end truck supposed to cost? Answer: Whatever the market is willing to pay.

‘Well, I buy trucks all the time, and I still think that’s dumb!’ Okay, then. Let me switch positions with you from the discerning consumer and truck aficionado, to that of an executive in charge of making these things at Ford, GM, Dodge, Take your pick. Your customers have been clamoring for years for more. More luxury. More comfort. More gadgets. More features. So what do you tell them? ‘Use the truck on work days and buy a BMW for the weekend?’ No, you don’t. You build the products they want from you, and you take their money.

You want to know why someone spends $60k on a truck? When I did a few jobs working for someone who had a fully loaded truck with all the goodies, I found out why first hand. When you’re spending 12 hours on hard labor, when you’re done with everything and you feel like you’ve spent the last half day tumbling around a washing machine full of boulders, and your whole body aches, nothing feels better than to step up and into a place full of creature comforts and convenience. Nothing feels better than leather heated seats. Nothing sounds better than a premium audio system that has GPS so you don’t have to worry about navigating your way out of wherever the hell you went to do the job back home. You get in it, you sit down and you relax in pampered comfort after a hard days work. BMWs? Caddys? Audis? Mercs? They’ll all give you that same feeling, but how many of them can do it while hauling a pallet of thinset, 3 other workers and a trailer full of tools?

DoYouEvenShift > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:50

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Those F150s are super nice! I like trucks though. So it would have to be a M car before I would pick it over the truck.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:50

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...20-inch wheels...

No no no no no no no no no no no no. No dammit no. STOP. Quit putting 20” wheels on trucks, it is the stupidest thing ever. Just stop, it’s idiotic and stupid. Trucks shouldn’t come with anything over a 17” wheel. Why the fuck did everyone decide that having sidewall on a tire is a bad thing? You want sidewall on a truck tire. It looks much better, gives a better ride, makes it less likely that you’ll fuck up your stupid fucking 20” $800 wheel if you clip a curb and gives much more traction off road. Just stop it with the idiotic 20” wheels on trucks.

MultiplaOrgasms > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 15:51

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Meh. Vans are still best.

HammerheadFistpunch > PS9 10/20/2015 at 15:52

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Its true, Just because its not worth 60k doesn’t mean its not worth 60k to someone.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > PS9 10/20/2015 at 15:56

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When you’re spending 12 hours on hard labor, when you’re done with everything and you feel like you’ve spent the last half day tumbling around a washing machine full of boulders, and your whole body aches, nothing feels better than to step up and into a place full of creature comforts and convenience

Pretty sure that the people who do the real job-site work are not in the income bracket for a $60k truck.

Richtofen, Baron von Pickup > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:00

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THANK YOU. Some people pull trailers and drive up dirt roads, and actually haul things. I’ll take the truck.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > bob and john 10/20/2015 at 16:01

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Granted I was looking at gm trucks vs any car... still:

It was $9000-ish for a ‘99 Cavalier, $6000-ish for a 2001 Sierra. Rates spiked between 2004 models and 2008’s, but newer models are (were) almost the same rates as the 2001’s.

As far as fuel goes... it depends how far you go. I don’t have far to go. Bear in mind I’m winging these numbers, I can’t be bothered to look them up.

I6 5-Series, 25-ish (imperial) MPG sound right? lets say 28. Or 10.08l/100km.

V8 Sierra, 20 ish MPG—lets say 18. 15.69l/100km. A 3.5EB should be close to this mark.

At $1/L, which is what gas seems to be hovering around right now, a difference of $5.61/100km. Or, 10695km before you break even, based on your numbers. Might not be enough for many people, but it's plenty for me, for the most part.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 10/20/2015 at 16:05

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Personally, if I'm buying the 5er over the truck I'm rethinking my life choices. To each their own.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:05

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I see your point, but nobody actually cross-shops those. I have driven my fair share of luxury sedans and a few luxury trucks, and let me tell you, even comparing driving a Silverado LTZ or F-150 Platinum to a base-model 3 series that costs 2-3 as much is silly and pointless. There’s more to a comparison than price tag and features. A BMW that’s “not as good as the one before it” is still miles and miles better to drive than a full-sized truck.

There’s nothing wrong with either, but nobody’s going to sell their King Ranch for a 535i, or vice versa.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 10/20/2015 at 16:05

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True, but I bet the truck is just as comfortable.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Party-vi 10/20/2015 at 16:06

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You’re not incorrect, but it’s mostly because a) the majority of vehicles I fit in well are trucks b) I like the look of trucks and c) they're immensely practical.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/20/2015 at 16:07

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You’d be surprised. Home builders make plenty $$$, and many of the best ones still get their hands dirty.

Trust me, I'm in the industry. Not saying it's the norm, though. nonononONONONONONBWAHAHAHAHA no. But no matter what you're doing, I can defend the feeling. And anyway to parrot PS9 different strokes etc...

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:07

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I agree with all of this. Hell, my next vehicle might be a truck for no other reason than I like pickup trucks. I won’t haul with it all the time are always be towing something, but I don’t see people taking their sports cars designed for the track to the track everyday either. I’ve never ridden or driven a truck and hated it, it makes me wish I had got one instead of my M3 more, honestly. So big and comfy and easy to drive and effortlessly drive along.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > PS9 10/20/2015 at 16:07

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I agree. They are two fantastic classes of vehicles that are pointless to compare because they serve to completely different purposes.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 10/20/2015 at 16:10

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I was gonna basically say that but I'm getting enough hate as it is.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 10/20/2015 at 16:10

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If it ain’t goin’ off road... don’t need it. And then you get better handling.

Which isn't to say I disagree. There's a tradeoff involved, and 20" trades too much ability for street manners imo. Then again I often find myself wishing I had something bigger than my 16's... I think 18's would be about the perfect compromise.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 10/20/2015 at 16:11

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I realize that, but they do occupy the same price range. If I'm looking to buy a car at a specific price point, I'm going to look at literally everything that's also at that price to make sure I'm really getting the best car for my money.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Richtofen, Baron von Pickup 10/20/2015 at 16:12

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I probably wouldn’t pull trailers that often, but I’d still use it for Lowe’s runs and stuff. It's mainly because I like them.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > MultiplaOrgasms 10/20/2015 at 16:13

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I love vans. I've got one in my garage right now.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 10/20/2015 at 16:14

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All the objectionable stuff in my article and you point out wheel size?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:16

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Yeah, that’s what’s gonna happen when you bring up trucks on an enthusiast forum, sadly. Most generally hate “useless” and big things like trucks and SUVs.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:16

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Oversized wheels are a thing that I hate. The car rides worse, tires and wheels are more expensive and more fragile and they look stupid. The rest of it I don’t necessarily disagree with, I drive a 2011 F-150 Lariat myself.

Wacko > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:17

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5.5’ box over the rear wheels and will hold just about anything

really now, that’s why all the new pickups I see have top tow a trailer for any ATV, bike, plywood....

Sure a 5.5 box is great for your trip to costco, but for me a 5.5 box is against the point of owning a pickup.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 10/20/2015 at 16:17

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I’ve said this exact quote to people before:

“I want to get a truck so I can justify going to Lowe’s every weekend and I want to go to Lowe’s every weekend so I can justify getting a truck.”

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Wacko 10/20/2015 at 16:18

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I'm pretty sure you can get a 6.5 if you really need it.

GordonBombay > PS9 10/20/2015 at 16:18

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I also agree. Plus, America.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:18

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In that case, “most car for the money” is 100% subjective.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 10/20/2015 at 16:18

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I like the styling of a lot of big wheels, but anything over 20” just looks ugly and donkish to me.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 10/20/2015 at 16:19

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Exactly my point. I think of it as the physically largest vehicle for the money.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Klaus Schmoll 10/20/2015 at 16:20

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Nope, just stating my armchair opinion.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Textured Soy Protein 10/20/2015 at 16:22

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I actually happen to like the MDX too, but I'd honestly rather get a mechanically similar Pilot Touring for less. I do get your point though.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > RazoE 10/20/2015 at 16:22

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The equivalent full size SUV is generally pricier.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:23

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Fuck justification, you want what you want. I see no need to explain why I want what I want.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/20/2015 at 16:23

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I like vans.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 10/20/2015 at 16:23

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More sidewall doesn’t necessarily mean worse handling. You increase unsprung weight which is bad. A shorter sidewall is stiffer which can give you more immediate turn in and makes things feel “sportier”. A shorter sidewall doesn’t always mean more ultimate grip though. Basically you get something that “feels sportier” without necessarily increasing performance. I put “feels sportier” in quotes, because really you only increase ride harshness and reduce suspension response by shortening the sidewall.

If I’m driving a sports car, fine, 17-18” wheels are acceptable and I can deal with the increased harshness, but for a truck or daily driver more sidewall gives more comfort and a better ride. I don’t really care about the ring time of an F-150, give me ride comfort on a cheaper wheel and tire combo instead of beating the crap out of me with stupid 20” wheels that are stupidly expensive.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/20/2015 at 16:24

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Don't tell anyone, but I specifically didn't use the CTS because Vsport is the same price as the 535i but better.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Milky 10/20/2015 at 16:25

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I'd have that over the BMW as well.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Dasupersprint - base trim is enough 10/20/2015 at 16:26

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The rear seats on newer crew cab versions are MASSIVE.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 10/20/2015 at 16:27

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I knew I'd get lots of hate, but I don't care. Oppo is usually good with this stuff even if everyone disagrees.

Klaus Schmoll > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:27

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That was obvious, I just wanted to confirm.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > BloodlessWeevil 10/20/2015 at 16:28

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Very relevant.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 10/20/2015 at 16:28

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“enthusiast”

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 10/20/2015 at 16:31

0

Tell that to my grandfather then. I think he has a pretty good reason for owning a $60K truck.

PS9 > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/20/2015 at 16:32

3

Pretty sure you don’t know what you’re talking about, because the person who runs the tile setting business that allowed him to get that fully loaded truck I rode in makes about $90k every two months, owns an Escalade, a ‘ Dragon Jeep ’ (that’s apparently a thing I had no idea about) A five bedroom two car garage on five acres of property he had built, and about $3M or so between ownership of other properties and investments.

It’s tempting to think so given the current state of things in the US and globally, but not everyone who works for a living is poor.

Wacko > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:32

1

I got over my truck want, by buying a 6 x 10 cargo trailer.

I can tow my cargo trailer with anything larger than a compact car.

Both of my brother in laws bought new pickups in 2014, one a egoboost fx4 crew cab with the 5.5 bed, and the other a king cab ram with the 6ish foot bed. no room in back of the ram for an adult, and no place for child seats. the crewcab ford has place in back, but a useless almost always empty 5.5 box.

I got my self a 7 passenger CUV and a trailer, and I believe I made the best choice of the bunch, since I don’t have to borrow the father in laws trailer anytime I have to carry something. I got more interior space, better seating arrangement and better mpgs

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 10/20/2015 at 16:33

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Fair enough, that’s sort of what I meant anyway. The overall “feel” is tighter.

For me and my tire sizes—20" wheels: too big for me, too uncomfortable, actually look kind of ridiculous on a truck unless chosen very carefully, but make it feel nicer to drive as long as the road doesn't get too bumpy. 16" wheels (my current shoes!!): Comfortable, soaks up rough stuff quite well, looks OK, but can make the truck feel like it's tearing it's tires off unstead of turning. 18" wheels just seem like a better compromise to ME, for MY vehicle, and may not necessarily work elsewhere. That was all I meant on the second point.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:33

1

You can get a 5.5, 6.5, and 8 ft box.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Wacko 10/20/2015 at 16:35

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I actually like the Pathfinder.

shop-teacher > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:35

1

Resale value is a hell of a lot better for the truck than the BMW.

Personally, I’d go down a couple three trim packages and save some money on that truck.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > PS9 10/20/2015 at 16:35

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Well that’s badass. I’m an idiot for making assumptions. Is that the norm, though?

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 10/20/2015 at 16:35

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Even better.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:35

1

What Logansteno said. I don't have to justify my vehicle to you. I got it because I enjoy it.

shop-teacher > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/20/2015 at 16:36

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You’d be surprised.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > shop-teacher 10/20/2015 at 16:36

1

Oh don't get me wrong, everyone seems to think that if I was buying a truck, I'd immediately go for the $60,000 luxury trim. I'd get a Ram 1500 Sport for $45k and be plenty happy.

Wacko > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:44

1

but truth be told, don’t worry with what we say, buy what you want, what you need. Hell, the pathfinder is very well hated here, but I actually love mine, and the CVT really grew on me.

This is my opinion, a pickup has 2 doors and a 8 foot box. a crewcab with a 8 foot box is one hell of a long truck, and useless if not actually used for work/ranch/farm... Try parking a crewcab with a 8 foot box. A 4 door with a 5-6 foot bed, is basically a SUV with a trunk., since you can’t carry much other than a lawn mower. to each his own.

RazoE > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:49

1

But you get more use. I doubt you’re going to haul scrap metal and sand in your truck bed, so you might as well go for an SUV, as it can still tow.

Wacko > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 10/20/2015 at 16:50

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a crewcab with a 8 foot box is one long truck.

PS9 > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/20/2015 at 16:55

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It’s the norm for owners of a business like this. It’s hard, hard work, but he is one of the best in the area at it, and he’s spent maybe 20-30 years building up that reputation and word of mouth with quality professional level work people who need something built can rely upon.

From my extremely limited experiences, I can say the money is there, but it’s not easy at all. It’s backbreaking labor. It’s leaving the state a lot. It’s also a lot of pressure and sometimes last minute frustrating changes (having the client call the foreman and say they didn’t actually want that wall you just spent most of your day tiling up covered in any tile at all despite what the plans said, finding out in the middle of the job that the client didn’t buy enough tile to complete it and having to go get some, lots of dumb shit like that), but the money is there for those ambitious and determined enough to build something as he was.

I’ll also say this; the pay scale is obviously tilted towards the owner, but the workers who have professional tile laying experience and can do the job well will make about $50k/year. They aren’t millionaires, but they’re doing a lot better than pretty much every one I know.

jjhats > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 16:59

1

how is a full size truck faster than my focus?

911e46z06 > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 10/20/2015 at 17:01

1

As the owner of a 60k+ truck and a luxury sedan, I believe I can share some insight. A few points:

This is why so many Americans drive trucks. If you can only have one vehicle, it makes way more sense to buy something insanely practical, which generally means pickup or SUV. Our gas is cheap and our roads are big, so there really isn’t much drawback.

That said, the choice is always dependent on circumstances. If you never, tow, go off-road, or haul anything, and you drive through 1-way streets to park in a cramped garage every day, you’d be high to get the truck.

Also, the current 5er is hot trash, and not a good benchmark. Personally, I think Cadillac is making the best cars in the segment right now, but personal bias aside, you can get the same amenities in a V8 Charger or SS as you can in an F series for about 2/3 what you would spend on the bimmer.

And finally, handling is important, and the worst-handling lux sedan (probably the Charger/300) will always blow the doors off the best handling pickup in the curves.