9th Jan 2012, 07:04

Same deal with a full size truck, if you only drive them when you need them. If someone drives one 1000 miles a year and uses their little commuter to work, what's the big deal over the fuel? I know I save a lot of money owning one over things I buy used. I just brought home a very large used gym size treadmill the other night. I consider that a plus vs. sitting on the couch saving gas.

9th Jan 2012, 10:42

"I think renting is ridiculous also. If I lived in a condo or small townhouse maybe. I have a larger home and have done a lot of upgrading inside and out."

You wouldn't if you lived where I do, because houses cost between $600,000-$800,000, and renting is about 1/3rd the cost of buying.

As far as the "need" for a full size truck argument, I think this argument comes down to whether there actually IS a need for a full size truck for most Americans. Before I continue, everyone can buy whatever they want. There is nothing wrong with that. I personally don't have an issue with people driving whatever they drive. But I also think that there's probably an element of truth in that of all those who own full size trucks, a large percentage probably don't actually use them for their intended purpose, and could very easily do with something considerably smaller.

I have an Uncle who is a farmer. They have a few F-350 diesels on the farm that get used for hauling equipment, trailers, feed, and livestock. By the nature of the work he NEEDS to have a full size truck. His trucks are seldom if ever clean, they very quickly get riddled with scratches and dents, and he buys the most stripped-down models because a nice interior in a work truck will very quickly get ruined. On the other hand, I drive to work and see lots and lots of shiny, perfectly clean trucks with custom chrome wheels, exhaust tips, little steps to get in and out of the cab, and so on. Those trucks never see work. They're driven like minivans or SUVs back and forth to work, or to perform menial tasks like picking up a stick or two of lumber here and there. Maybe they haul a camper, Jet-skis or other toys. But nevertheless, these aren't used as "trucks". They're used as cars.

That's the differentiator for me. It used to be that a truck was a truck. They didn't cost that much, had bare-bones interiors and features, weren't driven to the grocery store or the mall, and they certainly were used for work - real work. Yet these days the truck has been turned into the equivalent of a station wagon. Perhaps it's because trucks are as American as apple pie, and people want to buy into that feeling.

9th Jan 2012, 10:56

If you all reread my comment, I stated that they were the exception. Again, all people will defend entitlement. There is right and wrong in everyone's scenario. However, if we all could live in a small town and work three miles from home, we would. Nowadays being part of a marriage with two working people, it is impossible to expect that both jobs will be within a block of one another.

9th Jan 2012, 11:17

My family's three companies have used trucks commercially for 30 years. And no, it is NOT due to anything other than "personal preference". We "prefer" Ford, GM and Dodge trucks and vans for one very simple reason: They are far, far more durable and reliable than anything else on the market. We can't afford taking trucks in for recalls every week (Toyota) or for repairs every week (Nissan).

10th Jan 2012, 10:38

"We can't afford taking trucks in for recalls every week (Toyota) or for repairs every week (Nissan)."

I talked to my Dad this weekend and the conversation turned to trucks. His 2002 Tundra just turned over 270,000 miles. His has never been in for repair, and yes - he uses it for "real" work.

10th Jan 2012, 12:51

We have many similar homes starting at 900000 and up in the Northern tip of Chadds Ford - Glen Mills Pa, and the majority of new full size trucks are under a ton due to deed restrictions. Many are nice full sizes, as is the topic of the review. There are 3-4 car garages. It's easy to have short commutes if you are in medical, pharmaceutical, financial fields in our area especially. Many take trains if further out of Wilmington to Philadelphia, Baltimore or New York. We have a lot of park and rides. So you can still drive a full size truck without worrying over fuel. The nice full size may be in route to a park and ride. Parking is more the big concern here with that expense vs the little cost of fuel. So many use rail here as well. If we were rural, we might have to head out on separate long distance commutes.

11th Jan 2012, 22:57

On Dec. 28th the truck had 256,000 miles, that's a lot of driving!

12th Jan 2012, 14:12

"On Dec. 28th the truck had 256,000 miles, that's a lot of driving!"

Ehhh... sorry but you've got me confused with someone else.

12th Jan 2012, 14:19

I have no problem believing that folks that own huge McMansions with 3-4 car garages also might own a full size truck, because the two more or less represent what's been happening in the US, and is perhaps one of the many reasons we're in a recession: People buying wayyyyy more than they could ever possibly need, basically because they "deserve it".

13th Jan 2012, 08:24

People need to stop tracking other people's comments on here like they have to keep an eye on every detail. It is annoying really. Just comment on your experiences, and stop being the posting police.

13th Jan 2012, 10:16

My favorite part of my home is my garage. I live in the Northeast. Roads are salted and it snows. Cars and trucks are considerable investments. Every home I have bought I have gotten more space. My friends as well have put considerable thought into them. Most guys love having a great place to hang out.

I just had the ceiling cut and raised in mine to put in a free standing lift. Lift kits are available in kit form under 2 grand. I can park a full size truck in mine. Many 3 car garages are common here.

The homes are not McMansions as you describe; mostly newer colonials. I have seen some amazing ones. I saw one with only 2 doors, but 7 cars were designed into the layout. The most expensive garages I saw were in a Westover Hills De home that cost 400k detached, less the house. We see a lot of the rare Lincoln pickups here, and many with businesses bring trucks home as well. We cannot have commercial or large trucks on the street or drives.

Many have a fun car or 2 inside. My first home had none, and I got more as time progressed by moves. Some add on carriage doors are popular, as it gives more room for a full size truck or larger car or SUV. Guy caves are worth busting your butt to work very hard for. In all fairness, I am sure there are women as well.