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Because there's a vulcan-like undercurrent that rejects psychological and emotional rationales for (especially large) purchasing decisions in this country. Which IMO, isn't completely fair. "Rational Needs" would be served by a Moped for many.
But indicting the decision to buy a CUV or Truck as being "irrational" or unnecessary is just as unfair as indicting the choice to buy a car with AC, or power windows or locks, or leather, since it really isn't rationally needed.
Along with that is the element of sanctimonious judgment from the "he must be compensating for something" crowd. That is, the group who assumes a guy driving a lifted full size pickup is doing so to make up for deficiencies...elsewhere. It gets tiresome, really. For some people a certain type of vehicle is important. There's nothing wrong with that: outside of buying a home a vehicle is likely the second most expensive type of purchase most will make in a lifetime. Some people are of the mindset that if you're going to spend the $$$ then get what you really want. Others don't like the idea of spending too much on cost and maintenance. I get both approaches because depending on timing I've subscribed to both when purchasing vehicles.
If everyone, self righteous critics of others' vehicle choices included, had to lay all our habits out there for all to see and critic, every last one of us would have something about which others could point and say, "that's completely unnecessary." The good news is until our personal choices begin affecting others they're nobody else's business!
I don’t judge people on what they drive, and i don’t go on a rant about how people spend their money because it’s none of my business. I just have a hard time with people trying to voice their opinions on others who drive something different than they would and then they come up with all these scenarios about how often people really use their pickups for hauling or towing. Like i said it doesn’t effect me at all so i don’t care what people drive. I don’t care if they never haul or tow or take them off road it’s none of my business.
I'm never talking about individuals and their choices, I'm talking about marketplace trends and social developments. As mentioned I like trucks, I wouldn't rule out a SUV either, so when I say 'it's not rational' it's not a judgment as much as an observation.
And obviously this social trend has a very real effect on the markets as seen in Ford's decision to stop making anything other than trucks and SUVs. Trucks/SUVs/crossovers combined outsell all other cars 2 to 1. It's pretty crazy if you think about all the complaints regarding new car pricing. Surely, if new cars were too expensive for people, people would opt for lower end models instead of 30k-70k trucks/SUVs/crossovers. Instead the trend is going the other way.
I'm never talking about individuals and their choices, I'm talking about marketplace trends and social developments. As mentioned I like trucks, I wouldn't rule out a SUV either, so when I say 'it's not rational' it's not a judgment as much as an observation.
And obviously this social trend has a very real effect on the markets as seen in Ford's decision to stop making anything other than trucks and SUVs. Trucks/SUVs/crossovers combined outsell all other cars 2 to 1. It's pretty crazy if you think about all the complaints regarding new car pricing. Surely, if new cars were too expensive for people, people would opt for lower end models instead of 30k-70k trucks/SUVs/crossovers. Instead the trend is going the other way.
New vehicles are out of the affordability range of many people, which is what generates the complaining. For those who do buy new, the trend has been greatly extending loan term lengths or turning to leasing to afford a more expensive vehicle.
New vehicles are out of the affordability range of many people, which is what generates the complaining. For those who do buy new, the trend has been greatly extending loan term lengths or turning to leasing to afford a more expensive vehicle.
Since I’m retired now i lease it’s cheaper for me since i don’t put the miles on as when i was driving to work. And i never have to worry about repairs because time the warranty is up i get a new lease vehicle. Leasing makes it much more affordable since it’s just me and the wife and she has her own vehicle.
I was randomly looking around at what people actually paid for Ram quadcabs with the eco Diesel engine. It seems a lot of people were getting $8-10k off MSRP so a $52k truck with all sorts of add-ons might actually cost $42k after negotiating and rebates.
A basic Honda CRV for example might go for something like $28k so that’s a difference of $14k.
I’ve noticed over the last few years that the used truck market is pretty hot. For example, my neighbor sold a 2005 or so Tacoma with ~140k for about $8k. Someone else I know bought a 2007 or so Ram with leather, chrome wheels and HEMI for $12k...it had nearly 200k miles.
So let’s say the truck driver drives the Ram for 10 years and it has 150k miles. I would think a truck like that (especially a diesel) would sell for $12k or so. The CRV with 150k may go for $7k.
Thus, the CRV’s net cost savings is about $9k. Of course, that is a good bit of money for a lot of people.
However, the person buying the Ram basically has all the functionality and ammenities of the CRV with access to the capabilities of a truck...for 10 years. That has value if you actually use it.
Anyway, I just happened to casually look this morning. Maybe my numbers are way off, but it doesn’t seem like the person driving a “big” truck is actually paying THAT much more compared to people driving something like a midsize CUV/SUV. Looking at it on a per year basis - the truck may cost something like $1000 more per year or $83/month.
This is a very different economic mindset from many of the things I've seen you posting recently. Are you just playing devil's advocate, or is this more sinister?
I'm gonna buy something truly awesome with cash just before I retire and keep it.
Good for you that’s great i see many people my age in their 60’s reliving their youth by buying vets or muscle cars i say to them more power to you i think it’s great because you can’t take it with you.
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