Why Do YOU Drive A Pickup?

KCRam

E3,

try bathing a 21-foot-long extended cab dually 4x4, with solid black paint no less. Can't run a dually through a car wash either, so I have to do it by hand no matter what. A full wash and wax takes 3 1/2 hours. And in winter, I'm out there in the driveway with extra buckets because by then the hose will have frozen.

At least doing it yourself is "free"... and the satisfaction of a shiny black rig makes up for the sore arms.

E3MP6

My truck's black too, just not as big. I do it all by hand, and it's still not free. I live in an apartment with a "no car washing" policy, so I end up at those lousy coin-op bays. I just take my bucket and stuff and use my quarters to get water out of the hose. Still get those sore arms...

hubcap

I have had trucks and cars. When you go out Cruising and come home your car is still clean and shows that you just went driving around, but with a truck you take it out to the trails and through the mud and come back people know where you have been and that you had a good time. To me and my friends nothing beats a truck after a trip to the hills.

dizzy2

I have to admit that I like having both a sedan (88 Mazda 323) and my baby, a Mazda B2200. The truck is my favorite for just going, but the car is more comfortable for taking the old folks along. I agree that you either got a truck soul or you just don't get it-and you never will until you have one of your own. I bought my truck used and hope to move to a larger and extended cab version as soon as granny has to go to a care facility. She loves to ride with me in the truck because its easier for her to get in and out of and she can see more of what is around us. I am interested in any comments folks have about the Nissan vs Toyota vs Mazda. My Mazda has been great for a dependable vehicle, and the main thing I want in my next truck is another 150k with no real problems.
I had HORRIBLE experiences with Dodge/Chrysler. Be warned-they basically told me they had my money so don't bother them with my problems with my new vehicle. (It had life threatening problems 3 dealers could not fix, I called Detroit hoping for expert help and was told not to bother them with my woes ever again. I don't like a company whose top brass in Detroit have that kind of attitude. If you have a D/C product, document everything that happens so you won't get royally rooked like I was. I hope they have changed their attitude but I wouldn't count on it.
I hope to buy a used 98 2wd in 00 or 01. I hope to hear about any problems and how the trucks are holding up as low maintenance trucks. I live in Knoxville TN so I do a lot of mountain driving in my truck, and a 4x4 just can't deliver the gas milage I need for a working truck (I am always on road for work). Hope to hear both the good and the bad! thanks:)

E3MP6

You got a Mazda to go 150K no problems? Congratulations! Go with a Toyota if you're just looking at Rising Sun tin cans. Nissan's trucks still look like their 1980's boxy ancestors and I just don't trust Mazda for anything (I have a 323 as well...piece of junk). Toyota's are bigger (T-100 in particular) than other Rice Haulers and their supposed to be releasing a true full-size next year.

P.S. Anyone want to buy an '88 Mazda 323? Going CHEAP!

biglar

I own a truck for one simple reason: Utility. There's _always_ something that needs to be hauled or towed ect.... It's a very practical vehicle.
I'm not saying that I don't like trucks. I enjoy driving my '95 F-150 2x4. And I _love_ the new F-150's (and will probably buy one when this truck dies -- hopefully a long wait). But the simple fact of the matter is that if I didn't feel that a truck was practical, I'd spend the money on a sports car.
But a sports car won't haul my lumber, transport my ATV, or pull my boat. And the insurance is _much_ higher on a car. So I'll drive my truck.

I'd also like to comment on this whole 4x4 thing. 4x4 is cool as heck. I'll give you that. And if you're into off-roading or hunting it is a necessity. But the average driver on the road today does _not_ need 4x4!
Where do I get off saying this in a truck forum? Am I nuts? Let me site a simple example:
I grew up in the U.P. of Michigan in a place called the Keweenaw Penninsula. Up there it was not uncommon to get 250" of snow over the course of a winter. My Father drove a 2x4 F-150 90 miles (one way) to work. This was done every day all winter long in snowstorms where you couldn't see past your hood. Guess what? In 20 years of doing this he only remembers 3 times that 4x4 would have helped him.

To a good cautious driver traction is never an issue. It's just a matter of taking it easy and using your head. If you can't see, you probably don't want to go that darn fast anyway!

stanford

Re: 4x4 comments

My '93 F350 CC diesel 4X2 gets stuck in wet grass when unloaded. I'm going 4X4 this time for that reason only (heck, I live in Texas). Long front-heavy trucks have a definate reason to get 4X4.

stanford

I was under the impresstion that the F450 counted as a p/u for regulatory reasons. And it does come in crew cab :-) Beyond that -- both the C3500 and the F350 would be about the same IMO. With the higher usage I'd really want the heavier 450, but... if you can't get it you can't get it.

panol3

What is IMO and p/u, if you please. U are talking to finance guy and not truck specialist.

mikec13

p/u = pickup
IMO = in my opinion

thorsdale

I like the way a p/u looks and rides. It's also nice when you need to haul and move items. I bought mine to use not put it in a showcase. As of yet I haven't put any accessories in it but
I will let the budget recover and bit and do
some customizing.

sparky1936

Meaning no disrespect to you kids out there,
but owning a 4x4 does'nt give you license to
follow a person 10 feet behind him on the
freeway with your bright lights on.
Question- Why do I hate 4x4's, see statement
above.

kasia

What's the best mix of comfortable riding, reasonable cost, strength on mountain terrain and easy driving? I'm looking...but a new comer to p u search. What's advice of veteran pu drivers?

EdBedsworth

First off I had a Chevy S-10 Extended Cab for 5 years (93-98) now I'm driving a '98 Dodge RAM 1500 Quad-Cab 4x4.

There are many reasons to drive a truck. Here are mine:

1. Room! I'm 6'2" with a 35" inseam, and I fit in the cab of my truck. With the Quad-Cab I've comfortably carried four colleagues to a conference, regularly haul groceries and other purchases and safely travel with luggage. When I bought the S-10, also an extended cab truck, it was, for $12,500, the most room I could get for the buck.

2. Visibility! I can see around cars and especially mini-vans. I don't like being stuck behind something I can't see around and this minimizes that problem.

3. Hauling! A friend of mine and I do a lot of furniture refinishing and this gives us a way to transport buffets, tables, hutches and the likes.

4. Freedom! I work for a phone company and unlike the Post Office, we truly NEVER close. Even when the mail can't get through because of a storm (hey, it happened in 1996 in DC) we didn't shut down. 911 Services require an operational phone system so you have to get to work. The weight of the RAM combined with 4x4 gives me the ability to get there. In 1996, with the Chevy 4x2, I was dependent on friends.

5. Freedom II! Many of my friends live out in the hills and mountains of West Virginia. Their dirt drive ways tend to be steep, muddy and hard to get up in anything less than a 4x4.

6. Insurance. My truck insurance is less than half most of my friend's car insurance.

7. I'm a Truck Kinda Person. I don't find SUVs, station wagons, cars, or anything else interesting. Like many of the posts I've read in this group, when I see a big ole pickup truck and stop and look at it. The other vehicles just fly on by.

Well, that's my 4 cents worth!

Ed
The only real down side of a big truck (5.2L V-8) is gas mileage.

cobra98

There are many reasons why I like my truck. Most of the reasons have already been discussed here. But one more became evident last night. I was heading home from work and was at a standstill at a series of traffic lights, when all of the sudden *BAM*. When I pulled off the road, the vehicle that hit me also pulled over. We examined damage, and my truck had ZERO damage. It was dark, so there is a slight chance that the bumper was pushed in a wee little bit, but I'm not sure. The guy who hit me said that he was picking up his phone to answer it and when he looked back up, it was too late to react. He was pretty nervous. He said that he saw my head hit the back window and kept asking me if I was ok. You could definitely tell he was afraid of a law suit (not that you can blame him nowadays.)

Anyhow, his damage was a smashed front bumper, hood completely buckled, fenders both jammed back into the doors, radiator punctured, lights/bezels crushed, fan smashed, etc... We're talking thousands of dollars. I spent about 1/2 an hour using my come-a-long to pull his radiator support back so that the hood could latch so that he could try to drive home before all the antifreeze was lost. I was so nice, I didn't ask for us to share insurance information (hmm, is it a *law* to do so???) Anyhow, I realize that truck vs truck would've been different, but truck against car ended up with me having no damage/injuries at all.

Just another reason why I drive my pickup truck.

hindsite

I have a Tacoma 4 x 4 that I bought for the room. Since, I have no kids and two sedans I figure I get that pickup for house work and for surf fishing along the beach.
Sparky: I see a lot of cars tailing me so I guess it is not trucks or 4 x 4 as you say.

edb1

Hi,
My dad worked for Fords for 25 years, but is now retired. He told me that there is a Ford employee incentive on the purchase of vehicle by family members. He said that he would have to call in his current pin #. Any way, dose anybody know how or what type of savings are associated with this incentive? Please reply...Thanks Ed B

KCRam

re cobra's post #67:

I had a guy come across the double-yellow straight at me in my 93 F150 a few years back. He was actually attempting to pass a car that was waiting to turn LEFT after I passed by. It was a Chevy Cavalier. His left front corner hit my left bumper corner and the tire, then his car rubbed all the way down the side of my truck. Damage to the F150:

- A light finish rub, buffed out
- piece of shrapnel in the left front wheel bead,
tire removed, cleaned out, remounted for $7 at the local tire shop
- front end alignment was neede to correct a slight pull

Damage to Cavalier:

- extensive front end body and mechanical damage
- left front suspension collapse and wheel damage as a result

It was a kid (late teens, early 20s), and the Cavalier was his (Dragnet music here) Dad's car. I was about to scream at him when he said that, so I figured, he's in enough trouble with the old man, so I don't need to yell - even gave the kid a ride home.

Just this past September, my Ram 3500 dually was rear-ended in a chain collision at a light similar to cobra's incident. I was 5th or 6th in line, and I heard metal to metal contact behind me. Before I could look up in the mirror, BONK! A very nice gunmetal gray Volvo 740 was shoved under my Ram, with substantial sheetmetal damage. It had been shoved into me by an econobox, whose driver wasn't paying attention. The Volvo also had a bashed rear bumper from that hit, and the econobox was trashed so badly, it wandered uncontrollably up the sidewalk and finally stopped after striking someone's front steps. Damage to the Ram: some "beauty dimples" to the bottom of the bumper. The nice old gent driving the Volvo was miffed because he said he never takes it for errands, but decided to that day.

tmd01

1. I like to see around me and down the road.
2. I like minor damage when somebody hits me.
3. I like to haul things and help people move.
4. I like to explore mountainous dirt roads.
5. I like trucks!

ladyblue

Let's see......it all started when I was just a little girl. While all the other little girls were playing with Barbies, I was heavily into Tonka trucks. I've just ordered my latest truck, a 99 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT. Before that, I had a Ford F150 and before that, a Mazda B2000.

I like trucks because I HATE trying to stuff things into a car. I'm a die-hard camper, and I need the room for my gear. With a high-top cap on an 8-foot bed, I can even set up the back to sleep in for short weekend trips and I still have the seating for 6 people up front. Also, being a "little person", its great to feel so high up when I drive. And when you park it at a store or the mall, you never have to come out and say, "Now, where did I park?"

My final reason? Well, you know how some guys call their car a "chick magnet?". With all the male attention I get from my truck, I call it my "stud finder!"

viper_matt

Ladyblue... you call yourself a truck lover, yet you once owned a Mazda B2000. Perhaps you should realize that the B2000 is not a truck, but rather a rolling piece of trash. Anyhow, maybe you should have got a new Sierra instead of the Ram. The Ram is good except it lacks refinement and style. If you want a nice vehicle to drive, instead of a giant lug you should have got a Sierra.

ladyblue

Some of us don't have the luxury of stepping right into what they want the first time around. I traded up to get where I am now. And the Sierra doesn't have the fourth door which I need to accomodate the many teenagers I have to transport. To each his own, Matt. I've loved each of my trucks for different reasons and I'll never drive anything but.

tmd01

ALL RIGHT LADYBLUE! TONKA QUAD CABS ALL THE WAY! IF TONKA BUILT A REAL TRUCK IT'D BE A GOOD 'UN, YOU CAN BET!

ladyblue

You are so right, TMD01!! Tonka rules!! And just think how easy they would be to repair. All you'd need is a butter knife to unfold those little metal tabs and the whole truck would just come apart (I know, I've done it!!)

Davydd

OK, I live in Tonka Bay just up the road where they used to build those great toys (now built in Mexico). My adult "toy" is my '99 Chevy Silverado exactly like the one that is tearing up the mud on TV it seems every hour.

vman

You go ladyblue! I've had the following trucks:
1987 Nissan Hardbody 4x4
1989 Mazda B2200
1995 Dodge Dakota (current)

Regardless of what the other pinhead thinks, I bought the Mazda brand new for $9600 and put 100,000 miles on it. I sold it to my nephew for $2000 and he's still driving it. I've never heard of a chumpy (I mean chevy!) giving that kind of cost to performance ratio! The Dodge has been good to me but still has a way to go to out do the Mazda.

I also qualify as an avid camper. As far as owning a truck; where else are you going to put your ATV?

vman

Sparky, you don't happen to drive 45 mph in the left lane all the time and wear a derby do you?

erumaker

Hey, don't you call Mazda trucks crap! I bought a 1992 Mazda B2600i 4x4 brand new and have never regretted it! The price was $5,000 (yes, $5,000) LESS than comparably equipped Toyota or Nissan. And mine isn't made by Ford either. Its a great (and very very good looking) truck!

jalexander

I drive a pick up because that is what I really wanted to drive.

And along comes Chevrolet...

I have had so many problems with the Chevrolet pickup I bought that I don't care if I ever own another pickup in my lifetime (and I DEFINITELY won't own another chevrolet) I bought the truck new, and in the 3 years I have owned it, it has been in the shop 6 times for major repairs including having to replace the catalytic converter, and the ignition wires (TWICE!). When I talked to Charlie Thomas Chevrolet in Houston(then Chevrolet) about it, I was informed that those were normal repairs to be expected by any vehicle owner and they would do nothing about it beyond what they were required to do under the warranty.

I have heard some good things about the Dodge Ram trucks (and really like the new body style). My next vehicle, if it is a truck, will probably be a Dodge Ram. After all, they can't all be as bad as the LEMON I got stuck with can they?

Jennifer

cobra98

As much as I would like to bad mouth GM, I am sorry to hear about your problems. Unfortunately, there are lemons everywhere. Even though I don't like GM (ya know, it's a Ford thing), I should mention that my friend had a Dodge Ram ('96 I believe) and it gave him a lot of problems. The biggest problem (more of a factory defect) is when he nearly wrecked because Dodge never tightened the bolts on the lower control arm of his front passenger wheel (or whatever it is on a truck....) Anyhow, he had two front wheels each going in opposite directions. When it was towed to the dealership, they acted like, "no big deal, get over it" and then expected him to be happy because they didn't charge him when they fixed it. Well, he got rid of it this year and bought a full size Chevy 4x4 and has never quit raving about it (although IMHO the GM's do look VERY plain).

Good luck with whatever you choose.

--Cobra98

lildiesel

I own a 86 GMC 1/2 ton with a 6.2 l diesel in it
I've got 334 000 km on it and it still gets me 35
mpg on the highway. I use my truck for everything
including farm work, camping, going to and from work, and a play toy. basicly what I'm trying to say is not all GM's are crap, but every truck company has it's lemons.

lil diesel

aaron8

I HAVE A 99 SILVERADO AND LOVE IT. IT'S SPACIOUS, SMOOTH RIDING AND LOOKS GREAT. I DRIVE A TRUCK BECAUSE IT'S EVERYTHING IN ONE, ESPECIALLY THE SILVERADO. IT'S A VEHICLE TO GO TO THE MARKET, OUT ON DATES WITH MY WIFE, CAMPING, OR WHATEVER. IT LOOKS GREAT FOR THOSE SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND A TOUGH 4X4 OUT IN THE TRAILS TRYING TO GET TO MY FAVORITE FISHING HOLE, OR PUTTING A BOAT INTO THE WATER. CAN'T DO THAT WITH A CAR. PLUS, I CAN CARRY MORE THAN A SHOEBOX IF I NEED TO AND DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT FURNITURE OR TV'S CAN BE TAKEN HOME MYSELF WITHOUT PAYING THEM TO DELIVER. THE WAY TRUCKS ARE BUILT, THEY ARE THE PERFECT VEHICLES NOWADAYS. FOR JALEXANDER: SORRY ABOUT YOUR CHEVY. I OWNED A FORD RANGER, A DODGE DAKOTA AND NOW MY CHEVY SILVERADO. ALL TREATED ME GOOD. I KNOW THERE ARE THOSE OUT THERE THAT ARE LEMONS, BUT I THINK THAT IT'S THE FEW BAD ONES WHICH RUIN IT FOR THE OTHERS. THE MAJORITY OF THE VEHICLES ARE GOOD TO GO. JUST DO YOUR RESEARCH AND BE PICKY WHEN YOU ARE BUYING.

cobra98

Well, a few months ago I mentioned that I like my pickup ('85 F150 4x4 XLT) for many reasons, one of which was the fact that when I was rear-ended (the truck that is ;-) ) it suffered no damage while the car that hit me was severly damaged. Well, it happened again today. I was coming into work on the parkway when the speeds went from ~85 to a standstill because of a backup from a car with an engine fire. I keep to a quick stop (a little too quick for the person behind me). I was real happy to miss the relatively new Pontiac GrandPrix in front of me. But just then *wham*. The little late '80s Nissan tried to eat my bumper. As before, I couldn't find a scratch on my bumper, but the front grill of the Nissan was a mess. If this keeps happening, I'm leaving the Cobra in the garage forever! I'd hate the thought of it being in two wrecks within a few month span!!

Thanks Ford for my F150!!!

aaron8

I YOU WOULD FEEL THAT WAY ABOUT TRUCKS BUT IF YOU LOOK AT THE CAR WORLD, THE FASTER THE BETTER, RIGHT? WELL, WHEN EVERYONE CAN GO THE SPEED OF SOUND, WHAT WILL BE THE NEXT BEST THING, THE SPEED OF LIGHT? NO ONE WILL EVER BE FULLY SATISFIED, BUT IT'S A GREAT TRIP TRYING TO GET THERE.

akjbmw

aaron8
Your Caps Lock is in the "locked" position.

aaron8

sorry about the caps. i had no idea. new to the internet. got the same response on a couple of other sites.

robertrogers

I drive a 4x4 truck because:

1. I'm a truck kind-of-guy.
2. I sometimes haul a horse trailer
3. I drive off-road and through deep snow here in northern Wyoming (I think people who think they need SUV's to drive on plowed roads in the winter are silly).
4. I sometimes put stuff in the back (like a cow, or hay).
5. I want to be thought of as a redneck.

haskins

"Why do you drive a pickup?" That's a silly question. If I pick her up, I am definately going to drive her.

earsonly

Hi, Yall. Been there with the sports car thing. I'll never be without a Big Pickup again. I like all of them, everyone should have his or her own preference. I chose the Dodge Ram HD2500 with the Cummins Diesel. Man, what a ride! Check out the big Dana rear end and the humongus leaf springs. She ain't a scorcher out of the gate, but look out after she's rollin. Hope it holds together like my friend's who turned me on to the Diesels. Happiness to all. Earsonly

Katmandu

Here's the answer that I think no one else has. I drive a pickup because cars today are CRAP. No frame, rattle to hell after 2 winters. Also much safer than a car. In fact I owe my life to my little S10. Coming home from work woman crossed centerline and WHAM! I totalled my truck BUT I am still alive and the ambulance guys used the jaws of life to get me out...they said if I hadn't been in a truck I would have been dead. Yeah got messed up a little but I think it had to do with weight of my s10. Next time I'll have full size and enjoy destroying the next jerkoff who hits me.

scape2

I enjoy my truck because it can be used to haul dirt one day, my boat the next. I also can seat my kids in the back and go across town. Last I heard was that trucks/SUV's are selling faster and better than cars. My wife enjoys sitting higher and being able to see over cars.

rsd37

Well, I've been driving a little Saturn wagon for the past two years, and before that, a Mazda Navajo, then prior to that, a Jeep Comanche p/u. So, I will admit that the jeep isn't the greatest pickup in the world, but it certainly beats out my other rides. Feeling a little guilty about trading in Marge, the wagon, after only 2 years, but I just bought my first house, and I just can't get anything done ( hauling out 20 years of blackberry bushes, and malt liquor bottles ) without having to rent a truck! I have to say, I just must get my own. Anyone got any helpful tips about broaching the subject with my pops?
It's not like he'd be paying or helping out in any way, but I guess I'd like to be able to conquer any adverse opinions with something other than "But, I think I need one!"

glengle

I really needed one. I was constantly borrowing my folks' trucks for hauling mulch, timbers, buying a mower, etc. It is so nice now to be at a store like Lowe's/Home Depot, see something you want that's too big for a trunk, and buy it without having to plan a time to borrow a truck.

dmp1

I find that you cannot beat it for its versatility. I mountain bike, tow a boat and constantly use my pickup around the house. I alway s think about how hard it would be to get items home if I had a car.

smcpherr

Uhh, how do you get your truck through the front door?

Sorry, couldn't resist...

phyllis

I just bought my first truck - a 99 Tacoma v6 extra cab - and I have to say that I will never drive a car again! I love being up high, the ample power and large tires. The extra cab is great. No need to buy a four door Ford or Mazda. Slide the seat forward and there is plenty of room to get in and out of the back. I also drive a truck because I need something to combat all the dumb yuppies and there useless suv's that will never see a drop of mud in their lifetime. My Tocoma has just enough refinement, but not too much to make it a luxury vehicle and I like that! It also has enought power to smoke must sport utilities.

dv1

I got my first truck 3 weeks ago, a 99 Tacoma V6 4x4 Xtracab. Up until now I've driven cars and used it to haul my toys- surfboards, skis in the winter, mountain bike, etc. A sedan is impractical for me. Even roof racks are a hassle...so I looked at getting a truck. It was either that, or a used SUV, like a 4runner.

I think those SUVs are just overqualified station wagons! Half the kooks that drive them don't even take them off road.

Later

DV1

shinobi

I've driven cars all my life. Fast cars actually, but I determined after having to borrow trucks from everyone to move and haul things that I needed one myself. Not just any truck mind you. I wanted a truck, but I wanted a fast one. What did I settle on? A 99 F-150 Lightning. Oh momma will she run like a scalded dog. And with the towing package I can haul. I'm finally happy.

jimwill

Been driving trucks since I was 15. can't run traps, deer hunt, haul swing sets for the rugrats, etc. in moma's sedan. But the one thing I haven't seen mentioned is the fact that the do- it-yourself mechanic can get under the hood of a PU and actually do some work themselves. I'm no nascar pitcrewman, but buying a $30 water pump and installing it myself is not only fun, but a heck of a lot cheaper than the $250-$400 it would cost for some front wheel drive cars. Resale value has always been better on a truck (for much the same reason as Harleys, longevity of design), insurance is cheaper than for cars, and they withstand the milage better. The reason PU's and SUV's are so popular now is they are bigger, safer, and better looking than any car on the road now. If Ralph Nader doesn't like my truck, tell him to let the big three build a full size car I would feel protected my kids in a crash.

jeffthro

My wife has a 98 Voyager. I got her 89 Voyager hand-me-down. Sold the 89 Voyager in 5 days. I've always, ALWAYS wanted an extended cab truck. I am awaiting the arrival of my 2000 Silverado xtcab. No more embarrassment from my friends, coworkers and neighbors being known as minivan man. This is the ultimate vehicle because not only is it a truck, but it can also be used as a family vehicle. Free at last! (Well, almost...now come the payments).

Jeff