BLAH? pricing out trucks

[ocnblu]

YES bored. Pricing out fullsize, 2WD, shortbed, regular cab base model trucks that are optioned out as nicely and evenly as I could. Big V8s, posi-traction rears, power windows/locks/mirrors and chrome bumper packages across the board.

Edmunds' "True Market Value" pricing (typical dealer discount plus rebate) comes out like this:

Ram Tradesman: $21,872 in True Blue with stone cloth bench

Silverado W/T LS: $23,900 in resurrected Imperial Blue with gray vinyl bench

Sierra W/T Plus: $24,042, same colour scheme as Silvy

F150 XL Plus: $25,101 in Green Gem with gray cloth bench

imo... good grief, the Ram is a screaming deal! Plus, the Tradesman has the RamBox side compartments and a spray-in bedliner. Hemi, six-seed automatic, the smooth ride of all-coil suspension... how can a truck guy go wrong? The Ford is not worth $4k more than the Dodge... is it?

GM's new trucks are out next year, and the '13 Ram has an optional 8-speed auto (with a weird shifter dial instead of a traditional lever, I'm scared), and a potentially problematic air suspension (hopefully an option as well).

Dodge's new smaller pickup truck is still a mystery, and GM is dragging their butt getting the new Colorado/Canyon to the US. Ford is not giving a hint they'll re-enter the compact truck market.

Is now a good time for a truck guy to buy... or should he wait and see what's coming 'round the bend?

EDIT: hmmm... I'm going to need confirmation from a reputable source that this Tradesman has the Hemi and not the 4.7. The Dodge site does not cooperate with me on that. When I click on the Hemi button to ADD the Hemi, it says I cannot "remove" it without changing the GVWR rating. ODD.

Edited May 1, 2012 by ocnblu

[Blake Noble]

Interesting, I didn't know a Jeep could sing "Your Cheatin' Heart".

Kidding aside, you can still nab a 2012 Ram Express for $21,000 large after incentives, although the Tradesman has a few interesting features. My gut tells me that it will have the 4.7 instead of the Hemi V8, though.

Edited May 1, 2012 by black-knight

[ocnblu]

I guess I'm gettin' old, but the prospect of runnin' chrome bumpers and 17" wheels v. body-color and expensive 20s was why I optioned out the Tradesman v. the Express.

But I love yer pop's new truck, don't get me wrong.

[balthazar]

I distinctly remember the Tradesman being available with the Hemi.

[GMTruckGuy74]

YES bored. Pricing out fullsize, 2WD, shortbed, regular cab base model trucks that are optioned out as nicely and evenly as I could. Big V8s, posi-traction rears, power windows/locks/mirrors and chrome bumper packages across the board.

Edmunds' "True Market Value" pricing (typical dealer discount plus rebate) comes out like this:

Ram Tradesman: $21,872 in True Blue with stone cloth bench

Silverado W/T LS: $23,900 in resurrected Imperial Blue with gray vinyl bench

Sierra W/T Plus: $24,042, same colour scheme as Silvy

F150 XL Plus: $25,101 in Green Gem with gray cloth bench

imo... good grief, the Ram is a screaming deal! Plus, the Tradesman has the RamBox side compartments and a spray-in bedliner. Hemi, six-seed automatic, the smooth ride of all-coil suspension... how can a truck guy go wrong? The Ford is not worth $4k more than the Dodge... is it?

- I don't think the Ford is worth it at all. I'm not hatin' on the F-150, but I personally would go with a RAM 1500 before I would choose a Ford F-150. It seems as if RAM and GM are offering incentives to move their older product, while Ford is content with the market they currently own.

GM's new trucks are out next year, and the '13 Ram has an optional 8-speed auto (with a weird shifter dial instead of a traditional lever, I'm scared), and a potentially problematic air suspension (hopefully an option as well).

- To the best of my knowledge, the 8-speed will be standard on all '13 RAM's (V6 or V8), the automatic shifter dial will be available only on the top-of-the-line trim, and the rear air suspension is an option (all of this was told by the spokesmodel at the NYIAS at the 2013 RAM 1500 stand).

Dodge's new smaller pickup truck is still a mystery, and GM is dragging their butt getting the new Colorado/Canyon to the US. Ford is not giving a hint they'll re-enter the compact truck market.

- To be fair, GM is not dragging their butt on the Colorado/Canyon, but are supposedly making it more appropriate for the North American market <redesign?> and are planning to bring it out as a 2015 model in calendar year 2014 - AFTER they introduce the new full-size trucks. I can understand this planning, but would love to be able to buy a new Canyon Crew Cab next year

Is now a good time for a truck guy to buy... or should he wait and see what's coming 'round the bend?

- This all depends on your perspective... if you want a good deal on a new pickup, GM dealers to my knowledge are working with customers on prices and the incentives seem to be flowing nicely (it is the oldest pickup out there, but IMHO still a good truck). If you're looking for a compact/mid-size pickup, you're better off waiting unless you want a current Canyon/Colorado <too old> or a Taco or Frontier. RAM is blazing ahead and wants to gain marketshare in the full-size market, so if you desire a RAM 1500 and don't care about all the new-for-2013 features, this will be the year to get a RAM (I can only imagine the incentives that will be coming in the summer for leftover RAM 1500s with the '13s on the way). Ford F-150s seem to sell without incentives, and I honestly don't know what Ford is offering out there, but I'm not a huge F-150 fan so I really don't pay much attention to it.

EDIT: hmmm... I'm going to need confirmation from a reputable source that this Tradesman has the Hemi and not the 4.7. The Dodge site does not cooperate with me on that. When I click on the Hemi button to ADD the Hemi, it says I cannot "remove" it without changing the GVWR rating. ODD.

See my responses in blue.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Also, the wife and I commute together to work since I started at her company in October 2010. However, lately her work schedule is requiring more time from her and mine is not as tight. Since we live roughly 45 minutes away, I can't stand to be stranded at work longer than needed (there's no overtime in my dept, so it doesn't pay to stay longer). We've been taking separate vehicles often which kills me (I hate all of the mileage I'm piling on the Envoy for work purposes - I don't mind family duty or pleasure trips), especially since her G6 has always been the one to use for her work commute and I've accepted the higher mileage we're putting on it as a result (I don't agree with putting two vehicles in this situation). Anyway, she mentioned the possibility of getting a 3rd vehicle for work commuting so we could take separate cars when needed - I was looking at 8-12 year old vehicles but am disappointed with the prices of used vehicles today (and the condition they come in for such high prices) that we're considering leasing another car. She wants a Chevy Spark, I'm looking at base model GMC Canyons and Sierras (W/T 2WD with auto trans as the only option - 2.9L 4 cyl/Canyon and 4.3L V6/Sierra). The Spark won't be out for another couple of months (Summer 2012) and believe it or not, it's hard finding a dealer locally with a basic work truck (Canyon or Sierra) to test drive and get lease prices on (I know they can dealer trade, but I want to test drive first). My Envoy had low mileage when I bought it March '10 and with work commuting it's adding them up. So I'm tempted to see what I can get a basic pickup truck lease for, but question if I should wait until the end of this month (Memorial Day sales) or wait for summer (4th of July sale, end of the year sales in August) first?

Edited May 1, 2012 by GMTruckGuy74

[G. David Felt]

So many options, so many choices. So many pricing options.

[Blake Noble]

I guess I'm gettin' old, but the prospect of runnin' chrome bumpers and 17" wheels v. body-color and expensive 20s was why I optioned out the Tradesman v. the Express.

That's funny you should mention that because my father said pretty much the exact same thing before he bought his Express and I'm thinking that he might be five to ten years older than you.

What ulimately sold him on the Express model was that, for $21,000 dollars, you get an expensive-looking truck on the outside (the grille inserts and headlights are the only two items it needs to look exactly like a $35,000 grand Ram Sport) with no nonsense, low-maintanence features on the inside. Getting the Hemi V8 standard was another key selling point, that and the fact its rated for higher gas mileage than the Dakota he gave to me in return for trading the Challenger in for it.

I put a set of chrome nerf bars on it for him just yesterday and, after I stepped back to check their alignment, I re-realized just how nice that truck looks for such little money.

But I love yer pop's new truck, don't get me wrong.

No worries. And you're not the only one who loves that truck. As of right now, I'd gladly drive a Ram Express on a daily basis if I wanted a truck, especially considering the good gas mileage he's managed to get out of the 5.7 liter Hemi.

Edited May 2, 2012 by black-knight

[G. David Felt]

It is still stupid IMHO that they are selling full size trucks for prices that used to be covered by Mini Trucks. There is over lap that does not need to be there especially since not everyone needs a full size. The mini truck market could easily take care of most home owners. I remember Toyota having their 1 ton mini truck and thought GM needs to do this also so people with house projects could still haul and not have to use up so much space. Full size for those that really need the space and businesses that need a truck to last a good long time. Build it Tough, build it Professionl Grade and know that your 30K full size truck can take a pounding and still be solid 5 years from now.

Interesting times we are living in.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I know I posted this in the April car spotter's thread, but I too am tempted by these RAM 1500 Express models:

Also, this sinister looking Express was on display in the basement of the NYIAS, that also had me drooling over a RAM:

[GMTruckGuy74]

Honestly, which one would you buy?

2012 RAM 1500 Express 4x2 (5.7L Hemi V8), MSRP: $25,060:

- OR -

2012 GMC Sierra W/T Plus Package 4x2 (4.8L V8), MSRP $26,450:

I'm a big GMC fan and all, but not only does the RAM look more upscale, but sportier too for the money. I want GMC to realize this and make sure the 2014 Sierra is ready to fight with the RAM.

[G. David Felt]

Both are very nice rdes, I do love the Black edition model of the ram.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Don't get me wrong, dfelt, I'm still a diehard GMC guy, but... the styling of the RAM and the bang for the buck features surely are tempting. Plus, look at how well the tires & rims fit the truck, all for $25k. You can fit a toolbox on top of the GMC's wheels!!

I hope GM realizes that people still want regular cab pickups, but not basic models that look basic. Truthfully, I like the chrome bumpers of the GMC instead of the painted plastic bumpers of the RAM, but appreciate what the RAM offers stylistically. I'm just tired of seeing a GMC with tiny tires & rims with such huge wheel well openings. They need to have the designers come up with a more stylish package, like what's offered on the RAM 1500 Express (and price it accordingly too - I can't believe you get a better looking package cheaper at RAM!).

[Drew Dowdell]

I don't like either of them in standard cab. they look too stumpy.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I don't like either of them in standard cab. they look too stumpy.

Though I've always (and still do) like a standard bed pickup, I think I'd go for a long bed configuration when the time comes:

[ocnblu]

I've always preferred the maneuverability of a shortbed, regular cab, especially in a fullsize pickup. I'm so happy to see the next version under camo, coming for 2014.

That GMC's stance is one thing I did not care for on my Sierra, that is why I got 2" lowering shackles for the rear springs like 5 minutes after I bought it. I think it is a GM rule that the rear bumper must sit 2" higher than the front bumper, seriously. Why I do not know.

Once leveled, my '07 Sierra took on a much nicer stance, and the wider than stock Goodyear Fortera tires set off the 17" factory aluminum rims.

I had two accidents in that truck, both on the left front corner, and there were some noticeable misalignments in front end parts after the second accident that greatly disappointed me. I traded it for a 2009 Cobalt.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Since you brought it up...

[ocnblu]

Wow, nice truck!

[G. David Felt]

GMTruckGuy, Nice indeed.

Ocn, why not take the truck back to the repair shop and have them make it right?

[Drew Dowdell]

That GMC's stance is one thing I did not care for on my Sierra, that is why I got 2" lowering shackles for the rear springs like 5 minutes after I bought it. I think it is a GM rule that the rear bumper must sit 2" higher than the front bumper, seriously. Why I do not know.

Did that change the ride?

[A Horse With No Name]

Since you brought it up...

That truck is wonderful...I love Reg cab trucks....and this thing just has "the look"

[ocnblu]

Did not change the ride perceptibly for me. The lower stance probably enhanced handling, but since I had it done so quickly after purchase, I honestly do not remember what it was like factory stock.

Mr. dfelt, I work where it was repaired, as an estimator at the time. I chose the technician. I told him it wasn't right. But my manager at the time would not step in and make him fix it correctly, and my authority was only as a customer, I had no power over the technician, that was my manager's job. I still think the front end was swayed over, which only takes a few millimeters to send everything else off geometrically. That manager, and later, that technician were both fired from the company. Things are different now.

And thanks, Mustang! It was a beauty. I traded it in for the '09 Cobalt at a dealer 30 miles from here, yet I've seen it here in Lancaster on more than one occasion... dirty and uncared for.

Edited May 4, 2012 by ocnblu

[GMTruckGuy74]

Well, continue to enjoy that Jeep for now (I'm sure the Colorado in '14 will be calling your name!)

[G. David Felt]

I hear new Turbo Truck on the Horizon for you.