Ford Still Makes Trucks a “Working Man” Can Afford
Earlier this week my colleague Derek shared the pricing of the 2017 Ford Super Duty. Assuming that pricing holds up, there is a bit of an increase depending on which model you look at over the previous generation. That’s to be expected considering many trim levels have new features that weren’t previously available. But after digging through the comments, one trend emerged. Ford doesn’t make a truck a normal person can afford.
The base XL trim 2017 Ford Super Duty is $150 more than the previous version, starting at $33,730. For that money you get a base work truck. This work truck has no bells and whistles. In fact, you still get hand crank windows and manual mirrors. For those who want a basic truck, this is it.
Whenever you see an automotive site talk about how much something costs, we have to go by the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Why? Because it’s the only number that stays consistent across all automotive brands and models. It’s rare for someone to actually pay sticker price for a new car, because a lot depends on your negotiating skill, the time of the month, the model, dealership inventory, dealership sales for the month and more.
But if you check out Truecar.com, they can give you an idea of what people are actually paying for the vehicle you’re looking to buy. For a base XL 2016 Ford Super Duty, most people were saving around $5,000 off the price of the sticker. Assuming that ones the new Super Duty hits the streets, similar deals should be able to be had. That means that $33k pickup truck is now $28k. That’s not too shabby for a heavy duty truck with a big V8 gasoline engine.
If you add on the diesel engine and four-wheel drive, plus a few choice options, you’re still at around $40,000 for an extremely capable truck that will last you for many years and be able to handle anything you can throw at it.
If you put $5,000 down on this $40,000 truck, and buy it during one of the many Truck Month sales offering 0% for 72 months, your payment is $485 per month.
If this $40,000 truck was sold 10 years ago, in 2006, it would’ve been $33,863.57. A four-wheel drive, regular cab Super Duty from 2006 had a base MSRP of $25,480. Once you add some choice options, including the 6.0L diesel engine, the truck was probably around $31,000.
Over the past 10 years a lot has changed. Trucks are safer than ever. Also, while we don’t know exact number on the new Power Stroke diesel, we’re expecting at least 900 lb-ft or more out of it. Compare that to the 570 lb-ft out of the diesel in the 2006 truck and you’d have to agree the extra couple grand the new truck costs is worth the upgrade.
Obviously wages haven’t increased with inflation, but all things considered the new truck isn’t that much more expensive than one from a decade ago. Just now Ford offers a bunch of trim levels, including high end Cowboy Cadillac versions. Those weren’t available that long ago.
If you want a working man Super Duty, Ford will definitely sell you one.
What do you think? Let us know over in the forums!
