So I'm wondering: what are the real cost differences between a 2005 and a 2006 Super-Duty? I spec'd out what's been a typical selling truck for me here: 250 Crew Cab 4x4 XLT shortbox 6.0/ automatic. I added the typical options: BSW A/T tires, security group, cab steps, block heater, privacy glass/ sliding rear window, ESOF, fog lamps, stabilizer package, hitch, upfitter switches, & TowCommand.

Now, I tried to guess at what a comparable (yet typically-equipped) '05 might be. It seems a lot of dealers haven't been ordering the TowCommand, so I left that out. But they DO seem to like 2-tone paint, the 6-disc CD, OWL tires, power seat, FX4 package, adjustable pedals, and aluminum wheels, so I added those in. (Not a lot of "deep thought" or finagling went into this in an attempt to skew the numbers, BTW. Just what I seem to find when running locates for customers on the '05s.) Here's where it gets interesting:

The 2006 has a sticker price of $44890, invoice of $39499. The 2005 stickers for $46440, invoice is $40762, $2000 rebate makes it $38762. Or $737 more for the 2006 RIGHT NOW. Now, you wanted to join AQHA, but just haven't gotten around to it. You can't get that $500 on the '05, 'cause you first have to be a member 60 days. But it's most likely available to you on the '06, as it will probably take 8 weeks to build and ship anyways. And if Ford comes up with a measely $500 rebate on the truck itself by the time yours arrives, now the '06 is $263 LESS than the '05.

My point is this: take a look at what you'll have to settle for in a leftover 2005, and compare it to a 2006 ordered EXACTLY the way you want it. If the '06 is within even a few hundred $ of the '05, wouldn't the higher resale value ALONE make it worth your while to go with the '06? And if you find a 2005 exactly the way you want it, and it's at least $1000 less than an '06, hey- go for it. Just food for thought...

 

Thanks for the info Jeff!

You definitely live up to your motto.

"Empower The Public, Pay It Forward"

 

Mr.1956MarkII aka Mr. Jeff Clark and FTE's Favorite Ford Sales Guy, Are you are comparing same options on both 05 and 06 SD's?If so, are the 06's going to be priced less?If so, do you know why?You are truly an awesome guy for trying to help us see the facts.Thanks!

 

what is AQHA? and how do I join?

 

American Quarter Horse Association

http://aqha.com/

 

Aw crud...guess I'll have to price out the Nwst Version tomorrow. Jeff, it's interesting what you see as a typical truck and what we see. Out here, the typical setup is a F350 6.0 Long Bed Crew, Lariat, FX4, Tow-Command, Camper Pkg, Heated Seats, Upfitter Switches, and any option with the word "power" in front of it. Dark Stone and White are the runaway favorite colors, typically with a two-tone. Black, Dark Shadow Gray, and Wedgewood Blue aren't far behind.

 

No, they're not the same, I'm figuring the '05 with MORE options than the '06. My point was, it doesn't make sense to pay the same or more for a loaded, leftover 2005 when you can order a 2006 just the way you want it, without having to pay for a whole lot of options you don't need.

If there had been a big price increase between the '05 and '06, then this wouldn't work, and it would cost you less to buy almost any '05. But I see too many people worrying about finding an '05 just because it has a rebate. They're assuming that the '05 is a better buy because of the rebate, and on the 6.0, I don't think it's necessarily the case. The base price of the '06 went up just $100, which makes for an incredible opportunity to get EXACTLY the truck you want for a fair price. Before you jump into an '05, MAKE SURE that an '06 isn't just as affordable.

 

1956MarkII, That is what I thought you meant and it certainly makes sense.Also, I doubt many people know that if you join AQHA for about $35 they will save $500 off their truck price.Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and being helpful to others.Thanks Again!

 

I'm wondering if there's regional pricing involved here. I just prived the "Nwst Version" of this truck- a F350 4X4 172" Lariat with a 6.0, Tow Command, and Camper package. '05 lists for $48195, invoice of $41822- '06 lists for $48795, invoice of $42311...but the '06 has some stuff standard that was optional on the '05, so i'd call it pretty much a wash.

 

Polarbear,

Hmmmm, other than the Lariat Lux Pkg, are what are the other options in 05' that are standard on the 06'?

Thanks,

 

It's easier to link than explain.