I was just perusing through Ford's official website and was using the tool to build a truck I'd want.

I built an '06 F-150 SuperCrew 4x4 XLT with a bunch of options with an invoice price of nearly $34k.

I then proceeded to build an F-250 Crew Cab XLT that was similarly equipped (not exactly) and even with the V-10 option, the invoice price was less than $2k more than the F-150.

Why would I consider the F-150 when the SuperDuty can do so much more? It hauls twice the weight. I'm sure it tows more. There is probably more interior room and it has a longer bed.

I can't see the ride being THAT much better in the F-150 or it being much more fuel efficient either. Even if both the ride and economy were better, wouldn't I be better off spending 5% more to get a much more capable and better truck?

What am I missing here? Keep in mind that I don't need a truck for anything more than light duty work at the moment. Let's put it this way, I NEED a Ranger but WANT a F-150 or Super Duty.

Eric

 

From my own selfish point of view:

I've had a number of Rangers over the years, but then I leased a F-150 Supercab in March of '04. My lease is up in a few months, and- I can't wait to get back into a Ranger. Why? There's nothing wrong with the 150 except IT'S JUST TOO DARNED BIG!! It barely fits in my garage, it's a bear in city traffic and parking, and I know I can get approx. 30% better mileage with a Ranger.

It sounds to me like you're looking at this purchase from an "Excel spreadsheet" point of view. The Super-Duty looks better to you on paper because it's cost-per-pound basis is less than the 150. That logic works well when you're buying laundry detergent ("the 128-ounce bottle is cheaper in the long run than the 96-ounce bottle..."), but there's so much more to consider when buying a vehicle. Rule number one: which vehicle BEST SUITS YOUR NEEDS? My 150 does not right now, and I'm so glad I leased instead of purchased it. A purchase would have welded me into the truck for several more years; who knew gas would be DOUBLE in price when I got this thing 18 months ago?

Your last sentence speaks volumes: just remember that NEEDS should always come before WANTS. I wish I had a dollar for everyone that comes in here wanting to trade out of their 1-year-old "mistake." I've gotten in the habit of asking, "well, what's wrong with your current truck?" When they start up with the "oh, nothing, I just want to see if I can trade up and keep my payments the same," I know I'm done. If you think it used to cost a lot of money to trade out of a 1-year-old vehicle a few years ago, then you sure won't like what we think your trade is worth NOW, after employee-pricing-for-all flooded our used-car lot with trade-ins.

 

Jeff,

Thanks for the input. I am a geeky accountant, which probably causes me to be overly analytical.

Even a Ranger seems out of line price wise however. An extended cab 4x4 is easily in the the $20k+ range. Seems so high for such a small truck.

I guess I really want to go back to my roots and have a pick-up instead of my Explorer. I really miss my '93 F-150 and believe it or not, it did just as well (or poorly) as my V8 Explorer does fuel consumption wise.

Jeff, any word on final build out dates for the Super Duty?

Eric

 

Like I said, "Excel Spreadsheet!"

Nothing yet. As I've said before, if the 2007 Super-Duty was coming out REALLY early (like late winter), we would have known long before now. Ford is scheduling for the 3rd week in January right now, with no end in sight. The SOONEST they could stop building 2006 S/D's at this point would be springtime.

 

Before I ordered my F150 Super Crew XLT 4x4 I looked at an F250 Crew Cab, V8, Torqshift auto 4x4 with a few less creature comforts and it was coming in about 3500 - 4000K more than the F150 (A-plan prices). In my area (not sure if its national or not) we get a "Tow & Go" package on the F150 which basically means if you order the 5.4L w/ a LS diff. you get $1250 off the price. That wouldn't show up on the MSRP.