I've been avoiding this thread...but wow.


ever heard of inflation?

vehicles of today get bad MPG's due to weight and emissions and safety requirements.
$3,000 for a sparkplug change is WORST CASE SCENARIO
You said you drove a 70's pickup for 18 yrs?
sorry. It bothers me when people approach a problem from just 1 perspective. Especially when you can look at it from both sides, and see it isn't even a problem. Or if they create an issue to justify something.

 

I surely didn't mean to cause such distress. I don't believe we have 1200 percent inflation in the last 30 years. Sure there were things about that old truck that I didn't like. My point was a comparison of what I purchased that truck for ($1,500) and sold it for 18 years later ($1,500). Compared to what I bought this truck for $40,000.00 and market value 4 years later ($16,700.00). My point is that these trucks are more luxurious. They are quieter. They do have more safety equipment, and yes they get 4-8 mpg better gas mileage. I agree. After all I did buy one. Remember also this is my 6th Ford truck. I was comparing this vehicle to not just the 1970 F-100, the 1969 F-100 but also the 1988 Ford Bronco, the 2000 F-150, and the 2003 F-350 Turbo diesel. Out of all those trucks I said that this 2005 F-150 was my least favorite. I think it is overengineered. I personally think Ford is trying to build cars more like the Europeans instead of relying on their 150 years of great truck building. I surely didn't mean to offend anyone and their personal truck. I am a through and through blue oval fan. It's all I have ever owned.

 

Ahhh i remember the 70s well. Cokes were actually 25 cents. Bread about 30 cents a loaf. Yes inflation has reared its ugly head many time over the past 30 or so years. When i first went into the Army, my base pay was $283 a month. Now its like $1300 for newbies. I've owned too many Fords to count since then and can say i never had ONE problem with any of them that i didnt consider wear and tear. Made a mistake in 2005, bought the wife the new Dodge Ram she wanted real real bad. 7 warranty actions in first 12 months. Buts it got better in 2007. Took the Dodge in for another warrranty action and got a rash of **** from the dealer. So i told him i'd fix it myself. That afternoon i drove it to the Ford lot and traded it. She loves Fords now.............

 

Your great. That's what this thread needed. Thank you for the comment and your service.

 

If wages had kept pace with inflation nobody would complain about the price and depreciation amount of new vehicles. Prices have risen approximately 425% since the 70's and wages have risen approximately 250%. I remember the 70's well. In 1969 I earned $120 per month from Uncle Sam's Army in basic training. Gas was 30 cents a gallon and cigarettes cost a quarter a pack. You could walk into nearly any bar and get falling down drunk for under $5. We got an extra $75 a month for combat pay. A brand new Mach I Mustang with a 428 CJ engine wasn't much over $4000. I paid $2950 for my first brand new car (383 Road Runner) in 68. That C-10 pickup Tylus mentioned probably cost $2900 MSRP. If wages had kept pace with prices we'd all be making twice what we are making. If prices had followed wages, all vehicles would cost about 1/2 what they do now. All that being said, I still like my 06 F150, though.

 

I loved the 70s rigs too. I had a 71 with a 390 and a 78 with a 400m. both very stout rigs. both 4x4, small lifts, 33" tires, 4spds, about 7-8 mpg empty. 6 if ran hard or towing anything. but gas was cheap and I loved it. each was sold for half of what I gave for them, each still in real nice shape. I now drive a '05 lariet. brake jobs suck, plug thing sucks, IWE hub setup cost me a few bucks, I do my own work and I don't mind it (much). However, at the end of the day I get in, turn on the air, the seats, open the back windows a bit and cruise. I can sip coffe, talk on the phone (ear piece) and relax. its smooooth and drives better than the sportier cars I had of the late '90s. I can take friends and family, nobody bumps there head going over a bump or gets whacked with the shifter. evolution cost $, but so does everything else. I would love to have the 71 or 78 back, just to look at or for fun, but not to drive for 25,000 miles a year. I'm also certain that every aspect of my new truck is heavier, stronger and "truckier" than the older rigs. frame. springs. etc. well everything other than the front independent front axle but hey, it's been working for GM for years so I'll give it a try.

 

I wonder how many "kids" had to look up what a Monza was...

 

Back in '09, when this thread was first posted? Probably a few.



Stewart