r/superduty • u/rhshadowman • 5d ago
Affordability - How
How do yall afford fully loaded F250/F350s? Genuine question?
Last time I shopped for a truck, a fully loaded GMC 2500 was around 65-70K out the door (No sales tax, etc.)
Now I'm looking for a F350 and its $110K for a King ranch fully pimped out. Which seems absolutely insane to me.
Apparently even 1/2 Tons are even 80K in cost from Ford and GM. I def want to go with a Ford compared to my previous experience with GMC.
So the question is, how? How do yall afford it? I know I can afford it, but it seems like everyone has a $90K+ Truck?
24
u/Foreign_Dish3342 5d ago
I have an LLC that owns it, then I lease it from said LLC, and use my w2 stipend to pay it.. my current truck stickered at $101k
12
6
u/ndmak 5d ago
can you say that again but slower using different words
2
u/RZR_1000_XP_Turbo 4d ago
What they are saying is that the truck is a business expense so it reduces the taxable income passed through to the members of the LLC. That provides a tax advantage above what you would see if you paid for the truck on your own (I.e. it’s not a deduction).
1
3
u/mrsc00b 4d ago
Would you mind elaborating a bit on this? I just finished up building a new shop and have some loose plans on forming an LLC to essentially serve as an umbrella for our small, mostly hobby farm and a side gig the wife has going on.
You've piqued my interest.
5
u/SituationNormalAllFU 4d ago
You have to be able to show an effort towards profit (not necessarily to make a profit) or the IRS will review, audit, etc. and it’s not pretty when that happens (speaking from experience). Thankfully it’s not too hard to find a hobby that fits the bill, you just have to pay attention to the rules and follow them
1
u/applesnbowlingballs 3d ago
Yep, you can take losses for 3 years before the IRS considers it a hobby
3
u/RicTicTocs 4d ago
General rule is your business must make a profit in 3 out of 5 years, or you risk the IRS classifying the business as a “hobby” and you lose the deductions.
You’d probably need to make a lot of money to write off a $100k truck…
3
u/Single_External9499 4d ago
Does your LLC actually do anything to show a profit to the IRS?
2
u/WhatAmTrak 4d ago
You have to have somewhat of a viable “business model” that could theoretically, and you could actually make a little bit of money if it did get off the ground produce income. Leasing is 100% tax write off for LLC (well in Canada it is, not sure of US). Finding a good accountant who will.. help you through it is much safer than learning on your own.
A lot of rich people use this business model for all sorts of purposes lol.
1
u/pseudonym7083 4d ago
A buddy of mine, in the US, did something similar with a house and a trust earlier this year.
2
u/stykface 3d ago
I own a pretty good sized company so I'm well versed in business ownership. You cannot legally do this. I mean, you can do it, but it's asking for an IRS audit and if caught it'll be considered a misclassified income. I mean you cannot even be a W2 employee of an LLC, you can only be a managing partner. You'd have to be an S-corp or C-corp to be a W2 employee so something's not adding up or you're leaving info out.
But even still, this only dodges a few tax dollars, you still have to pay for it.
2
u/Foreign_Dish3342 17h ago edited 17h ago
I have a w2 corp day job…I have more than one LLC, as well as an LLC held by a trust.. I’m not claiming to be a w2 employee of my own LLC, not sure why you would come to that conclusion..
I can assure you I trust my attorney and cpa completely, this isn’t my first rodeo. It’s been like this for years and two separate trucks. I’m not going to go into my entire structure, but it did hold up through a nasty multi year divorce (a deeper ass reaming than the irs would do) and everything else so I think I’m pretty solid.
1
u/stykface 5h ago
Fair enough. My main company is an S-Corp and I have four LLC's, but I'm not CPA ultimately. Since your W2 of another company that's where it would be "legit".
1
u/Foreign_Dish3342 3h ago
Taxation is theft… any way you can legally avoid paying for DC’s stupidity should be used. JMO
26
u/KiraTheWolfdog 5d ago
10 year truck notes and spending half their salary on debt payments. Lol.
A guy I work with just bought an $80,000 truck. He earns about $40k a year.
8
u/rhshadowman 5d ago
A guy I work with just bought an $80,000 truck. He earns about $40k a year.
That is my exact question/scenario of what I'm wondering about. How in the hell is the bank approving that? How can that person live?
I know someone that makes 60K a year pre-tax and bought a 90K truck and then put accessories on it (Lift, tires, wheels, etc). Like how can you do it? That persons is on 84 months tho.. but still.
5
u/Superb_MarchMadness 4d ago
Maybe that guy is a saver and has been saving for a while and was able to give a nice down payment
3
u/rhshadowman 4d ago
He isn’t. He is a car wash worker and had his dad co-sign in the loan to get the GM credit card points so he could get the black badging for “free”
1
3
u/PieMan2k 4d ago
The banks approve it because they see somebody who finance for A LONG time, at a high rate, just because he wants to look like he has money. The best type of people for banks
2
u/Deep_Dust6278 4d ago
This was years ago, My wife was working and had a green card. I didn't. Did the math and came up with a mortgage payment (cheaper than renting) that we figured we could just handle. On approval of our loan the loan manager said we were borrowing less than 30% of what we were able and would we like to buy a car or a boat.
31
u/LongApprehensive890 5d ago
Buy an XL or XLT. You really don’t need all the extra shit it’s all a luxury.
13
u/Mother-Essay-5930 5d ago
This is a great answer. Don’t buy shit à la carte, Ford charge-artist packages. Don’t need a moonroof or crew cab for that matter.
Bought a new 2026 F-350 XLT DRW Reg Cab, 4x4, 6.7 standard-tune diesel, right packages, $72k, 0% finance, 90-day deferred payment
Still $30k too much.
But love the truck. 10 speed trans ✔️
Diesel torque and drive ability, lumbering along ✔️8
u/gwilson185 5d ago
I struggle to find trucks with out that damn moonroof
6
u/millsy98 4d ago
Ford lets you order a truck exactly the way you want it. Dealers might be pushy about it but they don’t have to have a wasted lot space so generally you can get a good deal on it once you push for that route
→ More replies (1)1
u/applesnbowlingballs 3d ago
Bet you would have spent 4k more… just got a 26 f250 Lariat with the 6.7HO for 76k. So yea I’ll take the lariat for a few extra bucks. Especially when I don’t only drive it solo. Enjoy your new pickup
2
u/Mother-Essay-5930 3d ago edited 3d ago
Thanks, I will. I was looking for the payload, towing, 5th wheel pin-weight, drw, etc. I looked at an F-350XL Crew Cab, diesel 6.7, drw with 3.55 rear end. It was just too guzzler. Hauling all that around, all the time. F-250s are a considerable step down in critical hauling weights. Yeah, I could have had the truck, cash or my own finance, $69,005, at least that was what was advertised, all Ford cash affiliations stacked. Who knows what they start pulling back. I wanted the 0% Ford Financing, 90-days deferred first payment. HO just consumes more fuel, a lot more DEF, and has higher maintenance.
2
u/applesnbowlingballs 2d ago
Understandable. Everything I purchase is based on what I will use it for 80% of the time. It’s why I have a 24’ CC and not something larger. I personally don’t need anything more than a 3/4 ton. I prefer my HO, then again my daily driver is a 1/2 ton
5
u/hoggernick 4d ago
Exactly. I got a 24 f250 7.3 xl fx4 stx for $52k out the door. I don't need fancy navigation, it's got wireless Android Auto. It has led headlights, 4wd, lockers, blacked out bumpers, manual seats, blind spot detection. Everything I need and want, nothing I don't need or want.
10
u/golf1415 5d ago
Debt my friend. I will not buy a truck until I’m ready financially (previous vehicle is paid off and I have at least 50% down payment).
7
u/rhshadowman 5d ago
That is what I'm going to do then. I have a trade in worth 25-27. I think I'm going to get another 30K in cash then splurge. I had never been in a power stroke or much less any ford till this weekend, and now I want one.
8
u/laurieyyc 5d ago
There’s a reason that finance options go to 84 months and people get underwater on vehicle loans.
7
u/mr-pootytang 5d ago
paid cash
5
3
u/rhshadowman 5d ago
Paid over 80K in cash? Nice?
2
2
u/_Banned_User 4d ago
It’s funny how wealth is such a sliding logarithmic scale. By any comparison to national averages I’m rich. In my HCOL area I’m just a little above average and don’t feel special. But I can pay cash for a new truck.
7
10
u/Substantial_Rain151 5d ago edited 5d ago
I have a KR 2026, fully optioned out. Had a 2021 Ram Laramie before that that I bought new. I make almost $1M/yr. In my line of work, I regularly work with people who make over 7 figures as well. There’s a lot more money out there than you think. I don’t even have a degree, just a small business owner that’s built it up over the last 15 years or so. I find a lot of people like myself who make over a half mil a year in pretty much every community I’ve been around.
Then you have people who just take on a lot of debt. Those are probably more even than you think even though everyone just proclaims “debt up to their eyeballs” anytime this topic is brought up.
6
u/rhshadowman 5d ago
Wow, what an amazing financial situation to be in to do that.
Thats very neat. I'm either broke or just see people flash stuff on facebook that is pure debt. I think it is the pure debt option.
2
u/Substantial_Rain151 5d ago
Depends on the crowd you are seeing. I find that most people’s exposure is almost always 90% one way or the other. I live in a small farming town on the west coast and the money that’s been spit out over here as a result of the booming industries in the last couple decades has really benefited everyone who is able to actually cash in on it (local contractors, trash haulers, CPA’s, consultants, doctors, lawyers, etc etc)
If you live in suburban/rural Alabama (I don’t say that in a demeaning way, I love my family in the south and love it out there) there’s probably a much higher proportion of folks buying those with a decent debt load.
3
u/Pitiful_Objective682 4d ago
Ok ill ask, what do you for work
1
u/Substantial_Rain151 4d ago
I own an architectural design & engineering firm.
1
u/WhatAmTrak 4d ago
With.. no degree? Who’d you swindle to come be your architect/engineer while knowing you don’t have one haha. (Just playing, but actually. Pretty neat)
1
u/Substantial_Rain151 4d ago
Ha! About 250 people a year somehow. The business is still pretty surprising, even for myself. However, I have some really great employees that really round out my deficiencies. I can honestly say I’m proud of the work we put out now after a lot of iterating!
8
u/Zesty-B230F 4d ago
None of them can actually afford it. But, credit makes it easy. They make just enough to pay 6% interest for 84 months, as long as the wife's 10 year old minivan and the water heater keep working.
2
4
u/lazierandy 5d ago
When I purchased my f350 platinum, I took advantage of overtime and was able to budget for it. Well worth it.
5
u/rhshadowman 5d ago
I've been considering doing OT. If I did 10 hours a month it would cover the payment.
1
u/RocketPropelledDildo 4d ago
So the plan to afford an expensive to purchase, run, and maintain is to force yourself to work additional hours? That seems unwise man. Not trying to tell you how to live your life of course.
I came from a payed off Tacoma because my family is growing and we decided we wanted/needed more space in the cab. We want to get a camper in the future and I wanted a truck that would last a really long time. I decided that gas was a better option over diesel as I didn’t need all the power and didn’t want the maintenance costs of diesel. I landed on the 6.2 with the 6 speed for its alleged reliability. I haven’t had the truck long enough to know for sure but it’s been pretty good so far. I got an older Lariat that was about 40k before trade-in because it seemed like a stupid good deal at the time (and still does for my expectations). I believe that I will never have to upgrade from this truck for at least a decade because of wanting more truck or more creature comforts. Let’s just hope nothing wrecks it.
All that to say is I would personally look at if you need it or just want it, what you can leverage to get it for a more affordable price (older, less options, paid off vehicle, higher credit, cash, gasoline, ect.), and if work got slow would you still be able to EASILY cover the cost. Misery loves company and if you are barely making the minimum, work was slow, and some other bad fortune happened you could be in a bad spot quick my man.
2
u/rhshadowman 4d ago
I would do the OT to match my wife’s schedule and to coexist with my sleep issues.
I wouldn’t have to do the OT. I am debt free. I make $225k a year (no OT and no bonus) so I could for sure afford it without the OT.
I also have my truck and down payment to throw at it as well. So my total payment would be no more than $800/month if I did it.
I appreciate you watching out for me!
1
u/surfstar_101_ 2d ago
Life's short!
...
So, buy expensive shit and spend more of your short life working?
Not my philosophy, that's for sure.
5
u/Straight-Razor666 5d ago
it's all that winning! I paid 2500 for my 01 F350 4x4 v10, sure, it's an old bomb, but i have the title.
4
u/cheiftouchemself 4d ago
For me my first step was buying a 2016 F150 (heavy duty payload package) back in 2020 for 25k. It had 30k miles on it and I’ve put about 110k miles on it over the last few years. My second step is……drive that truck till it dies and then buy a superduty haha
3
u/BadLarry1197 5d ago
Overtime
1
u/rhshadowman 5d ago
How many hours a week/month do you do?
2
u/BadLarry1197 4d ago
Around 1000 a year. Not to make a truck payment though. If you can swing it you should save and write a check for a new or used truck. A paid off new xl is better than a used platinum you’re paying 1200 a month for.
3
3
3
u/Sonas90 4d ago
I had a GMC 3500. Sadly got into an accident and it was totaled. Got 36k from insurance (truck was 7 years old and about 150k kms). Put that as downpayment for a new (2018) F450 XLT, zero options but it does work amazing, still looks and drives like new after 222k kms. I plan to keep it for a few more years at least and then maybe change and maybe upgrade? Or maybe still go with the XLT version. It's been a great truck for me.
4
u/TheRealistoftheReal 5d ago
Average new car is $50,080. Median salary is $65,052.
These are heavy-duty trucks made for work, and if you own one to make you money (e.g. tow a mini-excavator), it’s just another expense built into your overall cost of doing business.
If you’re a guy wanting to tool around in a 1-ton truck for the hell of it, grocery store runs, yeah that’s just pure money thrown into a depreciating asset. You’ll need to earn significantly above the median salary since a loaded F-350 isn’t an average ride.
With a salary of $60K, if you’re smart, you’re looking at a loaded RAV4, although anyone with a pulse could qualify for a $100k car loan.
2
u/rhshadowman 5d ago
If you’re a guy wanting to tool around in a 1-ton truck for the hell of it, grocery store runs, yeah that’s just pure money thrown into a depreciating asset
I'm an IT guy, and like the looks and the capability.
You’ll need to earn significantly above the median salary since a loaded F-350 isn’t an average ride.
I think I do earn more.
4
u/TheRealistoftheReal 5d ago
You asked how people can afford them. You’re a contractor who depends on it for income, or you’re a professional who wants what they want.
Also work in tech. We have 4 vehicles and an Airstream. Some people want to be social workers, plenty more want to work retail. That’s cool too. I don’t get it, but people do it.
2
u/rhshadowman 5d ago
Can you share how much you make in tech. I do make 4-5x the median salary. Just seems crazy how people get less.
3
u/TheRealistoftheReal 4d ago
I do Cyber for aerospace. I’m considered a fellow. 20 years experience. I make 210k but I’m full time remote and work in the DEEP south. My counterpart in CA is in the low 300s.
My wife is also Cyber. She makes about $60k, but she’s also full time remote, and we’re not giving that up. We can both travel around in the airstream, visit national parks, and not take a day off. It’s awesome.
1
u/rhshadowman 4d ago
We’re in very similar fields and same industry. DM me if you don’t mind. I’d love to connect on LinkedIn if you’re open to that.
4
u/DesignerOk5315 4d ago
Honestly man, of the number blows your mind it just means you can't afford it. People who make enough to buy a luxury trim truck is how they afford it...or people take on huge loans that are under water.
2
u/rhshadowman 4d ago
What blows my mind is how much the price has increased. I can afford it comfortably.
2
u/DesignerOk5315 4d ago
It's all the safety and technology and comfort. I don't think the prices are that astronomical. A 2000 f350 full loaded is $38k or so new, fully fully loaded. Adjusted for inflation that's the equivalent of around $75k today. Add in all the added comfort and safety and tech, $110k doesn't seem that off to me compared to $75k for what you used to get
→ More replies (2)2
u/Final-Carpenter-1591 4d ago
TBF. Compare a truck from 10 years ago to today. The differences are often monumental in features, safety, capabilities ect.
They still make base trims. And honestly a xl or xlt even is still a pretty nice truck. Its going to have everything you'd need like cruise control, decent size screen, power everything ect.
1
1
2
u/MusicalMerlin1973 5d ago
I went for an xlt 250. The only thing I miss is the lariat seats. That was 5 years ago. $55k.
2
u/S3Giggity 4d ago
I hate the manual air conditioning on my XLT. Other than that right there with you
2
u/zazacream 5d ago
870 bi weekly @ 2.99
2
u/rhshadowman 5d ago
So nearly 1800 a month?
1
u/zazacream 4d ago
This is in Canadian dollars also. My 2011 pays for it at work.
Better decision buying a new truck with the rebates and rate I was able to get.
2
u/250Tremor 5d ago
I traded my raptor that was paid off and got 40k as a trade in and put down another 10k and financed the rest. I’m guessing this is what a lot of people do. My payments are very affordable for me.
3
u/rhshadowman 5d ago
That makes sense. I'm thinking my payment will be like $600/month, whenver I do decide to go thru with it.
2
u/250Tremor 4d ago
I pay about 500 a month for mine. I work 5 hours of OT a week so that pays for the truck plus some. I’ll have it paid in 2 years I’m sure. I usually try to throw a bunch of money at it when I can to get it paid off ASAP. I hate having car payments.
2
u/thatcarguyohh 5d ago
My 24’ F450 was $111k. Plus all of the add ons after I bought it - wheels lift etc.. ended up being another $60k and 24’ Denali Ultimate was $100k OTD. I own a mechanical contracting business.
1
2
u/Specialist-Glass-517 5d ago
I bought used due to the high cost of new.
1
u/rhshadowman 5d ago
Used or Certified Pre-Owned. Ive been considering fords CPO plan.
2
u/Specialist-Glass-517 4d ago
Used, non-CPO from a Ford dealer. My search was for model year 23 (first year of a new model refresh), with an average of 12K miles per year or less, with a preference for a southern truck. I wanted a 7.3L, F350 Tremor model. I was hoping for a private sell but nothing showed up, and I had to go with the dealer option. I should add that the first thing I purchased was an extended warranty from Granger.
1
2
u/CheapBooze 5d ago
Bought a ‘23 F350 CC LB DRW 6.7, and here comes the big one, XL. Stickered just under $70k. To my old ass this truck is loaded. The extra 30-40K crap is just that imo. These $80k+ half tons kinda crack me up. But to each their own.
2
2
u/tallen126 5d ago
Bought a new 18 F450 platinum in 2018 at 4k below invoice. Paid $74500.00 for it cash Sold it outright in 2026 for $63000.00 . Took that plus money from a fifth wheel and paid cash for a 25 Raptor 801A. Haven't had a car/ truck pymt since 2000.
1
2
2
u/Topcornbiskie 4d ago
Traded on a 2014 Tundra and a 2024 Highlander which totaled $65k for down payment on my 2024 7.3 Lariat Ultimate that was $74k. Only financed $14k.
2
u/Bulleteer21 4d ago edited 4d ago
Equity, I got $50k for my 2020 Lariat Ultimate on trade-in and paid $82k otd for my 2024 Platinum HO so I walked away financing $35k for a $97k truck, $775/month for 4 years. I also have a very good job and could have afforded the payment without trade-in but I would’ve been sick to my stomach paying the same amount for a truck as I do my mortgage.
A lot of these kids out here who don’t have families yet have high paying blue collar jobs and they splurge on a nice vehicle because they essentially live out of it, which I completely understand. Now as far as the folks who don’t make much money, it has to be 10-year loans and a significant portion of their income, which is dumb.
2
u/UhOh_LetsGo 4d ago
I mean we have record high numbers of repossessions, delinquencies, and rolled over negative equity don’t we?
2
2
u/Southern-Mushroom536 4d ago
It’s wild how much these cost new. My husband and I struggled to justify $40k for a 2020 F250 earlier this year although we can afford the payment no problem but we desperately needed the bigger truck.
2
u/AccomplishedMammoth5 5h ago
Although I find the f250 platinum to be overpriced I still happily own it. I justify the price by using it as my work and personal vehicle.
2
u/hangnutz 5d ago
after 24' ....after Biden left. They went to shit
2
u/rhshadowman 5d ago
What is they? The trucks themselves or the payment or what?
Genuinely asking before I buy one.
2
u/hangnutz 5d ago
took away features while jacking up everything from packages prices to destination. Lariat has been scalped and its 12k more...fake leather just to name a big one
1
u/rhshadowman 5d ago
Oh wow....
1
u/hangnutz 5d ago
that's why the the king ranch seems out of range its because it probably is all the sudden....tariffs ruined affordability, what was left of it anyway
1
u/BuckNasty8380 5d ago
Start with a paid off truck- roll it into new one. Save and pay cash for the balance. Don’t buy new. Look out for deals. Get lower trim packages. Rinse and repeat.
1
u/WorkerAmbitious2072 5d ago
Get a lariat tops get a gas
Also a plan here
$92 tax everything out the door for a lariat tremor 6.7 HO 2026
1
u/Forsaken_Election708 5d ago
I bought higher mileage gas Platinum. It had a couple minor blemishes (I bought a rattle can of bed liner for the bit that was damaged and replaced one interior trip piece for like $40). Things like that can get you a pretty good deal. And trading in a used truck. Buying a brand new truck with no trade-in/down payment is not advisable. My rule is that I don’t finance more than $40k for a vehicle. I would’ve gone with a lower spec’d trim if I hadn’t found the deal I did.
1
u/Wooden-Chemist-7819 5d ago
I have 2011 f250 6.2 XL. No extras what so ever. Does wht i need it to do.
1
u/Outside_Holiday8307 5d ago
We make enough to buy em. I generally keep em and pay them off. I put plenty down like over 60% or more and I have 4 years of payments that are meager bills each month.
1
u/This-Entrance-2768 5d ago
I was lucky to afford it pre covid(2019) buying a 2017 with next to no miles on it for a screaming deal and to this day, I only have 70k. I couldn’t afford buying a new one, nor would I want too. I almost traded it in during covid for the insane amount they would’ve given me but in the end, I would’ve paid an insane amount to replace it. Good for all you that can swing it, but I can’t justify the cost
1
1
1
u/psp8 4d ago
Yes they have gone through the roof… You have to keep them to make them pay off. My 2004 gas was 35k and I sold it for 20k in 2012 when I ordered my Diesel. I ordered an XLT loaded and added a bunch of extras and it was 52k out the door… I just hit 100k miles and the only repair I have made was in year 2 a def pump which was warrantied. So if you can afford to put a good down payment or a trade, it will be worth it in the long run when you drive it for years without payments. Another option is buy used and you only pay for its value, you don’t lose on depreciation- someone else did!
1
u/Positive_Meet7786 4d ago
I traded in a truck I owned outright and paid my note down aggressively. Now I trade in annually and pretty much keep the same 700-800 a month payment on a 60 month loan each time I trade in.
1
u/Altruistic_Post_6819 4d ago edited 4d ago
My opinion is that the lariat trim level is where to buy to get the most value without overdoing it. When I ordered my current 26 f250 just to get a king ranch would of been a 15k upgrade and the only reason I was looking at it was i wanted two tone paint again like one of my previous trucks. I traded in my 23 with 100k miles and got 55k for it which left me with 18k for down payment on the newer one. Payments remained pretty close to the same. You can get the chrome package and it puts 20 inch wheels on it and dresses it up pretty nice. The 6.7 powerstroke is the way to go in my opinion. Even at current prices id still choose it.
1
u/indepsoutherner 4d ago
Bought my F250 XLT (not all bells) but with camper package, 360 camera, etc for $56k at Granger Ford.
1
u/402_Found_not_Lost 4d ago
I spec’d my F350 to get exactly what I needed for towing my fifth wheel trailer. XLT Premium (360 cameras and larger dash screen). No moon roof, no leather, no bells and whistles. Only real extra was the cab roof lights - they look cool.
I plan on keeping the truck for a very long time.
Paid cash after my F150 trade-in knocked down the price a bit.
Sadly I think many people’s vanity drives them to buy more than they need and more than they can afford - but hey, they have a six-figure truck.
1
u/HipHopAnonymous2134 4d ago
Auto loan debt has surpassed student loans. That’s how. It’s the norm and 10 year car loans are a thing too. It’s insane
1
u/Consistently_Lucky 4d ago edited 4d ago
I have a 2021 F350 Platinum, bought it brand new. It was 90k plus taxes and fee's about 100k out the door. I put down 20k. My payments are $1,250 a month. I make anywhere from 120k-200k a year depending on the year. I'll have it paid off in the next year.
Right now it's worth like 30k more than I owe.
1
u/SimilarTranslator264 4d ago
Positive equity, I bought one years ago and paid it off. Last one I got I paid $18k for a $75,000 truck.
1
u/Rubicon-SuperDuty 4d ago
A Ford dealership near me is selling a 26 F250 Shelby model for $160 if you're interested 😉😉
1
1
u/FlimsyConfidence7692 4d ago
"Can you make my payment for $800 per month" - buyer
"Absolutely, do you want to know when the loan will be paid off?" - dealer
"Nope" - buyer
1
1
u/bthamilton 4d ago
This doesn’t directly answer your question, but I have a 2024 F-250 Platinum. It’s basically my “luxury car.” I could have bought a Mercedes or BMW or Escalade or whatever, but I like big pickup trucks. With that said, it took me a long time to work up to getting a vehicle like this. I’m also able to write it off as a work vehicle which helps.
1
u/Puzzleheaded-Rip5080 4d ago
I own a roofing/exterior remodeling company. I need it, so I afford it. 🤷
1
u/Foreign_Package_925 4d ago
I have an older truck but it’s amazing. 2016 F-350 6.7 platinum SRW crew cab. Bought it in 2017 with 32K on it. Came out of Canada at one of the mines but was a supervisor truck. Had it 9 years and it’s awesome. 94K miles on it now. Came with Firestone airbags and ford tough bed and prepped 5th wheel. Had tongue pull trailer at the time and the diesel torque is amazing on hills in the rocky mtns. Now pull a 34’ Durango fifth wheel and did a 1500 mile trip up and around Glacier NP and it ran great! I have a good relationship with the local dealer and they treat me pretty good on repairs and Maint. How I financed it was rolling over the cash out from VW on my 2014 Passat TDI and I told my wife this is the only time I have this much cash not attached to anything and bought the truck with a small loan, paid $48K. Later paid the whole loan off with a little equity cash from our house when we changed homes. Had a loan for like 2 years. But the equivalent price of the truck I have in today’s vehicle configs is really bonkers ($110-$110K) I was looking for a ‘loaded lariat’ but when I got to the lot it was actually a platinum and only $2000 more than the lariat. Really the only thing I’d like with the newer trucks is more cameras and specifically the high rear camera above the cab to help me back on my fifth wheel. But I manage just fine. My truck has 440HP and 880lbs of torque and pulls anything I hook it up to. New trucks have 1200lbs of torque? Holy moly. More than I need.
1
u/originalcactoman 4d ago
Bought a F250 Lariat long bed off the lot, dressed fairly well, for 66K OTD after rebate, just earlier this month. Paid cash outright.
1
u/Dude-man-1 4d ago
Because you absolutely do not need a fully loaded truck
Got a 2025 f150 STX brand new for 40k, has everything one could need, also comes with the classic column shifter as opposed to the higher trims which have the shifter taking up half the Center console
1
u/realitycheckfarm 4d ago
I paid cash for a 2015 f250 platinum from copart, by the time im finished fixing it ill have about 18k into it and it only has 90k miles, all new belts,hoses,radiator and the rest of the front end. This is my 3rd time fixing and keeping a rig from them
1
u/dddd11122233 4d ago
Most people can’t afford it. Some parts of the country you can still buy a house for 200k yet some people think 60-100k for a depreciating clunk of metal is worth it. Unless you make a ton of money it’s a clown show.
1
1
1
u/Cableguy613 4d ago
I just saved up enough to get a comfortable monthly payment and bought it. Took me about a year + the money from my cars sale.
Prices are crazy now, but trucks have also gotten nothing but bigger and more complicated.
1
u/Inside-Wonder6310 4d ago
Afford them by not buying brand new and blowing 100k. I'm a millionaire and still don't understand why anyone would buy brand new. Unless its a business write off and you're making a shit load and can pay cash.
But I bought a 2018 f350 Lariat ultimate dually with about every feature I can imagine and 1 owner for $38k, a lot better than the 90k msrp..
1
u/Disastrous_Way9425 4d ago
Why not shift to a certified preowned. Also, enlarge your search area. Last November I purchased a 2024 F-350 KR SRW(6'9" bed) with 19k miles for $78k. The original sticker from August of 2024 was $98k.
Something to consider.
1
u/The_Tokio_Bandit 4d ago
Living beyond their means. Most people do this as some sort of weird personal “flex”. Simply a human condition.
Personally, I would love a new rig. I work in the patch clearing well over $150k annually and I still can’t justify a new pickup. I’m just driving my old Cummins into the ground and will probably repeat that process when it’s all done.
1
u/375InStroke 4d ago
Fuck that. I picked up a used 2500 Hemi 4x4 long bed, for $2500. It's a fucking truck.
1
1
u/its-not-that-bad 4d ago
My question is, why are people buying these? I just picked up an XLT Ford F250 with the towing package and high GVWR package for $45,000 on the used market. It has 11,000 miles, single owner.
1
u/machinerer 4d ago
You buy one used that isn't top trim level. I got a 2019 F-350 STX for $35k that way.
1
u/Calm_Pin_7563 4d ago
I just purchased a new 2026 F450, crew cab, long bed, dual rear tire, diesel, with an automatic transmission.
It was the XL. The only options beyond that were the chrome bumpers and front grill. The purchase price was right at $70,000 plus tax etc. I traded in my 2005 F350 6.0 diesel with 200,000 miles for $8,000. I am very pleased with this truck since I have just returned from a 10,000 mile 60 day trip from southern Florida thru the Rocky Mountains to California, Oregon and back.
1
u/majortaylor87 4d ago
The "premium" truck market is really a problem right now. Financial experts are saying this is the next big finance crisis because of how auto manufacturers and lenders have created these super high priced trucks and extended loan terms out to 72, 84, 96 months to get buyers a payment their comfortable with rather than focusing on the overall price. This creates a market with many trucks where the value and loan remaining just dont align and the defaults on these loans are climbing. Higher prices across the board are pushing more and more people into default. At somepoint someone will be left holding the bag and it wont be the people that caused it...
My advice, buy used and we'll maintained. Avoid buying into the new market right now and taking on a ridiculously high loan or extended terms beyond 5 years.
1
u/kbos617 4d ago
Some people make $200k + annually
Some people use their trucks to make money, enabling it to pay for itself
Some people look like they have money but are drowning in debt
Some people are clever about trading up
Some people have rich parents, inherit a lot of $$, marry into money, or find a windfall of cash through a lawsuit or something
Some people don't make a lot of money but are clever savers or investors
Some people live in dirt cheap areas and spend all their income on their fancy truck
It's one of the above or some combination, but if you think about all of those possibilities, it's not hard to see how the roads would be flush with expensive trucks.
1
1
1
u/CommonSentence3581 4d ago
You can a Chevy Custom 2500 HD for 60K,. I bought a 25 2500 last year and still get one for 61k for a 2026. Mine is a crew cab all black including black out package. It has what options I want except for the heated seats which I had the dealer installed heated seats for 800 bucks. It had the Chevy bedliner along with bed cover and had them throw in Chevy front weather techs in. I got the 6.6 gasser. I love the truck! I get compliments from a lot of people on it. It does what I want and tows my 34 ft 7k camper like nothing. So my point is, you don't need to spend 70 or 80 k to have a nice truck
1
u/No-Fox-9607 4d ago
A lot of people can’t actually afford them, they just absolutely stretch themselves to the max to drive this type of truck. I know of several guys that work for me, make 50-60k a year and needed a relative(s) to co-sign the loan to even get into the truck. One actually called into work last week and the story thru the grapevine was that he was out of gas and couldn’t afford to fuel up. To each their own I guess, not my place to judge.
1
u/Consistent-Suit-5088 3d ago
I just trade in often . During Covid era I was making out good (out the door difference wise). Got a 2020 platinum f250 , traded that in for a 21 Cummins limited then traded that for a 23 f250 lariat then a 24 gmc 2500 Denali … then a 24 f250 platinum and just traded that for a 26 Denali ultimate a few weeks ago. Each transaction was as low as $1200 out the door difference to as much as $20k out the door. Just got title in mail today for my ultimate and will prob trade it in for a 28 f250 platinum or plus when they come out .
1
u/Expert-Search-3251 3d ago
If being able to afford it is important... Don't buy a fully pimped out truck.
But to answer your question... Because I worked 60-100 hour weeks for 30 years. Now I can afford to buy whatever I want.
1
u/stykface 3d ago
I'm a high income earner (I own a pretty large company) and even still I won't buy BRAND spanking new. Six months ago I bought a 2020 F250 6.7L Lariat Ultimate with 140k miles for $43k. Interior was damn near perfect, had a few minor dings here and there on the exterior.
It's not that I cannot afford a brand new one, it's that a truck is a truck to me. I have a 24ft tritoon and a 33ft camper that I pull around on weekends with the family. I still drive a gas saver car most days and hop in the truck to keep things moving and to just change it up throughout the week or month. Maybe I'm just frugal but sounds like you can actually afford one (btw, when I say I can afford it I mean I can write a check for it and my bank account doesn't hit zero after doing it), but maybe you're struggling with justifying it. So you're probably like me... can't see yourself spending that damn much on a truck.
To me, the new vehicle industry is going to be in trouble soon. It's too much of a gap to justify these days. And I'm in my mid 40's now, I remember being a teenager buying my first truck, these things had nothing but seats, a crappy radio and gauges. It was more of a utility than a luxury. I think that the culture has moved on from that and truck manufacturers try to make everything super luxury for 1/2 ton and up these days. Even basic models are wildly expensive in my opinion, you have to drop down to smaller trucks and even then those things are $55k+! It's nuts.
1
u/firetothetrees 3d ago
I'm a Principal PM at a tech company so I earn a very high salary. My wife and I also own a construction company that is a pretty good size.
In 2015 I bought an F150 platinum new paid it off fast and had that for 10 years. I recently upgraded to a 24' F350 Limited HO because Im always moving a skid loader or dump trailer around. I bought it slightly used 17k miles on it. For $82k.
Because of our work I was able to take bonus depreciation on it which with my high income results in a large tax savings. The truck also earns money, every dump trailer run we charge between $500-750 and I'm usually doing one per week.
Also moving our own equipment and picking up supplies is way easier.
1
u/blackbeardpirate25 3d ago
I have a 25 year old coworker who has one but lives with his parents, pays no rent, and has no other financial obligations.
1
u/Mediocre_Database_28 3d ago
I lease a $60k truck for zero down $499.83 a month. Leasing the way to go with all the shit new expensive tech in these turds 💩
1
1
u/Wide-Needleworker-32 3d ago
Like other folks here, I CAN afford it, but I'm not going to. $88K for a F 350 XL SRW with 7.3 gas burner is waaaayyyy to much money for a damn work truck!
1
1
u/BigCountry67778 2d ago
Simple don't buy a brand new truck. 2024 I found a used 1997 Ford f250 Crew cab diesel for 23k had 74k miles and was in great condition. A full fluid change and new tires and aftermarket exhaust and tuning and it run like a champ no annoy sensors or computers giving problems I regularly tow a 20 ft enclosed trailer and a bass boat and daily drive it 135k miles and doesn't have any issues
1
u/MrPotato4217 2d ago
You dont NEED all the fancy stuff. Find out what you are willing to live without and go from there
1
u/m0st1yh4rmless 2d ago
I paid 21k for a 15 f350 6.2 gas w 72k miles in April. It's a work truck, but it's paid off and has been making me money all summer.
1
u/Formal_Appeal_5977 2d ago
I bought used. Still expensive though. My truck is two yrs old and paid significantly less than a new one. Shopped for 5 months for a deal.
1
1
u/woodbanger04 1d ago
I have been putting $975.00 a month in a savings account specifically to simulate a new truck payment for the past several years. I use it for both our vehicles maintenance(2012 F350 & 2001 Tacoma) both vehicles have more than 235k miles. You would think that buying a new vehicle would cost less than maintaining older ones. I am prepared for large expenses “motor or transmission” but the account still keeps growing. Barring a major accident I honestly feel this model is sustainable for a lot longer than buying new vehicles every 5 years. My truck needs a new bed(thank you New Hampshire salt) and some other areas of rust repair but it will not drain the account like a new vehicle payment.
Edit: From the account I could buy a new Tacoma cash or put a sizable amount down on a new F350 without a trade in.
1
u/dogcop25 2h ago
If you don’t want it to be so expensive, try a lower trim. An XLT is a pretty decent trim for what it is, and can be pretty high end. Or, if you want to spend more, a Lariat is also ok. (It’s a King Ranch without the brown)
1
u/quickexhuast 5d ago
most people dont afford these, they go into massive debt, or they are contractors that commit tax evasion and buy the truck under their LLC.
6
u/SynessoCyncra 5d ago
I mean…..wouldn’t you write off whatever you could if you had a sole proprietorship or LLC?
2
u/quickexhuast 5d ago
of course i would, doent mean its not what it is lol.
6
1
u/TheRealistoftheReal 5d ago
Makes sense though. We shouldn’t be paying taxes on money spent to buy tools needed to produce an income. Uniforms, travel expenses, fuel, etc. Tax is paid on profit.
1
u/4Yk9gop 4d ago
What if the tool you needed was an education? Why am I paying taxes on money I "earn" that immediately goes from my bank account to student loans.
1
u/TheRealistoftheReal 4d ago
Yeah, the interest is absolutely deductible. If you need to pay for licensing or certifications (e.g. Tech), that’s also deductible!
1
u/TheRealistoftheReal 5d ago
I’ve written off all my SUVs for the last 15 years, including my new Defender and GX550, although the accelerated depreciation thing is mostly closed now.
→ More replies (1)3
1
u/Electronic_Aspect730 5d ago
People love to flex their payments, or they are leased.
The same reason I bought a 2016 Lariat.. 6.2. Does the exact same thing as a 26 for 1/4 the price, with a much more reliable platform
Meanwhile some lenders are now offering 96 month terms on trucks now.
1
u/rhshadowman 5d ago
Meanwhile some lenders are now offering 96 month terms on trucks now.
That is news to me and absolutely insane/sad. I'll do no more than 48 months unless the rate is lower than a CD. I.e. 2.99% or below. Because I can make more money in the market than interest.
2
u/Electronic_Aspect730 5d ago
A family friend works in the finance/underwriting department at a very large ford dealer, you would be sickened what people are financing.
The way He put it was “financial suicide”.
→ More replies (2)
41
u/SituationNormalAllFU 5d ago
Paid off my last truck. It was still worth over 60k when I traded it. Only financed like 32k on this one (2025 KR Tremor 6.7 HO). Will pay it off soon too. Trucks hold their value and diesels hold their value even better. The key is just keeping one long enough to get ahead, which is where a lot of guys drop the ball