Do you regret buying a base model truck?

[Shovel]

How do you go about purchasing a USFS fleet truck?

I just went to a fleet dealer after getting frustrated that none of the local-to-me dealers had a basic reg cab, 4x4, short wheelbase truck. Fleet dudes knew exactly what I wanted and found one for me almost exactly like I wanted. The price took care of that "almost" for me.

 

[Redheddedwonder]

Yeah, why spend thousands on NAV, especially when the maps in it are gonna be out of date by next year? I'm not gonna get lost on my way to work, home, or the market.

Before I retired, I just suction-cupped a $79 Garmin to the windshield of my patrol car, and that worked great.

On the rare occasion that I need navigation help nowadays, I either use my phone, or drag out my Garmin. When we travel in Europe, I just rent a micro SD card with Europe on it for my Garmin...

we have been using an iPad with Gaia GPS. I really enjoy that, and then when it’s hooked up we use google maps for road days when we have service, and the iPad has our Spotify on it for music. My wife’s car has nav and we never use the factory nav, always apple CarPlay. I’m not against having a the medium screens but they are usually roped into the more expensive packages. Also they usually come with a speaker upgrade, but speakers are an easy thing to upgrade relatively cheap if needed.

 

[Buliwyf]

I just went to a fleet dealer after getting frustrated that none of the local-to-me dealers had a basic reg cab, 4x4, short wheelbase truck. Fleet dudes knew exactly what I wanted and found one for me almost exactly like I wanted. The price took care of that "almost" for me.

A plow truck? Tons of f350's like that over here every fall.

 

[Shovel]

we don't plow a lot of sunshine

 

[Buliwyf]

So you have to buy a plane ticket. No big deal.

Inventory is all online, for any decent dealer now.

 

[bahn112]

I've had base model vehicles in the past; '08 Sierra CCSB and a '13 JK come to mind. Pretty sure that on both of those the only option listed was A/C. Both had manual locks and manual windows. Didn't mind it all that much but have also had fairly loaded models of vehicles and never regretted having the extra niceties/options. Currently driving a '19 PowerWagon with a decent # of options and love it. Ventilated seats are awesome in Socal.

 

[MTVR]

You wanna talk "base model"? Our truck didn't even come with locking doors or a keyed starter switch.

A keyed starter switch was only $24 with free shipping, but a pair of key-locking outside door handles was $375, and I had to remove the passenger seats and several armor plates to even reach them...

 

[NoChance3434]

So before the 15 Ram 2500 Laramie that Im in now I had a 13 1500 Express/tradesman model and I wont go back. Road trips and daily driving are just so much more comfortable in the higher trim models and if Im spending everyday in a vehicle its more than worth the added costs to upgrade.

 

[AbleGuy]

Nope. Base model truck with a couple options ******

All I’d want over the base work truck would be cruise control (for long boring drives), tilt wheel (for the short wife) and a/c. That’s it. I’d say pretty much, screw every else fancy. I never even replaced the batteries in my key fobs when they died.

I’ve very happily lived all of these many years without a nav screen (hell, I still don’t even have a smart phone), without all that lane warning stuff, without a backup camera, TPMS, without the 8+ speaker stereo with tweeters...yada, yada, yada. My wife got a new, fully loaded Outback last year and I don’t even want to drive it (and so I don’t)...it’s got way too much fancy stuff for me to learn with all of its complicated electronics.

 

[Shovel]

As has been kinda covered, a base model (absolute base model) in 2020 is going to have cruise because the engine's already got an electronic throttle so there's basically zero additional cost to the manufacturer. A base model is going to have A/C and 99% likely to have power windows and locks and nowadays they'll even have a reversing camera and probably automatic headlights.

You know what's missing from even the most heavily loaded vehicle you can buy? That under-the-steering wheel vent that blows air at your veggies. Cars in the 80s and 90s had it.. then it went away

 

[MTVR]

I am not a fan of gratuitous gadgets. I did not order the robotized headlights on my Porsche. But my wife did on her European Delivery BMW Track Pack car, and I find this video absolutely amazing:

 

[MTVR]

Oh, a HMMWV joke

No.

We would have no use for something as tiny as that.

Where would we put the gun safe or the jetted tub, much less the garage for the motorcycles and bicycles?

 

[Buliwyf]

LMTV joke?

All I’d want over the base work truck would be cruise control (for long boring drives), tilt wheel (for the short wife) and a/c. That’s it. I’d say pretty much, screw every else fancy. I never even replaced the batteries in my key fobs when they died.

I’ve very happily lived all of these many years without a nav screen (hell, I still don’t even have a smart phone), without all that lane warning stuff, without a backup camera, TPMS, without the 8+ speaker stereo with tweeters...yada, yada, yada. My wife got a new, fully loaded Outback last year and I don’t even want to drive it (and so I don’t)...it’s got way too much fancy stuff for me to learn with all of its complicated electronics.

Base models all have cruise, AC and tilt. Fords also have telescoping steering, something the Dodges sorely lack.

For a shiny nickle, the FORD XL blah blah package adds power windows, power and heated mirrors, and power locks. After that, the only option I want is Fx4 elocker and skid plates.

 

[Regcabguy]

LMTV joke?



Base models all have cruise, AC and tilt. Fords also have telescoping steering, something the Dodges sorely lack.

For a shiny nickle, the FORD XL blah blah package adds power windows, power and heated mirrors, and power locks. After that, the only option I want is Fx4 elocker and skid plates.

Agreed on the telescoping wheel. I've got power adjustable pedals but a telescoping wheel would sure complete the package. What would it cost a $100/vehicle with mass production? Our 05 Honda Pilot could use it too.

 

[Regcabguy]

LMTV joke?



Base models all have cruise, AC and tilt. Fords also have telescoping steering, something the Dodges sorely lack.

For a shiny nickle, the FORD XL blah blah package adds power windows, power and heated mirrors, and power locks. After that, the only option I want is Fx4 elocker and skid plates.

You're stuck with manual seats and their one size fits all setting. When I got my '07 Dodge I wanted the ST with power seats but had to go to the SLT in order to get them. In retrospect thugh I'm glad I did.