[stn8188]

As much as I love trucks, it seems that their price is extremely inflated (likely due to their utility as a work vehicle). Depending on your use case, I can highly recommend a minivan. I have an '07 Odyssey that we need for the big family (5 kids) but I can also fold down the seats and fit 4x8s of plywood or drywall in the back. If needed, you can get a cheap trailer and tow with the van to increase payload. There's a stigma I'm fully aware of, with so many people choosing SUVs instead, but I just love my van so much. It's reliable, easy and cheap to fix, and does so much. Better gas mileage, kids can't slam doors into parked cars, etc. As long as you don't need off-road ground clearance, it's a great choice. (There are AWD models as well, if you live in a snowy area).

[jwells89]

Even used 20+ year old small pickup trucks like pre-2005 Tacomas have their prices jacked up through the stratosphere, which I find particularly disappointing because there are so few trucks that size anymore more. Modern Tacomas are “mid sized” for example, but even that’s too much for a lot of peoples’ needs.

[stn8188]

For real... My dad's still got his '97 Ranger (that I learned to drive on) and I told him that if he ever decides to sell it, I'll fly out and drive it back instead.

[keepamovin]

Alright, I hear you about this...I will consider. I will try to keep in mind the "cool minivans" that I saw in HK and that were a status symbol. Good to know haha! :)

I just love trucks so much hahaha! :)

[akgerber]

The car market in the US is pretty much designed to rip off people who fear minivan stigma & instead buy extortionately-priced pickup trucks that often don't even have a big enough bed to carry plywood or drywall.

[keepamovin]

Hahah, this is a great point. good to understand the meta dynamics. This is why I ask in HN!!! Hehehe :)