by mgibbons19 » Sat 12 Mar 2005, 21:19:16
I'ld buy a Tundra if I had the cash. As much as the board seems to dislike truckss, I can think of a number of reasons to pick one of these up when the market sinks lower.
One, is the quality of roads going to increase as the costs for rsources climbs? Nope. Much as I like those little Prius, imagine those tiny little wheels smashing around in a potholed decaying road.
Second. Even with the price of fuel rising, you will stilil want a source of power around when it's worthwhile. Think back to those old Model Ts farmers would have. When they needed power, they would hook a PTO to the drive wheel. That's going to be handy for a long time.
Third, If we are to successfully negotiate the next few decades, it will require a relocalization of our cities and our retail infrastructure. Right now China Mart makes money because the last stage of retail distribution has been taken up by the consumer, who now has their own delivery trucks (SUVs). The only way for it to get cheaper is for us all to drive to the central warehouse in St. Louis or something.
But, if people are selling their guzzlers, and there is a need for decent distribution, there is an opportunity to be part of rebuilding your local community. By having a truck after everyone else has sold out, you get to be the corner store. You charge to cover the cost of transpo of course.
The problem with these things is not the trucks, but how we use them. Keep your daily mileage down, keep a moped or a cheap car, keep many bicycles, but pick up one of these things in a couple years at a deep discount.