RAM is hoping to not get burned because of market research and buying trends. The more expensive, better equipped models are selling hand over fist. Dodge has existing trucks. When they look at their own 1500 sales for example, and notice how well the upper level trims are selling, how many people are buying the nicer…

And you bought this Ranger new?

You state exactly why the cost of a base truck increases, and then move past it as if admitting to those facts trivialize the explanation. Features, options, emissions, crash tests. All of those are significant.

Depends on the generation. The JK generation, so 2007 and up, but preferably 2013 and up for the updated engine and interior, are livable as basic transportation. It’s still body on frame and has crappy aerodynamics, but if your last time you test drove one was in 1997, then you should go see what the new ones are…

You’re imposing your own biases onto others. The truck is higher up so easier to see, more spacious, softer ride, easier to get into and out of, carries more, doesn’t have to tiptoe and watch out for potholes and speedbumps, etc. even if you don’t take it off road. A Corvette is tiny, cramped, has a harsh ride,…

So, there are MULTIPLE examples of companies listening to enthusiasts, delivering exactly the model or the trim of car/ruck that the Jalopnik comment sections would gush over. And every time that they do, the automakers end up getting burned. It’s the vocal minority that wants a brown, manual, 2wd truck with roll up…

Then there are several other options of truck models and trims from which you can choose. And if you must have this one, then you could buy it and make a bunch of money back de-contenting it by trading those parts with some kid that is $30,000 underwater on his wannabe bro truck.

That is elitist nonsense. I see the same thing with holier than thou people like you during many of the LSx engine swaps into other vehicles. It is technology when it’s producing class leading power, especially for its size and weight.

So, you also judge every Corvette driver, Porsche, BMW M2/M3/M5, Subaru STi, etc. as well, right?

You think that $26,400 for a V8 truck is “really expensive”? The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry both start at about $23,500 for the base models. You have an unrealistic expectation of pricing, bar none.

And there’s the rub. You find it gorgeous. So why is the the one you “would” pick, and not the one that you “are” picking? It’s because you guys that are the vocal minority clamoring for a beige, anonymous, plain truck that gets lost in a sea of Camrys and claim what you want, you guys aren’t the ones going out and…

Doesn’t matter how many people use the truck off road. That’s their prerogative. What do you drive? What percentage of Jalops here take their GTI’s, STi’s, Camaros, etc. to the road course? Hell, overall what percentage of ZR1 and Z06 Corvette owners, or GT350 Mustang owners, or Porsche owners take their cars to the…

People pay good money for those trucks, because the people love Raptor, TRX, ZR2, etc. No one on earth except you wants that spec that you listed. So, very few buyers want that stripped out model that you just described. The automakers don’t make money on that model that you just described. No trade-in lots want that…

And how many new trucks have you bought in the last 10 years? Because if you aren’t buying, you aren’t a customer. And if you aren’t a customer, then no one is listening to you.

The trucks look much better this way. And I’ve talked to friends that work at dealerships. If they have a ho-hum truck that doesn’t sell for a few months, then they add parts like this, since it’s what so many buyers do to their trucks anyway. Suddenly, a stale truck with dealer add-ons sells within 3 days. Dodge…

A car payment number is relatively meaningless, in and of itself. What was the purchase price, interest rate, and number of months? Those are what calculate the monthly payment. On a $20,580 loan for example, I’d rather pay $580 which comes from 0.9% interest and 36 months, than someone else that bought the same car…

You misunderstood me. I am not saying that Carmax’s cars are better. I don’t think that they are. I am explaining how, despite no access to “a magical higher tier of used cars,” they are pulling from the same pool but are able to keep a consistently high quality.

It was more of a rhetorical to get OP thinking, but thanks for the validation of facts.

Well, a few things. First of all, what percentage of cars does Carmax get through trade-in/sale than through auction? Because they definitely pay more for trade-ins. They also don’t play any games, so if you want to get rid of your car, you can always go there and get top-tier wholesale/trade-in value for your car and…

I get your insinuation, based on OP’s vague statement. It doesn’t hold up.