New truck prices are so expensive a average working man like myself, it is hard to just buy a truck that is 40000 grand or more. WHY?
Actually, Ive found that if you build a 1/2 ton truck on any of the big 3 truck sites, with their "builder", then build a 3/4 ton that is as identical as it can get, the 3/4 ton is actually cheaper. And if you are trying to find a 3/4 or 1 ton truck, and all you can come up with is stuff that costs 40k, you need to order whatever you want, to get the cost cheaper.
We recently were pricing trucks for work. Diesel, 2wd, longbed, 2500, extended cab, basic trim with power windows etc. GM was at 35k, ford came in a little lower at 32k (but I think the GM still had more on it) and we didn't price dodge. The stripped work trucks are there, you just need to ask. Sure, there is no DVD player, but what do you expect for under 40k.
When we were looking at new trucks, we noticed that Ford especially was marked up 5K over Dodge, and we didn't even look at Chevy's because when we went to the dealership, no one came out to help us. Both Ford and Dodge were willing to let us drive whatever we wanted and the sales people were helpful. We also payed under 40K for our 2005 Dodge 2500 Cummins.
We got our truck for about 33k. I remember it like it was yesterday, the hemi option was like 850, and the HO Diesel was 5500 or somethin. Thats what drives the price up the most, but it was all worth it
