Author Topic: Why do manufacturers saddle us all with crap we don't need? (Read 4209 times)

JOE MACK · « **on:** November 28, 2002, 06:02:18 PM »

:x :x As an outdoorsman, I have no need for power door locks, power windows, leather seats, power seats, no-key entry system, etc. Save it for the asphalt only driving wannabees! I'd like to be able to purchase a real bare-bones SUV and add options as I want. I short my electrics out in a stream crossing, I'm going to have to break a window or let the water through. I want an easy cleaning fabric upholstery for when I get back from crawling through a muddy stubble field after geese, crawling for antelope, etc. I'm not so lazy I can't lock all the doors with the button or key. Manual hubs are nice since I've bashed a few on rocks and it didn't cost an arm and leg to replace. I don't need deep pile carpeting on the floor due to snow, mud, manure, etc. I'd be better served with something that ran like brand new and I could still just hose out after a hunt! :lol: That's about all for now. Thanks for tuning in.

CJ · « **Reply #1 on:** November 29, 2002, 07:21:04 AM »

Dont know about an SUV, but if a PU will do I just looked at a 98 Ford F150 XL that had air, 4wd and an auto trans, and not much more. Vinyl seats, no power anything, rubber mats on steel floor. Dont think anyone is putting Manual hubs in anything except maybe 3/4 ton trucks and up. I was kinda dissappointed in the little switch for 4wd in my new Dakota I bought instead.

southern utah · « **Reply #2 on:** December 08, 2002, 08:41:40 AM »

They got to cater to the white collar never drive it off the oil bunch. Look at the $80,000. rigs that run up and down the highway and NEVER see the dirt. Just gotta look the part. Even Arnold S. drives a Hummer to take the kids to school and go get groceries. Gotta have a 4x4 cause it's hip. The dealers make most of their profits on ad-ons and extended warrenties so thats what they order and sell.

flatlander · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2002, 02:13:56 PM »

I know it is not really an SUV, but I picked up a full size Chevy truck in 94 that was considered a "work truck". Manual 5 speed overdrive, no power anything, rubber floor mats (no carpet at all) and a cloth bench seat. In short, plain jane-no frills. The darn thing gets decent mileage (pushing 20 on the road), and I don't cry when I muck it up good from my latest hunting trip. I can just scrape off the floor and clean off the bench when I get home. 112K miles later and I think that it is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. I'm not a name brand guy as long as it is American, but this old beast is going to stay in the family for as long as I can keep rebuilding it-there will be a Chevy in my garage at least until this one dies for good.

John Y Cannuck · « **Reply #4 on:** December 20, 2002, 01:03:44 AM »

My Cherokee, has only 411 gears, an auto trans, and an AM FM Cassette deck as options. I'm keeping it as long as I can. Milage aint bad for a 4X4 either.

leadbutt · « **Reply #5 on:** December 21, 2002, 02:37:22 PM »

Joe Mack,thats why I finaly broke down and bought a 1964 Uni-Mog, Got tired of the wife making comments about tearing up the Ford.

1911crazy · « **Reply #6 on:** December 22, 2002, 04:48:45 AM »

Quote from: JOE MACK

:x :x As an outdoorsman, I have no need for power door locks, power windows, leather seats, power seats, no-key entry system, etc. Save it for the asphalt only driving wannabees! I'd like to be able to purchase a real bare-bones SUV and add options as I want. I short my electrics out in a stream crossing, I'm going to have to break a window or let the water through. I want an easy cleaning fabric upholstery for when I get back from crawling through a muddy stubble field after geese, crawling for antelope, etc. I'm not so lazy I can't lock all the doors with the button or key. Manual hubs are nice since I've bashed a few on rocks and it didn't cost an arm and leg to replace. I don't need deep pile carpeting on the floor due to snow, mud, manure, etc. I'd be better served with something that ran like brand new and I could still just hose out after a hunt! :lol: That's about all for now. Thanks for tuning in.

You left out the new american made stuff is junk. I'm tired of getting new motors at 50,000 miles every american made car after '78 i had i had problems and my new subaru has no problems at 115,000 miles and my new wrangler has been back twelve times at 20,000miles will we ever get it right, my sons new ford ranger has been back so much they should be making the payments. Now my point I'm restoring a '55 jeep CJ5 because i want no bells. no whistles, no bull just something that runs. I had an '88 suburban it needed a motor at 52,000 miles cracked block(350) the misses drove it and the dealer laughed at me. The japanese manufactures are quality driven and will accept nothing less, while the american car manufactures crank out junk their going to get what they did to tucker ten fold and their even trying to do joint ventures with the japanese to survive and still losing ground will they ever get the message I think not. My little '55 is going to be so nice its got "points" and i can fix anything on the whole car the only air it has is free no top. BigBill

I wish International harvester would make us a no frills truck a work horse again not a people mover a real TRUCK!!!!!!!! for us truck lovers/users!!!! The market is open for a good truck. I guess I'm going to have to find a '72 or older and restore it next??

Jack Crevalle · « **Reply #7 on:** December 31, 2002, 11:45:04 AM »

I couldn't agree more with this thread. I ask myself the same thing. The truth is that the car makers are marketing an image to the soccer moms that they're gonna take their Explorers, whatever, off the road and into some fantasy adventure.

The sad truth is that the chances of hitting powerball are better than that a molecule of mud will ever touch that velour uphostery.

And WE pay for it.

I couldn't find anything with rubber floor mats, vinyl seats, etc. Unless I wanted a stripped short cab pickup.

I ended up getting an extended cab pickup with plush seats I had to buy Cordura covers for and a carpet I had to buy plastic floor mats for. At least I got crank windows.

I remember my neighbor when I was growing up who had an International Scout. When he got back from an outting he'd open up both front doors and turn the hose on the interior. NO carpeting.

That was back when men were men.

tranders · « **Reply #8 on:** January 02, 2003, 08:03:57 AM »

I can't agree more.With all the crap they are putting on trucks these days it's no wonder they all cost $30,000 plus. The idea of someone being able to unlock my truck or tell me where I am at from a satellite scares the heck out of me. I am a firm believer that trucks were not made to have carpet! :-D

kevin.303 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 06, 2003, 10:12:44 AM »

i just bought an old 84 f-150 lariat. it was a farm truck and the body has definatly seen better days. but its 6 inch lift and 351 cleveland are just what i need to get down abandoned logging roads to my favorite fishing hole. last year my buddy took it up north for moose and took a large (500 lbs, or so he claims) black bear in the grill.there was damage but nothing too major. it has no power accesories and your basic am radio. it always seems that power windows and locks are the first thing to go. i prefer older vehicles because iam fairly tall and ratherwide. i borrowed a friends new dodge dakota and all i could see in front of me was sun visor and a big DODGE decal on the windshield. old steel is better than new plastic, and the same goes for snowmobiles.

NightFox · « **Reply #10 on:** February 16, 2003, 08:35:29 AM »

I can tell that you guys don't have much sense about vehicles. I am 18yrs old and I just bought a 2002 Chevrolet 3500 dually with the new 8.1L V8 in it. It is right now the biggest gas engine in a pickup on the market. You don't have to get all of the fancy stuff on the vehicles that is just the way they come onto the lot so they can get more money out of them. I ordered this truck from a dealer with nothing but the necessities. This truck cost me $24,000 wich you can't beat anywhere.

KN · « **Reply #11 on:** February 16, 2003, 01:00:45 PM »

NightFox is right, You won't find the striped down truck on the lot any more because people like you, (no disrespect intended), are far and few between. Most people want frills. Look at all the trucks on the road today. 99% of them never leave the pavement. Most of the 4x4s never get used unless it snows. If you want a bare bones truck, order it. You might be surprised how affordable it is. Those frills cost alot. Just an educated opinion. (I work for Ford) KN

jhm · « **Reply #12 on:** February 26, 2003, 04:22:16 PM »

Knightfox and KN have got it right all you have to do is ORDER the truck the way you want it, today nobody wants to wait the 6 to 8 weeks maybe longer not sure for a new one to come in, they want it now.

JIM

Selmer · « **Reply #13 on:** February 27, 2003, 04:09:41 AM »

NightFox is right about the options thing, but apparently he doesn't enjoy working on engines, because about the max he can do with his truck without the benefit of some very expensive computer diagnostics is change belts, air filter, and his oil. He might be able to go faster than my standard carb 1973 Suburban, but I can plow through just as much and when it decides to stall out on the road (which it doesn't very often unlike my friend's new pickup which I have towed to the dealer several times for him already) I can fix it with what is in my tool box and doesn't cost hundreds for a stinking computer chip that went bad cause I splashed some water into the engine housing crossing a creek.
Selmer

NightFox · « **Reply #14 on:** February 27, 2003, 11:19:56 AM »

Good point Selmer, but the manufacturers aren't stupid. If you look at any of the boxes in those trucks they are sealed air tight. I do know enough about trucks to know what is wrong with mine. I don't need no d@mn computer to tell me that. If my truck was meant to plow through stuff I'm sure it would. This truck is meant to tow heavy loads and does just that. Not once have I ever had a problem with it.

Selmer · « **Reply #15 on:** February 27, 2003, 03:58:47 PM »

NightFox, we obviously have trucks for two different reasons, you tow stuff, I haul people, decoys, dogs, and game. I don't think there's better vehicle made for my purposes than a 1973-1991 Chevy Suburban (Hell with the late models, they cater to soccer moms and egotistical men in the cities). I have no doubt that you can out-tow me, I use it for hauling the boat at most, but I'll lead the way snow boggin! Have fun with you truck whatever you do, enjoy it while we still get to use fossil fuels.

Selmer

WLB · « **Reply #16 on:** February 28, 2003, 02:41:57 AM »

An older Suburban is no slouch in the towing department. I have often towed a 3000 pound race truck on a 1500 pound trailer with no problems. I also towed a 2000 pound vintage sports car on a 1000 pound trailer over the Allegheny Mountains and the Suburban pulled the load and stopped without difficulty. The propensity to rust is about the only negative on these old cars--that and they don't have heated seats.

Bill

Selmer · « **Reply #17 on:** February 28, 2003, 04:02:07 AM »

When we had the 1973 Suburban restored we had the body shop coat the frame and undercarriage with the rust-proof (preventitive) coating. I shouldn't have any rusting problems. We'll see how it works, I haven't got any rust yet, but it's only a year out of the shop. The only mistake I made was putting nerf bars on instead of running boards, the powder coating is chipped off already and the Iowa salt is starting it's natural course of action.
Selmer

NightFox · « **Reply #18 on:** February 28, 2003, 06:27:53 AM »

Does your Suburban have the 454 in it? My dad's older Chevrolet had one in it and the cadalitic converter got so hot on that thing it would almost boil the gas in the gas tank. The 4x4 shifter on it would get so hot you couldn't even touch it.

Selmer · « **Reply #19 on:** February 28, 2003, 08:01:55 AM »

Nope, just the standard carb 350 V-8. It cruises me down the interstate at 80+, it's fast enough and it's go the guts to plow when I need to. I thought about converting it to the 454, but gas mileage is already bad enougg, in the winter it get 10-12, summer 13-16. There is no catalytic converter on this Suburban, it was made before they were put on them thank goodness.
Selmer

freddogs · « **Reply #20 on:** March 05, 2003, 03:09:03 PM »

:gulp: I agree with NightFox.You can stilll order a stripped down truck. You never see one on the lot. I got one in 2000.

xnmr53 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 24, 2003, 08:33:16 AM »

Nightfox,

Do the Chevy's still have that idiotic glow plug setup to engage the front axle? I had one on my old '88, and of course it blew out at the worst possible time (dead of winter, snow, 300 miles from home, with an 8000' pass to cross). There's no way to manually engage the front hubs when that happens.

I eventually found a manual system to replace it that works very well. I suspect that I will replace my old truck with an even older truck when the time is right. I don't trust any of the electronics fully. I have spent a lifetime in computers, and I know how delicate that stuff really is.

bumble · « **Reply #22 on:** April 02, 2003, 04:19:28 PM »

I have to agree. I had a 96 Chevy Silverado, all electric everything; constantly screwing up. So I stopped at one of the GMC dealers and told him I'd buy a new 3/4 ton 4x4 IF he could get me a basic interior, roll up windows, manual door locks, standard cab, 8 foot box, and a plain paint job. It's a dandy! 2500HD series, 6.0 Vortec, 4 speed auto with no O/D. In 78 I bought a new GMC. At it's best the 78,with 4 speed , manual hubs and 350 cid couldn't hold a candle to this pickup for performance or comfort. Hope to hell I get 245,000 out of this one.

prusch · « **Reply #23 on:** April 16, 2003, 02:36:32 PM »

I've been reading all the posts on this subject and I'm going to put my 2 cents worth in. I have one truck a Ford F150 and it has bells and whistles on it. I'd like to ask what some of you drive everyday? Is your hunting vehicle only for hunting only for hunting or driven every day? My truck is used for going to work, hauling, hunting, vacations, or taking my wife to the best resturaunt I can afford. Does the interior get dirty? yes-- Do I have to clean it often?- yes- I get tired of hearing how people who have a nice looking 4WD vehicle never take it off the road. My truck works, mud, snow, whatever but when I have to drive 800 miles to Canada on a fishing trip I like some comforts too. My truck is my main vehicle and I will use it for whatever is needed. One of my pet pieves is seeing someone with a great looking 4WD vehicle towing a beater to use because they are afraid to get their main vehicle dirty. How many of you buy a stripped down rifle or cheap hunting clothes in case they get dirty? I appologize if I've ruffled some feathers but I like my power windows, door locks, air, decent interior, and yes I even have a moon roof. Not being able to afford these thing is one thing but being afraid to use them is another.

5/5/03
I guess I offended some people so I appologize-
I had people giving me grief for supporting the terrorists cause I don't drive something that get 100 MPG and someone tell me my truck was never off the road because it looks too good/clean-
I talked to the dealer I bought my truck from and he said he could get a truck anyway someone wants it if your willing to wait a couple months- (for what that's worth)
Again sorry if I offended-but I do use my truck like a truck not an oversized towncar-

Jack Crevalle · « **Reply #24 on:** April 19, 2003, 11:15:29 AM »

Quote from: prusch

I've been reading all the posts on this subject and I'm going to put my 2 cents worth in. I have one truck a Ford F150 and it has bells and whistles on it. I'd like to ask what some of you drive everyday? Is your hunting vehicle only for hunting only for hunting or driven every day? My truck is used for going to work, hauling, hunting, vacations, or taking my wife to the best resturaunt I can afford. Does the interior get dirty? yes-- Do I have to clean it often?- yes- I get tired of hearing how people who have a nice looking 4WD vehicle never take it off the road.

I would bet that around here maybe, maybe, 1 in 20 vehicles that have 4WD have been taken off the pavement. I remember coming in to work one day and I saw that a co-worker's truck had one front wheel hub locked and the other unlocked. Since I knew he drove a long distance to work each day ( on pavement ) I decided to let him know. Well, I told him and he got this look on his face like it was obvious he didn't have a clue what I was talking about so I had to explain it to him.

What I'm sick of is people lowering ground clearances on supposedly off road vehicles because some prom queen rolled her "full loaded" InfinaLexcades "SUV" because she was doing 60 around a hairpin curve while simultaneously trying to apply eye shadow in the "comes standard" vanity mirror. :x

I'm sick of shopping for something with seat covers that won't soak up water and mud like a wet mop after I've been wading chest deep or sitting an a stand in the mud. Or I should say I'm sick of shopping for something like that, not finding it and having to go out and buy umpteen hundred dollar seat covers to cover up plush crap I didn't want in the first place. Ditto everything I just said for carpet.

Do I care if you want plush carpet, rrrrich Corinthin leather or chrome everything? No. You want to spend your weekends sponging stains out of the delicate lace headrests covers that came standard, knock yourself out. I'd rather be chest deep in a stream.

The truth is it's we who want less that aren't given a choice. When my wife wanted a new car she wanted a station wagon so that she could carry the dogs in the back. Know what a saleman at the auto show told us? "We don't make a station wagon any more. Demographically you should want an SUV".

Quote

How many of you buy a stripped down rifle or cheap hunting clothes in case they get dirty?

How many have to special order a rifle to get one without hand-checkering, gold-inlaying or select curly wood?

THE MAJOR · « **Reply #25 on:** April 20, 2003, 02:48:39 PM »

I hear ya!! I wanted a hunting/prospecting rig, nothing more. I tested 'em all, and thought most were too fragile for me. I setteled on a Land Rover Discovery. Yes they are fancy, but damn, they will go anywhere!! I put rubber floor mats in, slip covers on seats, and go for it. I took it back to Colorado for serviceing, they had to wash it first, and the salesman just grinned at me. I told him why I was buying it, and he really enjoyed seeing it used as it was meant to be, not a highway cruiser.

Skydad · « **Reply #26 on:** June 23, 2003, 09:28:04 AM »

Freddogs, There are several stripped down 2003 Chevys on the lot in my hometown. There is even an extended cab one......V-6, vinyl seats, rubber floor mats, manual transmission, etc. My 1994 just turned 241,000 miles. I'd still drive it anywhere, anytime. Hardly uses any oil and I'm still putting in 5W30, changing the oil & filter every 7500 miles. That old 350 that they now call a 5.7 is as near to bullet proof as it can be. Isn't it ironic that the Jeep is now built by a company owned by the Germans? :x

WD45 · « **Reply #27 on:** September 18, 2003, 04:02:58 AM »

The problem is that most people dont use a truck or SUV for its intended purpose and if only people bought them that did the market would probably so small that they wouldnt make em. I can understand some compromise between pavement and off road ability because not every one can afford several different vehicles but the manufacturers have completely forgotten where to draw the line. The bottom line is they will make what they can sell the most of to the largest group of people and then enter the marketing guru that makes people think every soccer mom in America drives a SUV and they need one . You dont think soccer mom is going to get out and lock in the front hubs when she has to. She might break a nail ! If you want a 1968 Bronco you will have to buy a 1968 Bronco and restore it. Think about it. 30 years ago if some one asked me What kind of SUV I drove I would have said " SU what? "
I dont know,,,, maybe I'm wrong... Wouldnt be the first time

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #28 on:** September 23, 2003, 02:23:03 AM »

There is such few people that want a stripped down truck or SUV. But you can order anything you want from the dealer. Most people are implosive and will get the extras rather than wait. At least that is the way I am. The market dictates what sells and loaded trucks and SUV's sell. I personally like to hunt and fish, but I like to do it in confront. Just a little more work to keep it looking nice.

williamlayton · « **Reply #29 on:** October 06, 2003, 05:36:32 AM »

well lets see here if i can make some sense outta all this--
i guess i'm gonna be prohibited from owning a truck--guess i'm not a real man-guess i'm something other than right in the head. :oops:

i have owned a truck for longer than many of you have been alive--most of the folks i grew up knowing and respecting--grown ups that is--owned trucks. heck, most of em never hardly had em off tha road--i hardly have mine off the road-i like my fd fourdoor, with leather seats and carpet--did'nt get all the bells and whistles--but i ordered it built like i wanted. use it all the time-always got something in the back end that i'm takeing somewhere-don't hunt nomore-play a lot of golf--go to s louisiana a lot-been to georgia a time or two-disney world--all in the truck--i like my truck better than i like my wifes car--texas likes my truck--i'll get another when i'm ready fer it--other than that a car is fine.
blessings