YES bored. Pricing out fullsize, 2WD, shortbed, regular cab base model trucks that are optioned out as nicely and evenly as I could. Big V8s, posi-traction rears, power windows/locks/mirrors and chrome bumper packages across the board.
Edmunds' "True Market Value" pricing (typical dealer discount plus rebate) comes out like this:
Ram Tradesman: $21,872 in True Blue with stone cloth bench
Silverado W/T LS: $23,900 in resurrected Imperial Blue with gray vinyl bench
Sierra W/T Plus: $24,042, same colour scheme as Silvy
F150 XL Plus: $25,101 in Green Gem with gray cloth bench
imo... good grief, the Ram is a screaming deal! Plus, the Tradesman has the RamBox side compartments and a spray-in bedliner. Hemi, six-seed automatic, the smooth ride of all-coil suspension... how can a truck guy go wrong? The Ford is not worth $4k more than the Dodge... is it?
GM's new trucks are out next year, and the '13 Ram has an optional 8-speed auto (with a weird shifter dial instead of a traditional lever, I'm scared), and a potentially problematic air suspension (hopefully an option as well).
Dodge's new smaller pickup truck is still a mystery, and GM is dragging their butt getting the new Colorado/Canyon to the US. Ford is not giving a hint they'll re-enter the compact truck market.
Is now a good time for a truck guy to buy... or should he wait and see what's coming 'round the bend?
EDIT: hmmm... I'm going to need confirmation from a reputable source that this Tradesman has the Hemi and not the 4.7. The Dodge site does not cooperate with me on that. When I click on the Hemi button to ADD the Hemi, it says I cannot "remove" it without changing the GVWR rating. ODD.