What’s it like going from a truck to a car?
Posted by idkanymore699@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 48 comments
I am driving a 2013 f150 currently. It was my first truck when I turned 16. I graduate next month and I am going off to college, but I will be commuting from my house which is about 22 miles one way. Because of this drive and just overall getting tired of spending so much at gas stations I am thinking about selling my truck. I love driving a truck and I’ve never really driven a car for multiple days in a row. The furthest I’ve ever driven a car was in my buddies old 2002 ford Taurus which was for only about a hour. The main concern I have and that my parents have is that I would regret getting rid of my truck for a car long term. I don’t really use my truck for “truck stuff” other than occasionally needing to throw something long in the bed of my truck and occasionally towing a trailer, but my dad has a ram 2500 that’s better at towing just no one really wants to be in it. Has anyone else in this sub experienced going from a truck to a car? If so what is your advice for someone wanting to do the same?
pbrown6@reddit
It feels like you were obese and lost 200 pounds and now you can tie your shoes normally, walk without pain and run around with your kids.
There's the added safety of better visibility. Trucks and SUVs kill a lot of kids in driveways because the hood is so high.
It's feels great.
Even-Further@reddit
Swap it for a Honda Ridgeline. Its a truck on a unibody. The 2nd gen rides very smooth, and decent mpg. If I was you I would ditch the F150.
The_World_Is_A_Slum@reddit
I switched to an Accord for two years 18 years ago. Worst truck I’ve ever owned, fantastic car.
Surprised I made it two years, been back in a pickup ever since.
JCDU@reddit
As a non-American the truck culture is weird.
When we're in the states we play a game of spotting any truck that's actually got something in the back, even then half the time it's hanging half out because the trucks are YUGE but the beds are actually quite small, some of them you can't even fit a couple of bikes in despite the fact they'd easily go into a Honda Civic with the seats folded.
I don't know why regular vans aren't more popular - your stuff stays clean & dry and is harder to see/steal.
idkanymore699@reddit (OP)
Yeah I mean even as an American it is weird. I think truck guys have the idea of going out and off-roading with their dirt bikes in the bed of the truck as some sort of reason to have the truck. But the truth is very few trucks will be used for that. Plus there is show trucks which is basically just taking a truck and turning it into a worse car.
Rough_Cancel7265@reddit
As stated you'll get used to it. Not to be that guy (I'm sure there is an element of familiarity and sentimental value in the truck) but if you're already thinking about it and are self admitting you aren't really doing truck stuff with it, you're just wasting gas for no reason
idkanymore699@reddit (OP)
I mean I am just wasting gas. But my problem right now is figuring out if it’s worth spending the time getting my dad convinced a car would be a good idea. My truck has had several thousand dollars worth of needed maintenance over the past 6 months. And I mentioned to him one time about a car and he argued with me over how he’ll never let me sell my truck (he thinks the only vehicle I should own is a truck no matter what). But that was a few months ago when we were both stressed about everything wrong with it (we thought both the rear end and trans was ab to go out, but it ended up just being the rear end). However, I think he will actually go for it now with a little bit of convincing. Plus I think he’s tired of me complaining about it every other time I see him lol.
squats_and_sugars@reddit
Honestly, I have both (car and truck) because my favorite trucks are 2nd gen Rams. They're ready to do truck things and the carrying cost is stupid low. However I also do all maintenance (including engine rebuilds) myself.
Generally speaking, if your dad has a truck available for truck things, you don't need one. And most people are better off renting a Uhaul/home Depot truck for the rare time they really need a truck bed. 95% of things most people do can be achieved with a car and a tarp to keep the trunk clean.
idkanymore699@reddit (OP)
This is exactly what I’m thinking about. I do hunt on off-road trails that “need” a truck when we go, but I’ve had my truck up there once because every other time I’ve been able to take my truck something breaks right before I can go. So in reality I’ve just been using my dad’s truck for hunting too. And I mean if I needed a truck just to go get something done I have plenty of friends and coworkers that would be more than willing to lend me a hand or let me borrow their trucks.
StandardDue4109@reddit
I've owned cars and trucks for over 30 years, and Honestly when I'm driving a car the only thing I miss about a truck is seeing over the vehicles in front of me to read traffic better and that's really it. Cars are much more fun to drive drive and cheaper to maintain. And once you get older you realize these truck tires are freaking heavy lol
idkanymore699@reddit (OP)
Yeah lol I had to throw on my spare a few weeks ago and I realized just how heavy those tires are. I’ve changed suv tires on the side of the road, but for some reason the heaviest tire I’ve ever put on was my full size spare for my truck lol.
Nsquared97@reddit
I have a 2012 F-150 mainly for towing the toy cars around. I hate driving trucks, they're not fun, don't handle worth a crap, get garbage gas mileage, and take up way more room than a car.
And if you have a 6.5' bed like most, you can actually carry far longer items in an SUV or even some cars.
idkanymore699@reddit (OP)
I find that my truck does handle pretty decently granted I’ve never really driven a car hard into corners like I used to drive my truck into corners lol (not anymore I’m driving like a grandpa at the speed limit now just to save every bit of gas). I have the 6’5 bed which is enough for me, but the only thing I really put in the bed regularly is my golf clubs (I used to play for my hs) but I hate putting things in the bed so they’ve spend the past few months in my backseat.
Nsquared97@reddit
As far as saving fuel goes, the more speed you can carry through a corner, the less you have to accelerate after ;)
I have virtually the lightest possible variant of this generation, but no these don't handle anything like a car.
BigDust@reddit
I've only ever driven trucks, but once I was forced to use a Ford Explorer and it felt so wrong being that close to the ground, and having my road vision being limited.
Nick77ranch@reddit
Drove nothing but a truck from 2005 till Dec of 2025. Went with a subaru outback. I started thinking about what I used my truck for. It was very limited. Hauling brush, junk to the dump, maybe pick furniture. Nothing I couldn't do with an outback and an aluminum trailer. Went from 15 MPG's with my last truck to about 30 now. More comfortable ride, cheaper to replace tires, brakes, oil changes, etc. Easier to get kids in and out of. I drive 40 miles o e way to work. It was a good call for me.
SpankyDammit@reddit
I’ve gone from my 2018 RAM 2500 to my wife’s 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. I miss being able to see what’s ahead but the mileage is phenomenal by comparison. People don’t give you as much space on the road ie: riding your ass or just being as careful around you but you adjust. I used to fill the truck weekly but the car goes 3-4 weeks between and current prices are $60 to fill the Suby vs $120 for the RAM.
idkanymore699@reddit (OP)
My mom has a Subaru forester and I love it. And that little Subaru has gone everywhere my truck has gone offroad wise (hunting on old logging trails lol) and done just about everything ive used my truck for that a normal car "couldn't do". I mean what you just listed is exactly what I am thinking about as my reasonings for a car. Is there anything you miss at all about driving a truck?
Agreeable_Tonight807@reddit
Went from a pickup to an Accord. Sitting in Chicago traffic best decision I ever made.
PracticableSolution@reddit
I have an F350 and an Audi S4. When I drive the truck, traffic is pretty fast and I try to stay out of the way. When I drive the S4, traffic is really slow and people are always in my way. No idea why ambient traffic speeds are so different between the two vehicles, but if I hear there’s congestion on my drive, I generally take the truck to help free it up. You’re welcome
superdak05@reddit
Drove a full-size truck for years went down to a Nissan Maxima got tired of banging my head on the door jam trying to get in and out of the damn car, I would stiffen up on a long ride, took me at least 20 minutes to get out of the vehicle. Forget that I went and got full-size jeep Wrangler never again will I ever go back to a car?
AskThis7790@reddit
My son drove a Civic coupe with manual transmission in HS. When he went to college he started driving an F150, and never took to it. The transmission went on the F150 and he got Kia Forte GT (manual). I don’t think he’ll ever buy a truck again. Sport sedans/coups are so much funner to drive, easier to park, cheaper to repair, etc…
When he visits and drives my truck he tells me he doesn’t miss driving a truck at all. I’m fact, I’ve pretty much decided my next truck will probably be a car (maybe a Ridgeline).
mpython1701@reddit
Same as you. Drove a truck since HS.
But really liked my daughter’s Chevy Volt. Going from 12 MPG to 250+MPG (use almost exclusively on 110 electric) has softened the blow of the change.
Main thing I miss is sitting up higher with better ability to “drive ahead.” But more more comfort, technology, maneuverability, and braking not to mention finding a parking space compensates.
Appropriate-Bell-807@reddit
I think the thing I miss the most going from my 2000s SUVs to 2015ish cars I hate not seeing through the SUV or truck in front of me, which considering that 70+% of vehicles on the road are, it happens quite often in city driving.
Being what my wife calls a "shorty" ha ha
codepapi@reddit
The biggest difference is that you won’t be able to see far ahead as you do with a truck. If you for some reason, but it seems you don’t, need the truck capabilities go with a midget truck. The maverick. There should be older ones for a reasonable price now.
Personally I’d go with a Honda crv. Affordable. Reliable. I’m also biased.
maybach320@reddit
You get use to it, I have a F350, a Toyota Solara, and an old Mercedes ML, personally I like them all and they all drive differently you sort of just get use to it. Honestly I think the reason I have all three is that I like the diversity, I just can’t do one car I need the spice of picking how I want to hit the road.
idkanymore699@reddit (OP)
Yeah that’s how I hope to be eventually. I’m planning on getting my law degree in hopes just to be able to afford some nice cars lol.
Viking2151@reddit
Feels like a gocart.... I daily a 94 Suburban, its nothing fancy, stock height, slightly better than factory tires, I got a 2011 Cruze that I don't drive often only because its POS, 40+mpg but I hate the stupid thing, it always needs worked on, but I drive it from time to time, and its like going from something I can move around in, get comfortable to my boot hardly fits between the brake pedal and the center console to press the gas pedal and my ass fall asleep since I can't really move around at all. But its gets 40mpg, it is faster than my suburban, not as noisy I guess.
idkanymore699@reddit (OP)
I feel like that’s one of the big downsides is the interior space. I am looking at the facelift (late 2016 and up) cruzes as they are pretty easy to find for less than what I can get out of my truck with less than 100k miles. Is the trade off of space really that big that it would bother you switching cars full time?
Viking2151@reddit
Depends on the car really, I had a 94 Corsica that felt like it had way more room then my Cruze, same with my 2002 Caviler and my 96 Ford Taurus, My main issue with the Cruze is I wear boots all the time, and I often press the brake pedal by mistake when I want to press the gas, my boot is just almost to wide, size 12. And the seats just don't feel like it has the same room as my other cars had and no center arm rest unless you want to call that center thing a elbow rest.
I wouldn't recommend a Cruze to anybody especially the first gen, they are cheap for a reason, unreliable, they can't keep their fluids in for nothing, I see them all the time and the Trax/sonic's at work for the same common stuff, and the parts are more expensive than what they should be, and its not because of space to be comfortable, its just the unreliable side of things. I would strongly recommend that you look at a different brand entirly, Toyota, Honda.
I got a 495,000 miles 92 Silverado I'm restoring, I had the truck since 140,000, I had the engine out once to do a rear main at somewhere near 300,000 miles and oil pan gasket and a torque converter, I can tell you right now I've done less work and got less time and money in repairs then I have in that 2011 Cruze thats only got 120,000 miles on it lol.
idkanymore699@reddit (OP)
Yeah I’ve heard a lot of bad things about the first gen cruzes, but I haven’t heard that much about the second gen’s. I am really wanting a Toyota Corolla hatch as I like the way they look the most plus they are reliable and 32mpg city 42mpg highway. However the only way I can get into one is by getting a loan. Which I guess I can get and I would have a lower interest rate (my dad would co-sign and his credit score is maxed out) but at that point my total car payment+gas would stay relatively the same. Plus those cars already have 120k+ miles for at least $12k lol. I mean I am just window shopping for right now until I sell my truck (if I even do) and get a definite budget.
Viking2151@reddit
I know if gas prices keep going up, its 5 a gallon right now and I only get about 17mpg on my suburban on anything under 60mph, I may end up selling my Cruze and looking for something different myself, I do like to have me a cheap gas saver, I work 2 jobs, one here in town, another 45min away all interstate so 70mph, my suburban gets like 12mpg at 70mph lol.
idkanymore699@reddit (OP)
Here the gas prices have stayed lower, but we just got to $3.70 a gallon. Preferably I would have two vehicles, but I am also 18 working a part time job making $10 a hour so I don’t think that’s going to happen lol. I have a date a hour away on Saturday that I’m kind of regretting because it’s a quarter of a tank each way so I’m looking at at least $30 just to go to a car meet with a girl I haven’t seen in person since elementary school lol.
buildyourown@reddit
We've all gotten so used to SUVs and trucks we forget how good cars can handle
SpaceCat72@reddit
Maybe keep the truck and get a little beater? I have both. It helps.
Leverkaas2516@reddit
It's all in your attitude. I learned to drive in an old GMC pickup, and was almost never allowed to drive the family sedan, a Fiat. Finally my parents got a new car and I had free reign with the Fiat and it was a blast. It cornered so much better, it had a goid stereo, it had faux leather seats. The paint still looked good when it was washed.
I've since come to the realization that all vehicles have their charms. As long as it starts when I tutn the key, everything else is a plus.
TheKingOfFlames@reddit
I drive a Mazda 3 as my daily but my work truck is an ford e250 (drives like a truck so it’s close enough). Biggest difference is that I feel like I have double the control and maneuverability in my car compared to the truck. I’ve also driven an old f150 and an old Durango.
Cars handle way better, and visibility down road is less but reaction speed and fun levels are way better. If you need more space get a wagon. Same low height and fuel efficiency but well over enough space to haul most things. If you feel you can get by with borrowing your dad’s ram for when you gotta haul, you could get a smaller car or even a sports car.
And if you’re really worried about sitting low down, get something like a cx5 so you’re somewhere in the middle for ride height between truck and car
JustaYnLivin@reddit
Biggest difference is the blind spots in front and rear vs a car. You get used to it I drive in f350 4 hrs a day for work and drive car when off.
idkanymore699@reddit (OP)
Are you saying that a trucks blind spots are more upfront while a car is more in the rear?
Hash-82@reddit
My daily driver for almost 20 years was a diesel Excursion.
You really can't can't see out of a car in comparison.
Strange, but true.
My CC duallies also have/had better visibility than sedans.
CUVs are even harder to see out of.
JustaYnLivin@reddit
Truck has a pretty big blind spot in rear too but I find them easier to drive in reverse especially a single cab but if you have reverse cam then no problem.
idkanymore699@reddit (OP)
I find that my truck really doesn't have a bad blind spot. Also, the 12th gen f150s have massive mirrors, so it's easy to see behind me. Every car that I've been looking at has reverse cameras. I am slightly concerned about going from a large mirrors to smaller mirrors in a car.
JustaYnLivin@reddit
Yeah side mirrors are better in trucks. I guess really it's the parking and not hitting stationary objects in a bigger vehicle.
idkanymore699@reddit (OP)
Yeah, which kind of brings up a whole other problem. When I drive to the city (I live like a hour outside our major city, but I end up in the city a few times a month) it’s really hard to find parking for a truck. Like I’m forced to do a 3 point parking just to get out of a parking spot. Which I guess is just kind of an annoying fact of driving a truck, but it’s made me really good at backing out of places lol.
Hash-82@reddit
Sitting on the ground sucks.
twelfthfantasy@reddit
I drive F450s for work and a Mazda3 to commute. You get used to it.
juiceman730@reddit
I went from an 2006 Chevy Colorado to a 2011 Chevy Camaro. I didn't really notice a huge difference that model Colorado didn't feel like it sat as high as newer ones. I know this, I work in the car industry and am often driving different vehicles and sitting high in vehicles makes me uncomfortable now.
idkanymore699@reddit (OP)
I felt the same way today. My truck had some break work done (for the 3rd time in like 6 months) today and I had to drive my mom's Subaru forester. Which isn't that low of a car as it's still technically a suv, but it is considerably lower than my truck. When I got back into my truck, I felt very uncomfortable it felt like I was like towering over cars which is weird because that's the first time, I've ever actually realized just how high up my truck sits.