I have been trying, trying, trying NOT to have a pickup so I can save gas, taxes, maintenance, etc. I've considered both a small towable trailer for use with the car and even a bicycle trailer. I'm finding that those options might help but may not completely replace a pickup truck in all circumstances. I'll admit to you that a pickup truck will never be a "net positive investment", however, in the right scenario, it can give you control and capability where before you had none. See if these scenarios apply to you:
- If you do not pay for trash pickup, it's perfect for that job and protects the car from nasty spills from trash liquids
- If you need mulch, you can get it FAR cheaper by the pickup truck bed than by the bag (this is true for ANY bagged product that you might need in a pickup-truck-sized load)
- If you buy a washer/dryer, it saves you the $80 delivery if you are able to hook up the pair yourself
- Any time you need lumber or plywood from a hardware store, a pickup truck saves you from having to rent theirs to bring it home
- If you have a relative who's yard you have to mow, you can transport the mower to/from their house in the pickup
- Any time you rent an aerator or other yard equipment, you need a pickup truck to bring it home
- If you are replacing a vehicle with a bicycle and the bicycle fails while out on the trip, you go rescue the person on the bike with the truck
- If you use it for towing a camper of any kind (or even hauling camping gear) then it's allowing you to avoid $100-$200/night hotel rooms in favor of $20-$40/night campsites.
The one thing I can say is that if you are struggling with whether or not to have a pickup truck, then you are already practicing Badassity: you buy a pickup truck for what it can do, not for consumption or lifestyle reasons. The key is, I think, getting that pickup truck cheaply enough for it to be a badass move.
My pickup truck is a 1997 Mazda bought for $1000 over 10 years ago. I can get 35mpg with it every time I drive it. I keep liability insurance only on it and taxes are the lowest possible.
It's nearing the point where we can't find parts for it, so when it does finally go for the last time, I'll replace it with another pickup. The challenge will be replacing it for a low-enough capital cost to make it a badass buy vs. a wasteful buy.
It's a tough question. Just be honest with yourself that you are buying a piece of equipment that will regularly help you avoid cost and continue meeting your savings objectives. Nothing outweighs those considerations.