From gas and diesel power to a stainless steel Tesla Cybertruck: one veteran owner of multiple full-size trucks reveals why he’ll never go back to Ford or Ram.
Imagine trading a lifetime of roaring V12s, high-performance TRX engines, and legendary Ford workhorses for a single, silent stainless steel beast. Picture a garage history filled with exotic supercars and heavy-duty haulers, only to realize that one futuristic vehicle renders them all obsolete. A member on the Cybertruck Owners Only Facebook page summed up this total shift in perspective perfectly:
“Six months of ownership and I am extremely happy with the Tesla Cybertruck. Zero issues. It has only gotten better with updates. If you are on the fence, just go buy one. I’ve seen some people say they are waiting for a refresh. I’m glad I didn’t wait. I’m perfectly happy with the way it is now. You might be waiting a very long time if you think a major refresh is coming.”
“I have owned four Ram 1500s (two of them TRX), C8, a couple of Vipers, a Lotus Exige, various SUVs, a Maverick, and F-150 Ford pickups, Mustangs, and a bunch of other cars. Out of everything I’ve owned, if I had to live with only one vehicle, it would without a doubt be the Cybertruck.”
Why the Cybertruck is Winning Over the Die-Hards
After three decades in the automotive industry, I have seen every "game-changer" come and go. I have sat behind the wheel of everything from the rugged workhorses of the 90s to the high-tech luxury liners we see on the road today. When I hear a seasoned truck veteran, someone who has lived and breathed Ram 1500s, Ford F-150s, and even high-performance Vipers, say he would choose a Tesla Cybertruck as his only vehicle, I stop and listen.
This story isn't just another fanboy testimonial. This report comes from a man who knows what a real truck feels like. For a long time, the narrative surrounding Tesla's polygonal pickup was one of doubt. People questioned the stainless steel, the range, and the sheer audacity of the design. But six months into ownership, the reality on the ground is starting to look very different for those actually putting in the miles.
In my years reporting on the industry, I’ve often warned readers that first-generation vehicles are a gamble. However, the Cybertruck is proving to be a unique case where software maturity is bridging the gap left by traditional mechanical manufacturing. I recently covered a similar milestone for a different type of owner in my report: Tesla Cybertruck Owner Who's Paid $5,848 For Out Of Warranty Work Says, “100K Miles, and It Still Looks Awesome, Zero Oil Changes, Zero Brake Pads, Zero Range Anxiety Well Maybe a Little”. Whether you are six months in or 100,000 miles deep, the lack of traditional maintenance is a massive draw for those used to the constant upkeep of an internal combustion engine.
What strikes me most about this statement is the mention of the Ram TRX. As someone who has tested the TRX's 702-horsepower supercharged Hemi, I know the visceral thrill it provides. But the Cybertruck offers a different kind of power, instant torque, and a low center of gravity that makes a massive pickup handle more like a sports sedan.
When we talk about the best electric trucks for towing and daily driving, the conversation usually shifts to range and charging. But for this owner, the "one vehicle" solution comes down to the truck's ability to wear many hats. It is a rugged hauler by day and a comfortable, high-tech family cruiser by night.
Many people ask about long-term dependability, and as I noted in a previous piece, Ford F-150 Owner Asks, “What's the Most Reliable Full-Size Truck Brand? - After 572 Owner Responses, Here Is the Answer, He Adds, “Let's Be Real and Non-Biased.” The answer is increasingly becoming about who can offer the most seamless ownership experience.
Real-World Reliability and the Power of Over-the-Air Updates
The skeptic in me always looks for the catch. Is the Tesla Cybertruck's reliability after 6 months actually better than a Ford or a Ram? Traditional trucks are mechanical masterpieces, but they are also prone to sensor failures, transmission stutters, and the inevitable oil leaks as they age.
The Cybertruck owner’s experience highlights a crucial advantage: Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. Instead of visiting a dealer and waiting for hours for a software patch, the truck literally improves while it sits in the driveway. The owner mentioned the truck "has only gotten better," which is a foreign concept to someone coming from a 2019 Ram or an F-150. In those vehicles, the day you drive it off the lot is the best it will ever be.
However, I always advise my readers to look at the full picture. Not every experience is flawless. While this specific owner is thrilled, others have faced challenges with service centers. In my previous analysis, Honda CR-V Owner Says She Never Used the Extended Warranty on Her 2015 CR-V, She Adds, “But I'm Getting One For My 2026 CR-V Hybrid, There's A Lot More To Go Wrong.” I discussed how the complexity of modern vehicles, even hybrids and EVs, is making long-term warranties a hot topic again. With the Cybertruck, the "mechanical" simplicity is balanced by "software" complexity.
Key Takeaways for Potential Cybertruck Buyers
- Legacy Owners are Switching: The most vocal proponents are often those who have owned the best that Detroit has to offer.
- Zero Issues is Possible: Despite early viral videos of breakdowns, many owners are reporting thousands of trouble-free miles.
- The "One Car" Solution: The combination of speed, utility, and tech makes it a viable replacement for both a truck and a luxury car.
- Don't Wait for a Refresh: Tesla iterates constantly. The truck you buy today will receive the same software as the one built next year.
What Cybertruck Owners Are Saying
To get a broader perspective, I looked into the latest discussions from the community. Here is what other long-term owners are sharing on platforms like Reddit:
User Pshad4Bama noted on the r/cybertruck subreddit: "2020 model Y to 2024 foundation series Cybertruck... 4500 miles. Zero issues, loved every second of it."
Another owner, macolaguy, added: "I've had my truck 1.5 years now and I love it. No issues or kinks other than waiting for FSD early on. The biggest problem I have is when I drive my wife's 2021 MY, it feels so ancient."
On the comfort side, tomatoface71 shared: "I normally get stiff and sore from sitting too long during road trips, but the CT is SO comfortable. I can't imagine road tripping in anything else."
Conclusion
The truck market is shifting faster than many of us anticipated. When a veteran who has owned Vipers and TRXs claims the Cybertruck is the only vehicle he needs, it signals a move away from the traditional "rumble and chrome" toward a future defined by efficiency and software. While the design will always be a point of contention, the utility and reliability being reported by long-term owners are hard to ignore. After 30 years in this business, I can tell you that owner satisfaction is the ultimate metric of success, and right now, this owner says the Cybertruck is hitting the mark.
How About You? Are you a lifelong Ford or Ram owner who would consider the switch to electric, or does the lack of an engine roar keep you from making the jump? Let us know in the comments below!
Next Up: Think you’ve heard every Cybertruck story? Think again. Some owners aren't just driving; they are "deploying" into a world of social disruption. Check out my report on the owner who says his truck isn't just a vehicle, it's a statement that breaks the algorithm every time he pulls out of the driveway. Tesla Cybertruck Owner Says, “I Don't Just Drive, I Deploy, Because This Isn't Just a Truck, It's a Statement, I'm Not Here To Fit In, I'm Here To Disrupt”
With over 30 years of industry experience, Denis Flierl brings an insider’s perspective to Torque News, where he has been a Senior Reporter since 2012. Before picking up the pen, Denis consulted for the automotive industry's biggest brands and honed his skills as a test driver. He cuts through the noise to deliver the latest auto news, compelling owner stories, and the expert analysis necessary to navigate today's changing automotive market.
Have a tip or question? Follow me on X @DenisFlierl and @WorldsCoolestRides, or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Cybertruck Owners Facebook page