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Tesla Cybertruck Owner Says, “It’s a Futuristic Chrome-Plated Dumpster Designed On an Apple II By a Stoned Elon Musk, But Requires Less Maintenance Than a Goldfish”

A Cybertruck owner knows it's a "futuristic chrome-plated dumpster," but he doesn't care. He says it goes from 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds and has "less maintenance than a goldfish." Find out why this rolling trapezoidal toaster is an unbeatable daily driver.
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Author: Denis Flierl
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A Tesla Cybertruck owner knows it's a "futuristic chrome-plated dumpster," but he doesn't care. 

He says it goes from 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds and has "less maintenance than a goldfish." Find out why this rolling trapezoidal toaster is an unbeatable daily driver.

Do you think this Cybertruck is a "futuristic chrome-plated dumpster?" An owner explains why his "rolling trapezoidal toaster" is worth it: $5 to fill up and less maintenance than a goldfish.

This Cybertruck owner is laughing all the way to Walmart, but will he have the last laugh?

I just caught a comment that perfectly sums up the Cybertruck experience. Dave Peck on the Tesla CyberTruck Owners Facebook page says: 

"Just a warning that I'll be out taking a cruise today to see if the world is safe yet from rogue birdies poopin' on people they don't know. It's been a while, and she demanded to be set free from the garage. "

"I know it looks like a futuristic chrome-plated dumpster designed on an Apple II by a stoned Elon Musk (wait, that's probably true), but I still love it." 

"I bought it before all that because it does 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds, requires less maintenance than a goldfish, and costs me like five bucks to fill up. I'm just out here trying to go to Walmart in my rolling trapezoidal toaster in peace."

Dave Peck and his Tesla Cybertruck

Dave's humor hits the heart of this "disruptor" vehicle. As a veteran in the auto industry, I see a bigger story here than just a quirky owner. I see a powerful trifecta of performance, efficiency, and cost of ownership that, despite the polarizing design, makes the Cybertruck an undeniably fascinating study in the new era of electric trucks.

Acceleration That Redefines a Pickup

Dave mentions his truck does 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds, and he's absolutely right if he owns the high-performance 'Cyberbeast' model. For the uninitiated, this is a mind-boggling figure for a vehicle this size.

Cyberbeast (Tri-Motor): Official 0–60 mph time is 2.6 seconds, with independent tests clocking it just a hair faster under perfect conditions. This makes the Tesla Cybertruck the quickest production pickup ever tested.

All-Wheel Drive (Dual-Motor): This version is no slouch either, with a reported 0–60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, and some track tests pushing it down to 3.9 seconds.

The Cybertruck delivers exotic sports car acceleration in a utility truck package. 

For owners like Dave, this instantaneous, silent surge of power is a core part of the appeal, separating the experience from that of any traditional gasoline-powered truck.

Dave Peck and his chrome-plated Tesla Cybertruck

A Goldfish vs. a Gas Guzzler

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Dave's line about the Cybertruck requiring less maintenance than a goldfish is a classic example of EV enthusiasm. In terms of scheduled service, he's spot on. EVs eliminate oil changes, spark plugs, belts, and a host of other costly items that nickel-and-dime traditional truck owners.

However, as your trusted automotive resource, I need to provide the complete picture regarding the overall ownership cost of the Tesla Cybertruck. While routine maintenance is relatively low (CarEdge estimates about $5,358 over 10 years for standard service and repairs, which is surprisingly competitive for a luxury truck), we must address the repair bay issue: collision.

The ultra-hard stainless steel exoskeleton is tough, but when it does sustain significant damage, the repair process is unproven, highly specialized, and potentially very expensive. We've seen reports of moderate collision damage resulting in repair bills that are nearly equal to the vehicle's original value. This unique construction is a double-edged sword: you gain extreme durability, but also face a higher risk of total loss in the event of a serious accident.

Wait, There's More

If you own this futuristic chrome-plated dumpster, review your insurance policy with a specialized broker. Ensure that your agreed-upon value (if available) accurately reflects your truck's replacement cost, and inquire about policies that specifically cover the specialized labor and parts required for a vehicle with an exoskeleton design.

Five Bucks to Fill Up?

The final piece of Dave's puzzle is the cost: "costs me like five bucks to fill up." This speaks directly to the core EV value proposition: low-cost fueling for a high-performance electric truck.

At the current national average for electricity (around $0.17 per kWh), "filling up" an estimated 120 kWh battery at home can cost between $ 20 and $ 24 for a full charge, translating to a significantly lower per-mile cost than gas. Dave's estimate of "five bucks" is likely the cost to replace the energy used in a typical day's driving—the ultimate Cybertruck daily running costs being a huge financial draw.

This is a massive financial advantage, especially for truck owners accustomed to spending $80−$120 per tank. The Cybertruck, despite its size and performance, is a much more economical daily driver than its traditional counterparts.

Conclusion

The Cybertruck is controversial. Dave's experience—driving to Walmart in his rolling trapezoidal toaster—perfectly captures the contrast between its everyday utility and its futuristic styling. The real story isn't the political noise; it's a truck with raw performance and low operational costs wrapped in a shell that challenges every automotive design convention. 

Buyers who understand that they are navigating Tesla Cybertruck repair challenges but embracing a future of high-speed, low-maintenance transport are getting exactly what they paid for: a disruptive statement on wheels.

However, the crucial trade-off remains: incredible efficiency and speed come at a significantly higher risk of major body damage.

A Question for Cybertruck Owners

The Cybertruck is undeniably fast and efficient, but what unexpected practical benefit has the truck delivered that you didn't anticipate when you bought your "rolling trapezoidal toaster?" Let us know in the comments below.

Check out my Tesla Cybertruck story: My Tesla Cybertruck Just Drove Itself Back To the Dealer Because of the Heavy Debt I Owe, Come Back Cybertruck

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRidesFacebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Dave Peck

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Comments

KB (not verified)    October 5, 2025 - 7:27PM

My question is this though... with multiple full size EV trucks on the market for noticeabley less than a cybertruck, why choose one in the first place? Especially knowing buying one puts you squarely in the cross hairs of every person Musk ticks off that week.

Kenneth Vaughan (not verified)    October 5, 2025 - 7:33PM

Yes sir absolutely low cost to operate for about 8 years. Then the real cost comes in when you need to replace the battery if you plan to keep it. Pull down your pants and bend over and grab your ankles get ready. If you don't plan to keep it good luck selling it to somebody who knows what's coming when they have to replace the battery pack. That's also the reason there's no used car resale market for electric vehicles. No one's willing to Shell out that kind of money for a used vehicle when they know they're going to have to pay for the vehicle itself but also shell out between 8 and 15,000 for a battery pack. Good luck with that.


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Joe Blow (not verified)    October 10, 2025 - 8:24AM

In reply to by Kenneth Vaughan (not verified)

The latest stats show that battery packs in Teslas experience an average of about a one percent decline in capacity per year, so after eight years, Teslas still have an average of 92% capacity.

The average vehicle stays on the road for about 13 years, so that’s 87% of new battery capacity, Battery capacity has improved every year and battery costs have dropped 90% over the last 10 years, and are projected to continue dropping in cost at that rate in coming years.

Teslas will likely last well over a million miles mechanically because of the simplicity of the drivetrain, and no need for oil changes every 5,000 - 15,000 miles, fuel injector and rings and valves replacements about every 150,000 - 250,000 miles … and fuel fill-ups of $120 every week.

Jesse C (not verified)    October 5, 2025 - 8:46PM

I always thought the Cybertruck was hideous. It reminds me of that really old episode of The Simpsons when Homer takes over his brother's car company and designs the ugliest car he could think of. But also, as far as the outside Chrome appearance, I wonder if that's safe to drive, especially at night? Since it basically looks like a moving mirror, if light hits it does it make it harder for other drivers to see?

Larry (not verified)    October 5, 2025 - 8:54PM

“0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds “ — just what everyone needs to deal with gridlock traffic. The morons who write these articles must enjoy living in their own fantasy world.

Moondingo (not verified)    October 5, 2025 - 9:50PM

"Less maintenance than a gold fish". Yea, untill somthing breaks and it adds up to 3 consecutive years of general maintenance costs all at once.

Mike (not verified)    October 5, 2025 - 10:59PM

Well he must have gotten a good one because I've read a lot of other stories where people HATE the things! I'll still take my ICE vehicle over some PlayStation on wheels any day! At least my vehicle can't be disabled by a signal sent out to the vehicle and hey maybe one day it'll happen to thousands of vehicles at once......don't say that it could never happen! So yeah I'll stick to my dinosaur ICE vehicles!!!

Jon Wilhelm (not verified)    October 5, 2025 - 11:43PM

You left out the frequent tire replacement cost.
But I've always wondered why big truck tire, high strength, long lasting, rubber isn't used for Tesla tires.

Larry A Silva (not verified)    October 6, 2025 - 1:44AM

I took possession of my Foundation AWD CT in March of 2024. As of October of 2025 ... I am now totally spoiled with the one handed ease of the steer by wire and cushy ride. I also have come to appreciate that if some nut or drunk or whatever MUST collide with me ... the CT just might be the best protective 'package' to be in during a bad collision. I now use the full self driving for going everywhere and would never again want to own a car without it.

Downsides? Visibility to the rear is not too different from driving an old panel van without glass rear windows. I WISH the CT had a dedicated rear view digital mirror mounted where a rearview mirror should be ... instead of the rearview mirror on the center display.

I also wish my CT had grab handles for getting into and out of the vehicle.

I have only one safety concern. One time I got out of my CT and closed my driver's door and intended to walk around to the other side of my CT to open the door for my little grand daughter. For unknown reasons, the Bluetooth connection on my phone was not working and I did not have my Tesla card that opens the door. After a brief 45 seconds or so of holding off panic ... I got the Bluetooth working and opened the door.

This got me thinking about getting a 3 year old out of a rear car seat if the 48 volt system were to fail as a result of a collision. So, I started carrying a very lightweight 6 inch titanium pry bar as the side window glass on the CT is very difficult to break. I think we may see more safety demand for external mechanical door handles in the future.

Something new ... now GROK and I can have a conversation on just about anything ... and a very soothing an natural female voice can tell customized fairy tales to my grandkids using their own names ,,, based upon a story outline idea I verbally provide to GROK.

Bottom line ... after a 4000 round trip to Texas and several shorter trips ... if I totalled my CT tomorrow I would only want another CT as a replacement. IT IS THAT GOOD.

Jerra K Whittaker (not verified)    October 6, 2025 - 2:12AM

It's still not a truck. Yes shaped like a truck, but still unable to pull anything with from a hitch. Not a trailer, not a grain wagon, not a hay-rack loaded with bales, not even a power chair carrier. A truck is a vehicle which can carry and tow something behind it. This has little useful utilization for any agricultural application.

AB (not verified)    October 6, 2025 - 3:10AM

Elon Musk is ketamine-fueled moron that strips Rich smart people of their intelligence for his own benefit to prove that white superiority and white replacement theory is a thing in which it is not because Elon Musk is a retard with a capital r who should be put in the mental Asylum and a prison at the same time

Mr. H. (not verified)    October 6, 2025 - 3:17AM

0-60 in 2.5 is extremely hard on the tires. Plan on replacing the whole set very often if you drive it even moderately.