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'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.
A Goldfish vs. a Gas Guzzler
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, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Dave Peck
Comments
..or supporting an oligarchy…
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In reply to That's nice but not a word… by Jenice (not verified)
..or supporting an oligarchy who purchases the elections for convicted felon/rapists.
You mean when Suckerberg…
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In reply to ..or supporting an oligarchy… by Jockomo (not verified)
You mean when Suckerberg spent $400,000,000 in the 2020 election to get Biden elected? He didn’t found and runs a company that builds Cybertrucks and other premium quality EVs … and another one that builds the world’s only reusable rocket boosters … and yet-another one that implants processors in brains of people to vastly improve their abilities … and an additional one that digs vehicular tunnels under overcrowded metro areas … and more that provides freedom of speech via the X platform, top-level AI hardware configurations and software, and who-knows-what-else is up his enormous sleeves.
There’s a manual release…
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In reply to That's nice but not a word… by Jenice (not verified)
There’s a manual release that is clearly marked and it’s prominently noted in the owner’s manual, including the familiarization section toward the beginning.
People die all the time in other makes and models of vehicles where doors are mangled in crashes, glass is intact, and jaws-of-life aren’t available in time. Stop acting like this doesn’t happen in any other vehicle.
All fun and games until it…
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All fun and games until it catches fire with a person inside, I guess
There are clearly-marked…
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In reply to All fun and games until it… by Connie Postelli (not verified)
There are clearly-marked manual door releases that are also described in the owners manual, including as familiarization items.
Your comment is an extremely poor attempt to deceive the public.
In an article about this…
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In an article about this vehicle's cost and reliability, why did I not see any mention of it's numerous (and very serious) recall issues? If you are interested in running electric with your hauling needs (and everyone ought to be), Tesla is NOT the only game in town anymore, and better options are coming down the pike all the time!
What “better options … all…
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In reply to In an article about this… by K. Newton (not verified)
What “better options … all the time”? Rivian is tiny in comparison to the CT, even more expensive, and they’re losing tens of thousands per vehicle after many years, on its way to financial oblivion.
F-150 Lightning … with horrible thermal inefficiency through tens of meters/yards of hoses, and also losing tens of thousands of dollars per vehicle with no end in sight?
Slate? Where can it be bought right now, not years from now, and in volume?
Vehicles manufactured in People’s Republic of China won’t be economically viable to ship and be encumbered with tariffs anytime in the foreseeable future.
Where are all of those supposed “better options … coming down the pike all the time”? Stop making up lies.
Nice try! Still not buying a…
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Nice try! Still not buying a Swasti-Car any time soon, thank you very much! The day I would ever be caught giving Elon Musk a single cent of my money will be the same day Elon Musk sprouts wings and flies straight into the nearest bug zapper.
No one is interested one…
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In reply to Nice try! Still not buying a… by Bryan Baas (not verified)
No one is interested one iota in the only cent ever in your possession.
This should be banned from…
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This should be banned from roadways as the sun glare/reflection from regular cyber trucks is bad enough...a mirrored surface should be illegal.
The vehicle is ugly as sin…
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The vehicle is ugly as sin. Drivers of these always hide themselves from view and drive off extra fast when the light turns green.
I get the EV advantages, but…
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I get the EV advantages, but the Cyber Truck is probably the ugliest vehicle ever put on four wheels. Many other better options.
Aside from the cool factor…
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Aside from the cool factor of a chrome body, there is a very practical safety issue that I feel should ban any vehicle and especially the cyberpunk with a flat panel body: driving at night would cause headlights that hit it from behind to blind the driver. The same goes for if the truck turns a corner at night, especially in a busy intersection where other drivers would be confused as to where the reflective lights are coming from.
0-60mph in less than 4…
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0-60mph in less than 4 seconds on the steep, gravel road to my mountain retreat will get you killed lickety split.
Think I’ll keep my old 4-wheel-drive stick-shift pickup truck 🛻. Thank you very much!
The Tesla truck is a very…
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The Tesla truck is a very futuristic vehicle on its own design….however with the chrome I can not help but wonder how safe it would be on the road….if you drove up next to it, you’d see yourself! And that might just be quite shocking enough to be a road hazard! Plus if you are trying to get over into the lane the truck is in, would what you’d be seeing even make sense? What would happen if headlights coming the other direction shine on it? Would the light simply come back at ya? All this is a bit concerning to me, as I would think it would be to the insurance companies of both vehicles….
In order for headlights to…
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In reply to The Tesla truck is a very… by S.Carl (not verified)
In order for headlights to reflect directly at a driver, the surface of the CT would have to be oriented exactly in a certain way so that the light source and driver were aligned in three dimensions for a continuous period of time. Two vehicles moving in opposite directions would cause the angles to change rapidly and continuously, which means, worst case, the reflection would only line up from light source to driver for a tiny fraction of a second.
However, the facets of a CT body exterior are all at very different angles, either angled up of down, not perfectly vertical. So light sources would be reflected at twice the angle of incidence upward or downward, measured from a line perpendicular to a surface of the CT’s body.
As for head-on cases, the front surface of a CT is not flat, it’s convex, so light hitting it will be scattered such that it would not be sensed by the driver as being at its full intensity. Plus, a vehicle approaching a CT “head-on” would actually be offset because the vehicles would be in different lanes, not a single lane, unless the drivers are playing “chicken”. In that case, you would already have your hands full with an imminent head-on collision at the sum of the vehicles’ approaching speeds, with headlights directly aligned horizontally, but aimed downward toward the road ahead, not directly up into the other driver’s eyes or at a facet of the CT, unless high beams are on at a close distance.
Your imagination is running way beyond reality and has to be aimed in a different direction … to make sure YOU aren’t a hazard about to drive off the road, into vehicles in adjacent lanes going in your direction, or into oncoming traffic!
Chrome Texas Tree Roach 😆😆
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Chrome Texas Tree Roach 😆😆
He must be getting new tires…
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He must be getting new tires every few months for free.
This is the shittiest story…
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This is the shittiest story I've ever read. It's like an AI wrote it. An AI on an Apple II
The cybertruck is a terrible…
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The cybertruck is a terrible work truck. I saw a comparison video on YouTube, and a 1994 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup did better, The tow hitch breaks at 10,000 pounds while the Dodge hitch literally shakes the truck at the same capacity. It's 4 wheel drive sucks because you have to change settings to adjust the height for ground clearance (which takes forever), the Dodge just outperformed. The Tesla had less cargo space in the truck bed in comparison to the older Dodge. The cybertruck isn't designed for real work like a traditional pickup truck, it's designed like an oversized sports car.
85% of pickups aren’t used…
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In reply to The cybertruck is a terrible… by James DeHart (not verified)
85% of pickups aren’t used for construction or trades work, and 90% don’t have extended beds capable of carrying 4x8 sheet materials. The latter have to have their tailgates dropped flat and the loads strapped down, just like in the Cybertruck, with included adjustable tie-down points on continuous rails. Most pickups are driven by soccer moms and “guys” with ponytails pulled over the back straps of their baseball caps.
What about the sun shining…
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What about the sun shining off that chrome exterior and blinding everyone around it? Is there a real need to go 0-60 in 2.5 seconds.
The Sun can only reflect in…
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In reply to What about the sun shining… by Bruce S (not verified)
The Sun can only reflect in one direction from each of the few facets that sunlight can shine on at a given time of day. So, it can’t be “blinding everyone around it”. Get a life.
You cannot use these hideous…
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You cannot use these hideous rolling toys to pull trailers. Wait, I mean a real trailer. I would no more hook my horse trailers to-this pos, than fly. It does not have the gearing, the engine nor the tranny to be a safe haul. Stop calling it a truck! It ain’t. Could not pull a full day’s work on a-farm or ranch. Expensive and useless to the agricultural industry.
Big problem. How many…
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Big problem. How many miles do you get pulling ANYTHING?. Electric trucks are only for people who are retired and just drive to Walmart. The story of the lady who bought a 95 000 dollar Ford truck (Electric) Who tried to pull a trailer across country. She had about ten horror stories about that trip. She sold it after that one trip. Tesla trucks also get stuck easy. Cool to show the neighbors! ( And be retired to go to Walmart. ( Don't get a ding)
It wasn't designed on a…
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It wasn't designed on a apple 2 i design it in on Mary Jane bush light an blow but u all can blow me if u don't like it least some people truly try to do good things in world unlike your side only likes to kill innocent peaceful people destroy our country and mock our God I may not be perfect but Im pretty sure I'm better than u beta bitche an your virtu signaling people like u are the reason all those elementary school girls are being gang raped in England u all keep pushing us we r not the fkn English we got guns and we can't wait to use them u think we r scared of u cowerdly satanic traitors we r just lazy an don't like killing people but y'all r gonna force us to violence at least I hope so I know I'm ready to die for my god my country an my own honor I know when I die I will go to a better place hopefully y'all will c the light an grow a pair of not ill just die a vigilante most likely buy I'll die happy Christian an American with my junk an my virtu intact
A pickup truck doesn't need…
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A pickup truck doesn't need that kind of acceleration. It's pointless. Like a spoiler on a tractor. Sure you can do it, but why? And what truck utility? It can't haul anything. Can't tow anything. Finally the cost of maintenance is that of a goldfish? Are we just ignoring 13 recalls in the first 12 months. And hoping you can get insurance as most don't cover that price alone will wreck that fuel up. This article is as big a joke as the Cyber truck.
Elon noxic toxic Musk hates…
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Elon noxic toxic Musk hates pedophiles,
When they refuse to give 'him' what 'he' wants.
Otherwise 'he' purchases them elections/presidencies. 🤑
Giving oligarchies our Money while Children are starving to death I believe truly shows the very center of one's Moral Compass. 🎯
Just another lil dick…
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Just another lil dick balding mid life crisis guy screaming look at me like a 14 yr old broad. Cool you can afford it but I'll hop out my 83 regal and still hang your bitch or wife or whatever. And sorry you will still be a bald dildo with no bitch but some money . Mind you that is not saying I am broke either. I just don't have to purchase a load old man truck to assert my manliness or dominance
My area pays $0.09 per kWh…
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My area pays $0.09 per kWh and we do not even have the cheapest prices when compared to the greater area. The inner city has way cheaper prices. So you’re using this “average” for this guy’s price but that does not take into account the actual price of his electricity which can easily be far less than what you stated. I can see his price being 1/3rd or less of that if he has extremely cheap rates which would make his claim much more accurate.
Pagination