Buying a vehicle is ridiculous.

I'm needing a pickup, and as anyone who pays attention to the market knows, they're stupidly expensive. I have narrowed down what I want and have concluded buying new is the best foot forward. I'd rather not gamble on the used market, especially when trucks with 100k + miles are going for $20,000 and up. You may feel comfortable buying used, but I've been burned before and I'd like not to repeat that.

I called a local dealer to inquire about a 2026 Silverado 1500, priced at $46,500, 5% APR.

After days of back and forth with this dealership, they finally tell me that despite my good credit, my credit history wasn't long enough for them to help finance the truck at 5% without a co-sign or significantly more down. My home is paid off, I have no other debt- vehicle or otherwise, and I make good money for my area. My debt to income ratio is great, so a $650 payment is easily doable.

At 29, I've learned a very valuable lesson: This system doesn't reward financial stability. It rewards people who play the borrowing game long-term. I personally know people drowning in debt, driving around in brand new vehicles, living in nice homes while barely scraping by- but somehow they're a safer bet than someone with no debt and steady income. This entire process is bullshit. Do you guys have any advice for me?