Matchbox scales are a crap shoot. I think they are sized "to fit in a matchbox," hence the name and the smaller scale for trucks and larger scale for race cars. I prefer my vehicles to be as close to 1:87 as possible. I explore train shows and look for online sales. I only pick up my cars and trucks as I find them, and put them on my layout when I do. I never go out looking for a particular model.
Metal die-cast cars are really nice, but I'm seeing more and more quality autos in plastic from Athearn and CMW. I think that's the wave of the future.
I have a dual-era layout, changing decades by replacing locos, some rolling stock and mostly vehicles for older and newer model timeframes. That's when I start to really miss Jordan vehicles, a joy to build and a joy to display.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Real HO trucks vs Matchbox - scale close enough for me.
I only use metal vehicles for HO scale displays and layouts. Made in England Matchbox, especially the older ones, are my favourite. I look for ones that are in not so collectible shape, and drill the rivets out to strip paint, make changes like adding drivers and other components, then prime and repaint to my liking. This Dodge cattle truck, originally with yellow body, (Matchbox No. 37) will look very different when completed.