7 Things to Consider When Buying a Pickup Truck
Whether you need to buy a truck for personal or business use, you have to consider a number of different factors. When you’re deciding which truck is right for you, these are seven of the most important things that you need to think about.
1. Safety Ratings
Staying safe on the road is one of the most important objectives to prioritize when buying a vehicle. Review independent vehicle safety reports, and compare different safety ratings from the most popular manufacturers such as Chevy and Ford. Specifically, look for data about crash tests in addition to braking performance.
2. Bed Size and Towing Capability
Think about how much you’ll need your truck bed to hold during your day-to-day activities and special outings. A mid-size truck will work for most people who don’t need to use it for commercial purposes. Of course, some recreational needs such as towing a jet ski or a boat would make full-size a better option.
Don’t overlook the practicality of parking when you make your decision about size. You have to be able to fit in your own parking space at home easily. Also, keep in mind that having a particularly large truck can make it harder to fit into spaces in busy lots and find on-street parking.
3. Cab Size
Consider how much passenger space you need. Even if you don’t need to be able to accommodate several passengers on a regular basis, you may need rear seating for children or your pets
4. Fuel Economy
Truck buyers need to be particularly conscientious about gas mileage. Trucks’ large size and engine power can make them require a lot more gas than most other vehicles. When you look at information about miles per gallon, remember there is more than just one ratio to consider. Be sure to differentiate between driving on the highway and driving in moderate traffic.
5. Trim
Give some thought to what add-on features are most important to you. Be sure to prioritize functionality before aesthetics. For example, factor in the extra cost for things such as bed covers or tailgate lift gear. After you’ve got the things that you need squared away, then you can make a wishlist of other items such as rims or LED lights.
6. New or Used
Buying a new truck has its advantages. However, trucks can depreciate in value rather quickly, so getting a used truck may be a good option for a lot of buyers. If a truck has relatively low mileage and just one or two previous owners, it will probably offer you a better value than buying a brand new truck.
7. Financing Options
Whether you’re buying new or used, you have to choose a truck that you can afford without any significant worry. Any financing agreement that you choose should fit into your current monthly budget without impacting your other spending.
Some good research and due diligence will help assure that you’ll be happy with your new pickup truck. Make your decision based on your needs, and definitely give any model that you’re considering a good test drive before you finalize your purchase.