5 Vital Things To Remember When Buying A Pickup Truck

If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty pickup truck, you’ll know it’s not your average vehicle. Specific points need considering over and above normal things like price, make, and model. Pickups are the perfect weekend adventure vehicle and can haul everything from tools to groceries. With the power to tow campers and trailers, they’re understandably sought-after vehicles.

Four-wheel drives use more gas, so your mileage will be affected. As long as you’re prepared for that, you shouldn’t have a problem.

Regardless of whether you’re buying a brand-new pickup or a gently used model – remember these five vital things before making your purchase:

1. Usage

Pickup trucks are all about versatility. Want to load a cow? Pickups have got you covered. Want to pile everything in and go camping for the weekend? Again – you’re covered. Need a place to hide the body while you dig the… Okay, legally, you’re not covered for that – but everything else is a go.

Decide what you’ll need to use yours for, and then shop accordingly. Buy the one with the features you need.

2. Engine Size

The next aspect to consider is engine size. Smaller engines are enough for carrying smaller loads, but if you plan to haul heavy cargo – you’ll need an engine size that matches.

If you’ll be using your pickup truck for work, consider models with more powerful V8 engines. Engine size is particularly vital if you’re going to put it to work. After you’ve figured out which model you want, you can move onto kitting it with accessories.

3. Gas Economy

These beautiful beasts are notorious gas-guzzlers. Different models have significantly distinct gas economies and capabilities. Depending on where you like, choosing a more powerful truck might require a special license or cost more in extra feeds.

For example, in California, a pickup truck is considered a light-duty commercial vehicle and will be charged an extra weight fee of around $100. This surcharge varies according to the size of the vehicle. For a great option, consider buying a Chevy 3500 truck – not only are these gorgeous, but they cost less than 80k too.

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4. Transmission

Choosing between a manual and automatic transmission can be a tough choice. Automatic transmissions are great if you spend a lot of time stuck in traffic, they will save you from shifting a million times in your journey and keep an eye on all the gauges.

The only way you can be sure which version is more comfortable for you would be to test drive them both. They both have pros and cons, which means that this will come down to personal preference and whichever way you get swayed during the testing portion of your drive.

Manual trucks are generally cheaper, and you can shift gears faster than an automatic system but driving them is more involved. The upside to an auto system is these kinds of vehicles are considered safer and offer a smoother driving experience.

The only way you can be sure which version is more comfortable for you would be to test drive them both. They both have pros and cons, which means that this will come down to personal preference and whichever way you get swayed during the testing portion of your drive.

5. Two Wheels or Four

A four-wheel drive pickup is vastly different to a two-wheel drive version. Traditionally the four-wheel drive ones are made for rougher terrain and bad weather driving. The way you drive and the climate you live in will impact your buying preferences. Four-wheel drives use more gas, so your mileage will be affected. As long as you’re prepared for that, you shouldn’t have a problem.