Buying a pickup truck can be a complicated process. This is mainly due to the growing number of styles, options, choices, and combinations available. But here’s a logical process to finding the truck that’s right for you.
Prepare
Trucks are expensive, so you should prepare to spend more. These are utility vehicles with a lot of creature comforts you find in premium cars. That’s what the average selling price for a large truck is $49,713. Review your budget, keeping in mind your needs. Don’t let your truck payment exceed 15% of your take-home pay. And plan on putting 15% of its price as the down payment. If it’s for work, speak to the person in charge and plan the purchase in a way that it’ll meet the company’s needs for years.
Size
If you just like the idea of owning a truck and don’t need it for anything specific, a midsize truck should work. They’re easier to drive and park every day and offer impressive utility. But, if you plan on using the bed for cargo or towing a heavy trailer, you may need a full-size truck. Depending on the jobs, you’ll have to choose between two- and four-wheel drive. If you’ll be towing a boat or driving off-road, go for 4WD.
Duty
If you’re towing, find out how much what you need to tow weighs. This will tell you whether you need a light-, medium-, or a heavy-duty truck. These are identified by numbers like 1500, 2500, and 3500 or 150, 250, and 350. If you choose something with less power than you need, you’ll be in trouble. If you choose something with more power, you’ll spend too much to buy it and too much to fill up its quickly-depleting tank. Choose something that 10% more than you need.
Engine and Axle Ratio
This has to be a good balancing act. The smart choice is an engine with enough power and decent fuel economy. A modern V6 engine has more power than an older V8 but offers way better fuel economy. With axle ratios, you need to choose depending on the weight of what you’re towing. A higher number means more towing capacity but less fuel economy.
