How to Select the Truck That’s Perfect for You
Consider Power, Budget, Size, Location, and Features
So you want to buy yourself a pick-up truck! Owning a car allows you to easily haul any cargo you’d ever want, help out your friends, or enjoy sitting up high as you drive down the road. The truck you choose, however, is completely up to you. You’ll want to find one that suits you perfectly so you don’t have buyer’s remorse later. Here are five important factors to consider when you select the truck that’s perfect for you.
Consider the Truck’s Horsepower and Towing Capacity
What will you use this truck to do? If you’re putting it through its paces with manual labor and will be towing trailers and other equipment, then the first thing to consider is how much power you need. How much weight will you be hauling? How long distances will you be driving while you’re pulling? You don’t need a powerful pick-up with a massive towing capacity if you will never tow anything over a few thousand pounds; buying one would be a waste of your money. You might consider a smaller truck, like a Toyota Tacoma or Chevy Colorado, which still has the truck bed you need without the might and power of something much larger. A Dodge Dakota might even be a good choice if you’re buying used. However, if you regularly do hard work and need your truck at your side every step, you might want to look for a Ford F-150 for sale, which has one of the best towing capacities in its class, even for the hybrid version.
Keep Your Budget in Mind
While you may want to look at that $75,000 truck and ogle over its features, if your budget is sitting closer to $50,000, it’s best to walk away and look at vehicles you can afford. Regarding pick-up trucks, you’ll get more features and capabilities as you spend more money. If you have a lower budget, you might not get leather seats and all the bells and whistles the higher trim levels come with. If you want to make sure you’re getting as many features you want as possible, then it’s time for you to do a little research. Compare makes and models of trucks with similar characteristics and use them to determine which truck will cost you the least but get you the most for your money. For example, you may be able to afford a higher-end Ram 1500 than an equally-equipped Chevy Silverado. In this case, you’d want to save money and go with the slightly less expensive truck.
Consider Pick-Up Size
Just as you wouldn’t go overboard on horsepower and capabilities, you don’t need to go wild on truck size. For example, if you live alone and don’t regularly drive people around in your vehicle, you don’t need a four-door crew cab; a two-door truck would suit you just fine. Similarly, if you aren’t using your truck bed every day and would like to save on fuel economy, choosing a smaller pick-up truck – or at least one with a lower trim level – will save you a bundle regardless.
Location, Location, Location
Depending on where you live, you might need to take a little drive to get the best deal on a new truck. For example, suppose you’re looking for a Ford dealer in Kansas City because you live in the metro area. In that case, it is probably worth your time to venture outside city limits to somewhere like Leavenworth, Kansas, to find a Ford dealer with the lowest possible prices and best customer service. Similarly, if you live inside the confines of Oklahoma City, it’s wise to head outside city limits to a smaller town to find a reputable Chevy dealer ready to cut you a good deal. If you can’t afford to drive anywhere or don’t want to pay a fee to relocate the vehicle to the dealership nearest you, you may have to settle for what’s on the lot wherever you choose to go. You can still find a great truck if you are willing to do this.
Consider Features When You Buy a Truck
Before ever heading to the car lot to see what kinds of trucks are for sale, sit down with a notepad and pencil and list the truck features you are not willing to compromise. For example, maybe you need an 8-foot bed, and a 6-foot one will never work out. Or, perhaps, you’re determined to get a truck outfitted with all the bells and whistles for safety. You’ll want to narrow your choices by incorporating your final list into the search. If you don’t consider what you want before going shopping, you might end up with a truck you don’t enjoy driving and can’t wait to trade in for something else.
You’re Ready!
Now that you’ve considered five critical factors in looking for a truck that’s right for you, you’re ready to begin shopping. We recommend starting at a car dealership you trust, or one your friends or family have enjoyed working with. Best of luck to you on your search for a truck!
