When choosing pickup trucks, you have to be specific as they come in different sizes and capabilities. Light-duty trucks perform a broad range of tasks, from hauling stone pavers, heavy tools, ladders, sheetrock, or plywood to transporting crew on rocky terrain.
Therefore, selecting the appropriate pickup is vital to doing specific tasks. Whatever the job you intend to do, know that pickup have specifications. The real challenge is picking a car with the right balance between acquisition cost, overall performance, towing and hauling capacity, and fuel economy.
So, What Should You Consider When Buying a Pickup?
1. Usage
What do you intend to do with your pickup truck? That is the first question you need to answer before picking any car. If you plan on pilling large boats or other vehicles, consider going for a larger truck. Nevertheless, if your payloads are a bit minimal, then a small one can suit you well.
2. Towing Capacity
Many people purchase a pickup so that they can tow trailers, campers, and other vehicles. The making of trucks differs from one model to another. Some trucks can pull more thousands of pounds than others. For instance, the Toyota Tacoma can only tow up to 3,500lbs, whereas a Ford F-150 can tow up to 10,000 lbs.
3. Engine Size and Power
The pickup engine size and power are as important as its towing capacity. A smaller 4-cylinder engine may not offer you the energy you expect from your car, though it will save your fuel cost.
If you have smaller payloads, then 4-cylinders are absolute. Even so, if you intend to tow large boats, think about purchasing a V6 or V8.
For some buyers, selecting the right engine size is a balancing act between getting enough power and good fuel economy.
4. Gas Mileage
Pickup trucks are well known for getting low gas mileage, so you have to factor in that most trucks get less than 20 mpg for both city and highway. But trucks like the 2016 GMC Canyon can get up to 31 mpg on the freeway and 22 mpg in the city. Different models significantly differ when it comes to fuel consumption.
5. Passenger Capacity
Pickup trucks are not ample for passengers. The larger models have enough space to accommodate passengers, but that is at the truck bed space’s expense. You should know that most are two-person vehicles. Thus, if you need a larger space for more passengers, think about buying a more extensive cab mode.
6. Bed Size
If you often move lumber or long materials, you need a bed that accommodates all your needs. A smaller pickup truck requires you to leave the tailgate down, which is prohibited in some states. So, be sure that the bed size will fit and suffice your needs.
7. Four-Wheel Drive vs. Two-Wheel Drive
A four-wheel-drive car costs more compared to a traditional two-wheel truck. But if you will frequently drive in bad weather, consider buying a four-wheel-drive truck.
The climate where you will drive and your routine driving impacts the type of car you should purchase. In as much as the four-wheel-drive truck tops, it negatively affects your gas mileage.
8. Manual or Automatic
It can be quite challenging to select between an automatic or manual transmission. If you take a lot of time stuck in traffic, the automatic transmission will save you unnecessary shifting as you drive around the city. Generally, trucks with manual transmission cost less.
9. Camper Shell
If you want to buy one for the transportation of objects in the bed, consider choosing a camper shell. The shell will safeguard the bed contents from theft or rain. Even though the cover can cost you a fair amount of money, it will save you more in the long run. Also, you can consider Truck Addons as well for protection.
10. Included Features
For those who are contractors, you need an up-to-date and accurate navigation system. If you spend much of your time in a car during winter, you may require heated seats in your truck. Hence, before you buy a pickup truck, ensure that the included features suit you perfectly.
Wrapping Up
Well, you now understand how challenging it can be when it comes to picking the right one for your intended job. But with the above discussed critical points on what to consider when purchasing a car, you are sure to make the best choice.
