Performance trucks are not new in the automotive segment, but they sure have gained more popularity in the recent past. For example, some of the top performing pickup trucks of 2019 include the Ford F-150 XLT, the Dodge Ram 1500 SLT, GMC Sierra 1500 SLE, Nissan Frontier LE, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT.
People initially feel that buying pickup trucks is as easy as buying any car, but they often get lost in the maze of choices eventually. Pickup trucks can be broadly classified as:
- Compact Pickup Trucks – This category of pick-up trucks consists of small-sized models, such as Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier. Built on a separate chassis frame, these usually offer a range of four-cylinder and V6 engines.
- Full-Sized Pickup Trucks – They are larger, more rugged, and ride higher off the ground in comparison to the compact pickup trucks. To know more about these workhorses, you can count on car news.
Purchasing your first pickup truck can be overwhelming, however, the following tips can help you buy work trucks that serve your every need:
1. Be ready to spend more
If you have only owned cars in the past, then be ready to spend more, as utility trucks tend to be more expensive in ticket price, and in gas.
2. Know what you will carry
For narrowing down the choices and picking the best one, you should know how you would be using the pick-up truck. Based on your requirement and the things you would be using the vehicle for such as carry or haul, you can choose between two and four-wheel drive. On the other hand, if you don’t plan on hauling anything huge, a midsize truck like the Toyota Tacoma or Honda Ridgeline can be ideal.
3. Light, medium, or heavy duty
Once you know what you will tow and how much it weighs, you can easily choose top performing trucks of light, medium, or heavy duty. If you are unsure about all these details, you can check out towing guides of vehicles on car news.
4. Choose the engine wisely
As trucks can be real gas-guzzlers, you require choosing engines wisely. Engine options today are broader and far better than ever before. So picking a more fuel-efficient engine is usually the best bet.
5. Bed and cab size
This choice is subject to your requirement and usage of a pick-up truck. Therefore, do consider all the details appropriately.
6. Regular fees and regulations
Different areas and localities have different regulations regarding vehicle fees. For example, even a light-duty pickup truck is considered a commercial vehicle in California. The heavier the truck, the more you pay.
7. Buying a used pickup truck
Avoid making the most common mistakes when buying a second hand pick-up truck, by:
- Finding out why the truck is being sold
- Considering car news and reviews for the pickup make and model
- Inquiring about maintenance history
- Asking for the oil change history
- Checking the parts that need replacement
- Ignoring the accident history
- Analyzing the repairs and upgrades, which can be expense