So you want to buy a truck? Good for you!
Truck ownership is the ultimate sign of someone who works hard and plays harder, and they can be essential at the job site. But trucks aren't only for hauling plywood.
The decision to buy a truck is a big one, but it takes some consideration. What do you want to use it for? What are the conditions where you live? How is your budget?
Follow these steps for buying a good truck and get the perfect vehicle for your needs.
1. Pick a Size (Is Smaller Better?)
Many people think that getting a truck means having this huge monster in your driveway, but not everyone needs a large truck with an extended bed. To that end, the first step to buying a good truck is to consider your usage.
Do you work in construction or a have a boat you bring to the lake every week? If so, you will want a larger truck.
If you just want something that looks good in the driveway and can also handle a larger load once in a while, then a smaller truck will do the trick.
Some of the best small trucks on the market include:
Ford Ranger
Honda Ridgeline
Toyota Tacoma
Chevrolet Colorado
Nissan Frontier
Not only will a smaller truck keep things simple, but they are also far less expensive. However, they may also have fewer bells and whistles.
2. Ask Yourself Why You Need A Truck
If you rushed past the first step of this article on buying a good truck, then the chances are that you are looking for a vehicle that can help you do hard work and get you across tough landscapes without taking a dent.
Large trucks are great. But you are still going to want to think about what you will want the truck to do so you can buy a model that includes everything you need. Here are some considerations:
Engine Size
When truck shopping, it is all about the engine size. You typically have the choice of a 4-cylinder, a V6, or a V8. Again, it comes down to what you will use it for.
A 4-cylinder is plenty if you just want to get around town. However, if you need to tow a lot or carry around heavy baggage, then a bigger engine is best. Remember that the smaller the engine, the better the gas mileage.
Number of Passengers
Is this truck going to be a party-mobile, or is it just for hauling lumber to and from the job site? The answer will help you decide the size of cab you need.
Most trucks have seating for 2-3 people, and the rest is the bed of the vehicle. If you have a larger family, you may need a truck with a bigger cab but less room in the back.
Towing Capacity
If you are planning to drag campers, boats, trailers, or other trucks behind your vehicle, you will need to find a ride that has a strong towing capacity. Do your research to see how many pounds it can pull and make sure you choose the right model.
Two-Wheel Drive vs. Four-Wheel Drive
How is the weather where you live? If it is rainy, snowy, or slippery a lot of the time, then you will want a 4x4 truck that can get up steep inclines and drive in any weather. However, it may cost more, so if you don't need that kind of effort out of your truck, you may want to stick with the two-wheel drive.
3. Consider New or Used
Finally, the question that we all think about when choosing a new vehicle. Should I buy new or used?
New Trucks
Of course, a new truck is going to have that flashy exterior and all the gadgets and special add-ons that you love. However, it will be more expensive and lose value as soon as you drive it off the lot.
On the plus side, you know you are getting a brand new vehicle that will not need maintenance anytime soon.
Used Trucks
If you are on a budget, a used truck may be the way to go. When shopping for used vehicles, take the time to research the seller and the truck's history. If it was involved in any accidents, run the other way.
Of course, the used trucks may also need maintenance sooner than later, and it doesn't have that "new truck smell" that we are all after.
The Choice Is Up To You
When it comes down to it, choosing the perfect truck is only a decision that you can make. Our big haulers are an extension of ourselves, so find something that you will be proud to drive day after day.
What about you?
What kind of trucks do you prefer? Which components are a must-have on a truck? Share your thoughts in the comments.