Pickup trucks come in many different shapes, sizes, specifications, and are built to manage a variety of tasks. Often, shoppers get overwhelmed when they have to navigate the various options out there and pick a truck that matches their requirements. We’re here to help with that – here’s what you need to check when buying a pickup truck.
Budgets
Trucks are more expensive than cars and SUVs. Even base, stripped-out, full-size models start at a little over $30,000, and a fully loaded full-size truck can cost up to $100,000. But base models are also great workhorses for people on modest budgets. So always keep your budget and the jobs the truck will perform in mind.
Size
Each variation of a truck has its own attributes. Midsize trucks are the smallest, with smaller cabs and beds. Towing capacities are limited too. But they’re also cheaper than other trucks and easier to drive in parking lots and off-road situations. Ingress and egress are also easier, and they also consume less fuel. Full-size trucks are offered in light- and heavy-duty variants. The heavier one is better at towing and hauling but has compromised ride quality. The light-duty trucks are the practical choice for most since they’re the most versatile and have impressive capabilities.
Cab and Bed
You can have a single cab with two doors for three passengers. Or an extended cab which has a cramped back seat and small rear doors. The biggest and most popular is the crew cab with four doors and spacious rear seats. Trucks that offer bed size options have standard beds between 5 and 6.5 feet and long beds up to 8 feet. Usually, the bigger the cab, the smaller the bed size.
Powertrain
Midsize trucks are often sold with powerful and efficient four-cylinder engines or, at most, V6s. Full-size trucks have engines ranging from in-line fours to V6s and V8s. This can get confusing, so choose a truck and transmission combination depending on the job the truck will perform.
Towing and Payload
Ignore the ads about maximum capacities. They won’t apply to you. Lookup details on things like axle ratios, GVWR, and GCWR to work out what you need.