A Guide for First-Time Truck Buyers
Buying a pickup truck is not the same as buying a car or an SUV. Once you get past the color, engine, and trim options, you realize that there’s so much more that you could do with your truck. We help with a few tips to make your truck shopping simpler.
Cost: Trucks are more expensive. They come with all the creature comforts of regular passenger cars but are also equipped for a lot of utility. The starting price for trucks is around $23,000, while the average price for the most popular large truck is closer to $50,000.
Size: Consider how you will use the truck. This will help you understand the type of truck to buy. If you want one a family vehicle and don’t plan on heavy-duty hauling or towing, then a mid-size truck should be perfect.
Duty: If you know what you will tow, it will help you decide whether your truck needs to be a light-, medium-, or a heavy-duty truck. Buying the right size is essential because if you buy a truck that’s too large for you, you’ll be wasting a lot of money.
Engine: The ideal thing to do is figure out what engine has the power for the jobs it will perform while offering decent fuel economy. A V6 engine today is more powerful than a V8 and significantly more economical.
Bed and cab size: Most trucks have three or four cab size options. Choose it according to the number of passengers you expect to carry. A bigger cab will mean that the truck will have a smaller bed. So, understand the balance and utility, and then choose.
Options and packages: Each truck has several trim options with their own features. Then, some packages enhance safety, technology, or appearance. List the must-have features for your truck and choose your options wisely.
Fees: Certain states require all trucks to be registered as commercial vehicles. This means you’ll have to cough up more money in licenses and fees. There could also be a weight fee, which means the heavier your truck, the more the fees.
Consider all the options and details carefully. Do your research and only then head out to the dealership.
