Pickup trucks are known for their spacious cargo and towing abilities and also come with many hi-tech features. This makes them a popular choice for small businesses and even households. In fact, for some part of 2020, the sales of pickup trucks exceeded that of regular passenger cars. So, if you have developed a keen interest in pickup trucks and wish to own one soon, here are some valuable tips to help you choose the best from the lot.
Be prepared to shell out more money
This is one thing you should prepare for. Pickup trucks are more expensive than regular passenger cars. After all, they offer the utility and comfort that you would find in premium cars. The average price of a pickup is around $50,000 in our country, and this can vary depending on the size, features, and other factors. Also, do not forget to consider the maintenance cost over the years.
So, how do you prepare? The simplest thing to do is go through your budgets once again before looking out for choices. If the pickup truck is for your personal use, follow the 15% rule that applies to car shopping – the payment you make for the truck should not exceed 15% of your income. Also, get preapproval on the finance from a bank or a lender. This way, you will know your budget limitations and affordability.
Know the right size
Choosing a pickup truck over a passenger car is easy. But when selecting between a mid vs a full-sized or light vs full-sized truck, it can get a little tricky. All variations have their limitations, which you must be aware of. Many of these shortcomings might not be evident until you get hands-on experience with pickup trucks. So you should be careful.
Let us consider mid-sized pickup trucks as an example. These are smaller and have less cab and cargo bed space. They also have a limited towing capacity. However, they are cheaper and more compact than full-sized variants, making them more accessible and easier to handle in smaller spaces. They also offer more fuel efficiency. So, before you go out to buy a pickup truck, make sure you know these specs about each variant.
Know the cabin sizes and bed lengths
Pickup trucks come in three cab sizes: regular, extended, and crew. The regular or single cab is the most basic one; it usually comes with two doors and can accommodate up to three people. Then comes the extended cab that has additional rear doors and even a back seat. The crew cab is the biggest and most popular, with four doors and ample space at the back to accommodate more passengers.
While a large cabin can accommodate more passengers, you would also need enough space to store your stuff. When it comes to bed sizes, again, there are three options: short (5 feet 8 inches), standard (6 feet 5 inches), and long (8 feet). But note that the exact measurement can differ based on the manufacturer.
Learn about the additional fee and regulations
The place where you live can influence your selection. How? Certain areas have special requirements, fees, and regulations for buying a larger pickup truck. You might also require a special license in some parts of the country. For instance, a light-duty pickup truck is considered a commercial vehicle in some states. Therefore, you will be charged a fee of $80, or even more, depending on the truck’s weight.
Although this extra amount might not stop you from buying the pickup truck you like, knowing these can help you manage your expectations. After all, you do not want to end up flouting the rules and paying the penalty.
