Pickup trucks are a very popular choice of vehicle in the US. In fact, the top 3 best-selling vehicles in America are actually all pickup trucks. Their popularity stems from the fact they combine the space and comfort of a SUV with the unmatched towing and cargo-carrying abilities of a truck. But are all trucks created equal? Know what things to consider to select the perfect pickup truck for your needs.
How-to Select the Perfect Pickup Truck: Things to Consider
Size
When you are deciding which option will be the perfect pickup truck for your needs, you will first need to consider what size you need. Full-size trucks are going to be better for hauling or towing heavy loads. These can pull things like boats or even campers. On the other hand, mid-size trucks are better for lighter loads. They will have a much better fuel-economy than full-size trucks. Consider what you will be using the truck for and what type of towing-capacity you need. This will help you to determine which size to select.
You will also need to decide how much space you want on the inside and the outside of the truck. Usually, the larger the truck, the higher the price tag. Like many other vehicles, you can pick between getting a two-door or a four-door option. Depending on how many doors you select, this can determine how many rows of seats there are inside of the truck. A regular cab has two doors with no back seats. An extended truck bed can have either two or four doors with a small back seat. The largest option is an extended cab, which has four doors and a large back seat. There are different truck bed sizes as well. Beds options come in 5, 6.5 and 8 foot options. These correlate with a short regular, and long bed, respectively.
Safety
As with any vehicle, it is important to consider the safety and crash test ratings when selecting the perfect pickup truck. Before you purchase a truck, do your research so that you make sure to select a safe one. For example, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts crash tests and other safety evaluations. Their website allows you to compare safety ratings among trucks and other vehicles. You will want a vehicle that will keep you safe in the event of an accident, and help you to prevent accidents from occurring.
Options
Each manufacturer will have a wide range of trim levels and options. You will be able to select things like if you want heated seats, a power lift gate, leather or fabric seats, and many other options. The trim level and options will help to determine the price of the truck as well. Of course, the more options a truck has, the more expensive it will be.
If you are wanting to get a fully-loaded truck at a reduced price, be on the lookout for a used vehicle. The first owner will take the initial hit from depreciation. Oftentimes, you can find a great deal on a vehicle that has everything you want if you steer away from brand new vehicles. Sometimes, you can get lucky and find a slightly used truck. These will have low mileage on them, yet are considered used since someone owned them for a short time.