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15 Tips And Tricks For Finding Your Perfect Pickup Truck

Here’s some advice to those looking for the ideal pickup truck.

In today’s day and age, two types of cars are arguably your best bet. The first are SUVs, which we have discussed in length about in multiple other posts; the second is the pickup truck. This article focuses on the latter.

What is a quintessential pickup truck? One which is sturdily built: check. One which is fuel efficient: check. One which has plenty of cargo space: check. Last but not least, one which that is nicely equipped with comfy features: check. Those sure are quite a lot of boxes to check!

With standards so high, it’s often difficult to find the perfect pickup truck. The market offers a mindboggling number of options and it is tough finding the right fit for you. But don’t worry because we have 15 tips and tricks to finding YOUR perfect pickup truck.

15 Old is NOT Gold

Old trucks should never be your priority because they can be rusty, their parts might be shabby, and may need total replacement.

For instance, if you purchase a ’55 Chevy 1500, just replacing the rear fender will easily cost around $400. Older models may cost less initially, but you’ll end up spending more on constant replacements.

14 Prepare to Spend More

Pickups aren’t exactly as cheap as one would think. They may not look wholesome, but can sure cost a lot. Add to that the maintenance and upkeep, fuel costs and repairs, and you will be dishing out way more money than you originally planned. The average monthly payment is between $650-750, so look into preapproved financing and gap insurance.

13 Decide the Size

Pickups mostly come in three sizes: mid-size, full-size and heavy duty. Just remember, one size does not fit all.

If towing heavy goods is the prime focus, go for a bigger truck like the Nissan Navara. If you want a pickup with small to decent hauling capacity, go for a mid-size one like the Toyota Tacoma or Chevrolet Colorado.

12 Assess your Needs

Give some deep thought on why you need a pickup in the first place. Is it because you need to carry heavy loads or because you simply like a pickup. Assess your needs critically and then shortlist the trucks that meet your requirements. For example, don’t buy a SsangYong if you are looking for a high towing capacity.

11 Learn Some Engine Lingo

It may seem like gibberish at first, but you’ll get the hang of it soon enough. Learn that a V8 is better than a V6 and a diesel engine is better than a petrol one. Learn about 6-speed vs 8-speed transmission and know that the higher the axle ratio, the higher the towing capacity but lower the fuel efficiency.

10 Assess Cargo Space

The whole point of a pickup truck is to carry and transport heavy goods. So check out the rear bed carefully. Don’t get fooled by just cargo space in cubic feet/meter. Also, inquire about the total weight it can carry plus extra features such as stake posts, cargo fasteners, and easy access via ramp or foldable tailgate.

9 Gauge the Thirst

Fuel isn’t cheap so it is essential to know the facts and figures about fuel efficiency. Check on whether the engine drinks petrol or diesel, or better yet, is a hybrid. Check the emission rate because higher CO2 emission rates make the tax bill go higher as well. When given the choice between fuel efficiency and pretty exterior, choose the former.

8 Check out the Interior-Carefully

Particularly vital when purchasing a used truck, the interior should be meticulously combed through. Keep an eye out for red flags that indicate flimsy cover ups, such as cheap seat covers, cranked up windows, busted heater/air conditioner and rusty pedals. While at it, give a thorough once-over on the paint job as well.

7 Compare Prices

Never ever let a car salesman blindly lure you into making a purchase. Even though the retail price is the same, the total cost varies from dealer to dealer due to different commission rates and hidden charges. Always compare prices in your region over various online websites, bargain with your dealer and only then finalise the deal.

6 Ask For Upgrades

When you’ve found a model that seems promising, ask for upgrades and compare them. Most pickups come with upgrades that aren’t too heavy on the pocket but offer remarkably better features. In short, you can get more for less but only if you are capable of looking at the bigger picture and thinking ahead.

5 Warranty Checks

It’s safe to assume that if you are looking for the perfect pickup, you need it to lug some heavy cargo. If that’s the case, the job will inevitably be rough on the truck so what will save your rear and secure the amount you dished on it? Warranties. Always check on what model comes with the cushiest warranty.

4 Brand does not Matter

Repeat after me: Brand does not matter. It’s true, be it a Ford or a Toyota, Nissan or Volkswagen, due to the cutting edge competition, almost all brands are producing similar pickups. Sure, the specifications differ a little but that’s where you should focus on, not the company name.

3 Quality over Quantity

When it comes to the debate over performance quality vs cargo quantity, always opt for quality. Even if the sole purpose of buying a pickup is to transport heavy loads, it’s still better to go for a pickup that performs better than one which can hold more. This will save you a lot on gas money.

2 Don’t be a Show-off

Showing off is ingrained in human nature but try to resist the impulse when buying a pickup. This means don’t get tempted by killer looks and end up spending a whole lot more on audacious trims. You don’t really need glossier wheels, do you? So don’t go down the rabbit hole of squandering on good looks, but focus on substance.

1 Go for Popular Models

Rare trucks may seem attractive buys but finding their parts can become a nightmare! So, when choosing between a unique International Harvester, it would be best if you bought a common Chevy instead. This is because you will be able to easily find parts for popular names and models at any garage or mechanic’s place.