5 Key Considerations for Buying a Truck
If you’re looking in the market for trucks, there will be plenty out there. Some of them are big, others are small. Some are very basic while others are pure luxury. Whether you plan to use the truck occasionally or everyday, you have to look into a few key issues so you can get the most out of your chosen vehicle.
Maximum Number of Passengers
A lot of trucks are two-seaters, which means there’s only space for one driver and one passenger. Two-seaters are often les expensive than those that come with bigger cabs and longer beds. If you don’t intend to carry several passengers or a lot of cargo, then the typical cab configuration may give you the best value. If you’re actually going to transport friends, family or cargo, then a larger cab is better.
Power and Size of Engine
Engine size is another important factor you must consider, and larger is not automatically better. When buying a truck for daily commuting, without plans of transporting big items, get a 4-cylinder engine, which saves you money on gas. If the purpose is for towing a boat or a larger trailer, then get a V6 or V8. While these trucks are much bigger, pricier and less fuel efficient, they are also know for power and versatility. To ensure you end up with a truck that is powerful enough for your purpose, check payload and towing capacities.
Two-Wheel Drive versus 4×4
Two things that affect whether or not a 4×4 truck is worth the extra cash are the weather and your own driving habits. For example, if you live in a place where there’s not a lot of rain, or if you plan to use the truck for commuting, then you don’t need a 4×4, which can significantly drive down your gas mileage.If you do live in a polar vortex state, or you’re thinking of driving off-road, then a 4×4’s improved traction will prevent you from becoming stranded in the muck or snow.
Manual versus Automatic
If you think you will be dealing with a lot of traffic, an automatic transmission will save you a lot of unnecessary shifting. If you don’t think traffic will be a problem, a manual transition can offer more engine control, with less hassle from excessive shifting. Today, manual transmissions are pretty rare in trucks or any other vehicle, generally speaking, although in some models, they may be available on the base trim levels. They can be a lot more fun to drive, but not as effective when you’re towing or sitting in traffic.
Camper Shell
If you intend to use the truck to transport big items in the bed (for example, if you’re moving to a new home), a camper shell can protect your things against theft and the elements. Costs can vary dramatically, but about $1000 is generally good for a nice camper shell.
Source: Mud Trucks For Sale