4 Used Truck Buying Tips
Learn about the features, expenses, advantages, and disadvantages of owning a truck:
- The advantages: towing and longevity- Used trucks are ideal for people who frequently tow a lot of cargo. Maybe you have to move heavy appliances, or perhaps you have heavy-duty outdoor projects to complete. Trucks are also ideal for those who carry boats and trailers over long distances. Compact trucks can tow an average of 5,000 pounds, while full-size trucks can often tow up to 10,000. For those with a lot of heavy towing to do, heavy-duty trucks can tow 20,000+ lbs. Trucks are built for the long-term and often perform remarkably well even with 150,000+ miles.
- The basics: size and style- Used trucks are available in compact, full-size and heavy-duty sizes. You can also choose from a regular cab, which has two doors and can seat two or three adults, extended cabs, which can fit three additional adults and crew cabs, which have four doors and can seat five or six adults.
- The expenses: price and fuel economy- Money is tight for many modern day consumers so it’s important to know how much a used truck will cost and how much you can expect to pay at the gas pump. Some base model compact trucks are priced as low as $10,000. Full-size trucks, however, can cost anywhere from $20,000 for base models to $50,000 for premium, heavy-duty styles. Fuel economy greatly depends on engine style, which varies in trucks. Some trucks offer V6 engines, which can get up to 20 miles per gallon. Many, however, have V8 or V10 engines, which only get about 10-16 miles per gallon.
- The disadvantages: vulnerability and maneuverability-While open beds are useful for towing, they can also create many difficulties. The open beds cause trucks to be more susceptible to weather damage and theft than other vehicles. Maneuverability can be difficult, especially on models with extended and crew cabs.
The key to buying a used truck is choosing one that is dependable. Since trucks are meant to last a long time, it is important to choose trucks with impeccable reliability scores and conduct a thorough pre-inspection. Being mindful of these characteristics in the short-term will help you choose the right truck that will serve you well for years to come.
