How to Buy a Pickup Truck
Some people may believe that a truck is a truck, but pickup drivers know that they have many styles and variations to choose from. Whether you are looking to buy a sturdy vehicle, to haul heavy loads or a comfortable and luxurious ride, the best way to find the perfect pickup truck for you is to evaluate your needs and wants.
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Instructions
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Explore the website of your favorite automaker to read reviews, search fact sheets and investigate the features offered for each of their specific models. Most automakers offer plenty of information about their new models, as well as past years.
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Decide whether you would like a compact or full sized pickup truck. Compact pickups will offer better gas mileage, while maintaining a towing capability of up to 3,000 pounds, enough to accommodate most trailers or boats. If you need to tow larger loads, consider a full sized or mid sized truck.
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Consider your seating needs when buying a pickup truck. A standard cab pickup comes with only a bench or two bucket seats and will not provide much storage space behind the seats. An extended cab pickup offers another bench or small jump seats behind the front seats and can provide extra space for storage. A crew cab pickup has a complete back seat including four doors, offering ample space and comfort for passengers.
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Select a pickup with a truck bed suited to your needs. Generally, a truck bed will range from five to eight feet and will have a typical bed or a stepside box. A standard truck bed has straight exterior sides, meaning the frame will arch above the rear wheels inside the bed. If you need more space, consider a stepside, which has a flared frame above the rear wheels, allowing straight edges inside the cargo bed.
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Budget well before you buy, as pickup truck prices can vary widely from style, model and year. Many compact pickups cost about the same as the average four door car, however the sky is the limit when it comes to prices. Luxury and performance will always add to the final price.
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