Buying a new pickup truck is an exciting prospect! Whether you’re looking for a heavy-duty truck for big loads, or a light-duty truck to get around town, there are a lot of factors to consider when making your purchase. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid while searching for your perfect pickup.

Not buying the right truck for your needs

With hundreds of pickup models on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best truck for your specific needs. To be sure that you get the truck you need, take some time to consider your intended use. Don’t fall into the trap of selecting a vehicle that looks great but doesn’t work for your purposes.

Not getting the right engine size

The strength of your pickup’s engine is key. If you plan to haul sizeable loads or trailers, you’ll likely need a heavy-duty truck with a strong engine, whereas you’ll need less power for a smaller in-town commuter vehicle. Take into account whether often drive off road or frequent hilly or mountainous territory, where a stronger engine may be more useful. 

Buying a transmission you aren’t comfortable with

Choose a transmission that matches your driving style and ability. You may find that manual transmission vehicles are less expensive, but if you are not comfortable driving a manual, you may find yourself shelling out to replace your clutch.

Ultimately, choosing the wrong transmission can cost you more in the long run than if you’d just purchased an automatic to begin with. Just choose the best transmission for your comfort level, and you will be guaranteed a smooth ride.

Truck bed and cab size

One of the keys to picking the perfect truck is choosing the right size. Trucks come in a variety of midsize and full-size models, so you can find the type that best suits your lifestyle. Consider how many passengers you will have, and what you plan to haul in the bed. 

If you have multiple passengers on a regular basis, or you transport items that can’t be exposed to the weather, you might consider extended cab. Think about what you will place in the bed of the truck so that you are sure to have sufficient space for everything you need. 

Not researching maintenance and repair costs

If a truck’s price seems too good to be true, it might just be. You definitely want to avoid vehicles that are unreliable or costly to repair. Although you may find a bargain for the initial price of a vehicle, it is a good idea to research the standard costs for maintenance, repair, and parts replacements.

Even if the initial cost of the pickup is reasonable, you may find that repairs and parts add up to more than a new vehicle would have cost.

Not thoroughly inspecting the truck

Be sure to conduct a thorough inspection of your potential vehicle, especially if it is used. For used trucks, make special note of the mileage, and ask why they are selling This will give you an idea of any potentially costly problems, recalls, or accident damage.

Take a test drive to make sure it’s comfortable and in good working order. Check that all of the safety features function properly, and inspect for worn tires, and damage to the exterior and undercarriage.

Don’t hesitate to have your mechanic check the engine and brakes for any problems before you commit. A thorough inspection by a knowledgeable person can save you from costly repairs or upgrades.

Failing to check the history of a used truck

Along with your inspection, be sure to check the accident history, oil changes, and maintenance records for the truck, in case there are any outstanding or repetitive issues. Depending on the age and mileage of the vehicle, there may still be a current warranty, which can help cover repairs if necessary, so be sure to get all warranty info from the seller.

If you can avoid these common pitfalls, you’re sure to find an amazing pickup truck that suits all your needs!