Did you know that the average car on the road is over over 12 years old? If you're driving an aging vehicle, you may have your sights set on a new set of wheels. And if you're in the market for a new truck, you won't have a shortage of options.
Fortunately, you've come to the right place if you're seeking clarity. Read on to discover the eight things to look for in a new truck!
1. Weight and Towing Capacity
When you're buying a truck, you may use it to haul materials or tow a boat. Whatever the case may be, you'll need to be certain that the truck you choose can handle the load. That's why you need to know the payload capacity, which refers to how much weight the truck can carry.
Additionally, you'll need to know how much a truck can tow. If you're an avid camper, for instance, you should check the weight of your camper. Then compare it to the capacity of a truck you're considering.
2. Fuel Efficiency
With a new vehicle, you can expect better fuel economy. But it's still wise to compare notes on different trucks. When you're driving long distances, the miles can translate to lots of money at the gas station.
Some of the best trucks can crest 30 miles per gallon. Most trucks, however, will be closer to 20 or 25 miles per gallon. Consider the tradeoffs in terms of engine power and fuel economy as you hone in on options.
3. Safety
Make sure to buy a truck with the latest safety features. After all, you want to be confident that you're secure on the roads.
For instance, you'll want a truck with lane departure warnings to ensure you're not sideswiping a car next to you. This feature can detect if you start to drift and then alert you.
Along the same lines, blind spot monitoring can alert you to vehicles that aren't visible in your side mirrors. Stability control can help your truck stay upright in bad weather. And airbags, LED lights, and driver monitor systems are helpful, as well.
You'll also want automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. With the latter feature, you'll avoid rear-ending a car in front of you if you get drowsy.
4. Cabin Features
The interior of a truck matters when you're looking for a new vehicle. While many people assume trucks should be rugged vehicles without lots of fancy comforts, that doesn't have to be the case. Today's trucks are outfitted with perks that can make your ride better.
For starters, look for trucks with comfortable seating. You should expect good lumbar support and breathable fabrics. You can even snag heated or ventilated seats to make driving in extreme temperatures better.
Look for good legroom so you're never feeling cramped. And look into dual-zone climate control systems to ensure the front seat temperatures can make everyone happy.
Compare notes on infotainment systems, too. User-friendly touchscreens are critical when you're trying to do anything from navigate to pull up a playlist. And make sure you have good connectivity and charging stations.
5. Cost
For many people, their budget might dictate the options when it comes to buying a new truck. That's why you'll need to look for a truck that fits within your means.
Many trucks exceeded $50,000, depending on size and other specs. Keep in mind that trucks tend to be made from better materials - and more of them - than what you'll find in a sedan.
Powerful engines and nimble handling also drive up the price. And with more luxury features showing up in today's version of trucks, you'll be driving a vehicle that's more upscale than you might expect.
If you're looking to save money, go with a smaller truck. Or try going with a second-hand option that's depreciated.
Keep fuel economy in mind as you make a budgetary decision, too. A truck that's on the lower end of the scale regarding fuel economy could cost more in the long run since you'll be visiting the gas station more often.
6. Financing Options
Whether you're buying a Ram ProMaster Cutaway to handle job-related tasks or a pickup for your camping trips, you'll want good financing. Some of your options may hinge on your credit score and down payment.
Financing options can include getting bank loans. You also can go through a dealership to do this. Just be sure to visit a few dealerships to compare options.
In particular, look at interest rates and repayment periods. You don't want to be saddled with high interest rates that escalate the price you're paying. And if you're working with a lean budget, look for payment periods of over five years to ease the burden on your finances.
7. Handling
There's no point in buying a truck that's not fun to drive. Make sure to take any truck you're considering out for a test drive. You'll want to pay attention to things like acceleration, stopping distance, and how smooth the ride is.
Also, listen for road noise. Some trucks may have noisy cabins that can make carrying on a conversation or listening to music hard. Ideally, you'll be able to find a truck that has a cabin that is well-insulated from the outside.
8. A Good Warranty
Finally, don't overlook the importance of a good warranty. With a warranty, you can avoid spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on repairs.
Many trucks will come with warranties that cover either three years or 36,000 miles. You'll get coverage for challenges related to problematic parts or workmanship issues.
This means if your electrical features or steering system malfunctions, you won't pay for the fix out of pocket. Most warranties cover all major systems within vehicles, but it's worth confirming before buying a new truck.
Get a New Truck
A new truck can be a great asset whether you're driving to work or going on a trip. Look for a new trick with the fuel economy, towing capacity, and safety features you need. And look into financing options and warranties to get the most for your money.
