Before buying a pickup, know what you’re getting.

Should I buy my pick-up used? Unlike most cars, pickups can either come to the lot barely used or ridden so hard it is a wonder they are still holding together. If you are looking for a nice price on a pickup, here is what you need to consider.

What Truck Do You Need?

The first question to answer is how much truck you are buying. Trucks generally come in three broad categories of light, medium, and heavy-duty. If you are a typical consumer, it is likely you will be looking at light trucks, which still have plenty of hauling power, and, on the top end, some of the medium duty trucks. Think carefully about what you are planning to do with your truck before you buy. If, for example, you are mostly hauling a small amount of tools or are using the truck as a light work vehicle, it may make more sense to go for a light-duty than a medium-duty model.

Similarly, you should look closely at the features available on the models you are considering. Do you want an extended cab to seat more people or a work cab that only seats two? Do you need a long bed for hauling, or are you willing to sacrifice bed space for cab room? Have all this in mind before you start shopping for a truck, to help narrow down your choices.

You Will Pay More

Pickups, unlike other types of vehicles, straddle the line between commuter vehicle and workhorse; as a result, demand for pickups, both new and used, is always through the roof. Thus, the prices are higher than those of most vehicles, so be ready to up your budget.

There is more involved than just sticker price when you start to budget. You should look closely at the fuel economy of the truck you are buying, especially if you are switching from a type of vehicle that is a bit more fuel efficient. You may be paying a lot more for gas that you have in the past, so keep that in mind as a factor. Also, because trucks are legally distinct from cars, you might have other fees and costs to consider, like weight fees, depending on the state in which you live. So do a little research about how pickup-friendly your state is.

Care for a pickup and it will last.

Check The Wear And Tear

Every used vehicle needs a full checkup before you buy. You should check the VIN number for accidents and other data, you should make sure the VIN lines up in all three places, and you should ask the previous owners, if you can, about past maintenance issues. This is especially true of pickups.

Also, take some time to closely examine any truck you are considering buying, looking for signs of damage. Remember, mileage may not be the best indication of wear and tear; a work truck may only go a short distance, but do a lot of work during that haul. A dirty undercarriage, a mix of newer and older parts in the engine bay or undercarriage, soot or cracks on hoses, and other signs of damage need to be taken into consideration.

Buying a pickup used can be a smart choice, but you should always know just what you are buying. Check for:

When you are thinking of shopping for a truck, find more research from CarFoundMe to help you make the best decision before you buy.