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Things to know before buying a small pickup truck

A small-sized pickup truck is your best bet If you plan to tow or carry light loads. With the plethora of pickup truck options available in the market, choosing the best small pickup truck can be confusing. Trucks from different automakers in various models offer different cab sizes, bed sizes, towing capacities, and features. Read on to find out the important factors to consider when shopping for the best small pickup truck.

Cab size

Choosing the right cab size according to your needs is very important as it directly affects the bed space available for cargo. A regular cab truck is the smallest and has 2 doors at the sides and a single row of seats with negligible space in between. Extended cab trucks are slightly bigger and have rear doors that are rear-hinged and can only be opened if its adjacent front door is open. Double cab trucks have 4 doors, but the rear seating doesn’t have enough legroom. If you’re looking to comfortably travel across the country with your family, go for a crew cab truck as it has 4 full-size forward-hinged doors and is spacious enough to stretch your legs.

Bed size

The bed is what makes a pickup truck stand out from other vehicles. The best way to know what bed size you need is to figure out the maximum size of the load you want to transport. Usually, bed sizes in a small pickup truck can be anywhere from 5 feet to 8 feet long, but it varies depending on the manufacturer and the cab size you prefer.

Automatic or manual transmission

An automatic transmission is the most prevalent choice today as they’re well suited for driving in cities, on different terrains, and provide great towing ability. Although trucks with manual transmission are not as popular now, some automakers still offer them. Moreover, manual transmission trucks generally cost less.

Two-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive

While two-wheel-drive trucks’ chassis are well suited for towing and hauling, many truck buyers only prefer four-wheel-drive trucks for its ability to offer a better ride off-road. Four-wheel drives can handle harsh weather conditions, especially snow. However, they are costly and add more weight to the drive, which means decreased fuel efficiency and higher maintenance.

Extra features

Every new model is replete with the latest features, high-tech infotainment systems, and luxury amenities. Some need big screens with up-to-date navigation systems, whereas those who spend a lot of time in the truck during winter may need seat warmers. Other features include off-road suspension systems, plush interiors, exterior storage bins, and tow packages. You must list the features you need and opt for a truck that is replete with these features as higher the number of features, costlier the truck.

Buying a used truck

You can consider a used pickup truck as it can offer great value for money when compared to fast-depreciating new vehicles. However, it can be tricky if you have no knowledge about pickup trucks and automobiles in general. It’s best to have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly and take it for a test ride. It’s recommended that you research in detail before buying a used truck.

5 errors truck drivers should avoid while on the road

Driving a truck is no simple business as it involves many risks. Nearly all goods shipped across the country from major ports make their way inland after being brought in by a network of heavy-duty vehicles. It is a reason why truckers get paid big for long-haul cargo. The freight's value also determines how much money can be made in a single trip. However, first-time drivers should be wary of some rookie mistakes during trips. Misgauging distance Big rigs take more time to come to a complete stop, especially at high speeds. Not gauging the distance properly could lead truckers to careen into the vehicle in front. This could even happen while changing lanes without leaving space for the trailer in the back, as it will swerve sharply at high speeds. Breaching speed limits Driving fast is necessary to maintain the highway speed limit. But that does not mean one should drive rashly. It is also not very cool to tailgate other vehicles and prompt them to speed. If the driver ahead loses control, this could result in a catastrophic accident. Sleep deprived driving When it comes to truck driving, deadlines are a crucial factor. But truckers are more likely to make silly driving mistakes that could result in a major accident if they don't take adequate time to relax and cool down. Moreover, if the highway patrol catches drivers working overtime, a hefty fine and license suspension can bring the trucking business to a grinding halt. Bad timing for fueling Fueling up just before a weighing station on the highway is a critical mistake. Simply because the weight of the fuel can put the truck overboard on the allotted minimum towage restriction for that particular state or national highway, it is always better to fill up the tanks once well underway on the journey after completing highway formalities. Distracted driving Modern-day trucks have a lot of safety and automation features that monitor throttle response and braking. But these safety assists are no excuse for driving trucks while engaging in activities like checking the phone or eating while driving. Popular trucks for commercial driving Pickups are the workhorse trucks used for commercial driving, capable of hauling and towing large loads across shorter distances while keeping the drive economical. Popular trucks like the Dodge RAM 1500, RAM 2500, and Toyota Tacoma pickups are some of the most functional and affordable trucks to compare and buy this year. Get revised quotes for new and used pickup trucks from local dodge pickup truck dealers and Toyota Tacoma dealers today.

4 tips for scoring a good auto lease

Buying a vehicle can burn a big fat hole in your wallet. This is why it makes sense to lease a vehicle rather than spend a whole lot of cash buying one. But is that all there is to leasing? Are you sure that leasing a car for long periods wonât turn out to be expensive? Are you aware of all the clauses in your lease? Are you getting a good car leasing deal? If you want these questions answered, this article will be of help. Leasing a car is basically like renting an apartment. The car is not yours but you get to use it for a stipulated period of time in exchange for a sum of money. This sum is based on the value of depreciation of the car, fees, interest, and taxes. Leasing a car is no joke. The entire process can even leave veteran car buyers dumbfounded. But is it worth the money? Yes, but if you meet the following criteria: You do not have the cash to buy a carLifestyle demands a car thatâs outside your purchasing budgetYou like to replace the car with a new one after a yearYou will not exceed the miles mentioned on the contractTips to Find Great Car Leasing DealsHere are four handy tips that will help you get the right car on lease:Choose the Right CarBefore we even get to the part of understanding the intricacies of car leasing, you need to ensure you know what kind of car you want. You can choose from a variety of four-wheelers based on your budget and need. Once youâve chosen the type of car you want, narrow it down to the model and make and then take it out for a test drive. Verify Value and PriceYou need to know the residual value and the invoice value of the car. The residual value is the price of the car after the lease period and the invoice price is the price at which the dealer purchased the car. The lesser is the difference between the residual value and the selling price, the lesser will be the lease amount on the car. Get Quotes from Different DealershipsOne of the most important aspects of shopping, in general, is to cross-check deals at multiple places. This will help you see where youâre getting the best price, best rates, best anything. Also, verifying the costs might be confusing but you need to cross-check this with the invoice amount. Check the Lease PaymentsCheck all the parameters of the lease contract. There are a lot of words that you may not understand, so get the price and ask for the breakdown. Study what each means and look for any underlying clause that could cost you. Do not sign off anything without double-checking the vehicle and the contract.