How to Choose the Right Pickup
Pickups have more cargo carrying flexibility than any other vehicle type. They usually have good towing ability and large payload capacities. Four door crew-cab models, which can seat five people, can also serve as family vehicles.
Pickups are available in a wide array of sizes and trim levels. There are also a variety of engines, bed lengths, cab configurations and suspension packages to choose from, depending on your specific needs.
Here are the most important variables you need to consider when buying a pickup:
Compact Vs. Full-Size
As well as size, compact and full-sized pickups have different engines and towing capacities. Compact trucks get better fuel economy, are easier to park and are less expensive. Full-sized trucks have more interior room, more powerful engines, and greater towing and load-carrying ability.
Cab Size
Regular cabs are less expensive, but they have no rear seats and very little in-cabin storage space. Extended cabs provide more room behind the front seats, as well as two small rear seats. Most also have small rear doors for easier access to the rear area. Crew-cab trucks have four regular-sized doors and two full rows of seats, which can seat five people. They are good for those who need more passenger room or more interior space and don't need a long bed.
Bed Lengths
Bed lengths range from a full-sized 8-foot to a shorter 4-foot bed on some crew-cab models. A truck with a longer bed is more difficult to maneuver. Many compact pickups offer a flip-out bed extender, which allows the truck to be used with the tailgate down for carrying longer cargo. Extenders take up cargo space when the tailgate is closed, but they can be removed.
Engines
Compact pickups usually have a 4-cylinder engine, which is the most fuel-efficient. Optional 5 or 6-cylinder engines provide more power and are often smoother. The base engine for a full-sized truck is typically a V6, which provides a good balance between power and fuel economy. For heavy hauling or towing, you should consider a more powerful V8, V10, and diesel engine.
Rear-Wheel Drive or 4WD
Most models are available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. If you drive mainly on pavement without snow or ice, consider a rear-wheel-drive model, which is generally cheaper and provides better fuel economy. A 4WD system is recommended for drivers who go off-road, drive in wintry conditions, or need to do boat launching.
Payload Capacity
Pickup trucks are categorized by payload capacity. Most pickups used for personal use are half-ton versions. Heavier-duty trucks, which come in ¾- and 1-ton versions, are mostly used for commercial purposes or heavy towing. Consider how the vehicle will be used and don't buy more capability than you need, as heavier-duty trucks have firmer, less-comfortable suspensions.
Towing
A compact pickup can tow 4,000 pounds or more, and the largest pickups can tow up to 9,000 pounds. To take advantage of a truck's maximum towing capacity, you usually need to have it equipped with an optional towing package. This varies from model to model, but usually includes a transmission cooler, engine-oil cooler, and wiring harness to connect the trailer's lights to those of the truck.
Safety
All two-passenger pickups have an on-off switch for the front passenger air bag, which allows the bag to be deactivated for seating children in the front. Some pickups also offer side air bags and head-protection bags. Some pickups offer electronic stability control , which helps keep the vehicle from sliding or skidding. Other available safety features include antilock brakes, traction control, safety-belt pretensioners, occupant-sensing air-bag systems and daytime running lights. Rear back-up alert systems are available in some models.
Published on Friday, February 13, 2009 - Email to a friend
Copyright 2009 BuyingAdvice.com, INC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
Find New Cars
SEARCH BY MANUFACTURER
