When searching for a new or used pickup truck, be sure the vehicle meets your needs and stays within your budget. You can find a pickup with all the amenities of a high-end sedan, including five-passenger accommodation in a variety of configurations from a standard two-door to a four-door crew cab. Box lengths range from five to eight feet.
Available features
Every safety system and electronic convenience you would expect in a sedan can be found in a pickup: power features, navigation, entertainment systems, Bluetooth connection, traction control, stability control, parking assist, rearview cameras, sun roof, leather seats, heated steering wheel, heated (and ventilated) leather seats and automatic wipers.
There are also some truck-specific systems such as; integrated trailer brake controls, trailer sway mitigation, electronic four-wheel drive, tow/haul transmission mode and even trailer parking assist.
Different engine types
Engine choices vary greatly. Light-duty pickup power ranges from four cylinders in mid-size trucks to V6 and V8 in full-size trucks. Some have turbocharging and others are available with the option of turbo diesel power. Transmissions are generally six-speed or eight-speed automatics. You will want to carefully consider your engine choice, and your final decision will depend largely on the power required to meet your towing and payload needs.
Varied towing capacities
Towing capacities run as high as 12,000 lbs. in light-duty trucks. If you need more, you may want to consider a heavy-duty pickup with a turbo diesel engine and enhanced transmissions. Payload ratings run well over 6,500 lbs. and towing capacities go well over 20,000 lbs.
Fuel efficiency is significantly diminished when pulling a trailer, but today’s pickups are surprisingly economical given their workload.
Top tips:
- Decide exactly what you want your truck to do for you
- Consider the size of engine you will need. Decide whether or not you prefer diesel power
- Check payload and towing capabilities
- Check ground clearance and 4WD operation
- Decide what size cab and optional amenities you would like
- Remember that if you plan to pull a trailer, a short box might not be the right choice – especially if you plan to pull a fifth-wheel trailer
- Consider whether or not you plan to use the truck as your primary vehicle for both urban and rural driving. Bigger trucks are more difficult to manoeuvre in an urban setting
Look below to find a truck that works for you. Our wide variety of local new and used trucks for sale will help you find what you're looking for.
