The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Truck

A truck is essentially a vehicle with a bed at the back for carrying loads. Unlike cars and most modern SUVs built on an unibody construction (where body and frame are one), trucks usually sport a body-on-frame design. This means the passenger cabin sits atop the frame, offering better resistance against twisting when towing. There are exceptions, like the Honda Ridgeline. It has an unibody build, which makes it behave more like a car on the road and runs on a front-wheel-drive-based drivetrain. 

In the realm of truck fuel options, gas engines are a good fit for those who don’t need to haul heavy loads. For drivers who need extra towing capacity, diesel engines provide more torque than their gas counterparts. The initial cost may outweigh the improved fuel efficiency, depending on your driving habits and terrain. Diesel engines become more financially viable with larger, pricier trucks that are expected to perform strenuous tasks.

As the auto industry shifts towards electrification, hybrid and all-electric trucks are becoming more prevalent. For instance, Ram's 1500 V-6 and V-8 models feature a mild hybrid system. Trucks with this system use a 48-volt battery and a belt starter generator to power electronics and supplement engine torque.

All-electric models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T offer impressive single-charge ranges of over 300 miles. General Motors has even reincarnated the Hummer as a powerful all-electric GMC model with up to 1,000 hp.

From determining the right size and power to choosing between fuel options and understanding towing capacities, there are several factors that can influence your truck buying decision.

Seating and cab size

Truck cabs come in three main types: regular, extended, and crew. Regular cabs are basic and affordable, with only front-row seating. Extended cabs offer a small rear seat and extra doors, providing more storage. Crew cabs are the most spacious and popular, similar to mid- and full-sized SUVs, but often have smaller cargo beds.

Trucks can uniquely seat three in the front. Extended-cab rear seats can be tight for adults but suitable for kids. As trim levels increase, expect upgrades like leather seats, heated and cooled seats, large touch-screen systems, and more. Note that climbing into these cabs can be a bit of a hike due to their height.

The bed

Trucks are well-known for their open cargo beds, ideal for moving large items or outdoor materials that wouldn't fit in a minivan or SUV. However, this openness can expose cargo to weather and theft. Bed lengths vary: 8 feet in full-sized pickups, around 6 feet in extended-cabs, and 5–6 feet in four-door crew cabs. Compact pickups typically have 4.5-6 feet beds. Some popular bed accessories include LED lights, tailgate steps, load ramps, tie-down loops, and even power-operated tailgates. Special liners provide extra protection. Tailgates are a key differentiator for trucks, with designs ranging from dual-action to multi-functional ones that serve as steps, work surfaces, or even bed extensions.

Towing capabilities 

Pickup trucks excel at towing boats, trailers, and campers. The owner's manual specifies the maximum payload and tow weight. Towing equipment can be added by the manufacturer, dealer, or aftermarket, with factory installation often being preferable due to complex wiring and warranty coverage. Features like hill hold assist, trailer sway control, trailer-view cameras, and steering assist are also available.

Towing capacity depends on factors beyond engine power, including cab and bed size, wheelbase length, rear axle ratio, and factory towing packages. Full-sized trucks can tow up to more than 12,000 lbs. Compact pickups typically tow between 5,000 and 7,500 lbs, while heavy-duty models can handle over 35,000 lbs.

For heavy towing, consider diesel engines for their higher torque output. Note that electric trucks' range significantly decreases when towing. 

Read more about the best trucks for towing

Smooth handling

Trucks, designed for cargo, typically offer a stiff ride when empty, with heavy-duty models being particularly harsh. Some, like the Honda Ridgeline and RAM 1500, provide a more comfortable ride. Loading the bed can smooth the ride.

Electric trucks, heavier than standard 1500-series models, offer improved ride quality but still lag behind models like the RAM. Regarding handling, the large size of these vehicles limits their agility. Compact models fare better in terms of responsiveness, but overall, trucks are known for their less nimble handling.

When you want to buy a truck, it's important to know what to expect throughout the process. One option is to choose a dealership that offers the right vehicles at the right price, such as a local certified dealer with a good inventory. You can also explore certified dealerships online and even consider certified pre-owned vehicles, which often come with a good warranty.

Pick the dealership departments that fit your needs

There are different departments within new car dealerships that can assist you. The Internet department, including the Internet sales manager, can provide a hassle-free experience for those who initiate contact through the dealership's website. Fleet departments, found in commercial dealerships, focus on selling a large volume of vehicles and may offer competitive pricing. If you're unable to find the right vehicle at a new car dealership, you can explore certified dealerships and online classified sites or auction sites for a variety of pre-owned trucks.

Research and stay updated with government rebates

It's crucial to research and compare different trucks, read ratings and reviews, and visit manufacturer websites for links to dealerships. Request quotes from multiple dealerships and online car buying services, considering factors like price and accessories. Financing and insurance arrangements need to be made before taking delivery of the vehicle. It's also worth staying updated on government rebates and discounts, which can be found on government websites, online forums, and by directly asking dealerships for available incentives.

When shopping for a pre-owned truck, there isn't a universal ideal mileage. However, it's generally advisable to opt for a gasoline engine with under 100,000 miles or a diesel engine with less than 200,000 miles. Although lower mileage is typically preferred in used vehicles, these benchmarks provide a good starting point.

Buying a used truck is a great idea, but keep in mind that this can come with a few hiccups. For example, what if there are hidden mechanical issues hiding under the hood that you don’t know about? You're taking a bit of a gamble that everything's okay, even if you've had a pre-purchase inspection. Plus, with older trucks, you might end up with out-of-date tech and safety features. Don't forget about the warranty. Some dealerships give warranties on used trucks, but they usually don't cover as much as new vehicle warranties.