One of the most important things to remember is that buying a pickup truck is a lot more involved and nuanced than shopping for a car. There are way more things to consider than choosing an engine size, trim level, and paint finish.
In a nutshell, it’s easier to get things wrong when you are buying a pickup compared to the process involved for purchasing a car. Before you start shopping for used Dodge Ram trucks there’s a few questions you need to ask yourself. Once you have your answers, there’s a much greater chance that you will end up with the perfect pickup for your lifestyle and needs.
Here’s a rundown of the questions to ask.
What’s your real budget?
Something you will quickly discover is that to get the pickup you actually want and need you will probably have to set a higher budget than you first thought.
Bottom line, prepare to spend more than you initially considered to be your budget. If you need your pickup for work, for instance, it’s wise to set a more realistic figure. That way, you will end up with a pickup that is going to do everything you want from it.
What size do I really need?
The next key question is what size of pickup is going to be most suited to your requirements.
Can you get away with a mid-size pickup, or will it be a full-size model that is the best option? Ultimately, it matters greatly what size you get. Work out what you are going to be using your pickup for, such as towing and hauling, then match the size to your needs.
Do you need a light or heavy-duty model?
If you have a good idea of what you are going to be towing with your pickup, that leads on to the next point, which is whether you need a light or heavy-duty model.
Don’t compromise when it comes to towing capability, or you may live to regret it.
Should you prioritize economy over axle ratio?
It can be a bit tricky trying to find a balance between good fuel economy and having enough pulling power for your needs.
Let’s be honest, you are not buying a pickup because it offers the best fuel economy of any vehicle. Having said that, the latest diesel engines are pretty adept at achieving a decent level of fuel economy. Make sure you choose a model that has the right level of power you need, and the fuel economy will take care of itself, to a certain extent.
What bed and cab size do you need?
The answer to this question depends on how many passengers you might need to accommodate and how much comfort you are looking for. This could be important if you plan to travel long distances or spend a lot of time in your pickup.
What trim level and extras should I get?
The answer to this question is largely influenced by what sort of budget you have to spend.
A good tip would be to make a list of must-haves, then work out what else you can get with the amount of cash you have to spend.
Are there any extra fees to think about?
Last but not least, bear in mind that some states have additional fees and licence requirements if you are buying a larger size pickup truck.
Check with your dealer about any additional fees that you will have to include in your budget.
If you work your way through these important questions it will help you to know what pickup truck is going to be the best option.
