Pickup trucks are light-duty utility vehicles that have a closed cabin up-front and an open cargo space on the rear. And buying one is a huge financial investment.
The average price is between Ksh.2 million to Ksh.6 million. You want to make sure you are getting it for the right reasons to avoid making a mistake worth several millions.
Here are factors that you should consider before buying a pickup truck.
1. Do Your Research
Like any other car, before you decide to visit a dealership or search online, you need to take some time to assess your needs.
- What features must your pickup truck have?
- How many passengers do you intend to carry in a day?
- What will you use the truck for?
- How much parking space will you need?
Most companies include reviews from buyers who have already made the purchase plus car reviews on their websites. They will help shed more light on these and other issues like maintenance of the vehicle and the costs incurred.
2. The Size of the Engine
The size of the engine determines the power of the vehicle. 4-liter cylinders would be enough for small loads. If you need more heavy-duty work done, you will require a V6 or even a V8 engine.
Diesel engines have more power but consequently, they use more fuel, unlike petrol engines.
Therefore, make sure your truck is powerful enough to transport your load by doing more research on the truck’s towing capabilities.
3.The Size of the Cab
The Cabin is the area where you carry passengers. There are three main types of cab sizes:
- The regular cab size is better known as the single cab. Has two doors and can fit a maximum of three passengers. It also has very limited space on the rear.
- The extended cab has two seat rows and two smaller rear doors. Most of the doors are reverse-hinged and can only be accessed if the front doors are open.
- The crew cab is the largest and can accommodate up to six passengers comfortably. It has 4 full doors.
Some trucks are for business and only have space for the driver and one passenger i.e. the single cab. If you intend to carry passengers regularly, you may want to consider a cabin with more legroom.
4.Does it Use Manual or Automatic Transmission?
Trucks using automatic transmission will shift gears without the input of the driver. This is a preference for many drivers, especially those who are used to urban driving.
Some drivers prefer manual transmission (which is a gearbox that allows you to change gears) terming it as a more engaging way to drive. This is because you are able to control the vehicle especially on rough roads and is also fuel-efficient. However, it can be tiring especially when you are held on the road for long periods of time.
Your pickup truck’s mode of transmission will determine how much fuel your truck will consume and how fast your car can accelerate. There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to transmission. Go for what makes you comfortable.
5.The Size of the Truck Bed
The right size of truck bed ranges from 5ft to 8ft in length. They are grouped into three:
- The short bed is 5 feet 5 inches
- The standard bed is 6 feet 5 inches
- The long bed is 8 feet
If you are going to be transporting things like hay or manure it is good to consider the 6ft to 8ft beds. This will save you on time with consideration to how many trips you make and money the amount of fuel used for the trips made.
Conclusion
Before finalizing and settling for one car, remember to go for a test drive. For pre-used trucks, you may want to bring in a mechanic or an expert to inspect the car. It will only take a small amount of your time but will enable you to get a clear picture of what you are investing in.
Cheki Kenya has a wide range of pickup trucks that you can choose from. Put the factors above into consideration and trust your instincts. We are positive you end up with a truck that will serve its purpose for years to come.