What are some tips for buying a brand new truck?
- Budget accordingly
- Know what you are carrying
- Size the truck properly
- Consider the engine and axle ratio
Buying a truck from
At first glance, you might think that buying a brand new truck is a lot like shopping for a new car; you must be thinking that all you got to do is pick an engine, trim, color, and you are all set, right?
The reality is, once you consider all the special uses for a truck, you can easily get confused in a maze of different choices.
Trucks are the most common solution for people, who need more than just a way to get from point A to point B. If you need a vehicle to help you carry goods you might have produced, important equipment for your business, or provide a transport solution for clients, then you should consider buying a brand new truck.
To help you get started, here are 4 tips to make buying a brand new truck easier:
Budget Accordingly
Brand new trucks from Howo in the Philippines and other reputable dealers are quite expensive. They are utility vehicles that come with many features you would not find in just a regular car. This means that if you have only owned cars in the past, the differences in price between the two kinds of vehicles will be jarring.
Keep in mind that because they are specialized equipment, they have higher prices. Thus, it is a good idea to review the budget you have in mind before you begin choosing the specifications for your truck. It is a good idea to follow the 15% guideline usually applied to car shopping if you are buying the truck for personal use—this would entail that the payment for your truck should not be more than 15% of your total take-home pay. In addition, you probably want to reduce your monthly payments, so it is a good idea to make a larger down-payment.
Know What You are Carrying
The choices you make about buying your truck is going to be influenced by what you plan on using your truck for. The kind of truck you choose will also depend on your choice of either two- or four-wheel drive.
If you plan on hauling in areas where paved roads are unavailable such as construction sites, you might want to opt for the four-wheel drive models to gain traction. If you plan on towing a large trailer on highways for longer periods of time, you might need a “dually” or two rear wheels per side for stability when towing.
Consider also the gross weight rating or GWR, of the truck you are planning to purchase. The GWR is the maximum operating weight specified by the manufacturer of the truck. This weight includes more than just the weight of the cargo; factor in the weight of the chassis, engine, fuel, body, and even the weight of the driver.
Size the Truck Properly
Once you know what you plan on towing and how much it needs to weigh, you need to choose between a light-duty and heavy-duty truck. Manufacturers in the past tended to rate trucks by the weight of their payloads: half a ton, three-quarter of a ton, and so on. However, nowadays, it is more common to find trucks divided into light-duty, medium duty, and heavy-duty categories.
Sizing your truck properly is important because if you skimp on power, your truck might have trouble hauling the cargo you need. On the other hand, if you buy a truck with more power than you need, you might find that it costs you more not just at the time of purchase, but every time you fill it up with gas. You might also find it harder to fit in tight driveways or parking lots.
A good rule of thumb is to allow 10 percent more power than you are going to need. Most manufacturers of trucks for sale in the Philippines also offer spec sheets and towing guides on their websites, if you are still unsure about your towing and hauling requirements.
Consider Your Engine
Choosing the correct size of an engine for some truck buyers will be a balancing act between getting a good fuel economy and still having enough power. Because trucks have had a reputation for consuming too much fuel, most manufacturers now offer more engine options than before. Many engines are also more fuel-efficient than they were in the past, so much so that a V6 engine can do the work of a V8 from ten years ago and still achieve a better fuel economy.
Generally, truck manufacturers offer diesel engines for their trucks. Diesel engines can be better at towing because they can provide a high torque for hauling loads at low speeds. As a potential brand new truck owner, you probably want the so-called low-end torque because it requires more power to start moving a heavy trailer from a dead stop than it does to keep it going at a regular speed.
Key Takeaway
Whether you are looking to purchase your first brand new truck or need to replace that faithful vehicle that drove you through hundreds or thousands of miles, you need to carefully weigh your options.
You must have the right knowledge and even the right attitude in order to find the perfect truck for your needs, no matter what your specific situation is. Keep these tips in mind before buying a brand new truck to reduce some of your confusion and don’t forget to find a vehicle that will serve you for years.
