In the market for a used truck? Between different pickup classes, bed and cab styles, as well as available bells and whistles, there's plenty of suitable options out there.
Ray Price Stroud Ford has created this guide to what to look for when buying a used truck to help streamline your decision-making process so you find the pickup you've been waiting for!
Get up to speed on our tips for used truck shopping in Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, Easton, Nazareth and Lehigh Valley.
A Truck Type that Suits Your Needs
Focusing on why you need a truck and what you'll use it for on a daily basis is key to narrowing your search. If you're seeking a truck for dabbling with your own landscaping on the weekends or towing a camper on occasion, a light-duty pickup like the Chevy Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, or Ram 1500 should work well.
But maybe you need something with a higher towing capacity for hauling heavy materials to the worksite. In this case, a pickup from the heavy-duty class, like a model from Ford's Super Duty line or the Chevy Silverado 2500, will be a better fit.
Right Truck Bed Length & Cab Size
Once you have a prospective model or two picked out, choosing a bed length and cab size is the next step. The main pickup players usually offer the same or similar options here, though they may go by different names.
- Bed Lengths: regular (6.5 feet), extended (8 feet), or short (5 feet 8 inches)
- Cab Sizes: regular, extended, double, or crew
Choose your bed length and cab size based on the cargo you'll carry and the people you'll travel with. A regular cab is a two-door model that seats three. An extended cab is a happy-medium option with two extra half doors in the back and an extra seat behind the first row. A double cab has four doors and two full rows of seats, while crew cabs up the ante with a double cab setup plus extra rear legroom.
Truck Power
Time to decide what type of equipment you want under the hood. The engine you choose will play a big role in doing the heavy lifting. So if you intend to tow often, go for a larger option or a diesel engine that can support top-end towing needs.
If you'd like to keep efficiency on your radar, opt for a V6 or a smaller V8 gas engine to provide both the power you need and fewer trips to the pump.
Vehicle History Report
You're getting to the final stretch of your used car search! Before you head out to take a test drive and see how the truck handles, make sure you look at its vehicle history report. Two major names in the business that provide these authenticated snapshots into a truck's past are AutoCheck® and CARFAX®.
Having key specs like the truck's VIN, official odometer reading, service appointment history, and number of owners can be incredibly valuable for helping you make a decision! Used car dealerships will often provide these for you as part of their online inventory. However, if you choose to shop with a private seller, make sure you have these documents before you proceed.
Find Your New to You Truck Today
We hope this post helped you get closer to finding the used truck that's right for you! If you're on the lookout for a gently used truck in Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, Easton, Nazareth and Lehigh Valley, PA, check out Ray Price Stroud Ford's lightly used trucks.
We have options from Ford, Chevrolet, and Ram in stock and easily accessible AutoCheck® vehicle history reports you can view online. Get shopping today and let us know when you're ready to get behind the wheel!