How Do I Choose the Best 4x4 Pick-Up?

When choosing a 4x4 pick-up, there are several factors that must be considered to ensure that you purchase the best truck for your needs. Ground clearance and suspension are two of the most common considerations for many 4x4 pick-up purchasers. Engine and transmission options are typically the next most motivating factors behind many purchases. Payload capacity and weight hauling are also important considerations for some buyers. It is a good idea to make a list of what you want from your truck and what features are less important to you prior to stepping foot onto a sales lot, as this will aid in your selection of the best vehicle to serve your wants and needs.

Fuel type is often a very important option when making the decision to purchase a new 4x4 pick-up. If there are no diesel fueling locations close to you, a diesel pick-up is likely not a good buy regardless of the price. If you are purchasing a 4x4 pick-up to use in farming or hauling, a heavy-duty truck is going to offer you more service than a light-duty truck with low towing capacities. The transmission is also a motivating factor for some consumers; while an automatic is often an easier transmission to use, some consumers want the ability to shift a manual transmission in hilly terrain.

If you live or work in an area that will require the frequent engagement of the four-wheel drive function, you may want to look at trucks that do not require you to exit the cab to lock in the front hubs. Many 4x4 pick-up designs utilize self-locking hubs that do not require the operator to manually engage the front axle hubs. This frequent engagement might also be linked to muddy or loose ground environments. In this situation, you may wish to purchase a 4x4 pick-up with locking differentials that will aid in traversing this terrain without becoming stuck.

Nearly all manufacturers offer 4x4 pick-up packages with plush leather interiors complete with stereo and heated seating. This leaves many decisions to be based solely on brand loyalty and favoritism, however, engine power and fuel economy can vary greatly between manufacturers. In order to purchase the best 4x4 pick-up for your individual needs, it is important to visit several dealerships and make notes of the positives and negatives of each offering. Test drive the vehicles that land in the top two spots on your list and base your decision on personal likes and dislikes.