When you buy a new car, it’s common to do a lot of research. You find out everything you can about your prospective new vehicle, and measure what you’ve learned against your practical needs and aesthetic preferences. However, even the most informed of us can let assumed knowledge get in the way of making a truly informed decision. Buying a vehicle is a long term commitment, and not one that should be made lightly. However, when we hew to closely to the dangerous assumptions of “common sense” we can miss out on a potentially great match for our needs.
This is especially true when it comes to pickup trucks. Common sense might dictate that these versatile vehicles are surplus to the requirements of all but a select few. However, when we cut through the myths and misconceptions we realize that a pickup might have been the best choice for us all along. Here we’ll dispel some of the most commonly enduring myths about pickup trucks…
THEY’RE PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE
It’s an unfortunate misconception which has prevented many from even considering a pickup, but not all trucks are prohibitively expensive. In fact, there are many surprisingly affordable pickups out there. While ultimately, we mustn’t conflate cost with value, now is a great time to invest in a pickup. In the wake of the coronavirus lockdown there are great deals to be found online. Just take a look at this New RAM Truck for sale. Plus, the current low interest rates can make for some great finance deals, too.
THEY’RE NOT SUITED TO URBAN DRIVING
You might assume that the country is the natural habitat of the pickup. However, thy lend themselves very well to urban driving, too. Because most pickups have All Wheel Drive, they are far more agile and responsive than their size may have you believe. Because they provide more traction on road surfaces, they can allow for effortless cornering as well as responsive acceleration. Perfect for taking advantage of an open space on a busy urban lane or navigating the twists and turns of city centre roadways in rush hour.
YOU’LL NEVER GET GOOD FUEL ECONOMY WITH A PICKUP
Don’t make the mistake of assuming that investing in a pickup means that you have to forever resign yourself to paying over the odds on fuel. There are many pickups, such as the RAM 1500 and the Ford F-150, for instance, which offer outstanding fuel economy when compared to similar vehicles.
AWD MEANS YOU CAN GO ANYWHERE
Of course, making an informed decision about pickup trucks also means acknowledging their limitations. A pickup is a great choice for drivers with a restless sense of adventure. However, it’s also important to remember that AWD doesn’t necessarily mean that you can drive wherever you like. Sure, you can get great traction when you’re off the beaten track. But you might need to see whether high or low AWD is engaged before driving on hard, flat surfaces. These hard surfaces will usually result in some variance in individual wheel speed, especially when cornering. This in turn puts extra wear on the driveline and tires, which may even cause damage in extreme cases.
Photo Credit: Ford
